The AfroNews 23 Jan 2012

No. 2. 24th January 2012 I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: [email protected]

Too many foreign women locked up for non-violent crimes - Report

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page 13

African music as precious as diamond

Ministers: We need

more Black and Asian

judgespage 3

Death in custody campaigns launch petition for justice

Exclusive interview with veteran musician Kanda Bongo Man, King of Kwassa Kwassa

pages 10 - 11

Winston Riley, legendary Jamaican

producer is deadpage 17page 5

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Removal of playwright Lydia Besong suspended

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2 No. 2. 24th January 2012 www.theafronews.euTel. 0207 300 7320 Email: [email protected]

AFRONEWS | My Own Media Ltd. The Old Fire Stati on, 140 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4SD, United Kingdom | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Stephen Ogongo Ongong'a | TEL: +44 (0)20 7300 7320 or +39 06 94354517 |Fax: 0207 253 23 06 | Email: [email protected] | ADVERTISING: TEL: 020 7300 7320; 07846062331 | Email: [email protected] | DISTRIBUTION: Tojake Uk-Wade | Email: [email protected] | PRINTING PRESS: Newsfax Ltd, London. | Adverti ser and adverti sing agency assume liability for all content (including text representati on, illustrati ons, and photographs) of adverti sements printed or posted, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising there from made against the publisher | Supplement of Africa News, Registered at the Tribunal of Rome. Registrati on No. 22/2003 - 21-01-2003

Ochieng and Quigley battle for English Light Middleweight title at York Hall

Erick Ochieng and Nick Quigley are set to fight for the vacant English Light Middleweight title at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Saturday 28th January 2012, live on Sky Sports.

Ochieng and Quigley will provide the chief support for Carl Frampton’s Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title defence against Kris Hughes, and their clash promises to be the perfect appetiser to the Irishman’s big night.

It’s a first title fight for the pair although the 23 year-old Quigley has gone tantalisingly close to major honours when he reached the Prize-fighter Light Middleweights final at the east London boxing Mecca last September – losing to Robert Lloyd-Taylor but gaining a new following with his tremendous displays against fellow Scouser Ste Harkin and Brentwood’s Kris Agyei-Dua.

Quigley bounced back last December with a shut-out win over Dee Mitchell in Wigan tak-ing him to 10-1.

Stoke Newington man Ochieng coming into the fight on the back of three wins in 2011, the hotly-tipped 24 year-old is itching to claim the strap after recovering from the sole defeat of his career in March 2011 with a win over Liam Cameron in May.

Also on the bill are Islington’s unbeaten Middleweight prospect John Ryder, Upminster Lightweight Ryan “Crash Bang” Taylor, Canning Town’s Heavyweight debutant Wadi Camacho and a real tear-up in store between former two-time World Champion Robin Reid and Waltham Abbey’s Daniel Cadman.

“January 28 promises to be a classic York Hall night,” said pro-moter Eddie Hearn. “We’ve got a great main event with new sensa-tion Carl Frampton out to impress in his defence against Kris Hughes, Ochieng versus Quigley

should be a classic a John Ryder is out to show everybody he’s the real deal – the perfect way to start a big year ahead, with a sold-out Prize-fighter on February 11 in Wolverhampton.”

Tickets for Carl Frampton vs. Kris Hughes for the Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title plus full championship undercard led by Ochieng and Quigley’s English

title battle are on sale now from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £60 ringside and £100 VIP. To book call 01277 359900 or visit www.matchroom-boxing.com.

WHERE ACTION IS

Tales from the ShedInteractive children’s shows back at Chickenshed Theatre

“Tales from the Shed,” Chickenshed’s hugely popular interactive performances for chil-dren aged 0-7 years, take children and performers on a theatrical journey together, meeting charac-ters such as Can-Can the beauti-ful bird, and The Thing That Goes Blurgh on the way!

Each show is different, but all shows creatively help to improve literacy, numeracy and communi-cation skills.

“Tales from the Shed” uses theatre driven by the children’s imaginations. Since 1996 the Tales team have collected and created numerous stories, songs and characters. These are deliv-ered using puppets, humans and

bags of energy all underpinned by the belief that children are the most creative and demanding audience and deserve proper big theatre!

“Tales from the Shed” format allows the Tales team to react to the children’s thoughts, experi-ences and requests and to use them within the show.

No show will ever be the same – so for first time visitors or serial guests - anoth-er tale is now begin-ning!!

You are invited to come and join a world where every-body can share together, believe in the magic and make it happen.

Party in the Shed: After the 11.30am Saturday show (or Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during school holidays), you can have an

after-show Tales party where you’ll have a designated area in the bar, scrummy party food and the Tales cast leading on the sing-ing of Happy Birthday! What’s more, the birthday boy/girl will even get a mention during the show!

Tales parties can also come to your home – contact the Box Office on 020 8292 9222 to find out more.

Naturally 7 and Muntu Valdo join forces for a special concert at the Barbican on 7th February 2012.

Naturally 7 take classic close-harmony style to strato-spheric new heights, mixing beat boxing, bass lines and uncanny instrumental imitation with rap and hook-laden soul, pop and jazz. This is a vocal group in a league of its own, and their genuinely fresh use of the voice and astonishingly versa-tile talent have garnered diverse fans including Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Jay Leno and Brian Eno.

Muntu Valdo opens the

show. His music is rooted in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery. He returns with a mesmerising solo set that juxtaposes his raw, passionate voice and intensely emotive melodies with an ingenious use of loops, samples and effects.

Naturally 7 + Muntu Valdo at the Barbican

Erick Ochieng (left) will take on Nick Quigley for the English title

Date: 7th February 2012Time: 7:30pmVenue: Barbican, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DSTel: 020 7638 8891Tickets: £25 - £10 +bkg

NATURALLY 7 + MUNTU VALDO

Venue: Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PEDates: 3rd February – 24th MarchTimes: Friday at 11.30am. Saturday at 10am & 11.30amTicket Price: £5.50/free to babies under 6 monthsEach show approx 50 mins to an hour. To book tickets please telephone the Chickenshed Box Office on 020 8292 9222, email [email protected] or visit www.chickenshed.org.uk

TALES FROM THE SHED

3No. 2. 24th January 2012 www.theafronews.euTel. 0207 300 7320 Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY

Ministers: We need more Black and Asian judges

Ministers have criticized lack of diversity among judges, saying that it threatens the harmonious nature of society.

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke and Justice Minister Lord McNally said more women and people from BME communi-ties were needed so cases could be heard

by judges who were more representative of the general population.

Giving evidence to the Lords Constitution Committee, Lord McNally said: “I don’t think you can have a really harmonious society if your judiciary, how-ever excellent, does not seem to reflect the society in which it is dispensing justice to. You don’t sacrifice quality for that aim, but

I think we are right to make sure, or point in the direction of, having a judiciary that in some way reflects the society to which they are delivering justice.

“That’s me, but it’s one I feel very strongly about because I think that’s how you keep society harmonious.”

Mr. Clarke said the judiciary must be independent and chosen on merit, adding that the aim was to improve diversity. “We’ve got to speed up, we’ve got to

achieve more on the ground. In gender terms, we should have an ever steadily and more rapidly rising proportion of women,” Mr. Clarke said. “What worries me more, actually, because the figures are worse, on black and minority ethnic representation we should be trying to make sure that the bench starts looking somewhat more like the general population so long as you’ve got the most talented and independent people selected from the population.”

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“I don’t think you can have a really harmonious society if

your judiciary, however excel-lent, does not seem to reflect the society in which it is dis-pensing justice to. You don’t sacrifice quality for that aim,

but I think we are right to make sure, or point in the

direction of, having a judiciary that in some way reflects the

society to which they are deliv-ering justice”

Justice Minister Lord McNally

“What worries me more, actual-ly, because the figures are

worse, on black and minority ethnic representation we should be trying to make sure that the bench starts looking somewhat

more like the general population so long as you’ve got the most

talented and independent people selected from the population”

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke


COMMUNITY

MPS develops new strategy to tackle gangs and youth violence

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is working on a new strategy to tackle gang-relat-ed crime and serious youth vio-lence in London.

The MPS said that the new approach will enhance their anti-gang activities, improve coordination and tasking, and increase police operations, while making sure their skills and expertise in this area are used more consistently and effective-ly.

The new plan will also look at how the MPS can enhance their work with partners to divert young people away from gangs so they are able to make more positive contri-bution to London’s communities.

Contrary to media speculation, Trident is not subject to a “radical overhaul”, the MPS said. The unit is already responsible for preventing and investigating shootings in London and is a key part of how the MPS tackles gangs.

The MPS confirmed that it aims to build on Trident’s success and develop a co-ordinated police response, whilst work-ing with partners to divert young people away from gangs

“With community support it has taken Trident more than ten years to develop its current specialism and expertise in the prevention and investigation of shootings

in London,” Claudia Webbe, joint chair of the Tr ident Independent Advisory Group said. “The Trident Independent Advisory Group is pleased to have the assurance from the MPS that Trident is not subject to a com-plete overhaul, and that it retains its focus on preventing and investigating shoot-ings.”

As the new strate-gy to tackle gang-re-lated crime and seri-ous youth violence in London is being devel-oped, the Trident Independent Advisory Group urged the MPS to carefully consider how it engages with London’s communi-ties.

The group also urged the MPS to “avoid any over sim-plification of the term

“gang” and work with partners to protect some of the most vulnerable sections of London’s communities.”

“With community support it has taken Trident more

than ten years to develop its current specialism and

expertise in the prevention and investigation of shoot-

ings in London. The Trident Independent

Advisory Group is pleased to have the assurance from the MPS that Trident is not subject to a complete over-haul, and that it retains its focus on preventing and investigating shootings”

Ms. Claudia Webbe,Joint chair of the Trident

Independent Advisory Group

The fabulous DJ and television presenter Lauren Laverne has launched Oxfam’s new fundrais-ing campaign Get-together, to raise money for women around the world.

Lauren was joined by Miquita Oliver and Whistles’ Jane Sheperdson, who both spoke about visiting Oxfam’s programmes and seeing how the charity’s work is trans-forming the lives of women.

A host of other female celebrities including Shazia Mirza attended the excit-ing event on 17th January 2012 in London in support of the campaign.

There are 1.3 billion people living in poverty worldwide – more than two-thirds of them are women and girls. Lauren and pals are leading by example aiming to inspire UK ladies to get together and hold their own fundraising events for International Women’s Day on 8th March.

Oxfam is inviting women to arrange anything from a dinner party or cocktails to an afternoon of knitting or doing a favourite work-out routine, all to raise money to support women living in poverty around the globe. Oxfam hopes women around the country will jump at the chance to get involved as a survey carried out by the charity reveals that many UK women don’t get together with friends as much as they would like.

According to the survey, 54% of British women get together with their girlfriends less than once a month and this figure rises to 62% amongst the 35-44 age group who are often juggling careers and young chil-dren. The survey also showed that 58% of women say one of their biggest motiva-tions for getting together with friends is to have fun, while 63% say they are looking for good company, and 44% want to catch up on gossip.

The Get-together events will be a great

way of catching up with friends, and what better reason to get together than to raise vital funds to support other women world-wide.

Every minute a woman with no medical care dies in pregnancy or childbirth, but £46 raised through a Get-together coffee morning could enable Oxfam to train a midwife in Ghana, saving the lives of babies and their moth-ers.

Two thirds of all children denied school are girls, but £135 raised at a dinner party with friends could train five teachers in Mali, providing a whole genera-tion of children with the skills

they need to work their way out of poverty.

Get-together ambassador Laverne says: “Nothing beats a

night out with your favourite ladies - and what better excuse for a get together than to raise money to help other women around the world? On 8th March we want every-one to celebrate International Women’s Day by hosting a Get-together which raises money for Oxfam and is fantastic fun. I’ve started organising mine already!”

For more information on the campaign, please visit www.oxfam.org.uk/wom-ensday.

Oxfam launches fundraising campaign to support women

A man who pleaded guilty to August disturbances last year has been jailed.

Odilon Soumalat, 23, of Stevens Avenue, E9, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment on 17th January 2012 at Wood Crown Crown Court.

On 8th August 2011 Soumalat was seen on CCTV in Clarence Road, E8, throwing bottles at police officers. He was later identified via the footage by an officer from Stoke Newington police sta-tion.

Detective Constable Gemma Wade, from Hackney’s Operation Withern team, said: “This is an excellent result and shows that officers at Hackney continue in their efforts to identify and bring to justice those people responsible for the August disturbances. Results such as this make the hard work seem even more worthwhile.”

Man imprisoned for violent disorder

Ms. Lauren Laverne, Television pre-senter and Get-together ambassador


Death in custody campaigns launch petition for justice

A new survey has revealed that ethnic minorities are still “large-ly absent” from a lot of British media houses espe-cially in senior executive roles, opinion or column pages, and staff jobs.

New Statesman magazine conducted the survey in the wake of the Stephen Lawrence verdict and Diana Abbott’s tweet.

The survey showed: 0 nation-al newspaper editors are non-white; 0 national newspaper political editors are non-white; one of the 100 most important media people in The Guardian’s 2011 guide was not white; and two of the 99 named witnesses in the current Leves on inquiry into

the press are from ethnic back-grounds.

The magazine also surveyed the main comment pages of selected newspapers in the week between Monday 5th and Sunday 11th December 2011 to count the number of non-white writers who appeared. It emerged that three newspapers did not have a single non-white writer on the comment pages and five non-white writers have a regular weekly fixed col-umn in the British broadsheet press.

By looking at the number of non-white writers compared to the total number of writers in each mainstream publication (including Sunday sister publica-tions), three didn’t have any non-white writers. These were The

Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday (0/23); The Daily Telegraph/Sunday Telegraph (0/46); and The Daily Express/Sunday Express (0/22).

The Times/Sunday Times had only two out of 39; The Independent/Independent on Sunday had one out of 34; I had one out of 14; The Guardian/Observer had four out of 48; and The Financial Times had three out of 35.

Mr. Rafael Behr, Chief Political Commentator at the New Statesman questioned whether the Westminster lobby could report fairly on issues of race when they are “almost exclusive-ly white, forty-something men”.

The New Statesman’s senior editor (politics) Mehdi Hasan

commented that between 5th and 11th December 2011, “Three of the country’s bestselling newspa-pers and their Sunday stablemates – the Telegraph, the Mail, the Express – failed to publish a sin-gle column by a non-white per-son. That’s right, not a single one.

“The liberal-left papers did better than their centre-right counterparts but not by much. Over the same seven-day period, four out of 48 columnists in the Guardian/Observer were non-white; for the Independent/Independent on Sunday, it was one out of 34 columnists.”

Hasan asked: “How long can newspaper editors carry on hiring and publishing columnists who have little or no experience of

these lives, backgrounds, cultures or faiths?”

He concluded that: “In 2012, 64 years after the arrival of the Empire Windrush on our shores, 36 years after the passage of the third Race Relations Act, 19 years after the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence, the great British com-mentariat is, in effect, a mono-racial, monocultural closed shop.”

The New Statesman’s survey has highlighted the fact that racial reporting can at times be biased and less positive, especially if one has no insight or background experience in the very communi-ties or faiths they are publishing or writing about.

By Monica Hayward

Ethnic minorities still ‘largely absent’ from British press

The United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC) has launched an online petition calling for inde-pendent judicial inquiry into all suspicious deaths in custody.

UFFC is a coalition of fami-lies and friends of those that have died in the custody of police and prison officers as well as those who died in psychiatric and immi-gration detention. It also has members and supporters from campaign groups and advocacy organisations from across the UK.

The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody report published in 2011 states that in total, there were 5,998 deaths recorded from 2000 to 2010. This is an average of 545 deaths per year. Despite the fact that there have been 11 unlawful killing verdicts since 1990 there has never been a successful prosecu-tion.

UFFC’s efforts have so far yielded some results. The police self-investigation of deaths was replaced by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Also, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman now investigates deaths in prison and immigration detention. The cam-

paign made the Attorney General undergo a review of the role of the Crown Prosecution Service. Corporate manslaughter laws are also now extended to custody deaths.

However, UFFC points out that these reforms have not addressed the lack of justice in outstanding cases. “We believe that equitable dispensation of justice in the UK must be done and be seen to be done if the general public are to enjoy high levels of trust and confidence in the fair administration of justice,” UFFC says. “The poor quality and speed of independent investigations conduct-ed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission and an Inquest process that is seriously under resourced, subject to delay and limited in remit is not fit for purpose. Both critically fail to protect or support the rights of victims or their families.”

In the online petition, UFFC is demanding replacement of the

IPCC to ensure open, robust, transparent and thorough investi-gations from the very outset of police deaths in custody - with a removal of all ex-police officers for it to be a truly independent body.

UFFC is also calling for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to be placed on a statutory footing.

Deaths in psychiatric deten-tion and/or of those detained under the Mental Health Act must be subject to a system of properly funded investigation that is com-pletely independent of the Health

Service, UFFC says.Officers and officials directly

involved in custody deaths, UFFC says, must be suspended until investigations are completed. At the same time, all officials con-cerned with the death should be immediately interviewed.

UFFC is also calling for full and prompt disclosure of infor-mation to the families affected.

Prosecutions should automati-cally follow ‘unlawful killing’ verdicts at Inquests and officers responsible for those deaths should face criminal charges, even if retired, UFFC says.

The other demands of the Campaign include placing of CCTV in all police vehicles and an automatic right to non means tested legal aid for families. The campaign observes that there are no funds for family legal repre-sentation at Inquests whilst offi-cers and NHS staff get full legal representation from the public purse. This is unbalanced, UFFC says.

To sign the petition, please go to: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26276

Visit UFFC’s website: http://uffc-campaigncentral.net/

COMMUNITY


CURRENT AFFAIRS

Removal of playwright Lydia Besong suspended at last minuteCelebrities urge Theresa May to stop her removal

Last minute legal action by Women for Refugee Women cam-paign has prevented the forced removal of Lydia Besong, a play-wright who is seeking asylum in the UK after being imprisoned and raped in Cameroon as a result of her political activities.

Lydia along with her husband Bernard Batey, had been given removal orders for 21st January 2012, despite very real fears that they will face further persecution if returned.

Lydia is currently being held in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre and Bernard is being held in Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre.

On 20th January 2012 Judge Mark Pelling QC ruled that the Home Office had acted unlawfully and that Lydia and Bernard cannot be removed from the UK as was scheduled. He also ruled that all costs must be paid by the government and that a Judicial Review of their case can take place in the UK. The date has not yet been set.

The Women for Refugee Women said their campaign continues until Lydia and Bernard are safe and granted leave to remain in the UK.

Lydia sought asylum in the UK in 2006. She was persecuted in Cameroon as a result of her peaceful political activities on behalf of the English-speaking minority in the country, and was imprisoned and raped in prison.

She fled here with her hus-band Bernard and sought asy-lum. Since arriving in the UK she has written three plays, one of which, “How I Became an A s y l u m Seeker”, was performed in London in 2010 at an event pro-duced by Women for Refugee Women and hosted by Actress Juliet Stevenson.

Another is currently in rehearsal with a p e r f o r m a n c e scheduled for March.

Bestselling authors and leading human rights dignitaries have urged the government to stop the removal of Lydia and Bernard.

More than 30 leading writers and actors, including Monica Ali, Alan Ayckbourn, Joan Bakewell, Nick Hornby, Helena Kennedy, Caitlin Moran, Michael Morpurgo and Juliet Stevenson have signed a letter to Home Secretary Theresa May expressing support for Lydia.

Speaking from Yarl’s Wood, Lydia said: “Of course it would put me in danger if I was returned to Cameroon. There is no hiding that my work is critical of the cur-rent government. I would be detained indefinitely. There is no freedom of expres-sion in Cameroon, this is happening every day.”

But she would not stop writing, she added. “I wanted to highlight what was happening at home,” she said. “If it couldn’t be beneficial to me maybe it could be ben-eficial to others. I didn’t know I would find myself in this situation. I am very, very, scared.”

The letter, which was organised by English PEN and Women for Refugee Women, and signed by a number of lead-ing writers, states: “The UK should be proud to offer Lydia protection from the persecution she suffered in her home coun-try.”

Natasha Walter, Director of Women for Refugee Women and author of “The New Feminism” and “Living Dolls”, said: “Lydia’s courage and creativity is a real inspiration for those standing up to oppres-sion. It is shocking to see how she has struggled to get a fair hearing in the UK asylum process.”

Gillian Slovo, novelist and president of English PEN urged the government on behalf of English PEN, “to stop Lydia’s deportation as well as the deportation of her husband to a country that continues to use force to silence its critics.”

Juliet said: “Lydia Besong is an incred-ibly courageous woman who has put her

head above the parapet to talk about her experience and write her plays. This coun-try should not send her back to a situation where she could be in very real danger.”

Michael Morpurgo, author of “War Horse” and ex-Children’s Laureate, said: “How this country treats asylum seekers is the measure of what kind of people we are. Lydia was oppressed in Cameroon. That there is risk she will be imprisoned and abused again seems undeniable. That she is extraordinarily brave in her stand against oppression is clear. And that her talents would be of great value to us as a citizen in our society would seem to be obvious. On these grounds, I would ask, beg, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to look again, think again, and allow this remarkable woman the right to stay here and live amongst us.”

Lydia and Bernard and their campaign are very grateful to all who have been sup-porting them.

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“Of course it would put me in danger if I was returned to Cameroon. There is no

hiding that my work is criti-cal of the current govern-ment. I would be detained indefinitely. There is no freedom of expression in

Cameroon, this is happen-ing every day”

Cameroonian playwright Lydia Besong

Lydia Besong (Right) and Juliet Stevenson at Women for Refugee Women’s production of “How I Became an Asylum Seeker” at the Riverside Studios, London


CURRENT AFFAIRS

Migrant & Refugee Woman of the Year Award launched Nominate and say “thank you” to women doing inspirational work in London

Do you know a migrant or refugee woman who is doing inspirational work at the grassroots in London? If yes, please nominate her for the newly launched Migrant & Refugee Woman of the Year Award.

The Migrant & Refugee Woman of the Year Award aims to recognise and celebrate women who having migrated or fled per-secution themselves, find time to provide essential support and inspiring leadership at grassroots level to other new Londoners attempting to start a new life in the city.

The Migrant & Refugee Woman of the Year Award is administered by the Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum, 2 Thorpe Close and London W10 5XL. The Award is the product of a partnership between the Equals Coalition, IMKAAN, Migrant

and Refugee Communities Forum, Oxfam, Refugee Women’s Association, ROSA and Women for Refugee Women.

Migrating to a new country brings many challenges and it is often women who step forward and find solutions on behalf of a wider group and help more vul-nerable members of the commu-nity. They fight for equality, chal-lenge prejudice and come up with innovative, practical and strategic solutions for those in need and all while working, studying and rais-ing families.

The organizers of the Award say that the achievements and contribution of migrant and refu-gee women to London often go unnoticed. This is why as a group of women activists, they feel it is time to pause and say thank you to these committed and coura-geous individuals.

Any woman who self defines as a migrant or refugee is eligible to be nominated for the Award.

She must consent to be nominated and have been actively involved in community work in London during the last 12 months.

Nominees do not have to lead a legally constituted organisation. The work for which you wish to nominate someone does not need to have been with or for women, or on gender issues, but it must have supported migrants and/or refugees to settle in London. Nominees can be paid workers or volunteers.

The deadline for submitting nominations is 6th February 2012. Nominees will be shortlisted and then interviewed by a panel of at least three people drawn from the partner organisations. All nomi-nations must be supported by two referees who know her and her achievements well.

The Award will be presented for the first time in March 2012 at a high profile ceremony as part of London’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

The winner’s community or organisation will receive a £1,000 donation to spend on community work as she sees fit and she will also be offered mentoring sup-port. This support will be tailored to her needs and could be for her individually or for her communi-ty/organisation.

Nomination is by application form which can be downloaded from http://www.mrcf.org.uk/woman-of-year-award.

For further information, please contact Beth Crosland: Email: [email protected], Tel: 020 8962 3042.

Non-EU students will be removed if found work-ing illegally beyond per-missible 20 hours a week, the UK Border Agency has warned.

“Non-EU students are gener-ally allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, but if people ignore the rules by working illegally we will find them and seek to remove them from the country,” Alex Legg, Chief Immigration Officer from the UK Border Agency said. “We will not tolerate illegal work-ing which undercuts wages and

can exploit vulnerable workers.”Mr. Legg said they’ll also

target employers of such workers. “We’re happy to work with busi-nesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, but those who do break the law should know that they will face heavy fines,” he said.

Five Indians are in fact facing removal from the UK after being caught in Fulham working ille-gally beyond their permissible hours.

Acting on intelligence, UKBA officers visited three stores owned

by the Idea Bright DIY chain, two on Fulham Road SW6 and 1 in

New Kings Road, on 12th January 2012 to question staff and check if they had the right to work in the UK.

“Two men aged 34 and 21 were arrested for working in breach of their student visas at the New Kings Road store, while a 26-year-old man was also arrest-ed for working in breach of his visa at the store at 672 Fulham Road,” the UKBA said. “At sepa-rate premises at 772 Fulham Road a 22-year-old man was arrested for working in breach of his stu-dent visa, while a 29-year-old

was arrested for obtaining leave to remain by decep-tion.”

The five Indians are now in detention awaiting their removal from the UK. “Idea Bright Ltd were served with notices telling them that they face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker unless proof is provided to the UK Border Agency that the cor-rect right-to-work checks were carried out,” the UKBA said.

Students working in breach of visas to be removed

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“Non-EU students are general-ly allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, but if people

ignore the rules by working ille-gally we will find them and seek to remove them from the coun-try. We will not tolerate illegal

working which undercuts wages and can exploit vulnerable

workers”

Mr. Alex Legg,Chief Immigration Officer, UK

Border Agency


CURRENT AFFAIRS

UK stops sending to France unaccompanied children

The ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ between the UK and France enabled unaccompanied children to be sent back to France within 24 hours if they did not immediately ask for asylum, a new report has revealed. This resulted in a significant failure of child protection.

The “Landing in Dover” report by Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England also uncovered excessive periods of detention prior to release into local authority care due to the number and length of immigration inter-views undertaken at the point of arrival.

The report results from an investigation by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) into the treatment of unaccompa-nied children asylum seekers when they first arrive in the UK. Once the Children’s Commissioner brought the issue to the attention of Rob Whiteman, UKBA’s new Chief Executive, he ended the practice - in respect of children - immediately.

Just over 1,700 unaccompa-nied children that entered the country in 2010 sought asylum, whilst a number of those returned to France under the Gentleman’s Agreement, may have been traf-ficked for exploitation. Investigations by OCC have found children seeking asylum include those escaping war zones and per-secution. They are often hungry,

ill, exhausted and distressed when they first arrive.

“Children arriving unaccom-panied in the UK are some of the most vulnerable that my office and society encounters,” said Ms. Atkinson. “That is why we have continued to investigate how they are dealt with, working construc-tively with UKBA, to improve their treatment. This has been advanced through the end of the `Gentleman’s Agreement’. I com-mend Rob Whiteman for acting decisively.”

Ms. Atkinson said UKBA has also ceased to conduct screening interviews on asylum seeking children when they first arrive. “We welcome this further step in reorganising the arrangements for unaccompanied children arriving in Kent. My office will continue to work with the key agencies in

the county to achieve the best out-comes for children and to ensure UKBA delivers on the commit-ments it has given me.”

The “Landing in Dover” has recommended using face to face interpreters and stopping the use of telephone interpreters for inter-views other than for gathering basic details about the child’s identity.

It also recommended explor-ing ways in which the police can gather bio-data such as finger prints on UKBA’s behalf when they are the first agency to encoun-ter children who have just entered. This would enable them to arrange for the child to go directly into local authority care rather than to the immigration office for pro-cessing.

The report urged the authori-ties to ensure that the child has

had the chance to gain support from a legal representative and that their representative is able to accompany them, along with a Responsible Adult, to the immi-gration interviews.

The Refugee Council wel-comed the report and UKBA’s decision to stop sending to France unaccompanied children, includ-ing trafficking victims. “We are very relieved that as a result of this welcome report, the disgrace-ful ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ that has long put the wellbeing and safety of children at risk of harm and exploitation, has now been put to an end,” Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said. “The report has shone a light on the lengths our government is prepared to take in order to pass the responsibility for children arriving here back to

other countries.”Apart from fleeing horrifying

situations in their own countries, many of these children “have undertaken hugely traumatic jour-neys to reach safety in the UK,” Ms. Covey said. “They need time and support to recover as well as access to legal support before they make their claim for asylum, and it is unjust to expect them to fully explain why they need protection here so soon after arrival.”

Ms. Covey asked the govern-ment to heed the recommenda-tions to improve the screening system for children when they arrive in ports across the UK, “to ensure children seeking safety in this country are properly support-ed, in line with our international obligations to protect children in our care.”

“Children arriving unaccompanied in the UK are some of the most vulnerable that my office and society encounters. That is why we have continued to investigate how they are dealt with, working constructively with

UKBA, to improve their treatment. This has been advanced through the end of the

`Gentleman’s Agreement’. I commend Rob Whiteman for acting decisively”

Ms. Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England

Border check relaxations shock MPsA breakdown of communica-

tion between different arms of the UK Border Agency and the Home Office led to UK border controls being relaxed too often last year, MPs have said.

Home Affairs Select Committee’s report concluded that “Whilst the situation may or may not have been caused by the actions of an individual, a lack of supervision of senior staff at the UK Border Agency allowed the situation to continue.”

The report revealed that during last summer’s border chaos, the number of people stopped at the border and turned away went down by 12 per cent compared to the previous summer.

Noting that the Home Office Warnings Index Guidance (HOWI) 2007 may be being used inappropriately, the MPs called for a review of its use. Clarifying guidelines should also be issued to staff if necessary, they said.

Rt. Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the

Committee said: “Border checks carried out at airports and ports in the UK are the final line of defence against those who should be prevented entry.

“The apparent low levels of supervision at the UK Border Agency are highly trou-bling. The overuse of the HOWI guidelines and the fact that no one appears to have been aware of what was happening demon-strates a lack of oversight and a failure of communication.”

The MPs asked the Home Office to make available to the Committee certain documents which have been given to the internal inquiries instigated by the Home Office. “Parliamentary scrutiny is a vital part of UK democracy and the refusal of the Home Office to provide us with several key documents has prevented us from reaching an informed conclusion as to the sequence of events. It is also inconsistent with the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” Mr. Vaz said.

Labour’s Shadow Immigration Minister

Chris Bryant MP described the report as “damning”.

“Ministers failed to oversee their own pilot of reduced border checks resulting in a significant fall in those stopped and returned, then kept all official papers from Parliament to make it impossible for the Committee to get to the truth,” Mr. Bryant said. “It reveals that senior officials were aware for some time of the suspension of border checks, yet the so-called pilot was left to carry on with no oversight from the Immigration Minister or the Home Secretary.”

Mr. Bryant wondered why the Home Secretary had refused to provide vital offi-cial papers to the Select Committee. “If Theresa May has nothing to hide, why is she hiding documents?” he asked.

Mr. Bryant criticised the Home Secretary and her Ministers for displaying incompe-tence and poor management. “They took their eye off border security during the busiest period of the year, and left Britain

unprotected. Their actions since have dis-played no interest in accountability, nor in providing answers for the border fiasco they oversaw,” Mr. Bryant said.

http://www.theafronews.eu/news/blog

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and other news affectingthe Black Community on:


CURRENT AFFAIRS

Too many foreign women locked up for non-violent crimes - Report

Far too many vulnerable for-eign national women are locked up in England and Wales for non-violent crimes. Most of them have often been trafficked or coerced into offending, a new report shows.

According to a joint briefing by the Prison Reform Trust and FPWP Hibiscus, coercion, intimidation, misinformation and threats are frequent factors behind the offending of foreign national women behind bars in the country.

FPWP Hibiscus is a female prisoners’ welfare project with a specific focus on foreign national women coming through the British criminal justice system.

Women from foreign countries repre-sent around one in seven of all the women held in custody in England and Wales and are one of the fastest growing groups in the female prison population (+49%).

Drawing on Hibiscus’ records of its work with foreign national women in pris-on, the report titled “No Way Out” attempts to gain a better understanding of the current situation of these women.

The report stresses the importance of understanding why these women left their country of origin and took the decision to come to the UK. This is not a decision taken lightly by any woman, as it often means leaving children and the support of the fam-ily network. The factors are complex, but for many it is the hope of a better life.

For some, this is described as the need to access better education and work oppor-tunities. For others it is the desperate need to support their family and send remittances home. Others said that they had no option to leave because of threats they faced and how they saw the UK as a positive country to seek asylum.

For all these women changes in immi-gration and employment legislation have decreased their ability to enter the UK or access work within the country without breaking the law. This has increased their reliance on agents who exploit their power-lessness.

The factors driving these women to leave home are evidenced by the geograph-ical distribution of their countries of origin. For example women from Zimbabwe rep-resent 3% of all new Hibiscus cases and almost 75% have been charged with false document, deception or fraud. The same is true for women from other areas of civil

unrest or the threat of persecution such as Iran, Somalia and Uganda.

The report shows similar geographical patterns in relation to those coming here to alleviate poverty and start a better life. For example a high percentage of those from China and Vietnam have been brought in by smugglers to alleviate family poverty. The same is true with some of those from Eastern Europe, particularly the A8 coun-tries.

Unfortunately a number of these women get drawn into sex work and are victims of resultant abuse by pimps and clients. Research published by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in 2010 found that nearly two thirds of women involved in off-street prostitution were migrants and half came from Eastern Europe and a third from Asia. Asian women, primarily from China, were also more likely to be victims of trafficking, representing

85% of all migrant women deemed to have been trafficked.

By failing to recognise the path of these women into crime and address their spe-cific needs and vulnerabilities, the UK authorities are wasting taxpayers’ money on needless imprisonment and could be in breach of international legal obligations to protect the victims of human trafficking, contests the report.

The UK is a signatory to the UN Protocol for the Protection of Victims of Trafficking and the European Convention on Trafficking. Damian Green, Immigration Minister, has stated that combating traffick-ing and looking after its victims is a priority for the government, and that “having any number of people trafficked into the UK is unacceptable”.

Despite these commitments the report reveals that insufficient effort is made by the UK authorities to identify evidence of

exploitation or persecu-tion of foreign national women in contact with the justice system.

Many of these women have no option but to plead guilty and are sentenced, with the assumption of deporta-tion, before they can be assessed as potential victims.

“Far too many for-eign national women are languishing in British jails having been coerced or trafficked into offending,” Juliet Lyon, Director of the Prison Reform Trust,

says. “There are ways out of this mess but only if the government is prepared to redouble its efforts to catch the traffickers, who profit from their grubby trade, rather than allowing the burden of punishment to fall on vulnerable women many of whom have been victims as well as perpetrators of crime.”

Olga Heaven, Director of Hibiscus, says: “There is increasing diversity of nationality in the female prison population. High numbers of women are brought into the UK deceived and exploited.

“Many are young women with a dream of going to a first world country to achieve something but what they are brought in for is either prostitution or some other kind of enforced labour.”

Heaven observes that many foreign women who have been provided with false documents are detained by immigration or custom officials. They often find them-selves imprisoned on arrival.

“Many women who are here legally face multiple social and economic disad-vantage which places them at high risk of offending. More needs to be done to iden-tify vulnerable foreign national women in need of protection before they get into trouble with the law,” Heaven says. “What we should be doing is educating people about British criminal justice.”

Lyon reveals that the majority of the women in prison do tell them: “We did not know what this was about.”

“We have women who do it out of total desperation to pay school fees, to pay for rent, for food. How are we to justify giving a woman coming from these situations 12-14 months of prison? It cannot work, it will never work and also it will never stop,” Lyon says.

NO WAY OUTA briefing paper on foreign national women in prison in England and WalesJanuary 2012

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COVER

African music as precious as diamondExclusive interview with Kanda Bongo Man, King of Kwassa Kwassa

Africa is rich of natural resourc-es which are constantly exploited and exported. But there is one which the continent is yet to appre-ciate and benefit from - African music. Kanda Bongo Man, a vet-eran African musician based in the UK, holds that African music is one of the most valuable resourc-es the continent can export. African music, he says, is “just as valuable as natural resources such as diamonds and minerals.”

Kanda Bongo Man revolutionised souk-ous music in the late 1980s. His style of dance “Kwassa Kwassa” made him a dar-ling of soukous music fans across Africa and beyond. In this dance which earned Kanda Bongo Man the accolade “King of Kwassa Kwassa”, the hips move back and forth vigorously while the hands move to follow the hips.

Kanda Bongo Man is an exciting stage performer, capable of attracting huge crowds and breaking down the barriers between him and fans, making them sing and dance with him.

Kanda Bongo Man’s performances are fast moving and a captivating combination of music and dance. This in fact, made a famous Kenyan Rumba musician, the late

Ochieng’ Kabaselleh, introduce a common phrase in his songs: “Hapana Kwassa Kwassa wazee, peleka pole pole” (It’s not Kwassa Kwassa, dance slowly), to remind his fans to take it easy and dance majesti-cally to his music.

Kanda Bongo Man’s famous hits such as “Sai”, “Isambe”, “Liza”, “Zing Zong”, “Ekipe” and “Iyole” became infectious, and dominated airwaves in most African coun-tries in the 1990s. The songs could be heard in pubs, discos, public transport vehicles, public gatherings, etc. In this exclusive interview with The AfroNews, Kanda Bongo Man, for the first time, denies rumours that he was deported from Kenya in the 1990s because he had an affair with Ms. Catherine Kasavuli, a news anchor, who was alleged to have an affair with the then President of Kenya, Daniel arap Moi. Here’s an excerpt of the interview.

Kanda Bongo Man, your artistic name is quite unique. What exactly does Kanda Bongo Man mean? What’s your real name?

My real name is Bongo Kanda!

Are you working on a new album? If yes, when should we expect it out?

I am currently working on a new album, which I hope will be released this year.

What are the challenges you face as a musician?

As a musician, it’s necessary to con-stantly look for new sounds and new beats. The main challenge is to remain in the music industry and you can only do this by constantly reinventing your music. If you don’t have any form of career strategy, you won’t stay in the market for very long.

What kind of messages do you try to convey through your music?

To be honest the lyrics of my music are secondary to my main aim, which is to make good music which makes people happy. Music can lift people’s mood, espe-cially during difficult periods of their lives. For example, I was listening to a Lucky Dube album the other day – this music makes me soft! I’m also a big fan of the music of Jimmy Cliff and Maxi Priest for the same reason – they bring African spice to reggae music. Similarly when Africans fuse their music with Salsa – these cultural exchanges really enrich music. However, I do also convey messages through my lyrics – most of the time I’m complaining about what’s going on in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reminding the politicians that their people want honesty from them!

Many African musicians I’ve inter-viewed say that piracy is killing them. Does this affect you as well and how can African authorities fight piracy?

Piracy affects all of us. African politi-cians should recognise that music is one of the most valuable resources which the con-tinent has to export, just as valuable as natu-ral resources such as diamonds and miner-als. If the music industry was better organised, we could bring a lot of money into DR Congo for example. We need a good Minister of Culture to work on these things.

In the early 90s your popularity in Kenya made some government officials fear letting you stage concerts in the coun-try. Do you feel like talking about the incident?

Actually, I do want to talk about this. There was a lot of misinformation being circulated at the time and I’d like to put the record straight. The Chief of Security in Kenya at the time, while President Daniel arap Moi was in power, was called Mr. Hezekiah Oyugi. Mr. Oyugi’s daughter, Rose, was getting married and, as I was on tour in Kenya at the time, he asked me to stay on to play at her wedding.

However, my visa was due to expire two days before the wedding, so I told him it wouldn’t be possible unless he could extend my visa. Mr. Oyugi said that as he was the Chief of Security, there would be no problem. However the Principal Immigration Officer Francis Kwinga, found out that I had overstayed those two days


COVER

illegally to attend Mr. Oyugi’s daughter’s wedding and a fully fledged argument ensued between the two politicians. So Mr. Kwinga kicked me out of the country just to annoy Mr. Oyugi. The worst of it was that nobody explained the problem and all sorts of rumours started, including one that I was deported because I had stolen the President’s

girlfriend Catherine. I didn’t even meet her until 12 years later!

Who are your musical influences or heroes?

My main influences are our traditional Congolese musicians, but my musical

heroes include Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Jimmy Cliff.

What’s your advice to young people aspiring to become musicians?

The most important thing is if you want to be taken seriously in the music industry, you must be professional at all times. Always be on time, be polite and respect your audiences.

You are a vigorous dancer. Does your dance style have a par-ticular meaning?

No! I just enjoy dancing!

In the recent years we have lost very popular Congolese musicians who popularised Congolese Rumba. Many young Congolese musicians seem to be getting into rap, hip-hop, etc. How do you foresee the future of Congolese music?

Fortunately not all young musi-cians are turning to rap, etc. The majority are still keeping our roots music alive. Those who are turn-ing away are not so popular in the DR Congo, although it is good to pursue other forms of music as well.

How would you describe your style of music?

Congolese Rumba.

Many look at musicians as commentators on social affairs and often follow appeals by musi-cians. As a Congolese, what’s your message to Congolese politi-cians?

There is no love lost between Congolese politicians and myself. They don’t like me and I don’t like them! I am always telling them to

tell the truth and to stop stealing votes!

A message to the Congolese in gener-al?

Right now the Government wants to steal our election. We need to stand up to them and fight back in order to stop their dishonesty or we have a great deal to lose.

What are your future plans?

My future plans are to record a new CD and tour even more internationally. I really enjoy travelling the world to perform because God gave me the gift of music to promote my culture overseas.

Living abroad you must have heard of the challenges immigrants face in Europe. What do you think of UK’s immigration policies?

I was 18 years old when I arrived in Europe, so I probably view things differ-ently from someone who has just arrived. I have been here so long that I feel things as a European would. We are no different. Everybody, Africans, Europeans and other nationalities are all having to deal with the current difficult economic circumstances in their own way.

Now, when you are not preparing for a concert or recording, how do you spend a typical day? How do you spend your free time?

Taking care of my family. I also love cooking!

What’s your favourite food?

Fish and seafood.

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

“Piracy affects all of us. African politicians should recognise that

music is one of the most valuable resources which the continent has to export, just as valu-

able as natural resourc-es such as diamonds and minerals. If the

music industry was bet-ter organised, we could

bring a lot of money into DR Congo for example. We need a

good Minister of Culture to work on

these things”

Kanda Bongo Man, King of Kwassa

Kwassa

Ms. Geli Berg,Artist Manager, Tel: 07816 648 288 [email protected] www.linguafrancamusic.co.uk

KANDA BONGO MAN’S CONTACTS

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THE GUIDE

If you have permanent settle-ment status in the UK, such as British citizenship or Indefinite leave to remain, and you are en-gaged to or would like to mar-ry someone from abroad in the UK rather than in their home country, and settle permanen-tly here after the wedding, you may sponsor your part-ner’s application for what is known as a Fiancé(e) Visa.

If instead you are a same-sex couple and you wish to acquire le-gal status in the UK by formally recognising your bond as a civil partnership in view to settle here permanently, you should apply for a Proposed Civil Partner Visa.

In order to qualify for admis-sion as a fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• the sponsor is present and set-tled in the United Kingdom, or is to be admitted for settlement at the same time the applicant arrives in the UK;

• you are both aged 21 or over;• you intend to live permanen-

tly with each other as a spouse/civil partner after the marriage/civil partner-ship;

• you actually have met;• adequate maintenance and accom-

modation without recourse to public funds will be available for the applicant

until the date of the marriage/civil part-nership;

• after the marriage/civil partnership there will be adequate accommodation for you and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommo-dation which you own or occupy exc-lusively;

• after the marriage/civil partnership you will be able to maintain yourselves and your dependants adequately without recourse to public funds.

• both parties are free to marry If your partner is currently in the

UK with temporary permission to stay in a different immigration category (for example, as a student), they cannot switch into this category.

A substantial amount of documenta-tion must be submitted to support a visa application in these categories. Among these, divorce certificates or a death certificate in the case of a late spouse to prove you are free to marry.

The appropriate form is always Form VAF4A – settlement (see page 7 of the form). Please note that form VAF1F, instead, is meant for marriage visitors, who want to marry in the UK, but not settle here after the wedding.

Form VAF4A can be downloaded from: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/reso-urces/en/docs/1903073/vaf4a

Terms of leave

If your application is approved, you will gain entry clearance as a fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner.

You will initially be admitted to the United Kingdom for 6 months.

You cannot take up employment until after the marriage or civil partner-ship. Once the marriage or civil partner-ship has taken place, you will need to make a further application to the Home Office to request a variation of your visa status from f i ancé (e ) /p r o p o s e d civil partner to that of a

spouse or a civil partner.Once this application is approved by

the Home Office, a 2-year probationa-ry period visa will be granted. During this time, you can live and work freely, but you will not be able to claim public funds. After satisfactory completion of the 2 year probationary period, you will need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

After 3 years and assuming the mar-riage/civil partnership is continuing, you may make an application for natu-ralisation as a British citizen.

Extension of leave

You may apply for an extension of your visa if:

• you can show good cause why the marriage or civil partnership did not ta-ke place within the initial period of le-ave granted; and

• there is satisfactory evidence that the marriage or civil partnership will ta-ke place at an early date; and

• you still meet the original visa re-quirements (listed above).

If your extension of stay is granted, the prohibition on employment will re-main as per the original visa.

By Foreignersinuk.co.uk

SP

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UK

LE

GA

L G

UID

EHow to apply for Settlement Visas for Fiancé(e)s or Proposed civil partners

©D

ream

time.

com

Question: I applied for a settlement vi-sa three weeks ago in Nigeria. I married my wife a year ago in the UK on an (overstayed) visit visa. When I got back to Nigeria to do my spouse visa application, we found out she was pregnant with our first child. It would be devastating to be refused or delayed to go and support my wife through the pregnancy and birth period!

I stated on the application that I would like to travel to the UK by the end of the month, do-es this assist in getting a response quicker?

Answer: Generally applications for set-tlement may be concluded within up to 1- 4 months. In our experience, the British High Commission in Lagos takes on average betwe-en 1-2 months.

Applications may sometimes be delayed where immigration officers feel it necessary to make further enquires. It is always helpful to indicate a reasonable date for your return to the UK, although this does not mean that your application will automatically be processed by

the date you have requested.If there has been a change of circumstances

such as your wife’s pregnancy, you may wish to update the Entry Clearance Officers with a letter and documentary of your wife’s pregnan-cy and ask that this information is considered with the rest of your application.

By Greenfields Solicitors,www.greenfieldssolicitors.com

Disclaimer: The above articles are meant to be relied upon as informative articles and in no way constitute legal advice. Information is offered for general information purposes only, based on the current law when the information was published in this newspaper.

You should always seek advice from an ap-propriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry. For legal advice regarding your case, please contact Greenfields Solicitors for a Consultation with a Solicitor on 020 8884 1166.

Urgent spouse visa application Greenfields Solicitors are leading specialists in Immigration, Nationality and Human Rights law. Our experienced Solicitors can help you in all aspects of Immigration law including:

Visas »Entry Clearance Applications (visitor, student, »marriage, fiancée, Tier, dependants)

Extensions to Remain in the UK »Appeals & Administrative Reviews »Overstayers »Discretionary Leave and Long Residence »Human Rights »PBS Tier visa applications »British Nationality & Citizenship »Removal/Deportation »Advocacy »

If you have an Immigration problem, please call our experienced legal advisors to discuss your case. Our Solicitors provide advice through consultations at our London offices or by telephone. We have an excellent success rate and can help you secure your legal status in the UK. Contact our experts on:

020 8884 1166www.greenfieldssolicitors.com

"Greenfields Solicitors - the name you can trust in

Immigration law. Your success is our success".


AFRICAN NEWS

Amnesty asks Gambia to release activists jailed for distributing T-shirts

A m n e s t y International has called for imme-diate release of four activists arrested over the distribution of T-shirts calling for an end to dic-tatorship in the Gambia.

One activist, Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh, the country’s former Minister for Information and Communication, was on 17th January 2012 sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labour for trea-son.

Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow and

Michael Uche Thomas were each sen-tenced to three years with hard labour for sedition.

The four were arrested in June 2011 after distributing T-shirts made by the NGO ‘Coalition for Change – The Gambia’ (CCG) which featured the slogan “End to Dictatorship Now”.

“The conviction of these men is a vio-lation of their rights to freedom of expres-sion, assembly and association,” said Lucy Freeman, Amnesty International’s researcher on the Gambia. “President Jammeh is once again proving that he does not tolerate any form of criticism and is ruthlessly persecuting anyone who speaks out against his regime.”

Dr. Janneh, who has American citizen-ship, was arrested in his office on 7th June for being in possession of the CCG T-shirts.

Mr. Thomas, a Nigerian, and Mr. Keita and Mr. Jallow, both Gambians, were arrested on the same day, accused of print-ing the T-shirts.

The four men were sentenced at the Special Criminal Court in Banjul. Charges were initially brought at the Banjul Magistrate Court on 13th June and the case was later transferred to the High Court.

“These men are prisoners of conscience and must be released immediately and unconditionally. Gambia must stop such acts of persecution and allow criticism to be heard in the country,” said Ms. Freeman.

Journalists and activists in the Gambia, are routinely subjected to human rights violations such as unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, unfair trials, harass-ment, assaults and death threats, making it extremely difficult for them to do their work.

Amnesty International has urged the international community to publicly con-demn human rights violations in the Gambia, such as arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial executions and enforced dis-appearance.

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African football stars commit to malaria fight

Some of Africa’s big-gest football stars have joined the campaign to deliver messages about the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Andrew (Dede) Ayew, mid-fielder from Ghana, Gervinho, forward from Cote d’Ivoire, and Moussa Sow, forward from Senegal, were just a few of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations stars who delivered malaria prevention and treatment messages in new United Against Malaria (UAM) public service announcements (PSAs) that will air throughout Africa during the tournament.

Other UAM champions who lent their voice to the new PSAs include Jordan Ayew, striker from Ghana, Charles Kabore, mid-fielder from Burkina Faso, and Asamoah Gyan, striker from Ghana.

The PSAs focus on the impor-tance of malaria prevention and treatment for children in Africa, “because all children deserve a chance at greatness, just like their heroes on the football pitch.”

If left untreated, Malaria in its most severe forms can lead to a coma and death. Malaria is pre-ventable and treatable, but con-tinues to kill a child every 45 seconds and nearly 800,000 peo-ple each year. Furthermore, malaria contributes to the cycle

of poverty and limits economic development.

“Malaria still kills many chil-dren in Africa, and it’s important that we educate fans on how to protect themselves and their fam-ilies,” said Ghana Football Association President and CAF Executive Committee member Kwesi Nyantakyi, whose national

team starred in a UAM PSA ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “Until we have no children dying from malaria in Africa, we need to spread the word about ways to prevent and treat this disease.”

The new PSAs is being shown at half-time during matches aired in Ghana, Senegal and many other African countries through

local and cable television sta-tions.

“We are so grateful to the players and their national associa-tions for their commitment to the fight against malaria,” said David Kyne, United Against Malaria Campaign Manager. “Their sup-port offers us an unparalleled opportunity to reach millions of

viewers watching the tournament to deliver messages about the prevention and treatment of malaria.”

©Es

prit

d’Eb

ène

Moussa Sow, forward from Senegal supporting United Against Malaria Campaign

“Malaria still kills many children in Africa, and it’s

important that we educate fans on how to protect

themselves and their families. Until we have no children

dying from malaria in Africa, we need to spread the word about ways to pre-vent and treat this

disease”

Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi,

Ghana Football Association

President and CAF Executive

Committee member

Gambian activist Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh has been sentenced to life imprisonment with

hard labour for treason


Leaders condemn multiple terrorist attacks in NigeriaJonathan: Terrorists will “face the full wrath of the law”

Makhtar Diop, a Senegalese national, has been appointed the World Bank’s Vice President for Africa.

He succeeds Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili

who will return to Nigeria in early May after serving as the region’s Vice President since 2007.

Mr. Diop, who has been the World Bank’s Country Director for Brazil since 2009, will take up his new position on 6th

May 2012. A former Finance Minister in Senegal

and Chair of the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) Board of Finance Ministers, Mr. Diop joined the World Bank in 2001 and has served in various senior

positions, including as the World Bank’s Country Director for Kenya, Eritrea, and Somalia, as well as Director of Strategy and Operations in the Bank’s Latin America and Caribbean region.

Diop appointed World Bank Vice President for Africa

World leaders have strongly condemned the latest co-ordinated attacks by Islamist militants in the northern Nigerian city of Kano on 20th January 2012 which killed at least 165 people.

The Boko Haram group con-firmed that they carried out the series of explosions which ripped apart police buildings around the city.

Abul Qaqa, a Boko Haram spokesman, said they carried out the attacks because Nigerian authorities had refused to release their group members arrested in Kano.

Boko Haram, which loosely translates from the local Hausa language as “Western education is forbidden”, has been behind a string of attacks in recent years.

President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his condolences to all victims.

Among the persons killed in the incident was a reporter with Channels Television in Kano, Mr. Enenche Akogwu. Mr. Akogwu was reportedly shot and killed while on duty during the exchange of fire between officers of the Nigeria Police and the terrorists at the Farm Centre Police Station, Kano.

President Jonathan said he was greatly saddened by the inci-dent which led to the loss of lives of innocent Nigerians, and

pledged to get to the root of the incident.

He assured all Nigerians and the international Community that those behind the acts of terrorism would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

President Jonathan commend-ed the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm for living up to its constitutional and noble responsi-bility in these critical times.

“The Federal Government will continue to partner with the media in a robust and patriotic manner in the drive to build, institute and sustain the adminis-tration’s transformational values and programmes for our dear country and indeed Nigerians,” President Jonathan said.

The President further com-mended the media for its historic role in protecting constitutional democracy and the rule of Law in Nigeria and promised to ensure that those who lost their lives in

the Kano incident do not die in vain.

He said all the people who lost their lives in the acts of vio-lence in Kano on 20th January 2012 “are honest and patriotic Nigerians who were brutally and

recklessly cut down by agents of terror.”

“As a responsible Government, we will not fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy, for that is what these mindless killers are, perpetrate unprecedented evil in our land,” President Jonathan said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the deadly attacks. Mr. Ban said he was “appalled at the frequency and intensity of recent attacks in Nigeria, which demonstrate a wanton and unacceptable disre-gard for human life.”

Mr. Ban voiced his solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, and expressed his

hope for swift and transparent investigations into the attacks to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Mr. Ban also extended his sincere condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families.

The African Union (AU) also condemned the attacks. The

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Jean Ping reaf-firmed the AU’s “total rejection of terrorism in all its forms,” and promised the AU’s “full support to the efforts of the Government of Nigeria aimed at bringing to an end all terrorist attacks in the country.”

AFRICAN NEWS

“As a responsible Government, we will not fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy, for that is what these mind-

less killers are, perpetrate unprecedented evil in our land”

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan


CARIBBEAN NEWS

Jamaicans urged to continue seeking God’s guidance

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has encouraged Jamaicans to continue to pray and seek God’s guidance, even as they celebrate and reflect on the nation’s achieve-ments over the last 50 years.

Sir Patrick, who was speaking at the 32nd staging of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB), at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on 19th January, said this year must be regarded as a remarkable time of renewal, re-affirmation and recommitment.

“We have just installed a new government and we are 50 years old, so I think it is a grand moment, if only for these two things that we gather for prayer,” he said. This year’s NLPB was held under the theme, ‘Jamaica 50: Reconcile… Rebuild… Rejoice’. In attendance were leaders and dignitaries from the political, church, academic and business communities. They

included Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller; Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Andrew Holness, and Convenor, Umbrella Group of Churches, Rev. Dr. Lenworth Anglin.

The Governor-General said this jubilee year also provides the nation with the “wonderful oppor-tunity” to celebrate and rejoice in its achievements of the past 50 years.

“Indeed, we have accom-plished much, and most impor-tantly, we are conscious that although the journey is still diffi-cult, we have no fear for the future,” he said.

He asserted his belief that prayer and hard work are the key to creating the kind of nation that all Jamaicans desire. He therefore encouraged Jamaicans to contin-ue to pray, even as they remain steadfast in overcoming the many social and economic challenges that they face. “I believe that it is the prayers of the faithful that have kept the nation of Jamaica steady, even as we cope with the challenging social and economic climate,” he declared.

The Governor-General reminded the many leaders pres-ent of their enormous and envi-able role as shapers of society. “We must always, as leaders, remember that the people have given us their hands to hold. We should honour that confidence reposed in us. No matter how challenging and difficult the jour-ney, let us give them the assur-ance that every little thing will be alright - that we will not release their grasp,” he said.

He also told them that as lead-ers of this present generation, they are tasked with the critical responsibility to make the coun-try a place where people can feel safe, work and share their lives with each other.

“As we move forward, it is my hope that we will more inten-tionally involve our young people in leadership and decision mak-ing, thus nurturing the next gen-eration of leaders,” the Governor-General said.

By Athaliah Reynolds, JIS Reporter

Minister: Interest rates in Jamaica will stay lowSanctions should be imposed for breaches of fiscal responsibility

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Planning and the Public Service, Hon. Peter Phillips, has calmed fears that the new administration might implement policies which will generate high interest rates.

He advised banks to assist in taking active steps to contain their costs, increase their efficiencies and contain the growth in their spreads.

The first aspect of the way forward “relates to macro-economic stability,” the Minister said. This, he said, must be main-tained and will include low inflation and low interest rates.

“There is no policy of high interest rates and there will be no policy of high interest rates,” he emphasized.

Restating the Government’s commit-ment to provide the macro-economic framework that supports low and competi-tive interest rates, the Minister expressed the administration’s desire to “get the rates even lower, if conditions allow.”

He argued that macro-economic stabil-ity was not an end in itself.

“There is stability now, partly because there is low demand for credit and foreign exchange due to the weakness in the economy. Banks are competing vigorously to lend and, in doing so, are lowering inter-est rates,” he observed.

However, Dr. Phillips noted that, while

this was happening, bor-rowers were not getting the full benefit. “As rates are lowered, the banks need to assist in taking active steps to contain their costs, increase their efficiencies and so con-tain the growth in their spreads,” he said.

Dr. Phillips also called for sanctions against deliberate breaches of fis-cal responsibility result-ing from ministerial action.

Addressing investors at the Mayberry Investment Forum in Kingston on 18th January 2012, the Minister said that, despite the existence of a Fiscal Responsibility Framework “entrenched in law” to safeguard fiscal prudence, sig-nificant fiscal breaches have occurred.

Pointing to expenditure controls, Dr. Phillips stated that there has been a lack of fiscal prudence as evident in: the misman-agement of contract negotiations with pub-lic sector workers; massive off-budget expenditures; and the failure to effect the timely implementation of public sector, tax

and pension reforms.He cautioned that the country now

risks squandering the relief provided by the Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX).

“Without wishing to get into a futile blame game, we must acknowledge that there has been a failure to adequately man-age the fiscal situation and to contain expenditure in the face of declining reve-nues. We must draw the line and say no to

this type of behaviour,” he declared.

With respect to the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Project (JDIP), he said that the amount earmarked to be spent in the 2011/12 budget “was deliberately ignored and was over-shot by US$80 million or close to J$7 bil-lion.”

The Minister also observed that more debts were accumulated by the former Government, through the ordering of some 96 million Euros worth of buses that were not budgeted for, but which will have to be paid for.

“This financial profligacy took place despite the existence of a Fiscal Responsibility Framework entrenched in law that prohibits such actions,” Dr. Phillips observed.

“This fact speaks to the need for sanctions for such deliberate breaches flowing from Ministerial action. It was these breaches that contributed to the breakdown of trust between Jamaica and our international partners over the last year,” he stated.

By Allan Brooks,

JIS Senior Reporter

©JI

S

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Ambassador Dudley Joseph Thompson, OJ, QC.

He died on 20th January 2012, a day after his 95th birth-day. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Hon. Dudley Thompson, an outstand-ing Jamaican politician, diplo-mat and statesman, and a per-sonal and dear friend for more than four decades. His passing is exceptionally painful for me, as it was only recently after my electoral victory, that he called with a most heart-warming con-gratulation,” the Prime Minister said. “A man of firm convic-tions, articulate, sharp on his feet and witty, Dudley Thompson loved his country with a passion and served it with honour and distinction. I wish to express profound condolences to his widow Cecile, children, grand-children, and great grandchild, and pray that they find comfort in this time of grief,” the Prime Minister added.

Hon Thompson was a life member of the People’s National

Party (PNP), and was elected Chairman of the PNP in 1979. He was a PNP Senator in the years 1962 - 1978, and was leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives in 1978. He served as MP for St. Andrew Western from 1978 to 1983; Minister of National Security in 1978; Minister of Mining and Natural Resources from 1977 to 1978 and Minister of State, with the responsibility for Foreign Affairs from 1972 to 1975.

Hon Thompson was Jamaica’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Namibia. He was Jamaica’s chief representative in the con-ference on the Law of the Sea and played a leading role in securing Jamaica as the perma-nent headquarters for the International Seabed Authority. He also introduced the Office of the Ombudsman to Jamaica.

A freedom fighter and Pan Africanist, he was a leading member of the team of lawyers who represented the former leader of Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, in the 1950s. At the time of his death, Hon Thompson was the President of the World Africa Diaspora Union.

Dudley Thompson served Jamaica “with honour and distinction”

Minister of Finance, Planning and the Public Service, Hon. Peter Phillips (right),being welcomed to the Mayberry Investment Forum by CEO, Mayberry

Investments, Gary Peart, at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston on 18th January


Winston Riley, legendary Jamaican producer is dead

ENTERTAINMENT

Legendary Jamaican record producer, song-writer and vocalist has died.

Riley fell into a coma after he was shot in Kingston on 1st November 2011. He died on 19th January 2012, aged 65.

He was a founding member of Jamaican group, The Techniques and was also known and respect-ed as a pioneer of his time for scoring hits including “Double Barrel” by Ansel Collins and Dave Baker.

Jamaica’s new Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna said she was saddened to receive news of Riley’s death. She described him as a cultural giant. “Winston Riley surely numbered among our best record producers of quality Jamaican music,” Ms. Hanna said. “He was a pioneer in popular music and made an indel-ible mark in the recording indus-try.”

Riley is credited with creating the Stalag Rhythm, which later influenced hip-hop and dance-hall.

Unlike his contemporaries who shunned dancehall music, Riley embraced contemporary

Reggae and had several big hits during the 1980s.

Riley went through a slew of incidents over the past year. He was shot at in August and stabbed in September 2011. Few years ago, his record store located in downtown Kingston, was burnt to the ground.

Riley’s son, popular Radio Jamaica DJ, Kurt Riley told the Observer that his father’s griev-ing relatives could not figure out a motive behind the attempts on his father’s life. “Unfortunately Daddy didn’t wake up so we could talk to him to find out if there was something he was not telling us. He was a straightfor-ward man, who was allergic to hypocrisy,” he said.

On the Billboardbiz.com web-site, Riley is remembered as a pivotal figure in expanding Reggae internationally.

Riley’s successful produc-tions stretched well into the 1990s with hits for numerous deejays including Red Dragon, Cutty Ranks and a teenaged Buju Banton while the career of cul-tural singers including Admiral Tibet and Courtney Melody also benefitted from their association with Riley.

London-based Ethiopian group Krar Collective has signed to the World Music Network’s original premium artists’ label, Riverboat Records.

Recently returned from a successful WOMEX in Copenhagen where the group had hardened music professionals dancing

on stage at their showcase rather than sit-ting at the back with arms folded, Krar Collective have been getting good respons-es wherever they perform their gritty and upbeat take on traditional Ethiopian songs.

Two weeks later the WMN rushed them into the cosy north London Cowshed Studios with producer Colin Bass to record

their first album. In their current live line-up Krar Collective have between them six open strings on the krar lyre, four small keberodrum skins, two great lead and one backing vocal.

With these minimal of tools, they deliv-er the most amazing and dynamic live set you’ll hear anywhere. They didn’t bring much more to the studio – a one stringed fiddle (masenqo), a short flute (washint), a bass krar and bags of excitement.

The krar goes back a long way in his-tory, with some saying it is related to King David’s harp. Played by minstrels in Ethiopia for centuries, the way Temesgen Taraken plays it, plugged in and strummed like a guitar as well as being plucked, brings traditional cultures together with modern technology in perfect harmony.

The bass krar is a modern develop-ment, though who is to say that King David didn’t maybe long for a funky groove! Engineer and studio owner Joe Leach set the 24-track reel to reel Otari tape machine rolling and they were off.

The group are so familiar with their cultural heritage and song arrangements that they easily adapted to the recording process, laying down live takes and going back where necessary to add in the bass krar, masenqo, washint and vocal over-dubs.

Colin maintained a watchful eye over the seemingly unplanned what-shall-we-do-next recording fashion of the Collective,

giving a prod here and there but recognis-ing that it was important to capture the group’s natural dynamic.

Recording to tape rather than digital focussed the mind. A solo was dropped in here and there; if they decided to have another try the previous solo was wiped in the process. This was not about achieving some kind of manufactured perfection, but real and honest music.

Four days, nine tracks, job done! With the Masters in Colin’s hands and ready for mixing, World Music Network are hugely excited about the end results.

Krar Collective sign to Riverboat, record debut LP

Check outthe latest entertainment

news on:

http://www.theafronews.eu/entertainment/blog


COMMENTARY-OP-ED

Open letter to Boris Johnson from Lee Jasper

The fact that Mayor of London Boris Johnson has become solely responsible for the Metropolitan Police Service will no doubt have gone unnoticed by many.

No doubt Boris will be delight-ed that his power base now extends to total control of the police. Having been Policing Director for London for eight years I offer him New Year’s greetings and this definitely unso-licited assessment and advice.

Dear Boris Mayor of London, saluta-tions! Greetings and a Happy New Year!

Just thought I drop you a word of advice given your ever-burgeoning Mayoral Empire. I know you read my blog every day. Did you know you’re my big-gest fan? It’s a love that dare not speak its name. City Hall visits my page more than any other single London institution. Anyway back to business.

With ultimate control of the police rest-ing with you, in the minds of the public, the confusing constitutional fog and maze of tripartite police accountabilities of the Met to Government, the Mayor and

Metropolitan Police Authority is finally lifted.

By the way, I love the new name for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime pronounced MOPSY! It reminds me of a lovely fluffy dog. Let’s hope it’s not of the nodding variety.

In the old days of course the MPA was made up of Greater London Assembly members, Home Office appointees, and statutory representatives from the Government and the judiciary and broad range of feisty fiercely independent mem-bers many of them being black.

I guess yours will be a less colourful affair, but do try at least to make some token gestures; it really does brighten up the place.

In the past the MPS, (in the wake of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry), invited in its most ardent critics to work with them on sensitive issues of policing performance and policy.

I note your list: the list of London Assembly members, who, with one notable exception, lacks anyone who can act as an effective and credible conduit to consult with London’s Black communities.

My concern Boris, seriously, is that, knowing you as I do; you simply don’t

have what it takes to take a bal-anced approach when dealing with sensitive policing issues in London. You don’t like criti-cisms; we all know that, much less with the type of critics who will often speak out publically on the policing issues of the day.

In addition, you don’t have a policing adviser, who is capable of ensuring that you’re able to effectively achieve the right bal-ance, deal with public concerns, frustrations, demonstrations, unrest and discontent in an effec-tive way.

That was brutally exposed in August when the MPS shot Mark Duggan in Tottenham and the subsequent disturbances. That acute and monumental political failure on your part cost both Londoners and the country dear.

Why do I lay that at your door you may well ask? Well the sim-ple truth Boris is, had Ken been in office, with me as his adviser, those riots would simply not have happened. We would have ensured that we attended Tottenham and dragged the

Commissioner with us immediately. Why?

Because we under-stand the significance of Tottenham, it’s historical context and that of a high-ly controversial death in custody. Do you remem-ber Roger Sylvester? Same issue, same anger, different outcome.

That’s the price of failing to understand the issue of race and policing in London. Ignorance and ideological blind spots on these issues do not come cheap. The really tragic thing is that people need-lessly lost their lives as a result of a series of politi-cal and policing errors that could have and should have been avoided.

Of course this is not widely understood and most people’s ire is focused on the rioters but that riot was completely avoidable.

As for you, from here on in, you are going to be put centre stage in any significant debates, on a range of critical policing issues facing London.

Public inquiry into suspicious deaths in cus-tody? From today onward that’s your call.

Police racism, failure to prosecute perpetrators of domestic and youth violence, rape, stop and search and the culture of

racial profiling, black officer recruitment, retention, promotion, discipline, cuts to policing numbers and the whole panoply of consultative forums and community groups are all heading your way.

Now I know your great ‘friend’ and confidante, Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse is notionally in charge and no doubt you are hoping that he will act as some sort of political firewall between you and the worst excesses of the MPS. Dream on oh blond one.

You see the clue is in his title ‘Deputy Mayor’. As for reforming the MPS, well down in Brixton we have a saying and that is, that the path to radical reform of the MPS is littered with the white, sun bleached bones, of previous Home Secretaries who have gone before.

The MPS is an empire Boris and you are going to have to work hard to ensure that the tail does not wag the dog. They have endless reserves and an infinite capac-ity to soak up opposition. I have no doubt in my mind Commissioner Hogan Howe, reading the runes of the previous two Commissioners and his new management team, will be assessing their new political environment and developing contingency political strategies as we speak.

I can’t help wondering, was it your mate Dave or Kit that convinced you this was a good idea? Either way I am remind-ed of the words (I know you love the clas-sics) of the ancient Greek dramatist Aeschylus who wrote: “In every tyrant’s heart there springs in the end this poison, that he cannot trust a friend.”

Or as they say in classical Jamaican philosophy: “They hold the handle and you hold the blade”.

So Boris you will be seeing lots more of me in the New Year given your new responsibilities. So just thought I’d drop you a line and say hello.

Best wishes,Lee Jasper

New Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime is pronounced MOPSY. Time for a new accessory Boris? Lee Jasper asks


LIFESTYLE & RELIGION

Sunbeds increase risk of skin cancerFriends and family encourage youngsters to risk health for sunbed glow

Many young people in the UK are risking dam-age to their health and appearance by using sun-beds on the recommenda-tion of friends and family, a new survey by Cancer Research UK has revealed.

The poll of almost 3,000 UK adults, was commissioned by the charity’s new SunSmart initiative R UV UGLY?.

It found that of 176 sunbed users aged 18-24, 40 per cent received encouragement from friends, and 26 per cent received encouragement from a family member or partner when using a sunbed for the first time. The main reason these 18-24 year olds first used a sunbed was to improve their appearance (30 per cent chose this option).

Using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increas-es the risk of malignant melano-

ma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent. Over the last 30 years in Britain malignant melanoma incidence rates have more than quadrupled, and the disease is the second most com-mon form of cancer in 15-34 year olds.

Despite this, around one in four (26 per cent) of the survey’s sunbed users aged 18-24 said they weren’t bothered by the serious health warnings around sunbed use. This could be because over half the people in this age group (53 per cent) believed that tanned skin has become more fashionable.

Sixty two per cent of sunbed users in the 18-24

year old group admitted they first used a sunbed when they were 18 or under.

Following new legislation introduced last year banning under-18s from using sunbeds, this would now be illegal.

Chris Lunn, SunSmart cam-paign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s surprising to see that two thirds (66 per cent) of young sunbed users received encouragement from a friend, family member or partner when using a sunbed for the first time, despite the long-term health risks they pose.

“By highlighting the health risks, we hope people will become more aware that using sunbeds can increase the chances of devel-oping skin cancer, and so dis-courage their friends and family from using them in future.”

Sunbeds aren’t the answer to improving our appearance to help alleviate the mid-winter gloom, Mr. Lunn noted. “As well as increasing your risk of skin can-cer, you could be left with wrin-kles, leathery skin and age spots. If you must have a tan, faking it is the best option.”

The R UV UGLY? initiative sees Cancer Research UK team

up with sk:n to offer free skin assessments at its 37 clinics nationwide, to raise awareness amongst Britons about the skin damage, premature ageing and health dangers of sunbed use.

Sk:n is offering exclusive ‘two for none’ skin assessments (usually £25 each) to encourage people to come along with a friend or family member to expe-rience the scans for free. The clinic will use specialist skin-scanning technology to highlight the hidden damage, such as dehy-dration and premature wrinkles, lurking beneath the skin’s surface caused by overexposure to UV, both from sunbeds and the sun.

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart R UV UGLY? cam-paign is offering free skin assess-ments at all UK sk:n clinics. To book call 0800 822 3037 quoting R UV UGLY?, text R UV UGLY? to 63757 (standard rates apply), or visit http://mepls.com/ruvugly.

Religion “a long term investment”, says Archbishop of CanterburyPrison service should help prisoners make choices that will make a difference

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams has praised the Prison Radio Association at HMP Brixton as a “wonderful idea”.

He visited the radio station on 20th January 2012 and gave an interview for broadcast. The Archbishop described the radio as something which “gives people the chance to open up their relationships and possibilities” and as “a great gift.”

He added: “I really want to encourage it as much as I can.”

The National Prison Radio Service reaches 40,000 prisoners and aims to edu-cate prisoners, to support rehabilitation and to reduce reoffending.

Countering the perception that prison-ers have a limited number of choices to make, Dr. Williams reminded listeners that “moment by moment there are choices that make you a bit more human, a bit less human. A bit more open, a bit less open. A bit more understanding, a bit less under-standing.”

Dr. Williams went on to say that the prison service should focus on helping prisoners to make choices that will make a difference, “to help people take more of their own authority, freedom and capacity, and go out with it and do something cre-ative with it.”

In praise of the prison radio service, he said that “one of the great jobs that this radio station does is to remind people they’ve got those choices, they’ve got the capacity to turn things around for them-

selves bit by bit. It doesn’t hap-pen overnight, but getting those choices right, and getting the vision that helps you along, and getting the friends alongside who really encourage that.”

On the sub-ject of restorative justice, the A r c h b i s h o p described the process where criminals meet the victim of their crime as a “really important idea”. Giving people the oppor-tunity to see the consequences of what they have done, not in abstract terms, but by being face to face with the person who has been affected by their actions, provides a big “growing point”.

Dr. Williams told the extraordinary story of a couple who had met their son’s murderer, describing the experience as both incredibly painful, but providing a significant breakthrough.

The Archbishop was also asked about whether he felt that religion should be a more significant part of daily life, not only during hardship or crisis. He responded

that religion should be considered “more as a long term investment,” offering a way to connect, both with yourself and with God in good and bad times – “connecting to something bigger than you will carry you through the bad times.”

He ended the interview by reemphasis-ing the importance that prisoners seriously consider the choices facing them. “It’s worth it because of who God sees in you, not what your neighbours see, not what society sees, not even what you see, but what God sees in you.”

Archbishop Rowan continued his visit by joining Peter Gibson, Director of

Central London Samaritans, HMP Brixton Governor, Edmond Tullett, and Co-ordinating Chaplain, the Revd Phil Chadder, for the presentation of certifi-cates to prisoners who had recently com-pleted a ‘Listener’ training course run by the Samaritans.

Listeners are prisoners who have been trained to listen and provide peer support to prisoners in distress. The Archbishop praised the prisoners who volunteered to be listeners for being willing to take the risk of opening themselves up to someone else’s feelings and being ready to help.

The prison service should focus on helping prisoners to make choic-es that will make a differ-

ence, “to help people take more of their own authority, freedom and

capacity, and go out with it and do something cre-

ative with it”

Dr. Rowan Williams,The Archbishop of

Canterbury

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The AfroNews 23 Jan 2012