This document is a newsletter advertising various upcoming events including musical performances by Kokumo and Kween Nefatiti Simeon, a screening of a silent film scored live by Wynton Marsalis about Louis Armstrong, and a performance by Archie Shepp, Joachim Kuhn and John Tchicai. It provides the dates, locations, and brief descriptions of each event. Contact information is also listed for each event venue.

1. 0784 606 2331
sales@myownmedia.co.uk
FREE PRESS
No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk
PRECIOUS Award 2011
Create room for winners announced
page 7
models of colour
Community THE GUIDE
leaders call for Six main ways
action against in which legal
black deaths in action can be
custody funded
page 3 page 13
Use regulated
immigration advisers,
says Suzanne Meshell
McCarthy, Ndegeocello shares
Exclusive interview with model Vicky Ngari-Wilson, Immigration Services intimate thoughts
a very proud mother Commissioner in “Weather”
pages 10 - 11 page 8 page 17
Keep legal aid for vulnerable
groups, Government told page 9
Get your latest immigration news on
Western Union joins forces with global music artists to make people’s days better.
Tell us how you would make someone’s day better and you could win the equivalent of
$1000 to make it happen.
Your news, your guides, your concerns, your beauty, your recipes, your people. Log on to worldofbetters.com
This one is all about you !
www.foreignersinuk.co.uk

2. 2 No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
WHERE ACTION IS
Kokumo and Kween LOUIS
Nefatiti Simeon at
The Drum
Louis Armstrong,
Charlie Chaplin and
the birth of jazz
visual element of this perfor-
mance contains some nudity and
scenes of a sexual nature, which
are not appropriate for children.
There is also a matinee at
3pm.
FULL LINE-UP
Kokumo’s delivery will Trelawny, better known as the
obviously draw compari- Cockpit Country, in rural Jamaica, Wycliffe Gordon - trom-
sons to Mutabaruka but Kokumo’s powerful voice allows bone and tuba
there is an originality of his words to take flight. With a Wes Anderson - sax
name meaning, “this one will not Adrian Cunningham -
style that will appeal to die” in Yoruba, his work will be
audiences worldwide. sax
around forever. Philip Dizack - trumpet
Hailing from the parish of Kween Nefatiti is a Singer/
Songwriter/Dancer, born in
Jumaane Smith - trumpet
KOKUMO AND KWEEN Birmingham. Growing up in Ehud Acherie - piano
NEFATITI SIMEON the 70’s with the influence of A brand new silent film, Marsalis’s score is played by Reginald Veal - bass
Roots n Culture, Soca, Jazz & with live music written by a hand-picked ensemble of some Herlin Riley - drums
12th November 2011 Gospel music, she began per- Wynton Marsalis, receives of the composer’s closest associ-
8pm forming as a child. Since win- its European premiere at ates, directed by trombonist 13th November 2011
The Drum ning an amateur Singing com-
the London Jazz Festival. Wycliffe Gordon, including saxo- 8:00pm
144 Potters Lane, Aston petition in London in 1999, her
The streets of New Orleans
phonist Wes Anderson, and drum- Barbican, Silk Street,
Birmingham, B6 4UU vocal versatility has gone from mer Herlin Riley, contributing a London, EC2Y 8DS
provide an evocative backdrop as
£6 (£4) strength to strength...Kween spirited counterpoint to director Tel: 020 7638 8891
a young Louis Armstrong navi-
Nefatiti’s unique sound & Dan Pritzker’s stunning Chaplin- Tickets: £25, £20, £10 +
Pit and Café Bar warm ambiance mesmerise
gates the colourful intricacies of
inspired movie. bkg
Telephone: 0121 333 2400 you, taking you on a journey to
life in the quintessential jazz
As Louis spent part of his
http://www.the-drum.org.uk/ your soul. city.
childhood around a brothel, the
Archie Shepp, Joachim Kuhn and
Allsortz at Rich Mix
Organisers of the event are
Empirical at Southbank Centre
still looking for acts to perform their new album “Elements of
in the first show, so if you know Truth”, combining white-hot
somebody or you are that some- improv, fluid timing and off-
body then get in contact. kilter grooves, taking jazz tradi-
If you would like to be tion into the future with style. In
involved please email a brief this event they team up with the
description of your work, and gifted and hugely resourceful
any relevant links (e.g. pianist Robert Mitchell.
Soundcloud, Myspace,
This is an evening YouTube) to programming@
packed with energy and richmix.org.uk ARCHIE SHEPP,
talent, showcasing the JOACHIM KUHN AND
very best the capital has EMPIRICAL
to offer in up-and-com- ALLSORTZ
ing performers. Archie Shepp is nothing The recently released, beau- 17th November 2011
14th November 2011 less than a giant of jazz - a tifully languorous duo album
Are you a singer, rapper,
7pm revered figure at the centre of “Wo!Man”, a remarkably tender
7:30pm
dancer, comedian, or spoken Southbank Centre/Queen
word artist looking to take that Free the 1960s jazz avant-garde, set of deeply poetic music,
Rich Mix who along with Pharoah brings him together with pianist Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere
next step and perform in front of Road, London, SE1 8 XX
a live audience? If so then 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Sanders and Marion Brown, Joachim Kuhn - a key figure in
Allsortz is for you! Take to the Road, London, E1 6LA is among a select group of the evolution of European jazz. Tel: 0844 875 0073
Big Stage at Rich Mix and show Box Office: 020 7613 post-Coltrane ‘New Thing’ MOBO award-winning Tickets: £25, £20, £10 +
what you’re working with! 7498
saxophone revolutionaries. quartet Empirical perform from bkg
AFRONEWS | My Own Media Ltd. The Old Fire Station, 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: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk | CONTRIBUTORS: Chinwe Ojielo, Amanda Hall-Davis, Joseph Spencer, Pauline Long &
Frances Mensah Williams | ADVERTISING: TEL: 020 7300 7320; 07846062331 | Email: sales@myownmedia.co.uk | DISTRIBUTION: Citipost Direct Distribution Ltd, London | Email:
info@myownmedia.co.uk | PRINTING PRESS: Newsfax Ltd, London. | Advertiser and advertising agency assume liability for all content (including text representation, illustrations,
and photographs) of advertisements 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. Registration No. 22/2003 - 21-01-2003

3. COMMUNITY No. 24. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
3
Community leaders call for action
against black deaths in custody
Jasper: “Colour of your skin dictates what justice your receive”
ing the lessons, we’re learning the lessons.’
Now then how stupid do you have to be to
be engaged in a practice for 40, 50 years,
before you learn the lessons?”
Mr. Ferro continued. “They’re not
learning the lessons; they’re learning a
practice of how to avoid getting criminally
prosecuted. That’s what they’re learning
all the time with everything they do and we
do; they’re trying to get one step ahead.”
To find out more about the work of
Black Mental Health UK, please log on to:
www.blackmentalhealth.org.uk.
“We want justice equally
dispensed, regardless of the
race of the individual, but
we don’t live in a meritocra-
cy, we live in a society
where the colour of your
skin dictates what justice
you receive. Where you live
dictates what policing you
receive. If you’re in
Richmond, or in the nice
Mr. Lee Jasper, race equality campaigner, Ms. Matilda MacAttram, Director of Black Mental Health UK leafy areas of Wimbledon,
and Mr. Frederick Clarke, Director of Mighty Men of Valour
it’s one sort of policing. If
Community leaders have called deaths in custody, and Helen Shaw, and faced judgment like the rest of us. Not you’re in Peckham, Brixton
for action against black deaths in Co-Director of INQUEST, a charity that shot down in the street like the way he or Tottenham, you get a dis-
custody. Addressing a recent pub- provides free advice service to bereaved was.” tinctly other brand of polic-
lic meeting in London, the lead- people on contentious deaths. Mr. Jasper went on to describe what he ing”
Mr. Alake said deaths in police custody saw as a two-tier policing approach. “We
ers said time had come to put should be made a political issue as liberties want justice equally dispensed, regardless
rhetoric into action. are being taken over black men’s lives. of the race of the individual, but we don’t Mr. Lee Jasper,
The meeting was organised by Matilda Referring to the recent riots in London, live in a meritocracy, we live in a society Race equality campaigner
MacAttram, Director of Black Mental he said: “The initial issue that brought where the colour of your skin dictates what
Health UK, and Sherelle Davis, London about this, which the press, which the justice you receive. Where you live dic-
School of Economics Students Union Anti- Prime Minister, which the politicians, have tates what policing you receive. If you’re
Racism Officer. To order the “Injustice” DVD please
tried very hard for us to forget, is this: a in Richmond, or in the nice leafy areas of
On the panel were family members of log on to: www.injusticefilm.co.uk and for
black man was unlawfully killed in the Wimbledon, it’s one sort of policing. If
those who had died in custody, community advice and support on black deaths in cus-
custody of police, and yet what we have you’re in Peckham, Brixton or Tottenham,
leaders including race equality campaigner tody, please visit www.inquest.org.uk
seen on the covers of newspapers, what you get a distinctly other brand of polic-
Lee Jasper, Olu Alake, President of 100 has been the source of outrage for our ing.”
Black Men of London and Frederick By Chinwe Ojielo
politicians hasn’t been that; it’s a building Marcia and Samantha, sisters to Sean
Clarke, Director of Mighty Men of in Croydon that has stood for over 100 Rigg, a mental health patient who died in
Valour. years.” custody told of their Justice and Change
The meeting was also addressed by
Ken Ferro who co-directed the film
He said that the authorities are more
worried about the building than the life of
Campaign, seeking justice for their broth-
er. “In one church there’s three of us, so
The AfroNews
“Injustice” which highlighted the issue of a black person. “We got more answers
from what has happened when shops were
that shows you what an epidemic this is,”
said Samantha Rigg-David.
looking for
burnt down, than we got when a family
stood outside a police station for four
Ms. MacAttram made a plea for people
to understand the consequence of taking
advertising
hours, just asking for someone to come out
and explain what happened to their child,”
away a key figure in a child’s life.
The meeting was also addressed by a
sales agents
Get latest news Mr. Alake said.
Mr. Jasper also voiced his opinions on
youth pastor Nathan John. Pastor John was
seven years old when his father Orville
Are you very good at selling
advertising space?
about and from how the media handled Mark Duggan’s Blackwood died in psychiatric custody in The AfroNews is looking for advertis-
the Black Community death. “We don’t get the kind of press that 1991. He grew up worrying whether he’d ing sales agents and competent telesales
in the UK on we deserve and what does it result in? We have mental health issues. “What was agents (Home-workers) to sell advertis-
get Mark Duggan shot dead. We get reports taken away from me is something that I ing space in our newspaper.
from the Independent Police Complaints think every child should have. It doesn’t You’ll work from home and will be
Commission colluding with the matter who my father was, whether he was paid on commission from the sales.
Metropolitan Police Service, which phoned a good man or a bad man; I should have The AfroNews is a weekly free-press
up their mates in Scotland Yard, in order to access to him.” paper featuring news and guides for the
get a frontline headline that said he shot Mr. Ferro spoke about how he faced Black Community in the UK.
officers when he didn’t; he didn’t do that. I opposition making the film “Injustice”. He If you are convinced you can sell
don’t care if Mark Duggan was Al Capone. said: “We’ve had a few screenings where advertising space, please email your CV
He had a human right to be arrested, taken senior police officers have come down, and a covering letter to afronews@myo-
http://www.theafronews.eu/black-community/blog to court, charged with any criminal offence, and what they always say is: ‘we’re learn- wnmedia.co.uk

4. 4 No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
COMMUNITY
Africa Rocks Expo celebrates
the best of Nigerian culture
The best of Nigerian culture tional Nigerian Females’. great praise was Fée Uhssi’s collection. promote and preserve natural cotton from
was celebrated at this year’s Other seminars were focused on oppor- Inspired by the African art of wrapping, Africa and traditional techniques of fabric
Africa Rocks Expo. tunities in Nigeria, Nollywood and Nigerian where one piece of fabric can be worn in making.”
Held on Sunday 23rd October at media, while stalls displayed African multiple ways, her designs mixed African Part of her production is made in Africa
London’s Hotel Russell, 10-piece group prints, bags, food and businesses. and European ethically sourced fabrics. in collaboration with the charity and local
London Afrobeat Collective kick started Of all the options on show to see and “Most of my designs are reversible, tailors. For the production in the UK, she
the live entertainment, which also saw be inspired by, it was the fashion show multi-functional. It’s all about metamor- works alongside London based charity
performances by Nigerian musicians which drew in the biggest crowds. Designs phosis, transformation and being able to HEBA Women Project, who help women
including X-factor’s Rachel Adedeji. gracing the runway included urban street wear the same garment in many different from Asia integrate in the UK.
Visitors heard Olympic Gold medallist style creations by Mr Gamz, Kamondi ways,” said Fée who sources her fabrics
Christine Ohuruogu MBE, and Edna Couture’s tailored suits and shirts for from West Africa. “Most of my fabrics are By Chinwe Ojielo
Agbarha, star of TV’s The Apprentice talk women and Calliste Couture’s bridal and coming from Mali because I am support- Pictures by Nico Sign Connexion
as panellists in the seminar ‘Meet inspira- special occasion wear. ing a charity called Bolo’no which means Picture
One designer who’s creations garnered handmade. The aim of the charity is to

5. COMMUNITY No. 24. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
5
KBS to launch Domestic Richard Taylor
Violence Awareness wins GAB Award
Richard Taylor
Program for church leaders OBE, father of
murdered school-
Kim Bacchus boy Damilola
Solutions (KBS) is Taylor was among
launching a the winners at this
dynamic Domestic year’s Gathering of
V i o l e n c e Africa’s Best
Aw a r e n e s s Awards (GAB).
On Sunday 23rd
Program. October, Mr. Taylor was
Domestic violence
presented with the award
within churches is a big
for Youth Engagement in
issue with a small voice.
the African Community
Both men and women
at London’s Hilton
can feel unable to talk
Paddington hotel.
about their experience
South London based
of domestic violence,
organization, Youth
even with the people
Against Crime not Crime
closest to them, and as a
Against Yo u
result do not receive the
(YACnCAY) won in the
help they need. This
Youth Empowerment
leaves them in a danger-
category. It’s delighted
ous and potentially life-
founder Toyin Idowu
threatening situation on
You are invited to attend the at iCAN, 35 Monier Road, Bow, said of winning the
a day to day basis.
official launch of the KBS London E3 2PR. Admission is award: “I really thank
Furthermore, perpetrators of
Domestic Violence Training free. For more information and to the good, merciful and
domestic violence are being left
Program, for Pastors and Leaders register, please visit www.kim- faithful Lord!”
to continue committing this crime
serious about tackling this issue bacchus.com. The GAB Awards
unnoticed. Churches need to pro-
and bringing about a positive You may also send an email to seek to promote a posi-
vide the opportunity for both vic-
change. The program will be info@kimbacchus.com or dial tive image of Africa and
tims and perpetrators of domestic
launched on 19th November 2011 07961 500 625. Africans around the
violence to receive help.
world.

6. 6 No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
COMMUNITY
Croydon to host Black Youth
Achievements Awards ceremony
The Awards recognise talents and accomplishments of young black people in UK
The Black Youth which suffered significant dam-
Achievements (BYA) age during the civil unrest in
Awards ceremony will be August.
held in Croydon, South The 3rd BYA Awards and
Croydon will be part of an eve-
London, on 19th November ning that will celebrate our
2011, at Jury’s Inn Hotel. amazing young people, revers-
The BYA Awards celebrate the ing the negative association that
achievements of young people of has been portrayed of youth not
Black Caribbean/Black African just locally but around the coun-
parentage in the UK between the try.
ages of eight and 25. Nominees, their friends and
Founded in 2008, the BYA families, sponsors, media and
Awards set out to recognise and guests alike will enjoy a
reward the talents, positive actions 3-course dinner specially pre-
and personal accomplishments of pared for the occasion and then
black youth. share in the excitement as the
More often than not, black 2011 winners are announced.
youth are misrepresented as under- With special performances and
achievers or involved in criminal speakers, the evening promises
activities and are rarely acknowl- to entertain, educate and exhila-
edged for their everyday successes rate.
and contributions within industries ate strong role models for future genera- young people and look forward to hosting BYA Awards tickets are
such as education and business. tions. the event nationally from 2012. available to purchase on www.blackyouth-
The BYA Awards challenge this per- The BYA Awards are aspiring to be the This year the awards ceremony will be achievements.org. The ticket price includes
ception and are proud to promote the real UK’s premier ceremony of recognition for held in Croydon, South London; an area dinner, awards ceremony and showcase.
image of young black individuals and cre-
Report: Don’t let involvement with
mental health service slow down
Mental health groups fear that nature of partnership working and the solu- actively sought, the report
barriers between statutory bodies
and BME service user initiatives
tions to challenges.
In relation to effective user involve-
ment the report recommends linking work
says, adding that their work
should be highlighted and
supported.
Dancing to
could result in disengagement, a
new report has revealed.
A review of the re-released report
to change mental health services with
broader race and rights based initiatives in
education, forensic services, citizenship
Sarah Yiannoullou,
NSUN Manager, said: “The
findings and recommenda-
our own tunes
‘Dancing to Our Own Tunes’ (TOOTS) Reassessing black and minority ethnic
rights, social inclusion, employment, tions in the 2008 report are
which was launched on 1st November by
the National Survivor User Network
income generation, etc. as relevant today as they mental health service user involvement
It also rec- were when the consulta-
(NSUN) and The
ommends tions were done. There is a
Afiya Trust, says
building rela- renewed onus on national
the momentum of
BME service user “The shake-up of the welfare t i o n s h i p s organisations with resourc-
between main- es and capacity to support
involvement must not and benefits system and cuts
stream groups local groups to ensure that
slow down. to support like legal aid, and black and the momentum built over
The report identi-
fies a number of bar- advocacy and peer support minority ethnic the years is not destroyed
groups, between by funding cuts and policy
riers affecting the organisations have left many
communities and shifts.”
relationships between service users vulnerable. I between profes- Patrick Vernon, Chief
statutory bodies and
user involvement ini- would like to see the recom-
sionals and ser- Executive of The Afiya
the years. However, regardless of the rhet-
vice users/survi- Trust, said: “This report launches the
tiatives. Following mendations in the report, the oric around putting patients first in the
vors. TOOTS charter and guidelines for involve-
recommendations in government’s policy papers, user involve-
the original report, an
charter and the guidelines The report ment. It comes at a crucial time when both
ment structures and policies are being dis-
further recom- user involvement and the race equality
advisory TOOTS taken seriously by the policy mantled across the board.”
mends enabling agenda are underplayed and sidelined in
group produced set makers and organisations p r o f e s s i o n a l s mental health policy. It is our responsibili-
Dr. Kalathil observed that the new
guidelines and a char- mental health policy says nothing about
ter to ensure good they work with in strategic from Black and ty to ensure that the service user movement
taking forward the legacy of the Delivering
forums” minority ethnic as a whole and black and minority ethnic
partnership working Race Equality programme. “The shake-up
communities to user movement in particular are supported
between both parties. of the welfare and benefits system and cuts
think about race to continue doing the great, and sometimes
One guideline in to support like legal aid, advocacy and
particular is the rec- Dr. Jayasree Kalathil, related issues in difficult, work they do in challenging and
peer support organisations have left many
their practice. changing the mental health system.”
ognition of the role of Author of ‘Dancing to Our service users vulnerable. I would like to
Groups and Jayasree Kalathil, author of the report
service user experi- Own Tunes’ (TOOTS) see the recommendations in the report, the
organisations and a research consultant, said: “In many
ences in making them charter and the guidelines taken seriously
experts in their own report working locally ways, service user self-determination and
by the policy makers and organisations
should be leadership have grown considerably over
right to inform the they work with in strategic forums.”

7. CURRENT AFFAIRS No. 24. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
7
PRECIOUS Award
2011 winners announced
Cameron sends support for unique entrepreneurial awards ceremony for women of colour
enormous prestige and
credibility as the entre-
preneurial community “I am delighted once again
celebrates the achieve- to give my support to the
ments of inspirational Precious Awards and to
women of colour.”
In a message to the congratulate those who use
organisers of the their talent and initiative to
PRECIOUS Awards, start a business. Your
Prime Minister David awards will help to create
Cameron, said: “I am great role models for others
delighted once again to
give my support to the
to follow. This is vital work
PRECIOUS Awards and and you have my full sup-
to congratulate those who port”
use their talent and initia-
tive to start a business. Prime Minister David
Your awards will help to Cameron
create great role models
for others to follow. This
is vital work and you have Markets EMEA, NBC Universal, and
my full support. Michael Clarke, National Diversity
“This event, now in its Manager at the Environment Agency.
5th year, continues to cel-
WINNERS OF PRECIOUS AWARD 2011
Ms. Sadia Sisay and Ms. Sumana Mukhopadhyay - Being U, the PRECIOUS BUSINESS
Entrepreneurs of the Year 2011 Start-Up Business of the Year
Sadia Sisay and Sumana Mukhopadhyay - Being U
Member of Parliament for The awards ceremony took place on
Streatham Chuka Umunna 27th October at the St Pancras Renaissance ebrate the con- Social Enterprise Business of the Year
scooped the PRECIOUS Man of Hotel and was supported by The Department tribution that Rioch Edwards-Brown - So You Wanna Be In TV?
the Year Award at the 5th Annual for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Black and Asian
Mr. Umunna, who is the Shadow female entrepre- Best Business
PRECIOUS Awards in London. Minister for Business, Innovation and neurs make to Lotwina Farodoye - Be Fruity
Skills dedicated his award to the UK economy
his constituents and his moth- and I hope that
er. this continues Young Entrepreneur of the Year
The PRECIOUS Awards and grows in the Lauren Craig - Thinking Flowers
recognise the achievements f u t u r e .
of inspirational and entrepre- Congratulations Mentor of the year
neurial women of colour. to all the final- Professor Laura Serrant-Green - Director of Research
To mark five years of cel- ists and all those and Enterprise, Centre for Health and Social Care
ebrating success, this year a involved in orga- Improvement - University of Wolverhampton
range of new categories were nising, support-
introduced including the ing and partici- Inspiring Leadership within the Workplace
PRECIOUS Man of the Year pating in this Ronke Lawal - Chief Executive - Islington Chamber of
and Lifestyle awards in rec- prestigious
ognition of the brands that event.”
Commerce
had made a mark on the com- The judging
munity over the last year. panel for the The Hidden Gem Award (Sponsored by RBS)
“These awards are about PRECIOUS Camille Johnson - Pink Ribbon Lingerie
recognising and honouring Awards 2011
the success women of colour included Heather LIFESTYLE
have achieved in business Melville, a The PRECIOUS Blogger of the Year
and leadership,” Foluke R e g i o n a l The Musings of Ondo Lady
Akinlose MBE, Founder of Director at RBS
the PRECIOUS Awards said. and Sandie The PRECIOUS Man of the Year
“I am really looking forward Okoro, General Chuka Umunna, MP, Shadow Minister for Business,
to seeing how these winning Counsel, Baring
businesses grow and develop A s s e t
Innovation and Skills
over the coming months and Management
years and how our mentor Limited. They Beauty Brand of the Year
and leadership winners con- were joined by Sleek
tinue to support and lead by L a x m i
example.” Hariharan, The PRECIOUS Hair Brand of the Year
Ms. Akinlose added that Marketing and Mizani
Mr. Chuka Umunna, MP, Shadow Minister being nominated and win- R e s e a r c h
for Business, Innovation and Skills - the ning an award at the Director for The PRECIOUS Digital Romance Award
PRECIOUS Man of the Year PRECIOUS Awards “carries Emerging iPad2

8. 8 No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Make sure you use regulated
immigration advisers
Immigration Services Commissioner explains how to check that the adviser is regulated
All immigrants in the UK The OISC
who are considering seeking as a regulator
immigration advice or services “For your own protection, make sure does not itself
should make sure they use a your adviser is regulated by the give immigra-
regulated immigration advis- Office of the Immigration Services tionThe OISC advice.
er, says Suzanne McCarthy, Commissioner (OISC) or in England also handles
the Immigration Services and Wales by the Solicitors complaints
Commissioner. about immigra-
In the UK it is illegal for anyone to Regulation Authority, the Bar tion advisers.
give immigration advice or services Council or the Institute of Legal All complaints
without being regulated. Executives. As the Immigration received are
The Office of the Immigration
Services Commissioner (OISC) pro-
Services Commissioner I ensure that treated as confi-
tects those who may need the advice or only fit and competent people are dential. Mrs. McCarthy sug-
services of an immigration adviser. allowed to work as OISC regulated gests that: “If
“My Office deals with any issues immigration advisers. There are just you are unhap-
where an immigration adviser might
be involved. These include giving under 2,000 OISC regulated organi- py with the ser-
advice and assistance to those already sations currently operating in the vices i g r a tyour
imm
of
ion
in the UK about their status as well as UK” adviser, you can
assisting others who are seeking help complain to the
with respect to settlement applications, OISC. Making
nationality and citizenship issues; EU Mrs. Suzanne McCarthy, a complaint will
and EEA immigration matters; fiancé Immigration Services not affect any
and marriage applications; children Commissioner application you
and dependent relatives issues; busi- have made or
ness and other visitor queries; and intend to make
asylum applications and detention or immigration advisers. There
enforcement. The OISC also regulates are just under 2,000 OISC to the United Kingdom Border Agency
those who provide assistance to spon- regulated organisations cur- (UKBA)”.
rently operating in the UK.” For your free copy of the OISC’s
sors under Tiers 2 and 4 of the Points and both should be on prominent display at General Information Leaflet (available in
Based System,” Mrs. McCarthy says. the adviser’s premises. Mrs. McCarthy also advises that: “All
If you are considering using someone to “For your own protection, make sure OISC advisers must keep up to date with 15 languages), go to the OISC’s website at
give you immigration advice, Mrs. your adviser is regulated by the Office of relevant law and the immigration rules, www.oisc.gov.uk and click on “OISC
McCarthy suggests you check that the per- the Immigration Services Commissioner abide by the Commissioner’s Code of Documents” or call 020 7211 1500 or 0845
son is regulated. You can do this by going (OISC) or in England and Wales by the Standards and Rules and maintain proper 000 0046.
records”. The Immigration Services Commissioner
to the OISC’s website www.oisc.gov.uk Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Bar operates completely independently of the
and clicking on “Find an adviser”. Council or the Institute of Legal Executives. And you should remember that no one
You should also look for the OISC cer- As the Immigration Services Commissioner can guarantee that your application will be Home Office and the UK Border Agency
tificate and OISC global tick logo – these I ensure that only fit and competent people approved – even if you use a regulated (UKBA). Her accountability is directly to
immigration adviser, Mrs. McCarthy says. the Home Secretary and through her to
are only issued to OISC approved advisers, are allowed to work as OISC regulated Parliament.
500 colleges can no longer bring international students to UK
Tough new rules and enforce- tightened earlier this year. More than 4,500 Mr. Green added that they have curbed There will also be new time limits on
ment action to stop abuse of the of these applications to study have been the opportunities to work during study and student visas and tougher rules on work
student visa has made nearly 500 refused or withdrawn as a result. bring in family members. “We have also placements. The UK Border Agency will
colleges lose the right to bring Officials encountered evidence of clear introduced new language requirements to monitor the behaviour of all sponsors and
abuse. One student interviewed to test his ensure we only attract genuine students take action against any that are not com-
new international students to the English skills answered almost every ques- whose primary motivation is to study.” plying with standards of education provi-
UK to study. tion with the word ‘hello’. As well as going through tough new sion or immigration control.
The colleges – a number of which were At another college staff turned the inspections, colleges that want to keep
bogus and did not offer genuine courses - lights off and hid when inspectors called bringing in international students must
could have brought more than 11,000 stu- and one college was unable to provide any also meet new higher sponsorship stan-
dents into the UK to study each year. timetables of classes or registers of stu- dards to ensure they are fulfilling their
Check out
New UK Border Agency regulations dents enrolled. A Norfolk-based college immigration responsibilities. Those who
have raised the standards education pro- had students whose home address was do not meet these standards will be
viders must meet to sponsor international recorded as Glasgow. removed from the sponsorship register.
students. So far, 474 colleges have lost Immigration Minister Damian Green The UK Border Agency has also cre- latest immigration
their right to recruit international students said: “Widespread abuse of the student ated a list of more than 2,000 banks and and other news affecting
after they failed to sign up for the new visa system has gone on for too long and financial institutions who can no longer the Black Community on:
inspection system. UKBA said that the the changes we have made are beginning provide evidence to verify a student has
new standards will help ensure genuine to bite. sufficient funds for their course. If a bank
international students get a good quality “Too many institutions were offering is on the list, a student citing that institu-
education in the UK. international students an immigration ser- tion will not be granted a visa.
A related UK Border Agency investiga- vice rather than an education and too many Further measures to tighten student
tion into more than 100 colleges has led to students have come to the UK with the aim visa rules are due in April next year. The
51 having their licences revoked. The of getting work and bringing over family post study work route, which allowed
investigation followed a surge in applica- members. Only first-class education pro- overseas students to work after graduation
tions from South Asia just before the viders should be given licences to sponsor will be closed and students wishing to
English language requirement rules were international students.” work will need to apply for a work visa. http://www.theafronews.eu/news/blog

9. CURRENT AFFAIRS No. 24. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
9
Keep legal aid for vulnerable groups,
Refugee Council tells government
The Refugee Council is Earlier this year, the “In particular, it is concerning that refu-
disappointed that the gov- Refugee Council gees attempting to bring their families here
ernment is continuing with responded to a govern- are being treated as straightforward immi-
its proposals to slash legal ment consultation on gration cases, and will not be eligible for
the proposals, calling legal aid to challenge the government,
aid, leaving some of the for the government to which has been shown to get the majority
most vulnerable people in reconsider its propos- of first decisions on these claims wrong.
society, including asylum als. The charity has Refugee cases will undoubtedly be com-
seekers and refugees with- also supported the Law plex, with families stuck in countries where
out access to justice. Society’s Sound Off they are being persecuted or are missing –
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and for Justice campaign, these people need legal support to ensure
Punishment of Offenders Bill which offers the gov- their applications for family reunion will
which passed through the House ernment alternative be considered.”
of Commons early this month at cost savings without Although pleased that legal aid will be
report stage, outlines the govern- denying people legal extended to those faced with indiscrimi-
ment’s proposals to cut legal aid support. nate violence and those facing persecution
for asylum support cases and fam- “We are extremely in their own countries, Refugee Council is
ily reunion cases for refugees, frustrated that our rec- concerned that there are many circum-
amongst other areas. ommendations for stances in which these people will have
One positive change to the Bill ensuring asylum seek- nowhere to turn for access to justice.
has meant people facing indis- ers and refugees have “While we know cuts must be made, there
criminate violence, unlawful kill- access to legal aid have are alternatives to allowing the most vul-
ing or execution in their own been dismissed,” nerable people to go without the legal help
country, as well as those fleeing Donna Covey, Chief they need. We strongly urge the House of
persecution, will be eligible for Executive of the Lords to now reconsider these proposals,”
legal aid in certain circumstances. Refugee Council said. Refugee Council said.
UK Border Agency loses track of 124,000 asylum seekers
UK Border Agency has lost the Agency. “controlled archive” to describe the appli- represented at every hearing so that the
track of 124,000 asylum seekers, The Committee also criticised the UK cants with whom it has lost contact. It case for refusal can properly be made.
the equivalent of the population Border Agency for failing to explain why would be more appropriate, the Committee The Agency needs to ensure that all
of Cambridge, a new report by 350 foreign national prisoners due to be said, to describe it as the archive of lost their staff are aware of the existence of
deported are still in the country. applicants. “bogus colleges”, which exist only to
the Home Affairs Committee has The Agency provided the Committee The MPs were surprised by the claim sponsor visa applications, the MPs said.
revealed. with a breakdown of the issues with the that the UK Border Agency does not rec- Rt. Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of
The Committee’s report shows that the deportation process of 1,300 prisoners who ognise the term “bogus college” given that the Committee said: “The UK Border
UK Border has not resolved all of the asy- were released between 1st April 2010 and the Home Office recently released a press Agency is still not providing the efficient,
lum ‘legacy’ cases first identified in 2006 31st March 2011. The largest group, mak- notice which focused on colleges which effective service that Parliament expects.
within the promised five year timeframe. ing up 27% of the total, was labelled had their licences revoked, some of which The so-called ‘controlled archive’ has
Instead, 18,000 ongoing cases are still ‘unknown’. were described as ‘bogus’. become a dumping ground for cases where
awaiting a final decision. The MPs also criticised the Agency for The Government should commission a the UK Border Agency has lost track of the
The Committee also expressed concern its inability to disclose how many individ- detailed investigation into financial waste, applicant. From 18,000 files last November,
at the dramatic increase in files transferred uals were removed from the country due to including the writing-off of bad debts, it has now grown to 124,000—the equiva-
to the “controlled archive” in the past six intelligence provided by members of the overpayments to staff and asylum appli- lent of the population of Cambridge.
months. The files, which are placed in the public. cants, and failure to collect civil penalties, “The Prime Minister himself recently
archive when every effort to track an appli- The Committee emphasised the impor- the Committee said. called for members of the public to provide
cant has been exhausted, numbered 40,500 tance of intelligence provided to the MPs also called for better liaison intelligence on immigrants. There is little
in March 2011. By September 2011, it had Agency in stopping abuse of the system, between the Agency and HM Prison point in encouraging people to do this if
increased to 124,000. but warned that unless the public can see Service to ensure that foreign national the border agency continues to fail to man-
The Committee has recommended that that the Agency uses the intelligence pro- prisoners are deported, where appropriate, age the intelligence it receives or to keep
guidance be produced on the management vided, it will simply lead to further public rather than released into the community. track of those who apply to stay. A fit for
of the controlled archive and has stated frustration with the immigration system as Noting that the Agency is losing too purpose immigration system needs to keep
with conviction that any further rise in the a whole. many appeals at immigration tribunals, the track of applicants rather than allowing
number of files transferred to the archive The Committee objected to the MPs urged the Agency to raise the quality them to go missing.”
will be considered a failing on the part of Agency’s use of the euphemistic term of its representation and commit to being

10. 10 No. 25. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
COVER
Create room for
models of colour
Exclusive interview with model Vicky
Ngari-Wilson, a very proud mother
Vicky Ngari-Wilson is a model, ling? are lots of pots in the
a stylist and an entrepreneur. She paint pallet!
is a former Miss East Africa UK, I began at 16 years old with commer-
Miss Kenya UK and Exquisite cials and editorials then entered and won Is there any par-
my first pageant at 22. From then I began ticular thing you’d
Face of the Universe. Vicky who doing fashion shows and a little acting. like to campaign for
enjoys creating events and doing or against?
PR is working on creating a char- How does it feel to be a model?
itable foundation. Hmm I would
Vicky and her mother have When you do something you love, it’s like to campaign for
created ‘N’ya’ jewellery, a brand fulfilling. I get so excited not just about more petite models!
of contemporary authentic taking a good shot but also being a stylist-
African brass designs. Each piece it’s about working as a team to get a strong As a model, what
donates 10% to building a home theme and story behind the picture. do you consider to
for street children in Kenya. be your role in the
Vicky has something special to reveal. We hardly see black models in major society?
“This is gonna shock a lot of people but I fashion shows, magazine covers and in
would like to announce the birth of my advertisements in the UK. Why do you To model grace
baby girl. She is beautiful and has already think this happens? inside and outside in
proudly started her modelling career with your performance
maternity and baby work,” Vicky says. Honestly - I think it reflects the demog- and involvement in
Here’s an exclusive interview she raphy of people who are running the show projects. I think it’s
granted The AfroNews. behind the scenes most of the time. Maybe important to lead,
designers and directors haven’t had the starting new ideas
Vicky, why did you choose to become guts to break the mold yet. I am sure there and projects from
a model? are probably more reasons that make the your platform.
whole thing a complex and controversial
I grew up in the super model era so subject. What’s the part
from the age of six I mimicked my favour- of your body you like
ite stars. I was never shy in front of the lens What’s your message to those who most?
so after nagging my mother to ‘look at me’ organise fashion events in the UK but
all the time, she finally decided to sign me deny models of colour a chance of taking At my fittest, I’m
up with an agent. part? pretty proud of all of
my body because I
For how long have you been model- The world is a colourful place - there work hard at it and I
am how I am sup-
posed to be. If I had
to choose - my abs
and behind.
What’s your
favourite Music/
Book/Movie?
Being a writer I
have many favourite
books, I’m usually
reading four or five
at a time – “In my
Mother’s Garden” by
Alice Walker, “The
power of now” by
Eckhart Tolle, “48
laws of Power”, and
“Woman thou art
loosed” by TD
Jakes.
Music depends
on my mood. I love
the power of music:
old school RnB and
Hip Hop revive my
youth, Cold Play
mellows my focus,
Soul softens my spir-
it, Rick Ross moti-
vates me and
Beyoncé awakens
the diva!
Most recent
favourite movies are

11. COVER No. 24. 8th - 14th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu
11
a productive
charity founda-
“I want to run a lucra- tion and be a
brand that stands
tive business, have a for a strong fem-
productive charity inine power. I
also want to nur-
foundation and be a ture four or five
brand that stands for a talented children
and a strong
strong feminine power. marriage.
I also want to nurture What’s your
four or five talented message to the
children and a strong black communi-
ty members,
marriage” especially to the
young people
who quite often
Vicky Ngari-Wilson, don’t think they
can make it in
Model life?
The battle is
“Limitless”, “For Coloured girls” and in the mind, you
“Book of Eli”. gonna go where
you are thinking
What’s your most memorable day? so fight to
change it. God. He can charm anyone. A family man
The day my daughter was born. I’m and he looks good, he’s beautiful.
sure I had a conversation with God, for a What do you do to keep your figure in
moment I understood the meaning of life. I shape and your body well toned? By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
understood my power.
Running, spinning, kick boxing, pilates,
What do you like most about your- hot bikram yoga. A combination gives a BASIC INFORMATION
self? good balance of fitness, conditioning and
suppleness. Exercise is a must, after hav- Full Name: Vicky Ngari- Wilson
I like the fact that I know what I want ing my baby I flung back to shape.
in this life. Date of birth: 30/09/1986
Place of birth: Kenya
Do you have any fashion, beauty and
What’s your favourite food? Height: 5’5
style tips to share with our readers?
Bust: 32 C
Ha! I cannot answer that- I love food, Style - find the best part of you and Waist: 24
as long as it’s healthy and tasty, it’s all accentuate it with class. If you don’t have Hips: 34
love. a clue about clothes - keep it simple. Dress Size: 8
For beauty I drink lots of water and Shoe Size: 5
What’s your special talent? exercise to keep skin glowing. Lip gloss Eyes: Black
and shaped eyebrows always give women Hair Colour: Brown
Styling: be it a room, make up, hair or a finished look.
an outfit. When I have a vision I will Qualification: BA Creative Writing
improvise till it’s perfect from conception Country of parents’ origin: Kenya
What are the qualities of your ideal
to completion. man?
Contacts
What are your career and personal I am very blessed to be able to say I Mahogany Models
ambitions? have my ideal man. He is ambitious not info@mahoganymodels.co.uk
only in his professional life but in con- Tel: 07971 388687
I want to run a lucrative business, have stantly growing as a better person, he seeks www.mahoganymodelmanagement.com