Just last week, China announced it was building a $274 million ring-road for Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay, the report said…reports Asian Lite News.
British media is posing the question if Barbados will live to regret kicking out the Queen and being seduced by Beijing’s billions.
The Prince of Wales will be guest of honour as one of the world’s smaller democracies formally severs its connections with the Crown and proclaims itself the republic of Barbados, Daily Mail reported.
As of Tuesday morning, soldiers, police officers, judges, civil servants and all the other apparatus of the state in what many regards as the ‘most British’ of the Caribbean nations (some still call it ‘Little England’) will no longer owe allegiance to the Queen.
There is a new imperial powerhouse in the Caribbean: China, the report said.
Shiny new cricket stadia and hotel developments are all sprouting, courtesy of Beijing.
Just last week, China announced it was building a $274 million ring-road for Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay, the report said.
Announcing the deal, its Chinese ambassador, Tian Qi, issued the usual platitudes about ‘greener development’, before telling Jamaicans: ‘To get rich, build roads first’. By contrast, Britain’s promise to spend £2.8 million on marine research in 17 small island states across the Caribbean and Pacific does not cut much mustard.
Just days before the start of the pandemic, Barbados signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, making the country a new member of China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, enjoying new benefits in ‘shipping, aviation, infrastructure and modern agriculture, the report said.
There is, of course, no such thing as a free lunch. The debts for the country’s new Chinese buses, buildings, roads and hotel complexes must be repaid in some way, it said.
When one UK journalist did manage to broach the subject with the prime minister in Barbados a week ago, the response was a thinly-veiled charge of racism.
It was ‘a reflection of unconscious bias’, Mia Mottley told the Sunday Times, to question the country’s links with China: ‘It suggests we can only exist as pawns of someone and if it is not the British empire it must be the Chinese empire.’
Some train routes, including one between the cities of Edinburgh andNewcastle, were cancelled due to damage caused by the storm…reports Asian Lite News.
Tens of thousands of people in Scotland and northern England remained without power Sunday after a storm brought sleet, subzero temperatures and disruptions across much of the UK.
Icy gusts caused power cuts around the border between Scotland and England, with Northern Powergrid saying it recorded 1,100 instances of damage requiring significant repairs. It said it was trying to restore service to 40,000 customers, while the SP Energy Networks said 21,000 customers remained without power Sunday.
“The storm was well forecasted and despite being prepared, Storm Arwen resulted in damage of a scale and intensity not seen for 15 years,” said Rod Gardner, Northern Powergrid’s major incident manager.
The power cuts came as forecasters issued ice warnings and said the coldest night of the season would hit parts of the UK later Sunday, with snowfall expected across the country and temperatures dropping to as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Scotland and northern England.
Some train routes, including one between the cities of Edinburgh and Newcastle, were cancelled due to damage caused by the storm.
The cold spell came after three people were killed when trees were blown over by strong winds as Storm Arwen hit the UK on Friday.
At least three people have died after the year’s first winter storm battered parts of the countries with gusts of nearly 100 mph (160 kph).
The storm, which was named Arwen by the country’s Met Office, hit parts of the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland particularly hard late Friday and early Saturday. Three men — one in each of those parts of the UK — died as trees were blown over.
The storm, which also caused road closures, train delays, power cuts and high waves, abated Saturday.
“Storm Arwen has delivered some dangerously strong winds overnight, with gusts in excess of 90 mph recorded,” the Met Office’s chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said. “The strong winds will move south across the UK through the day, gradually weakening.”
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Future Soldier is reinforced by the ambition outlined in the Defence Command Paper to transform the Army into a more agile, integrated, lethal, expeditionary force.”…reports Asian Lite News.
The United Kingdom is determined to step up it’s in the world, according to a plan, released by the UK defence ministry on Thursday.
“More of the Army will be deployed across the globe, more of the time. Greater forward deployment will improve our ability to anticipate crises and be ready to compete beneath the threshold of open conflict. It will prevent conflict by reassuring allies and partners and deterring adversaries,” the “Future Soldier” modernization plan read. The UK defence ministry also announced an additional investment in military equipment, worth 8.6 billion pounds (USD 11.46 billion), during the next decade. This will raise the total investment to 41.3 billion pounds for the same period.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Future Soldier is reinforced by the ambition outlined in the Defence Command Paper to transform the Army into a more agile, integrated, lethal, expeditionary force.” “We have underpinned this generational work with an extra £8.6bn for Army equipment, bringing the total investment to £41.3bn,” he added. A total of over 100,000 soldiers will serve in the British Army by 2025, according to estimates of the ministry, as the UK regular army is expected to include 73,000 soldiers, and the number of reservists will stand at 30,000.
One of the most substantial innovations is a new Ranger Regiment, which will start operating from December 1, 2021. As a part of the Army Special Operations Brigade, the regiment “will be routinely deployed alongside partner forces around the world to counter extremist organisations and hostile state threats.” “Our Army will operate across the globe, equipped with the capabilities to face down a myriad of threats from cyber warfare through to battlefield conflict,” Wallace said. (ANI)
The exquisitely decorated Ganesha bejewelled with silk flowers gazed benevolently upon the numerous diverse communities of shoppers who paused to gawp but stayed to gaze and admire the richness of the culture of Bharat…reports Sheillama Maharaj and Nilanjana Paul
The Hindu community in London suburb of Croydon organised first-ever Diwali celebrations in town’s shopping centre.
The autumnal air in Croydon Centrale nipped at the heels of shoppers. But the inner atrium of Whitgift Centre was ablaze with the warmth, light and energy of a major Hindu festival.
Ms Seema Anand collaborated with IIW (Inspiring Indian Women) to curate and organise the Diwali Celebrations at Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centres and created one of the most dazzling, the first-ever Diwali at Whitgift Square! The exquisitely decorated Ganesha bejewelled with silk flowers gazed benevolently upon the numerous diverse communities of shoppers who paused to gawp but stayed to gaze and admire the richness of the culture of Bharat and the beauty of her people. The Ganesh was made last year (in 2020) for the 20th year celebrations at Brent Cross. From start to finish it took about 3 weeks.
Ms Seema Anand
Inspiring Indian Women wove their way through the throngs of the curious and admiring They were sinuous, elegant and gracious as they inspired the onlookers to appreciate and participate. The performances were varied – from Breakdance Bollywood to Bharatnatyam to Carnatic Dance to Yoga! A marvellous powerful synergy was created between the onlookers, the performers, the proud mums and Dads and the Musical, Creative Arts.
A beautifully arranged bouquet of performances brought the spirit of Diwali alive. From professionals to amateurs, from old to young, the festival brought together artists from all over the land. The celebration included the glamorous dancers from Senjuti’s Rhythm and Dance and cute Siya and Aarav Rau with their solo performances.
It also had students from Indradhanushkids with their presentation of songs and dances. The event featured performances from Beeja Group. The talented mother and daughter duo Moumita and Tanisha, Paromita Goswami and Vini Kalia, Soumya with her team, Forums Dance Academy, and Krati Banga with her team also took part in the celebrations.
Almost hundred palms got free henna designs beautifully done by Divya Chari and Ruchita Brahmkshatriya. Free Diya making workshop by Anita Choudhary from Mehakflowers.co.uk engaged several Kids who now could connect ‘Diya’ (Lamp) with Diwali. Pics Credit – Kranthi Roy from Pink Pearls Photography UK The audience left with lingering memories of the joyous celebration, until next year
Senior politicians and the Royal family members attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph war memorial in London…reports Asian Lite News.
The United Kingdom on Sunday observed two minutes of silence at war memorials and services across the country to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second weekend of November every year. The said National service is being held since 1919 as an opportunity to commemorate and remember the war heroes, their sacrifices and services to defend freedoms.
Senior politicians and the Royal family members attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph war memorial in London.
Prior to the service, Johnson met with veterans, cadets and serving Armed Forces personnel in Downing Street. On Remembrance Sunday every year, the whole nation condoles and remembers those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts since World War I. Apart from two minutes of silence, wreaths will be laid at war memorials across the country.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson and members of the Cabinet join members of the Royal Family at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
The National Service of Remembrance was not open to the public last year, in the aftermath of the pandemic. Although, this year the service has returned to normal and thousands of veterans participating in the Royal British Legion’s Veteran Parade.
The National Service of Remembrance event was telecasted live on BBC One, Sky, ITV and YouTube.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II missed Sunday’s Remembrance service due to a “sprained back”.
“The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today’s Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph,” a palace statement said.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson and members of the Cabinet join members of the Royal Family at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
“Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service.”
Her son Prince Charles will lay a wreath on her behalf, as in previous years.
Charles and his son Prince William represented the family in Glasgow, making a series of speeches.
A two-day trip to Northern Ireland was also shelved as was her appearance Tuesday at the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England which she heads.
Cabinet join members of the Royal Family at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
The 95-year-old was due to view Sunday’s annual service in London from a balcony, as she has done since 2017, when she handed over some duties to younger members of the family.
This was the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s fifth visit to the Neasden Temple, reports Asian Lite News
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel celebrated the Diwali festival at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir- popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’.
This was the Prime Minister’s fifth visit to the temple. Johnson was greeted in a traditional Hindu manner with auspicious marks of welcome and goodwill before being taken on a brief tour of the stone temple complex, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said in a statement.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Home Secretary Priti Patel visit Neasden Temple during Diwali. (ALL PICS: Andrew Parsons/No 10 Downing Street)
Patel was similarly welcomed upon her arrival at the temple earlier and joined the UK Prime Minister to offer a fruit basket at the central shrine of the mandir’s inner sanctum, where they spent several minutes absorbing the peace and intricate architecture.
Thereafter, the distinguished guests proceeded to view some exhibits summarising Neasden Temple’s nationwide Covid-19 relief efforts – an initiative inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
The global Hindu leader had issued a call in March 2020 for all BAPS volunteers to serve the elderly, needy and vulnerable in local communities, and to ensure that everyone remained informed, safe and supported throughout the pandemic.
They later met some of these volunteers, including keyworkers keeping the nation safe and mobile, men and women who prepared and delivered food to the vulnerable, and the team keeping communities connected and informed through online services.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Home Secretary Priti Patel visit Neasden Temple during Diwali. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
Sharing some of his impressions from his visit, Johnson said: “What His Holiness [Pramukh Swami Maharaj] has contributed to the United Kingdom has been incalculable. I see it here today at the Neasden Temple. I have been here many times, but I don’t think I have ever been here at a time when the Neasden Temple has been so central to the life of the whole of the London community.”
Patel said: “The Temple has been at the forefront of every single activity in the local community, but also at a time of a national crisis which, of course, the pandemic was.”
Before departing, Home Secretary Patel further spoke about the “incredible work” of the Mandir, which the Prime Minister lauded as “an absolutely perfect representation of community spirit in action”.
Sanjay Kara, a BAPS trustee in the UK, shared, “It was an honour to have the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary join the local community of British Hindus to celebrate Diwali at Neasden Temple. We offer our prayers that they can serve the public ably and look forward to working with them in support of our great nation.” (ANI)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Home Secretary Priti Patel visit Neasden Temple during Diwali. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
The awards are based on the scores gained by tourist attractions in their annual assessments by VisitEngland, which were nevertheless delayed this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic….reports Asian Lite News
London’s iconic Tower Bridge has won a coveted gold accolade in Visit England’s excellence awards, it was announced.
The exhibition at the bridge over the River Thames gives tourists the chance to experience panoramic views of London from a high-level walkway with a glass floor, as well as visit the drawbridge’s Victorian engine room, reports Xinhua news agency.
The tourist attraction was one of 26 Gold winners in Visit England’s 2021 awards, which also give accolades for hidden gems, the best-told stories, quality of welcome and food quality.
The awards are based on the scores gained by tourist attractions in their annual assessments by VisitEngland, which were nevertheless delayed this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest forecasts by VisitBritain show that domestic spending on tourism is estimated at 51.4 billion pounds ($70 billion) this year, only a little more than half the amount spent in 2019 before the pandemic struck.
Immerse yourself in the history of the iconic @TowerBridge, from the architecture and engineering secrets to the spectacular view from the high-level walkway you get to see London life through the Glass Floor! 😍 #LetsDoLondon#VisitLondonpic.twitter.com/fMp05pDY4E
A spokesperson for VisitBritain said: “Last year alone saw about two-thirds of the value wiped off the domestic tourism industry in Britain, a 58 billion pound loss to the economy.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “Now more than ever we need these attractions to encourage and remind us to get out and explore the amazing tourism on offer across England, driving recovery and economic benefits through the regions.”
Other Gold award winners included the King Richard III visitor centre in Leicester, the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket, Chester Zoo, Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, the World War II code-breaking centre at Bletchley Park, the National Arboretum at Tetbury, the World of Wedgwood (pottery), and for chocolate lovers, Cadbury World in Birmingham.
A two-day Akhanda Ramayan paath (recitation) was organised recently by Ramayan Satsang Pariwar UK at Avanti Court Primary School.
The event started with a procession, with the chanting of devotees accompanied by the beating of drums. Puja was performed at first, followed by the continuous uninterrupted recital of the Ramayana for 24 hours.
Group of members at Akhand Ramayan event
Aarti and Yagya were performed on the second day. This is the thirteenth year of the recitation that is organised around Dussehra. Prasad and traditional Indian food were served, prepared by a dedicated volunteer team.
About 600 people have participated in the event in total and £1700 was raised for Avanti Trust, a leading Hindu faith school in the UK.
Akhand Ramayan event
The Ramayana is the Hindu holy book with over 20,000 verses, recounting the story of Lord Rama which demonstrates the victory of good over evil. Reciting Ramayana is believed to bring good luck and fortune to people.
Monumental efforts went into preparing the six-hour-long program that has been showcased on the screen overseeing the square, a report by Ragasudha Vinjamuri
Virtual performances highlighting the cultural variety have been screened as part of celebrations of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, celebrating the festival differently this year.
Monumental efforts went into preparing the six-hour-long program that has been showcased on the screen overseeing the square.
Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
Themed Tribute and Triumph, the celebrations, supported by the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority, still involved food stalls, theatrical elements, and lighting installations on the square that have been enjoyed by the attendees.
Performers from different parts of the world have been involved in on-screen presentations, who have interestingly made the videos with the background of monuments, & places of interest and importance.
The program was enriched by the messages from Sister Shivani of Brahma Kumaris, Nitin Palan of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ranu Mehta Radia of Sai School, Chinmaya Mission, City Hindus Network, and other dignitaries.
Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations
Songs, Bhajans, Aarti, Dances, Yoga, and cooking demonstration by presenters across different age groups were interesting. Aum Jai Jagadeesha Hare was sung by the members of the Diwali in London Committee.
The program was enjoyed by the wider communities and diaspora members in the UK and beyond and was streamed live on FaceBook and YouTube.
The enlarged zone is an extension of what was the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covering mainly central London, reports Asian Lite News
Europe’s biggest ultra-low emission zone, spanning about 380 square km of London, has come into operation.
Around 3.8 million people live within the zone which extends to the north and south circular roads around the British capital, reports Xinhua news agnecy.
London City Hall expects around 110,000 vehicles are likely to pay a 12.50 pounds ($17.22) charge for driving within the new zone.
Drivers who don’t pay face a penalty charge of 160 pounds, reduced to half if paid within 14 days.
The enlarged zone is an extension of what was the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covering mainly central London.
NEW: Our world-leading Ultra Low Emission Zone has now expanded – helping get polluting vehicles off our roads & bringing cleaner air to millions of Londoners.
Every single Londoner deserves to breathe clean air – and this is a landmark day for our city.pic.twitter.com/SGS70SZfwf
A City Hall spokesperson said: “The new zone covers one quarter of London and is the largest zone of its kind in Europe. It will bring the health benefits of cleaner air to millions more Londoners. The scheme will operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas Day.”
The ULEZ is also a crucial step towards London’s ambitions to tackle the climate emergency and put the city on the path to be a net zero carbon city by 2030.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This is a landmark day for our city. Expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone today will clean up London’s toxic air pollution and help tackle the global climate emergency by reducing emissions.
(Photo: Twitter@MayorofLondon)
“In central London, the ULEZ has already helped cut toxic roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half and led to reductions that are five times greater than the national average. But pollution isn’t just a central London problem, which is why expanding the ULEZ today will benefit Londoners across the whole of the city and is a crucial step in London’s green recovery from this pandemic.”
According to Khan, pollution leads to 4,000 London residents dying early each year and children in the capital growing up with stunted lungs.
Khan has provided 61 million pounds in funding for grants for small businesses, charities operating minibuses, and low-income and disabled Londoners to scrap older, more polluting vehicles.
It took decades before action was taken to protect children from toxic cigarette smoke.
We can't make the same mistakes by turning a blind eye to the evidence showing the dangers of toxic air pollution.
Sarah Woolnough, CEO of the charities Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation welcomed the move.
“Whilst this is a huge step in the right direction, we mustn’t be complacent against this invisible threat. The fact of the matter remains that the majority of people living in London, are still living in areas where pollution levels are dangerously high.”
Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, said: “London’s toxic air is a crisis that requires bold action right now. The expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone is vital if we are to help prevent more premature deaths and serious health conditions, as well as tackle the pressing issue of the climate emergency. The central ULEZ that launched in April 2019 was a world first and has already seen harmful nitrogen dioxide slashed by 44 per cent. Today’s expansion of the zone will see the whole city breathing cleaner air.
(Photo: Twitter@MayorofLondon)
“More than 20 million motorists have already checked the compliance of their vehicle since 2018, and if you still unsure please use our checker. We are now seeing 87 per cent vehicles in the zone meeting the standard, this is much than we would have expected if the scheme hadn’t been introduced, and it highlights how the scheme has already been effective in cleaning up London’s air. For those liable for the charge, we would ask them to consider walking and cycling where possible, or using public transport. If they do need to drive, car clubs with ULEZ-compliant vehicles, or switching to a cleaner vehicle, are the best options.”
Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, founder of the Ella Roberta Family Foundation and World Health Organization Advocate for Health and Clean Air, said: “The coroner’s inquest into my daughter Ella’s death made clear that all levels of government must work to get dirty cars off the road, to protect human health. Children suffer the most from air pollution, as their lungs develop until they are ten. The ULEZ is helping to clean up the air that London’s children breathe from the moment they step out of their homes.”
(Photo: Twitter@MayorofLondon)
Anjali Raman-Middleton, 17, Co-founder of Choked Up, said: “We’ve already seen the impact that the ULEZ has had on our air and are thrilled to be supporting its expansion. This is a significant step in cleaning our air and meeting London’s target of carbon-neutrality by 2030. Whilst there is still work to be done to ensure that every Londoner breathes easy, ULEZ expansion will improve the health of millions.”
Jordan Cummins, CBI London Head of Policy, said: “The CBI recognises and welcomes the Mayor’s continued commitment to improving London’s air quality. The extension of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone comes at a critical moment, as the UK hosts COP26, and the capital continues to set a world-leading example to global cities on emissions reduction. To achieve this, with business as a partner, it is also critical that we look to secure a cohesive London-wide set of clean air policies – supporting consumers and businesses to make the shift to cleaner vehicles and delivering the charging and refuelling infrastructure that is required to reach the capital’s net zero ambitions.”
(Photo: Twitter)
Professor Sir Stephen T Holgate, MRC Clinical Professor at Southampton, UKRI Clean Air Champion and Special Advisor to the RCP on Air Quality, said: “Air pollution is a scourge on society, especially harming the young and old as well as those with pre-existing diseases. With the expansion of the ULEZ today, the Mayor of London has taken a vital step that will deliver major reductions in toxic pollutants across London. Reductions that will have significant benefits for the health of all Londoners.”
Jane Burston, Executive Director, Clean Air Fund, said: “London continues to be a world leader in developing and implementing ground-breaking clean air policies, designed to improve the health of everyone who lives, works and learns in the city. Where London leads, others will follow. We look forward to seeing more cities in the UK and around the world, inspired by London’s can-do attitude, introducing similar schemes to make our cities healthier, happier places in which to live and grow.”
(Photo: Twitter@MayorofLondon)
Simon Birkett, Founder and Director of Clean Air in London, said: “The ULEZ expansion is a vital step on the path to achieving zero tailpipe emissions from vehicles and a beacon of hope in the days before COP26.”
Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK said: “The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone is a symbiotic fit with shared transport options such as car clubs, bike and e scooter share schemes as they all enable Londoners to step away from car ownership. Doing that cuts people’s transport emissions and costs while cleaning up London’s air and delivering more liveable neighbourhoods.”
