How to check state of your application online
Transcription
How to check state of your application online
Per sapere CALL YOUR COUNTRY TUTTO sui tuoi diritti TALK YOUR COUNTRY FROM 10 CENTS PER MINUTE. 166.105.612 www.stranieriinitalia.it Info on wind.it Dal lunedì al venerdì dalle 10.00 alle 19.00 Costo della chiamata € 1,57 al minuto iva inclusa Tariffa Roc: Poste Italiane S.P.A. Sped. in Abb. Post. - D.L. 353/2003 (cpnv. in L.27/02/2004 n. 46) art. 1 comma 1 DCB-ROMA Phone: +39 06 8741 0531 Fax +39 06 8741 0528 email: [email protected] Editorial Office: via V. Maroso 50, 00142 Rome - Italy Decreto Flussi IMMIGRATION NEWS How to check state of your application online We are featuring a detailed instruction on how you can now check online the state of your application if you applied for authorisation to work under last year's Quota Agreement (Decreto Flussi). It is quite simple to find out exactly where application is and what stages it still has to go through. All you need to have are your email address and the password you previously used to download and submit the forms. One million still waiting for renewal of Permit of Stay P. 2 Suzanna Lubrano releases irresistibly danceable LP “Saida” No license to drive taxi if you are a foreigner P. 4 THE GUIDE Continued on Page 3 Decreto Flussi Decreto Flussi Answers to the frequently asked questions after submitting application P. 2 COMMUNITY Ghanaians breaking new grounds in P. 14 Italy YEAR 6 N°2 FEBRUARY 2008 PRICE € 0,30 What to do after submitting application P. 6 The famous Cape Verdean songstress Suzanna Lubrano is back with a new LP "Saida", an excellent, sweet and irresistibly danceable LP with powerful and relevant messages. P. 21 Ordinary unemployment benefit P. 7 Beckham: Act to save children from dying from preventable causes UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visited Sierra Leone in January to draw attention to the issue of child survival. "We can't turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world mostly from causes that are preventable. In Sierra Leone, one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday - it's shocking and tragic ENTERTAINMENT DJ Dubwise: “Politics is a game that can either build or destroy a nation” P. 19 especially when the solutions are simple - things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria," he said. P. 11 FOCUS South Africa's Simphiwe Dana to thrill fans in Rome P. 16 2 LIVING IN ITALY Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 Decreto Flussi Answers to the frequently asked questions after submitting application What can a person who has lost the password do? First of all, he/she can look for it in the confirmation email sent to each employer at the time of registration to download the forms. The password is written in that email. If one can't find it, he/she can access the website www.interno.it and go to the section meant for flussi, click on the link "Recupera password" (recover password) and it be will be sent again to the applicant's mailbox. But can't I be assisted by an operator? Yes, on the website www.interno.it, in the section meant for flussi, you can click on "Help desk", insert your personal data and landline phone number to be used in contacting you. It is important that this be done by the employer. It would be really embarrassing for the Ministry of Home Affair's operators to call and talk to the foreign worker who is probably in the country illegally. What about those who didn't receive the mail confirming reception of their application? What can they do? In this case, first of all, do an online check by accessing the website www.interno.it and inserting the email and password used to send the application. But if the application is not available in the system, it is advisable to contact the Help desk using the procedure above. Can a person who sought help of associations or benevolent institutions in submitting the application personally check the state of his/her application? No, he/she must go to the same office that submitted the application. Only the associations and benevolent institutions have a user code to access the area for checking the state of applications. The user code is valid for all applications sent by the same office so for the sake of privacy of all other applicants, the code cannot be given to individual employers. When will the classification of applications be published? In January, they were still classifying the applications in terms of time of reception, nationality, breakdown of quotas, and it wasn't clear when and how the classifications will be published. Keep checking on our website www.stranieriinitalia.it if there is any news. One million still waiting for renewal of Permit of Stay By Elvio Pasca The data from Ministry of Home Affairs shows that the new system of applying for Permits of Stay at the post office is not working. While it has earned the Poste Italiane and the government more than 90 million euros, it has not been of any help to the foreigners still waiting for their permits. Fourteen months ago, the application for renewal of Permits of Stay was transferred from the Provincial Police Headquarters to the post offices. The new system, it was said, would eliminate the long queues at the police stations and shorten the time for renewing the permits. Time has passed but so far the new system has not started to function as expected. If you are also waiting for the renewal of your Permit of Stay, don't worry because you are not alone. The latest information from the Ministry of Home Affairs shows there is a serious backlog. From 11th December 2006 (when the new system was introduced) to 9th January 2008, about 1,300,000 applications were back home and re-entering Italy, to be hired, to take driving test, etc. The fact remains that the renewal slip is not equivalent to the Permit of Stay. For instance, have you ever used the renewal slip to apply for a loan? "The government must find a solution to this serious problem which has been on for a very long time," says Acli Benevolent Institution. Acli holds that a new law must be made to solve this problem. "The Parliament must approve fast the new immigration law and increase the validity period of the Permits of Stay to reduce the work load for the immigration staff at the police stations." As we wait for the reforms, the police stations may be helped by other competent institutions to process the permits. Observing that currently the police stations are also processing the applications for authorisation to work under last year's Quota Agreement, Acli is suggesting to the Ministry of Home Affairs to sign agreements with other institutions to help the police stations clear the backlog. "The government must find a solution to this serious problem which has been on for a very long time. The Parliament must approve fast the new immigration law and increase the validity period of the Permits of Stay to reduce the work load for the immigration staff at the police stations." Acli Benevolent Institution submitted but only 372,000 permits have been issued. In order to submit these 1,300,000 applications, each applicant spent 70 euros. This adds up to 90,000,000 euros paid by the foreigners. Out this, 40,000,000 euros went to the Poste Italiane while the rest went to the government. Foreigners paid heavily for the revenue stamp, fees for the printing of the electronic Permit of Stay, only to receive such a poor quality service. In the meantime, about one million people who applied for the permit only have the renewal slip (cedolino) which is a piece of paper allowing the holder to many things including travelling DIRETTORE RESPONSABILE: Sergio Talamo DIRETTORE EDITORIALE: Stephen Ogongo Tel: +390687410531 Fax: +390687410528 Email: [email protected] PUBBLICITA': Tel.+390687410591 Email: [email protected] EDITORE: Stranieri in Italia, Via Virgilio Maroso 50, Roma 00142 ITALY Tel. +390687410531 Fax +390687410528 Email: [email protected] Social security benefit increased to 5142,67 euros By EP This year, one would have to earn more than 5,000 euros in order to renew the Permit of Stay, have family reunification or benefit from other rights recognised to those who are self-reliant. INPS has indicated that 395,59 euros is the monthly social security benefit for the year 2008. This is a kind of State support for the elderly and poor people. Italian citizens, EU citizens and non-EU citizens who are holders of EU long term resident permit and those aged at least 65 years with a total annual income less than 5142,67 euros qualify for the social security benefit The social security benefit is also a point of reference used to determine the foreigner's financial capacity, says Advocate Mascia Salvatore, a legal expert of Stranieri in Italia. "In order to renew the Permit of Stay, have family reunification or apply for EU long term resident permit, for instance, one the main requirements is that the applicant be earning at least 5142,67 euros per year". Those applying for family reunification with two or three family members must prove their salary is double the social security benefit. And those want to employ a domestic worker must guarantee the worker a salary that is equivalent to the social security benefit. DISTRIBUZIONE E ABBONAMENTI: Tel.+390687410507 Fax +390687410528 Email: [email protected] COLLABORATORI: Reggie Tagoe, Michael Raphael, TAYO, Lsk Marfoh, Elvio Pasca, Samuel K. Agyei Takyi REGISTRAZIONE TRIBUNALE DI ROMA n. 22/2003 del 21-01-2003 TIPOGRAFIA: CENTRO STAMPA QUOTIDIANI spa Via dell'Industria 52, Brescia 25030 LIVING IN ITALY Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 3 Decreto Flussi Check state of your application online By Elvio Pasca If you submitted your application for authorisation to work under last year's Quota Agreement (Decreto Flussi), you can now check online the state of your application. It is a very simple procedure. All you need to have are your email address and the password you previously used to download and submit the forms. The first thing to do is to access the home page of the Ministry of Home Affairs www.interno.it then click on the link "verifica domande on line" (check state of applications online). Stato della Pratica (State of application) Richiesta DPL Richiesta Questura your user code) and the password. Then click "accedi" (access). Information to be sent to the competent Employment Centre is being printed Attesa CPI Waiting for response from the Employment Centre search by inserting the code of the specific application you are interested in on the box "Cerca una domanda specifica" (search a specific application). The code is in the email you received from the Ministry of Home Affairs after submitting the application. Waiting for the employer's decision on the other workers suggested by the Employment Centre Notifica di Rigetto Questura (EX art. 10) The Provincial Police Headquarters has given a negative response to the application. The employer will receive an invitation to present additional documents In attesa di chiusura dopo Rigetto Questura The Sportello Unico is waiting for additional documents from the employer. If they don't arrive, the application will be rejected. Notifica di Rigetto DPL (ex art. 10) The Provincial Labour Office has given a negative response to the application. The employer will receive an invitation to present additional documents. The Sportello Unico is waiting for additional documents from the employer. If they don't arrive, the application will be rejected. Provvedimento di Rigetto Questura The Sportello Unico rejects the application after a negative response from the Provincial Police Headquarters Provvedimento di Rigetto DPL Integrazione dati DPL - inoltro al richiedente The Sportello Unico rejects the application after a negative response from the Provincial Labour Office The Provincial Labour Office needs further information about the applicant Integrazione dati DPL - caricamento della risposta. The Sportello Unico verifies and inserts the required additional information to be examined by the Provincial Labour Office Attesa Quote Waiting for availability of the quotas from the Provincial Labour Office Richiesta Codice Fiscale Provvisorio Issuing of temporary Fiscal Code by the Income tax department Pronta per stampa Nulla Osta SUI Authorisation to work is ready to be printed Nulla Osta rilasciato e trasmesso al MAE The authorisation to work was printed and sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, waiting for the response before the employer is summoned Nulla Osta Rilasciato e Consegnabile The Sportello Unico sends a letter to the employer to come and collect the authorisation to work and to undersign the Residence Contract (Contratto di soggiorno) Nulla Osta Consegnato Authorisation to work handed to the employer Nulla Osta inviato all'Autorità Consolare Waiting for the foreigner to apply for the entry Visa at the Embassy Registrazione Chiusura MAE The Embassy has declined to issue the Visa. The Sportello Unico closes the application Dati discrepanti MAE Inoltro al datore di lavoro The Embassy has noticed mistakes in the worker's personal data and asked for correction Dati discrepanti MAE - Rettifica dati The Embassy corrects the worker's personal data and sends them again to the Sportello Unico to be forwarded to the Provincial Police Headquarters for their report Richiesta Questura dopo rettifica dati MAE Ricevimento del lavoratore straniero. Cambiare in "Visto rilasciato" Conversione Codice Fiscale Richiesta Rilascio PDS Attesa occupazione If you don't understand the summary information provided, The Employment Centre sends to the employer the possible names of other workers available to be hired. If Employment Centre doesn't send any name within 20 days, the Sportello Unico proceeds with the processing of the application Decisione datore In attesa di chiusura dopo Rigetto DPL At this stage a table will appear with details showing the stages through which the application has been at the different offices examining it (Provincial Police headquarters, Provincial Labour Office, Employment centres, etc). If you submitted more than one application, you can limit the The Provincial Labour Office is examining the application to see if the contract requirements are met and if there is a quota available The Provincial Police Headquarters is checking if there are reasons that may impede the foreigner's entry into Italy (for example, expulsion in the past) Stampa Richiesta CPI Lista lavoratori A new page will open where you'll have to insert your email address (or in case you are an association, insert Descrizione di dettaglio (Description in detail) you can find detailed informa- Invio richiesta PDS a Poste tion in the table on the right. Waiting for the response from the Provincial Police Headquarters The foreigner has one year from the time the Visa is issued to come to Italy & report to Sportello Unico within 8 days to undersign the Residence contract & collect application forms for Permit of Stay Issuing of the definite Fiscal code at the time the foreigner presents him/herself to the Sportello Unico The Sportello Unico has given to the foreigner the application forms for the Permit of Stay Printing the foreigner's declaration of job waiting status Application for Permit of Stay to be submitted at post office which will in turn forward it to Provincial Police headquarters 4 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 LIVING IN ITALY Italy adopts EU Asylum Procedures Directive By Elvio Pasca Italy has adopted the European Union Asylum Procedures Directive. If the application for asylum is rejected, the applicant can hope to receive subsidiary protection status. Italy has now adopted the EU Directive on Refugees. From 19th January, the Legislative Decree 251/2007 came into effect. It defines minimum standards for the qualification of foreigners as refugees and subsidiary protection status. It also lists the minimum requirements and rights of those who are awarded the status. According to the note issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a refugee is any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The Directive also provides an alternative to refugee status which is called 'subsidiary protection'. This status is granted on the basis of the existence of a real risk of 'serious harm' if returned to the country of origin. This is defined as: '(a) death penalty or execution; or (b) torture or inhuman or degrading tre- A refugee is any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality or, in the case of a person having no nationality, is outside any country in which such person last habitually resided, and who is unable or unwilling to return to, and is unable or unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of, that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. atment or punishment of an applicant in the country of origin.' Foreigners who are already receiving assistance from an institution or a UN agency other than the United Nations High Commission for Refugees are excluded from protection. No protection is also to be given to those who committed crime against peace, war crimes or crimes against humanity, or other serious crimes and cruel acts. The Permit of Stay for refugees issued is valid for five years and is renewable while that for social protection is valid for three years and can only be renewed if the reasons that made it be issued are still valid. It is, however, convertible into other types of permits. Those granted protection in Italy can reunite with their families They also have right to work under the same conditions as Italians (subordinate and self-employment), to professional training and internship, to register with professional associations. Holders of Permit of Stay for refugees and subsidiary protection can be employed in the civil service like citizens of EU. They also have a right receive social and medical assistance just as Italians. The same is valid for minor children when it comes to access to education, but adults will be considered equivalent to foreign citizens living in Italy legally. In order to have their diplomas, certificates and other foreign titles be recognised, the same rules applicable to Italians are applied to them. Subsidiary protection status is granted on the basis of the existence of a real risk of 'serious harm' if returned to the country of origin. This is defined as: '(a) death penalty or execution; or (b) torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of an applicant in the country of origin. No license to drive taxi if you are a foreigner Tunisian denied taxi driver's license in Florence & Lucca: “This is discrimination” By Elvio Pasca In Italy it is almost impossible for a foreigner to become a taxi driver. Abdelhamid Ben el Ouja from Tunisia tried but had a terrible experience. Abdelhamid has a Permanent Resident Card, is a father of a baby who goes to school, owns a house and has managed to save some money. Last year Abdelhamid thought of leaving his job at a factory to become self-employed as a taxi driver. For the first time in 20 years, the City Council of Florence made a public notice inviting those interested in becoming taxi drivers to submit their applications. There were 60 licenses to be issued. "I knew there would be many applicants but I decided to try all the same," Abdelhamid says. But he was not even admitted for the competition. The Commission evaluating applications excluded Abdelhamid from the competition because he is neither an Italian citizen nor a citizen of European Union, as stated by the rules of City Council of Florence. Abdelhamid never gave up. "Since I never succeeded in Florence, I decided to go and try my luck in Lucca. There were no new licenses to be issued so I went around looking for a taxi driver who wanted to sell his license," he says. Abdelhamid paid 500 euros to the person who helped him look for a taxi driver selling his license. He soon found a taxi driver who was preparing to go on pension and wanted to sell his license at 70,000 euros. But even this time the City Council blocked everything. Abdelhamid received a letter from the City Council saying that before the license could be transferred to Abdelhamid, he had to present a letter from competent authorities in Tunisia or Tunisia's Embassy in Italy declaring that Tunisian authori- ties grant to Italian citizens the right to be taxi drivers. At this stage Abdelhamid decided to call the Tunisian Embassy to ask for the letter. "They told me they don't know how to give me the letter because seemingly there are no bilateral agreements between Italy and Tunisia on this issue. I therefore don't know what to do next," says Abdelhamid. Florence and Lucca are not the only cities denying foreigners the right to become taxi drivers. Turin, Milan, Palermo, Modena and many others also do the same. Foreigners are not allowed to become taxi drivers unless they come from countries that have bilateral agreements with Italy, allowing Italians to become taxi drivers there. Yet the national law serving as point of reference for the rules of the City Councils doesn't say anything about the citizenship of taxi drivers. The City Councils have therefore decided to introduce this restriction, the same way they've done with the restrictions on employing foreigners in the civil service. Abdelhamid, however, is not interested in finding out who is to blame. "In my view, this is discrimination. I'm an honest person, I pay taxes and would like to start a business. I'm asking to be allowed to become a taxi driver, not to become a police officer. Do you think it is right to deny me the chance?" www.stranieriinitalia.it the immigration website news, investigations, and useful information for all foreigners in Italy every day Stranieri in Italia 6 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 THE GUIDE Decreto Flussi What to do after submitting application By Teresa Olivadese Applications for authorisation to work under the Quota Agreement (Decreto flussi) 2007 were submitted online to the Immigrations Office at the Prefecture (Sportello Unico per l'immigrazione) using the new procedure introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Immigrations Law (DLgs. 286/98) states the procedures to be followed by the competent offices in handling the application in order to issue foreigners the authorisation to work. The Immigrations Office receiving the application must first of all check if all it is in order and if all the required documents have been attached. It then has to forward it to the local provincial Employment centre where the employer resides or in the case of company, where it has its legal headquarters. The provincial Employment centre will then transmit this job offer being given to a foreigner, to other local employment centres to check if there is an Italian or European Union citizen interested in the same job. If after 20 days no Italian or EU citizen comes forward to apply for the job, the Employment centre gives green light to the hiring of a non-EU foreign citizen. But if an Italian or EU citizen applies for the job, the application for authorisation to work for a non-EU citizen is suspended until the employer confirms to the Employment centre that he/she is only interested in hiring the non-EU foreign citizen he applied for. Once this is done, the Immigrations Office at the Prefecture forwards the application to the Provincial Police headquarters (Questura) and to the Provincial Labour Office. The application is forwarded to the Provincial Police headquarters telematically so that it can check if there are reasons that can impede either the worker or the employer from being issued the authorisation. The authorisation to work will not be issued if either the employer or the worker has been accused of crimes covered by Articles 380 and 381 of the Criminal Code. The same application is also sent to the Provincial Labour Office telematically so that it can verify if the contract is in order and there are quotas available. In case of a negative report from the Provincial Police headquarters or the Provincial Labour Office, the Immigrations Office at the Prefecture rejects the application and notifies the employer so that if the employer wants, he/she can appeal against the rejection within 60 days at the Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR). But in case of a positive report from both the Provincial police headquarters and Provincial Labour Office, the Immigrations Office at the Prefecture asks the Income Tax department to issue the foreigner a temporary Fiscal code and gives the employer the authorisation to work to be forwarded to the foreigner. All the documents will also be sent telematically to the Italian Embassy/Consulate in the foreigner worker's home country. Checking status of application online The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a special link to be used in verifying the state of applications for authorisation to work submitted under last year's Quota Agreement. It is therefore possible to find out at what stage the application is, if for instance, it has been rejected by the Provincial Police headquarters or by the Provincial Labour office, or if it is yet to be processed. How to access the service The first thing to do is to access the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (ww.interno.it) and on the homepage, click on the link "verifica domande on line" (check status of applications online). It is necessary to insert the email address and the password used previously to download the forms. If the application was submitted by an association, then it is necessary to insert the user code. Having verified if the user is registered, the system will open the page with a list of all applications submitted by the same user and show the state of each application. If on the section "Attività in corso" (activity in progress) appears any of the following writings: richiesta della DPL, della Questura, stampa richiesta CPI, Attesa CPI, it means that means that the application was at the same time forwarded to the Provincial Labour Office, the Provincial Police headquarters and to the competent Employment centres still waiting for their response. In case none of the above activities appears, it means that the application for the authorisation to work has been examined by the competent authorities and at this stage one can see if they've approved or rejected it. After checking the status of application, one can exit the page by clicking on the box "esci" (exit). What happens if I lose my job? By Rosanna Caggiano A foreigner who loses his/her job retains the right to live in Italy legally for a given period set by the law. The law doesn't provide for withdrawal of the permit if the holder loses a job. The immigration law in fact gives the foreigner the possibility of searching for another job. The worker in this case must within 40 days of losing the job and before the expiry of the Permit of Stay, report to the Employment Centre the previous work activity carried out and declare his/her readiness to work. Only after doing this will the foreigner's name be added to the list of those searching for jobs throughout the validity period of his/her Permit of Stay, and in any case for a period not lower than six months. In case the Permit of Stay expires before the foreigner finds another job, he/she can apply for its renewal at the post office by sending to the Provincial police headquarters, the proof of enrolment with the employment listings. The police station will have to issue the Permit of Stay for Job expires, then he/she will have to retain all the rights to social security Searching (permesso di soggiorno per return to his/her home country but benefits he/she is entitled to. attesa occupazione) valid for six months. SEND YOUR CONTAINER If the foreigner finds an employer WITH US willing to hire him/her, the emploSpedizioni Srl yer has to prepare a new Residence con«Somebody looked for a support to lift the World ... all we needs is a Container» tract (contratto di soggiorno-modello INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS Q) to be sent to the Immigrations Via Firenze 144/3/a - 57122 Livorno - Italy Office at the • Ph.:+ 39 0586 444084 Fax:+ 39 0586 444085 Prefecture within 5 days of hiring and Filiale: Via Cesare Battisti, 166 - Lonigo (VI) apply for conver• Ph./Fax + 39 0444 830578 sion of the Permit of Stay for Job Searching into one COTONOU: 20' € 2.150 40' € 3.450 for subordinate TEMA: 20' € 2.120 40' € 3.500 work. The application is to be done I N D I C AT I V E P R I C E T O B E C O N F I R M E D through the post office. • DAKAR • TEMA • LAGOS • MATADI If the holder of • CONAKRY • LOME • PORT HARCOURT • MOMBASA the Permit for Job • ABIDJAN • COTONOU • DOUALA • DAR ES SALAAM Searching fails to find another job by www.polospedizioni.com the time the permit THE GUIDE Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 7 Ordinary unemployment benefit have not made 52 weekly contributions in the last two years, but have worked for at least 78 days in the previous year including public holidays and paid leave of absence. By Rosanna Caggiano A foreign citizen who is unemployed can qualify to obtain the ordinary unemployment benefit if he/she meets the conditions set by the Law. Ordinary unemployment benefit is meant to help the worker get financial assistance in place of income from work. Requirements In order to qualify for reduced unemployment benefit, one must meet the following conditions: - have made at least two years' contributions for involuntary unemployment benefit - have been a subordinate worker for at least 78 days in the period being referred to Who qualifies for ordinary unemployment benefit? The benefit is meant for subordinate workers who have not chosen to be unemployed, and therefore don't have an income due to any of the following reasons: firing, suspension due to lack of job, expiry of a work contract. Those who have willingly decided to resign from work, except those on maternity leave and those who have resigned due to a justified cause (lack of payment, sexual harassment, mobbing, etc) don't have a right to ordinary unemployment benefit. From 17th March 2005, even workers who have been suspended from work because the company has been hit by a temporary crisis that has not been caused by either the workers or employer (scarcity in work, market crisis, etc) also have a right to ordinary unemployment benefit. Foreigners with Permit of Stay for seasonal work don't qualify for ordinary unemployment benefit since they are excluded from obligatory unemployment social security. Requirements In order to qualify for ordinary benefit, one must meet the following conditions: - be unemployed. The certificate showing employment status is obtained by reporting to the competent employment office (Centro per l'impiego) and undersigning a declaration in which the worker states the work done previously and availability to work - must have made at least two years' contributions for involuntary unemployment benefit before the date of unemployment - must have made at least a year's contributions (equivalent to 52 weeks in the last two years before date of unemployment) - have capacity to work Application Duration An application for unemployment benefit must be made at the local INPS office (or the employment office or through the Benevolent institutions-Patronati) with 68 days of ceasing work using Modello DS21. The following documents must be attached to the application: - declaration from the last employer (mod. DS22) or a self-certificate showing information regarding the last work done - certificate of enrolment with the unemployment listings - application for Irpef tax relief The unemployment benefit is given for 180 days, but can be extended to 9 months if the unemployed person is over 50 years old. In 2007, it was extended to 7 months for workers who are under 50 years old and to ten months for those aged from 50 and above. Forms DS 21 and DS 22 and the form for applying for Irpef tax relief are available at the offices of INPS and on the website of INPS www.Inps.it, on section "moduli" (forms). Amount The benefit is calculated at 40 per cent of the worker's average earnings during the previous three months, but it cannot exceed a maximum amount set by Law. This amount is usually increased every year depending on inflation rate computed by ISTAT. For the ordinary unemployment benefit being paid from 1st April 2005, the percentage is increased to 50% for the first 6 months, then from the 7th month it is fixed at 40%. For workers aged 50 years and above, it is increased to 50% for the first 6 months, then to 40% for the next three months and then to 30% for the tenth month. Suspended workers are paid unemployment benefit equivalent to 50 per cent of their salary. Loss of unemployment benefit One loses the right to unemployment benefit if he/she: - has received the benefit for the whole period foreseen by the law - gets another job for five consecutive days - becomes holder of direct pension (old age pension, seniority, etc) - is removed from the unemployment listings Appeal In case one's application for unemployment benefit is rejected, an appeal can be made on simple paper to the Provincial Committee of INPS within 90 days of receiving the notification. The appeal can be submitted directly to the office of INPS that rejected the application, sent by post through registered mail with return slip, or submitted through the authorised Benevolent institutions. Reduced unemployment benefit This is unemployment benefit meant for subordinate workers who've worked for a limited period of time, Application An application for reduced unemployment benefit must be made at the local INPS office using Modello DS21 within 31st March of the year after cessation of work. The following documents must be attached to the application: - declaration from the last employer (modulo DL 86/88bis) - application for Irpef tax relief Forms Modulo DL 86/88bis and the form for applying for Irpef tax relief are available at the offices of INPS and on the website of INPS www.Inps.it, on section "moduli" (forms). The reduced unemployment benefit is calculated at 30 per cent of the worker's average daily earnings, but it cannot exceed a maximum amount set by Law. The reduced unemployment benefit is given for a maximum of 156 days. INPS introduces new rates this year This year, INPS has increased the amount and duration of ordinary and reduced unemployment benefits. From 1st January 2008, the ordinary unemployment benefit is given for 8 months and not 7 as before. It has also been increased to 12 months from 10 for those who are over 50 years old. The amount now given is equivalent to 60% of the salary for the first 6 months, then 50% for the seventh and eighth months, then it is decreased to 40% for the next months. When it comes to reduced unemployment benefit, the amount has been increased from 30% to 50% of the salary for the first 120 days, and then 40% for the next days until 180 days. 8 THE GUIDE Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 Obligatory notifications to be made about work By Teresa Olivadese On 11th January 2008, a new Decree came into effect governing the administrative procedures to be followed by employers (public and private) in notifying the Employment centres, INPS, INAIL and Ministry of Labour of hiring, prolonging, transformation and termination of work relationship. The Decree which is dated 30th October 2007, states that each Region and Autonomous Province must guarantee to the registered users, the possibility of using telematic services to submit the forms. Thanks to this new telematic services, it is possible to make only one notification to the Region (Employment Centre). The Region will issue a receipt showing the date and hour the notification was submitted. It will then be upon the Region to forward the same notification to the Ministry of Labour who in turn will forward it to INPS, INAIL, other social security institutions and Prefecture. By using the newly created forms to make a single notification, one will have fulfilled all the obligations previously foreseen by the law. Who must use telematic service to make obligatory notifications - private employers (entrepreneurs) - employers of domestic workers - economic public institutions - public administration - work agencies - associations - foundations - Trade unions - job consultants - advocates - Professional accountants and commercial consultants In order to make the notification through the telematic services the above must register following the procedures set by each Region and Autonomous Province where their firm has its headquarters. Job agencies have to register where their agency operates. Employers of domestic workers are not obliged to make the notification through telematics. They can as well do it using other appropriate procedures which help certify the exact date the notification was made (registered mail with return slip, fax, personally, etc). In such a case, the notification will have to be done using the new forms (Modulo Unificato Lav). From the date the new Decree got into effect, all the previous forms for making notification were cancelled. The Decree explicitly cancels Modello C/ASS, previously used to make notification of new work relationships, and Modello Unificato Temp previously used by work agencies. work agencies to make the obligatory notification - "Unificato Urg" to be used to make notification of urgent hiring due to the company's production needs, and in case of malfunction of the telematic service - "Unificato VARDatori": to be used to communicate the change in the company's name, or the transfer of a branch to a different place The new forms are: Transition period - "Unificato Lav" to be used by private, economic public institutions and public administration to make the obligatory notification - "Unificato Somm" to be used by In order to allow for the update of the systems, the obligation to make notification exclusively using electronic forms and to submit them telematically will be effective from 1st March 2008. Up to that date, if your Region has established the telematic service, the notifications will be sent using the above procedures. In this case only one submission made will be valid for all the other competent offices. During this transition period, those who fail to use the new telematic system will have to make the notification through fax using the hard paper forms and they'll have to send them to INAIL, and other social security institutions in accordance with the law. An employer who fails to make the obligatory notification will be subject to a fine ranging from 100 to 500 euros for each worker. International pension for non-EU citizens By Teresa Olivadese A foreign citizen who has worked in Italy and abroad can add up periods of work in the different countries in order to qualify for pension. One can add up the periods worked in a European country or in non-EU country with which Italy has signed bilateral pension agreements. Such conventions allow the foreigner to add up the periods worked in Italy and in those other countries with which Italy has signed a bilateral agreement in order to have the right to pension. The application for pen- sion under international convention must be submitted directly by the concerned person to the competent institution in the country one lives in and must contain the following information: personal data, details of jobs done in different countries and all other relevant information for calculating pension. Such application is also valid for the other States which are signatories to the convention. It will be the duty of the institution receiving the application to inform the other State or States in which the applicant worked. In case the worker is a resi- dent in Italy, the application is to be submitted to INPS using the appropriate forms depending on the type of pension one is applying for and attaching the following documents. - self-certification in place of a residency certificate and citizenship - application form for applying for pension from a foreign State - documents regarding work done in foreign countries that are signatories to the convention - forms for tax relief Italy has signed bilateral pension agreements with these countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Korea, Croatia, Jersey, Channel Islands, Former Yugoslavia, Israel, Mexico, Monaco, San Marino, USA, Tunisia, Uruguay, Vatican, Venezuela. Workers from countries with which Italy hasn't signed bilateral pension agreements Workers from countries that have not signed bilateral pension agreements with Italy cannot add the periods of work in different counties in order to have the right to pension. If such a foreigner worked for some years in his/her home country then came to Italy for work, the period worked in the country of origin is not taken into consideration while applying for pension in Italy. In the past, a worker from a country that had not signed bilateral pension agreements with Italy on pension could apply to be reimbursed the contributions made to INPS. But this possibility was eliminated by the Law 189/2002 (Bossi/Fini). IN ZAMBIA THIS MONTH Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 9 Emergency preparedness pays off as harvest hopes fade Torrential rains have drowned Zambia's hopes of a fourth consecutive bumper maize harvest and there is still no sign that the rain will ease off as the country comes to grips with the extent of the damage. "These rains have really brought misery on us; we have been reduced to beggars. All our fields are completely washed away, while others are still submerged, and we have no other means of earning a living apart from farming," Robson Taulu, from the flooded town of Sinazongwe in Southern Province, told IRIN. Heavy downpours that began in the last week of November 2007 have swamped large areas along the banks the swollen Magoye River, washing away infrastructure and flooding many hectares of agricultural land. Southern Province was hardest hit with 6 people killed and thousands fleeing from their flooded homes. The latest situation report on the floods in southern Africa, released in late January by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said national authorities in the region estimated that more than 16,600 people have been affected since October 2007. Although Zambia's Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit [DMMU] is yet to put a figure on the extent of the damage, people in flooded communities say the losses are massive. Initial assessments in 6 districts of Southern Province by the Zambia Vulnerability Assessment Committee ( Z VA C ) , estimated that the crop losses of maize, millet and sorghum would range between 40 percent and 50 percent. Zambians preparing food ater flooding The OCHA r e p o r t we have no information on where noted, "Since this is the lean period, and they be just now. We don't know many households have already started what could will happen to us ... if the rains to run out of food stock." Chief Mwanachingwala, a traditio- continue." A year ago Zambia experienced nal leader in Mazabuka, a town in sou- widespread flooding in many of the thern Zambia, commented, "My people same areas but still managed to produare only waiting helplessly for han- ce a surplus of 250,000 tonnes of maize douts from the government and aid above its annual consumption of 1.2 agencies. Many goats, chickens, pigs million tonnes. Much of that surplus and other livestock have disappeared © IRINN PHOTO By IRIN FFER! AL O N O I T O M O TIC PR FANTAS USA EUROPE & LATINA GLOBAL AFRICA ASIA came from the productive central region, which was not spared this year. "Although at this stage it is too early to assess the exact damage to crops, as some areas are still flooded and inaccessible, there is no doubt that our crop harvest will be affected. Some farmers, including large-scale farmers, have had their crops extensively damaged," Guy Robinson, president of the Zambia National Farmers Union, told IRIN. "Our prayer is that the rains should subside as soon as possible." Concern is growing that flooding could worsen in the coming weeks. The authorities have indicated that the necessary resources to respond to the crisis are available. "I am assuring the nation that we have currently got 450,000 metric tonnes of maize in store, of which 150,000 tonnes belong to strategic reserves, while 50,000 tonnes is for the DMMU to draw from anytime, as they require. But after the harvest, we may have a few problems because the yields may most likely not be as favourable as they were last year," said Costain Chilala, chair of the Food Reserve Agency board. OCHA's report said, "It [government] has already provided 15,000 metric tones of white maize to be used for relief activities in 2007/08, and will release an additional US$3.5 million for the procurement and supply of relief items such as tents, blankets, mosquito nets and chlorine." INUTES M E R O M ither Many ons from e ti l in destina ographica for the ma mobile, by using ge rvice e r landline o bers to access the s m u n l ca or lo s*: Example s to your call nd quality a ce n ie n e v of con es the best Always giv FEES E V I T I T COMPE ATION N I T S E D NTEED A TO ANY R A U UTES G N I M E BL AVAILA UALITY Q M U MAXIM SATION R E V N er care IN CO al custom ci e p s ooth the one from mobile ph public b g points n i v i e c e r d SISAL e s i r o h t u t the a a y l e v i s u Excl r landline from you and www.eutelia.it www.sisal.it *Examples of minutes available for conversation using a PIN Edicard Europe & USA of € 10 (VAT paid by service provider) using either landline or mobile, accessing the service through geographical or local numbers. Details about the offer and list of geographical or local numbers available on www.eutelia.it. The fee for calling the geographical or local number is to be paid by the customer and it is paid to the service provider used to access the service according to the fees foreseen in the customer’s contract. Egypt 85 Morocco 70 Ghana 130 Tunisia 60 Senegal 70 Nigeria 100 10 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 IN AFRICA THIS MONTH Raila & Kibaki meeting rekindles hope for peace By Stephen Ogongo The meeting and handshake between President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Amolo Raila Odinga has rekindled hope for peace in Kenya. It was the first time the two met since December's disputed presidential election. On 27th December Kenyans went to vote peacefully in parliamentary and presidential elections. In the parliamentary elections, 99 of the 210 seats were won by ODM while Mr. Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU) only got 43 seats. The presidential vote count was tampered with. The chairman of the Electoral Commission of Kenya said that he did "not know whether Mr. Kibaki won the elections." Mr. Odinga rejected the results. The European Union Electoral Mission and USA also expressed grave doubts about the legitimacy of the presidential results. The latest to cast doubt on the results is the Commonwealth Observer Group, stating that the polls did not meet international standards. "The Electoral Commission of Kenya has not succeeded in establishing the integrity of the tallying process, thereby bringing the validity of the election results into question,” the report said. Shortly after the results were announced, Mr. Kibaki was swiftly inaugurated for a second term. Shortly after his inauguration the government issued a circular banning all live broadcasts in the interests of public security and good order, an order that is still on as we go to press. The announcement of Kibaki's win provoked protests in many parts of the country. All opinion polls showed that Mr. Odinga was ahead of Mr. Kibaki. Even the exit polls and local media reports showed that Mr. Odinga was leading with a big margin. But something that is yet to be explained happened. After suspending tallying of presidential results and taking unnecessarily long to do so, it was finally announced that Mr. Kibaki had won. It was so difficult to believe such a result that the Kenyans who were ready to celebrate the victory of their new president felt that the least they could do was to protest against those incredible results. They simply wanted to protest against results they believed were manipulated in favour of Mr. Kibaki. But the police had been prepared and strategically placed to deal with rioters with overwhelming force. In several cities the police used live ammunition to disperse protesters and disperse looters, killing and wounding dozens. Some observers and even police have described the police response as an unofficial "shoot to kill" policy. Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki, left, shakes hands with opposition leader Raila Odinga, right The ban on live broadcasts could have been made to stop TV stations covering the way the police dealt with people even though it is very clear that they and its presidential candidate in the last have not agreed on anything. Mr. election. As we wait and hope for good Annan will continue meeting officials news out of these talks, the only thing from both parties to work on an agreement. Mr. Odinga holds that he is “I remain committed to dialogue ready to dialogue with Mr. "Kenyans want justice. There will as long as "truth and be no justice before we sit down and reconciliation at all levels of Kibaki are upheld". He wants our society. The Government wel- justice to talk. We are ready to talk to Mr. Kibaki to admit that he comes the eminent African state- (Kibaki) lost the elections. "I achieve justice and truth. smen and woman and we shall won the presidency and it was Mheshimiwa Kibaki (Hon. have dialogue within the constitu- stolen from me. Mr Kibaki must Kibaki) and I will talk until this accept the people's verdict," Mr. tional and legal framework. matter is resolved. There is no Odinga said, adding that "It is We shall ensure we achieve hea- hard to negotiate with someone need for bitterness." ling, reconciliation and lasting you know very well has stolen a cow from you." He said the Orange Democratic Movement harmony.” right way of handling the issue (ODM) leader Amolo Raila is: "The person who stole the Mr. Mwai Kibaki Odinga cow must be told to return it first and then negotiate." demonstrating against election results. But Mr. Kibaki has rejected such About 1000 people are said to have calls. In fact after their first meeting, in they both seem to agree on is a commitdied in unrest which followed the poll, presence of Mr. Odinga, Mr. Kibaki ment to peace. Both Mr. Odinga and while more than 250,000 have been said "As your duly elected and sworn Mr. Kibaki appealed to their supporters displaced. in President, I will lead our country to to maintain calm as they continued the Early attempts to broker a peace promote unity, tolerance, peace and newly established dialogue. deal between Mr. Odinga and Mr. harmony among Kenyans. I remain Mr. Odinga said "I said that we Kibaki failed. Ghanaian President John committed to dialogue and reconcilia- we're ready to walk the extra mile to Kufuor, head of the African Union tion at all levels of our society." give Kenyans peace. Today, we take spent a few days in the Mr. Kibaki's remarks that he was the the first step. My party and I are ready country to try to bring the duly elected Head of State provoked for this long journey to restore peace in subscription to two together but left swift and strong criticism from ODM. our land." without success. In a statement issued by the secretaryHe thanked the mediation team for Now the former UN boss general Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, the responding swiftly. "I pledge that my Mr. Kofi Annan is in the ODM leaders said Mr. Kibaki's state- team and I will spare no effort to resolcountry to try to solve the ment negated "the whole rationale for ve this crisis. We urge our people to be political crisis. He leads a international mediation." patient as parties work day and night to panel of "eminent Africans" ODM said "Mr. Mwai Kibaki abuensure that negotiations do not last a Yearly Subscription (11 issues): Euro 25.00 set up by the African Union, sed the occasion by attempting to legi- day longer than necessary." Payment: Postal Current Account no. 50655786 which includes former timise his usurpation of the presidency. Mr. Odinga renewed his call for Addressed to: Stranieri in Italia srl Tanzanian President His demeaning and unacceptable beha- justice, saying "Kenyans want justice. Please specify the name of the newspaper you are Benjamin Mkapa and viour was meant to undermine the There will be no justice before we sit subscribing to, your name, address, and phone Nelson Mandela's wife mediation and prolong the suffering of down to talk. We are ready to talk to number on the postal order receipt Graca Machel. people of Kenya." achieve justice and truth. Mheshimiwa It is not easy to predict Prof Nyong'o said that as far as Kibaki (Hon. Kibaki) and I will talk For further information: how these talks will end. ODM was concerned, there was no until this matter is resolved. There is no email: [email protected] The fact that the two agreed government in Kenya. His party he need for bitterness." Tel. 06/87410507 fax 06/87410528 to meet is a very good sign, said, was only having talks with PNU IN AFRICA THIS MONTH 11 UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visits Sierra Leone Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 We can’t turn a blind eye to thousands of children who die every day from preventable causes "We can't turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world mostly from causes that are preventable. In Sierra Leone, one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday it's shocking and tragic especially when the solutions are simple - things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria.” UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham dying. Evidence shows that real progress has been made by providing ongoing health care for women throughout their pregnancy and ensuring immunisation and health check-ups for the baby from birth to early childhood. Empowering communities to participate in health care has also proven to be an effective way to save lives. Beckham saw an example of this by joining two health workers as they travelled into a local community to vaccinate children who are unable to access the clinic. At the same time the health workers teach the communities about the importance of good hygiene to prevent diseases. This is an important part of the clinic's work - helping them reach hundreds more children who would otherwise miss out on these vital lifesaving measures. At a feeding centre for severely malnourished children Beckham visited babies who had survived on water because their mothers were malnourished and unable to breastfeed. These children weigh less than 70 per cent of their recommended body weight. One seven-month-old baby weighed less than the recommended weight for a one-month-old. With supplies from UNICEF, the clinic provides the children with fortified milk and high protein biscuits. UNICEF also encourages women to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months - globally this has had a tremendous impact on the health of children. The clinic has been successful in curing over 90 per cent of the children There has been a 60% fall in child mortality rates since 1960 “All children have a right to survival but too many are dying needlessly. But this can be changed if there is sufficient collective will to act with determination and urgency. Surely there is no reward more precious than saving the life of a child? Their futures remain in our hands." UNICEF UK's Executive Director David Bull can be changed if there is sufficient collective will to act with determination and urgency. Surely there is no reward more precious than saving the life of a child? Their futures remain in our hands." UNICEF is calling on governments for urgent political will, long-term funding and improved health strategies - on an unprecedented scale to reduce the number of children under the age of five that die every day around the admitted. Mr. Beckham said: "We can't turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world mostly from causes that are preventable. In Sierra Leone, one in four children dies before reaching their fifth birthday - it's shocking and tragic especially when the solutions are simple - things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria. Saving these children's lives is a top priority for UNICEF and as an Ambassador I hope I can help to draw attention to this issue across the world." Blair becomes advisor to Govt of Rwanda Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is to become an advisor to Rwanda, Dr David Himbara, the head of the Strategy and Policy unit in the Office of the President revealed to The New Times. "It started with a meeting he held with the President (Paul Kagame) where he expressed his interest Former UK Prime Minister in offering pro bono Tony Blair services as advisor to Rwanda. Shortly after that, I met with him to played a significant role in comprehensively brief him on Rwanda's reconstruction. "For instance, it was during the situation in our country," The Times quoted Mr. his tenure that the British Government initiated the Himbara to have said. A team from Mr. Blair's direct budget support to office reportedly recently visi- Rwanda and they were the ted Rwanda for a week to first country to do so. He has assess the challenges on the always believed in our goverground. Mr. Himbara said the nment's effort and ways to former UK Prime Minister is identify what is best for our expected to visit Rwanda this people. "Now it is another chance month. "His visit will mark the kick-off of his involvement," for him to put his belief in concrete practice. But it is a said Mr. Himbara. Mr. Blair's attachment to chance for our government as Rwanda, according to Mr. well to work with a figure like Himbara, dates back to the Blair whose influence is glotime when he was still head of bal and has good knowledge the British government. At the about Rwanda," Mr. Himbara time he and his government added. © AP PHOTO There has been a 60 per cent drop in the rate of child mortality since 1960, UNICEF's State of the World's Children (SOWC) 2008 report shows. The report outlines what needs to be done to reduce child deaths further. There remains a long way to go to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on child survival - which would mean lowering the number of underfive deaths from 9.7 million to less than five million by 2015. Nowhere in the world is the need for lifesaving measures more apparent than in Sierra Leone and the rest of subSaharan Africa. UNICEF, however, maintains that attaining the goal is still possible but the challenge is formidable. UNICEF UK's Executive Director David Bull said UNICEF is grateful to "Beckham for shining the spotlight on the unacceptable number of young children who are dying, often needlessly, in Sierra Leone and other developing countries. Everyone can play a role in changing this situation governments, donors and the public. All children have a right to survival but too many are dying needlessly. But this © AP PHOTO UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visited Sierra Leone in January to draw attention to the issue of child survival. The "The State of the World's Children 2008" published by UNICEF reveals that every day more than 26,000 children under the age of five die around the world mostly from preventable causes. Nearly all of them live in the developing world. The report also shows that in Sierra Leone a staggering 27 per cent of children die before reaching their fifth birthday - the highest number in the world. UNICEF is calling for child survival to be placed at the heart of the international development agenda and to make it a top priority at the G8 summit. Mr. Beckham arrived in the capital Freetown on 18th January and travelled to Makeni, Bombali District in the northern province of Sierra Leone, which has the highest number of underfive child deaths in the country. During his visit, Beckham spent time at a health clinic learning about the most common causes of these deaths, like malaria which accounts for 33 per cent of child deaths. Diarrhoea, malnutrition and vaccine preventable diseases like measles and tuberculosis are also major contributors. UNICEF is working with health clinics in Sierra Leone, and across the developing world, to reduce the number of children under the age of five world. UNICEF is calling on the public for urgent funds to help prevent babies and young children dying before the age of five. A little can go a long way. £1.50 could immunise 50 children. Just a few pence for a vitamin A capsule would prevent and treat vitamin A deficiency, or pay for one sachet of rehydration salts which, when mixed with clean water, helps children combat dehydration and diarrhoea. 12 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 IN NIGERIA THIS MONTH Govt: Poverty and poor education behind child trafficking Authorities in Nigeria have started identifying the parents of 105 children found packed on a lorry in late January who they suspect were trafficked to serve as beggars or servants after their parents allowed them to go away with strangers who promised to feed and educate them. The children, all boys between four and 18 years old, were coming from Kano state in the north and had been driven to a town close to Nigeria's political capital Abuja, when the police stopped the lorry at a checkpoint on 17th January. "The conditions in which the children were found made the policeman suspect that these children were being trafficked to serve as beggars or domestic workers," Orakwue Arinze, the spokesperson for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), told IRIN. "The children were packed like sardines in a lorry meant to carry goods and that could contain a maximum of 15 persons," Arinze said. According to "The fact is that once these children are taken out of their communities they will be devoured by wicked people, easily abused and molested" Orakwue Arinze, the spokesperson for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) NAPTIP, they were hungry, had swollen legs and were traumatised. Four men arrested by police said they were taking the children to a school in Suleja, 400 km away in Niger state, to learn the Koran. If found guilty of trafficking, they could face up to 14 years in jail, the NAPTIP said. Globally, child trafficking is one of the fastest growing organised crimes with an estimated 1.2 million victims per year, of whom 32 percent are African, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). NAPTIP said the children all came from Kuru village, 80 km south of Kano. "The parents didn't realise they were doing something bad. There is no school in that area," the head of NAPTIP in Kano, Ahmed Mohamed Bello, told IRIN by telephone. "They decided to send their children away to Suleja because they heard it had been raining there, so the children would be able to farm in the morning to feed themselves and go to Koranic school in the afternoon," he explained. The lack of education and the poverty of the area are behind the decision to send the children away, Bello said. Ruth, 13, doing her homework. From the age of five to nine she In view of the clandestine nature of the crime it is difficult to determi- was denied the right to go to school and had to work selling water at a market in Gabon, after having been trafficked from Nigeria ne how many children are trafficked in Nigeria, but with between 50 and Six million Nigerian children are will be devoured by wicked people, 70 percent of the population living on less than a dollar a day, human traffic- estimated to be at risk of trafficking for easily abused and molested," said king is believed to be widespread in the domestic and forced labour, prostitu- NAPTIP's Arinze. tion and pornography every year, The government agency to fight country. Last October, Nigerian police inter- according to a national survey conduc- human trafficking was created in 2003 cepted 57 children trafficked from the ted by the International Labour to help implement a then newly-created law prohibiting all forms of trafficking southern Cross River state to Lagos, Organization in 2003. "The fact is that once these children in persons. the economic capital, according to are taken out of their communities they NAPTIP. Yar'Adua confident immunity clause will be removed due process punishable by law. "We now have a situation in which people award contracts without caring whether they have enough money to complete the project and because of this, there are lots of abandoned projects all over the country, in fact some going into billions of dollars. This is the kind of disrespect for established regulations and procedures that feeds corruption. "Our decision to fight corruption properly and have respect for law, order and due process will now make such acts of omission or commission punishable President Umaru Musa by law, and that will clean the system and Yar'Adua make sure that whatethat is the only condition I ver business dealings govergave, that everything they do nment enters into, we have the must be within the law establi- ability to abide by the coveshing them and within the laws nant we signed. In fact, that is of the Federation," he said. the path of honour, not only As part of the war against for any government but also corruption, the president said for companies that are operathe Federal Government ting in Nigeria," President would soon introduce a legi- Yar'Adua said. slation that would make all violations and disrespect for © AP PHOTO President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has said he is confident that the immunity clause in the 1999 Constitution will be removed in the imminent amendment by the National Assembly. The clause protects the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies from criminal prosecution. Speaking in Davos, Switzerland, President Yar'Adua said "I have confidence that the next constitutional amendment will strip these public officials of this immunity and I am personally in support of that," In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, Mr. Yar'Adua said he expected the removal of the immunity clause from the constitution to greatly facilitate the work of Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies. "One thing I have done is to give them total and complete independence of action. The institutions are directly under me in the Presidency, so when I assumed office, I called their chairmen and told them that they have total independence to go and act within the law: © IRINN PHOTO By IRIN Peace in Niger Delta imminent - Minister There will be peace in the Niger Delta very soon, the Minister of State for Energy, (Gas) Odusina Olatunde Emmanuel, has told the international community. He said that President Umaru Yar'Adua has intensified efforts with the cooperation of all stakeholders to amicably resolve all issues in the Niger Delta that have made some youths to embark on violent and lawless activities. Mr. Odusina told the Ambassador of Portugal, Dr. Maria De Fatima Perestrello, who paid him a courtesy visit that the Government is determination to use gas as an effective tool for economic development. He observed that Nigeria's gas is enough for Government's export programme and for domestic utilization. The Minister assured the Envoy that the December 2008 gas flaring deadline is realizable in spite of previous postponements. He remarked that all stakeholders are aware of Government's position on the flaring of gas and said that he is optimistic that there will be total compliance this time. Minister: Ban on importation of bagged cement still in place The ban on importation of bagged cement in Nigeria is still in place. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry refuted a recent report in a Nigerian newspaper suggesting that the Federal Government had lifted the embargo on imported bagged cement. The Minister of Commerce and Industry Charles Ugwuh, condemned the story as inappropriate, misleading and capable of creating the wrong impression that the country has returned to the era of importation of bagged cement. He said Federal Government has only granted provisional licenses to some local cement manufacturers and stakeholders for the importation of bulk cement for bagging in Nigeria. The Minister stressed that there was no policy reversal in this regard, as Government was consistent in its commitment to encourage and promote local production of cement to meet local demand, which is currently ahead of local capacity. IN GHANA THIS MONTH Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 13 Rawlings appeals for all inclusive governance governance because of a selfish lust for power and money. And so, we see emerging a serious challenge to the meticulous adherence to constitu- tionalism." He went to say that such leaders are "busy attempting to prolong their stay in power through fair or foul means, to modify, sometimes © GHP PHOTO Ghana receives world emerging economy award Thomson Financial's International Financing Review (IFR) has given a prestigious award to Ghana as the most emerging economy in the world for the year 2007. Ghana emerged as the winner following a year of intense scrutiny and monitoring of the emerging global economic activities by Thomson IFR's independent, global team of expert reporters and analysts. The IFR award represents the key industry benchmark of global capital markets and national economic excellence. The Award was presented in London at the 13th IFR Annual Awards Gala Dinner attended by over 1,500 senior investment bankers, economists and representatives of governments from around the globe in mid January with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attending. Thomson Financial's International Financing Review (IFR) is the world's leading source of international capital markets and national economies intelligence Published weekly through International Financing Review, it is also in real-time through ifrmarkets.com and on Reuters, Bloomberg and TradeWeb, IFR provides indepth coverage and analysis of all international bond, syndicated loan, national economies, equity and convertible issues, as well as developments in leveraged finance, emerging markets interest-rate and credit derivatives. It is read by all major banks. IFR which has its headquarters in London with bureaus in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sao Paulo, and Sydney provides in-depth coverage of developments in global financing markets, including analysis of all international bond, syndicated loan, leveraged finance, highyield debt, emerging market, equity and convertible issues, as well as developments in the derivatives market. Other winners of the night included, Bank of the Year Goldman Sachs; Bond House of the Year - Deutsche Bank; Equity House of the Year UBS Citi Group annexed the Loan House of the Year, with Securitisation House of the Year award again going to Deutsche Bank. The HSBC bank was adjourned the best bank in terms of loans granting to the Asian economy. Matthew Davies, Editor of Thomson Financial's IFR, commented: "Many economy watchers - and many of its rivals - had characterised Ghana's economic strategy as one suitable for a propelling what he described as "bull and The former president appealed for respect of the electoral process saying that it is the assurance of a peaceful and constitutional transition from one government to another. "As a leader whose political party has tasted defeats in the polls before, I can say that there should be no need to tamper with the rotational principle in good governance. "However, evidence abound that the Former President of Ghana overwhelming ambiJerry John Rawlings tion of some political leaders makes the crudely, multiparty demo- acceptance of election results cracy into a virtual one- rather difficult and has led party state, to arrogantly some African leaders commitabuse the concept of the ting electoral crimes and the separation of powers, to refusal to adhere to the peaceignore the rule of law, to ful and smooth change-over of undermine judicial inde- government." pendence, to interfere with According to Mr Rawlings, the fundamental human such deviant political beharights of political oppo- viour is usually prompted and nents especially, and to capri- encouraged by certain outside ciously use decentralization to powers for like certain African promote parochial or sectarian leaders for their own selfish interests." national interest. "Some of those very politicians who gained leadership positions as a result of the strict adherence to the norms of democracy are now, and at the end of their tenures, the very people trying to corrupt the democratic system of governance because of a selfish lust for power and money. And so, we see emerging a serious challenge to the meticulous adherence to constitutionalism." © AP PHOTO The former President of Ghana Jerry John Rawlings has condemned the 'winner takes all mentality' within governments and called for an all inclusiveness in government. "The winner takes all mentality that we have inherited from the Westminster and other systems of western democracy has led to the overt rejection of the concept of power sharing or the involvement of other party members in a government of inclusion, even when it is clearly in the national interest so to do," The Enquirer quoted Mr. Rawlings to have said. In a public lecture in Nigeria in mid January, Mr. Rawlings condemned the manipulation of election results saying democracy is not only the observance of certain norms and traditions, but the upholding of the integrity of the electoral process itself. "Some of those very politicians who gained leadership positions as a result of the strict adherence to the norms of democracy are now, and at the end of their tenures, the very people trying to corrupt the democratic system of boomed economy". He noted that Ghana's economic performance in 2007 was remarkable. "Against a background of unprecedented difficulties in world trade and political instability in certain parts of the world especially on the African continent, which saw enormous write downs across the many economies ousted, Ghana's economy was able to grow." He added. He said the lessons on Ghana's economic progress were very relevant to other countries especially those in Africa and third world countries. Ghana's Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Mr. Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, who received the award on behalf of Ghana, expressed the delight that the Ghana's economic upturn has impressed the world. He said the vision of the government of Ghana is to help provide and maintain a buoyant and robust economy for her citizens. According to him, Ghana has extended it's arms to the world's investment community to participate in her economy and "I stand here to say that the response has been tremendous. This is mainly due to the economic and political stability we have exhibited as a nation". By Nana Sifa Twum & Isaac Amo-Kyereme WHO: Meningitis outbreak has begun in West African region There is an outbreak of the deadly meningitis bacterium in three West African countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. Experts have warned that this might be the worst meningitis epidemic to hit Africa in a decade. "One district is on alert in Burkina Faso, an epidemic has been reported in a region of Nigeria and there are two cases in Niger, as well as cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Professor Kader Kondé, director of WHO's Ouagadougou-based MultiDisease Surveillance Centre (MDSC) told IRIN. Last October the WHO warned that 80 million people out of roughly 350 million who live in 21 African countries stretching from Ethiopia in the east to Mauritania in the west might need to be vaccinated against the bacterium this year. The meningitis bacterium, which usually reaches epidemic levels in the region often referred to as Africa's "meningitis belt" between December and May, could be especially severe this year as the region is heading toward the peak of a 10- to 12-year cycle of meningitis crises, health forecasters say. Kondé said that the situation could be worse this year because of high dust levels in the region and the low level of immunity among populations. He said new research by WHO and national research centres also appears to have shown a new strain of the bacterium. "If you take into account all these factors we find ourselves in a situation where the risk [of epidemics] is high," Kondé said. IRIN reported that preparedness for meningitis epidemics is notoriously difficult because vaccines cannot be administered until it is known which of the many different forms of the bacterium are spreading. Hans Ebbing, regional health coordinator of the International Federation of the Red Cross, told IRIN the Federation has already started training 25,000 volunteers across the region, and is educating people about how to recognise meningitis and the dangers. "We know this is not really going to prevent a major outbreak. But we're hoping that early activity can prevent some spread of the disease and we do know that training and preparedness can make the response faster," he said. Meningitis is an infection of the thin lining around the brain and spinal cord. Even when meningitis is diagnosed early and adequate therapy is available, between 5 and 10 percent of patients die, typically within 24 and 48 hours of experiencing the first symptoms. Many thousands of survivors are left with brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. 14 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 AFRICANS IN ITALY Ghanaians breaking new grounds in Italy By Reggie Tagoe The year 2007 has fizzled out into thin air but if activities and developments within the Ghanaian community in Italy is anything to go by then their prospects look good. This is a community of Ghanaians abroad that some few years ago were relatively in the shade in the midst of their compatriots elsewhere in Europe and the US. You hardly read something significant about them, but all that is changing now. Italian immigrations laws don't give much room to the foreign nationals to make progress but Ghanaians in Italy are now coming from their shells, despite the constraints, and breaking new grounds. In the year 2007, Ghana's image was projected in splendid fashion through the celebration of its 50th year of Independence anniversary. More Ghanaians became entrepreneurs, the doors were opened wider for the Ghana entertainment industry to come to Italy, Miss Ghana in Italy was a success, the impasse over passport fee increment between the Ghana Embassy in Rome and the Ghanaian community in Italy, led by their leaders - COGNAI - was resolved. You can go down the list a little further. The Ghana@50 in Italy projected a good image of Ghana in the eyes of many Italians and other foreign nationals in Italy. What really put the shine on the celebration is the manner Ghana's culture under its traditional drumming; dancing costumes among others was displayed in various events across the country. They were the finest events ever held within the Ghanaian community here as Ghanaians showed themselves in their numbers and being proud of their country. A representative of the City Council of Vicenza, Gianfranco Morselleto, who was at one of the events said: "There has never been anything like this within the immigrants' communi- ties in Italy." It couldn't have been said better. Ghana's Ambassador to Italy, His Excellency Charles Agyei-Amoama, and his able men and women at the Ghana Embassy put the icing on the cake in a grand finale to the celebration hosting a Charity Ball in Rome and honouring 15 deserving Ghanaians and Italians in Italy who have contributed immensely to the good course of the Ghanaian community. It was the first of its kind for the community and that is going to spur people on to greater heights. Here special mention must be made of Dr. Kodwo Andah who received an Award in recognition of his academic excellence. He is the only African water expert having been invited to contribute to the UNESCO and encyclopaedia on life support systems. He is also the author and co-author of 80 scientific papers published on a number of topics by UNESCO. How many people would have known the man and his achievements without the Charity Ball Night? I doff my hat off again for the Ghana Ambassador to Italy for resolving the issue over the passport fees increment which broke down cordial relation between the Ghana Embassy and leaders of the Ghanaian community in Italy. For years this community has not had the person of his calibre. Though he is still under 'road-test' in the eyes of Ghanaians in Italy, indications are he'll pass the test. It could be stated that he has performed creditably within his one year in office and his idea of setting up a welfare fund for destitute Ghanaians in Italy and other projects for the community must also be commended. Having been through the rank and file of Ghanaian communities abroad he interacts, understands and responds better and if you have a boss who is approachable, reasons with you and takes a decision that's a plus. It's interesting seeing how Ghanaians in Italy are becoming entrepreneurs, establishing their own businesses and also luring Italians to invest in Ghana. Come to think of it that even driving a taxicab or public transport in Italy calls for you to be a citizen of the country. This tells you some of the difficulties that confronts the immigrant trying to make progress and that's why these Ghanaians need to be commended for coming so far. I salute the efforts of some Ghanaian Associations and groups who have taken it upon themselves to help local communities back home in Ghana with financial support, sending hospital equipments and doing projects in some rural areas of Ghana. Mention must be made of Ghanacoop, a Ghanaian entity born out of the Ghana Association in the city of Modena, which has been turned into a big business organisation now importing large quantities of Ghana pineapples and other food crops, supplying supermarkets and shipping back to Ghana Italian pasta and wine. This is providing jobs for both Ghanaians in Italy and Ghana. Not only that, Ghanacoop is putting up projects in some Ghanaian villages providing pipe boreholes, electricity and helping in infrastructure works for the rural folks. I admire the hardworking attitude of its President, Thomas McCarthy, whose efforts is bringing the right results. He said in one of his statements: "I don't like begging, I present to you a project, tell you what I can provide and together with what you have we can form a partnership so we work together." Some food for thought for those who prefer to walk the corridors of government offices and international organisations always looking for assistance. A business seminar involving Ghanaian and Italian entrepreneurs Baby Jessica Adams to be dedicated in Conegliano By LSK Marfoh Mr. and Mrs. Adams from Ghana will dedicate their lovely baby girl Jessica Adams, to the Living God on 16th February 2008. The ceremony which will take place at the Christian Faith Center Assembly in Conegliano (TV), will be attended by a large number of people from different parts of Europe including close relations, friends and loved ones of Mr. and Mrs. Adams Sir Roberto Addai Boateng, the Organiser-in-chief for the programme, said there are plans to make the occasion one of the greatest and most memorable. Sir Roberto said he has specially reserved 200 places of accommodation for guests who are to arrive from various parts of the country and beyond. The Organiser-inchief added that a special selection of 100 people will be entertained at a holiday resort It will be officiated by Pastor Osei Boateng and Pastor Owusu Ansah, of Treviso and Conegliano Assemblies respectively. More information can be obtained by dialing any of the following n u m b e r s : 3384837562, 3339758253, 3494260412, 202352743, Mr and Mrs Adams with the baby 33292528765. Jessica posing for D-day Jessica was born on 7th June 2007 at on Sunday evening after the the Conegliano Hospital and is programme. the junior sister to Master Baby Jessica's uncle, Alan Adams. Kankam Cash, will specially Micky and Mrs. Adams would fly in from Ghana to chair the likeMr. to invite all friends and occasion. colleagues The service will take place relations, including at the Electrolux from 18.00 to 21.00 hours, at working Products in Sussegana. VIA MONTEGRAPPA, 5, Home great surprise awaits those SUSSEGANA (TV), near A who will attend the event, the Electrolux Home Products. organizers said. resident in Italy together with Italians having investments in Ghana held at the end of last year was a laudable beginning to form a Ghana/Italy Chamber of Commerce. The meeting brought to the fore problems and solutions of all involved in investing in Ghana. Miss Ghana in Italy 2007 was a success and an improvement over the previous year but I have some worries. Most of the young ladies that paraded in the contest could not express themselves well in English and knew little about Ghana's history. One competitor even found it more comfortable to answer questions in Italian. Are Ghanaians in Italy losing their identity? I think parents and guardians of Ghanaian children in Italy have a lot of homework to do and they must start now. I did mention that Ghana's entertainment industry is finding its way to Italy and in the year 2007 celebrated Ghanaian artistes, Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, Ofori Amponsah among others found themselves here. They are breaking new grounds and the big entertainment shows are coming to Italy. The year provided the tonic for Ghanaians in Italy to excel in whatever field they choose and with that there must be no looking back. Johnson & O'Fidelis wed in Genova By Michael Raphael Ruth Johnson from Benin City, Nigeria and Mr. John O'Fidelis from Monrovia, Liberia have wedded in Genova. The reception that followed took place at the Red Cross hall in piazza Manzini. In his brief speech, the chairman of the wedding reception and former president of the Nigerian Association in Genova, Dr. Sunny Obi said the wedding of Africans under the Italian family laws is part of integration in the Italian society. He urged the couple to continue to love themselves as love is the bedrock of successful marriages. The opening prayer was said by Dr. Raphael Osaigbovo who asked God to grant the new couple a peaceful marriage and to shut their door against marriage breakers. Notably amongst the people present were officials of the Esan community of Edo State, Nigeria; Mr. Austin Ehime, Mr. Timothy Okojie, Mr. Luis Otukpe, Mr. Godday Okojie, Mr. Austin Osigbe, Florence Folunsho, Esther Usifoh and Ofure Emweonyon .The master of ceremony Mr. Okojie made the guests almost laugh out their lungs with his jokes. The guests were later treated to African and Italian dishes. A big thank you from Pastor Asare By LSK Marfoh Pastor Asare Yeboah, the founder and president of Christ In You Ministry would like to thank his colleagues, friends and church congregants who made his 50th birthday such a memorable feat. He said that he cannot visit each person who came to the event in order to express his heartfelt thanks, but hoped that, through the pages of Africa News, he could reach the many people who were present to grace his occasion. AFRICANS IN ITALY Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 15 Kenyans in Rome pray for peace By John Mwangi Kenyans and friends of Kenya held an inter-denominational prayer meeting in Rome to ask God to restore peace in Kenya. Unlike other Kenyans in the Diaspora, Kenyans in Italy showed solidarity at this trying moment when their country is undergoing difficult times by uniting in prayers as opposed to demonstrations that have been witnessed in other countries. Aware of the grave danger surrounding Kenya at this moment, Fr. Bernard who was the main speaker urged all Kenyans to forget their tribal differences, and burry the hatchet. He also said that it is only through dialogue and forgiveness that peace can prevail. The prayer meeting held at the Augustinian Generalate House, in Via Paolo VI, 25, was also attended by Kenya's Ambassador to Italy, H.E Ann Belinda Nyikuli and staff of the Kenya Embassy in Rome. Mrs. Nyikuli appealed to all ordinary Kenyans and politicians to do every- thing possible to restore peace in the country. "Peace and unity have always been Kenya's strength. Kenya has stood as an island of peace in the region and the pedestal of stability and economic prosperity. We must not allow our current political differences to be expressed in "Peace and unity have always been Kenya's strength. Kenya has stood as an island of peace in the region and the pedestal of stability and economic prosperity. We must not allow our current political differences to be expressed in a manner that will destroy what has taken so long to mould" Kenya's Ambassador to Italy, H.E Ann Belinda Nyikuli a manner that will destroy what has SOS KENYA TURIN CHAPTER taken so long to A Conference about Socio-economic mould," the and Political Reality of Kenya Ambassador said. She went on to say that "Our 42 tri- On the 16th February 08 bes, multiplicity of TIME: (15.00 - 17.30) Hrs languages and the Via Cialdini 4 Torino rich cultural diversi- Consolata Missionaries Animation Centre ty have served as a reservoir of talent Main Speakers: that has catapulted us to enviable achievements in all - Dr. Barettini Cristina, an economist and a lecturer spheres of political at Turin University-Faculty of Business and and socio-economic Commerce. d e v e l o p m e n t . - Fr. Bartholomeo Michubu, a Kenyan priest from During this trying the Diocese of Meru. period in the history - Mr. John Mwangi, Secretary of Kenyan of our country, let Association in Rome. us draw strength - Mr. Stephen Ogongo, Editor in chief of Africa from the words of News, monthly for Africans in Europe our National Anthem, and not allow this diversity Moderator: Sadia K'Odundo Martin to now become a source of division Followed by refreshments nor one to fuel it. Let us act responsibly and All Kenyans, friends of Kenya, religious groups stand up to be counted working in Kenya, political leaders, associations amongst the voices of and volunteer groups are most welcome. reason. Let us rally together and show solidarity by spreading a Please do confirm your participation by 10th message of peace, tole- February for logistics. rance and understanding. Let us be vigilant Info. and resist any attempts 3387728260 email, [email protected] from within or without 3925484457 email, [email protected] that may want to use our 3391771724 email, [email protected] diversity to divide us." 3206162624 email, [email protected] Kenyans across the political divide are praying for peace while aid Protesters furious at alleged electoworkers try to bring relief to an estima- ral fraud have been going on the ramted 250,000 refugees from post-elec- page, killing scores of people and tortion violence that has also killed hun- ching businesses and homes. In several dreds. cities the police used live ammunition The officially-declared results of the to disperse protesters and disperse loo27th December presidential poll - ters, killing and wounding dozens. giving victory to incumbent President A mediation team led by former Mwai Kibaki over opposition rival United Nations Secretary General Kofi Amolo Raila Odinga - plunged the Annan is in Kenya to look for a lasting country into a post-election violence of solution to the country's political crisis. a scale never witnessed before. Nigerian gang smashed, accused of trafficking women for prostitution in Europe Italy's anti-Mafia unit has arrested dozens of Nigerians who are alleged members of a gang accused of smuggling their compatriots into Europe to work as prostitutes and drug traffickers, police said. The "Operation Viola" led to 51 arrests in Italy and 15 in other European countries, mostly in The Netherlands. The police said that most of the victims of trafficking by the gang were women and children, some of whom had been kidnapped from Nigerian orphanages. The operation also led to the unearthing of serious adoption irregularities involving Nigerian women living in Italy. They were reportedly taking infants from orphanages in Nigeria and selling them abroad. The initial part of the operation concluded in October last year led to the arrest of 23 people in The Netherlands, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the US and Nigeria. The latest suspects held by Italian police face charges relating to slavery, kidnapping and trafficking people and drugs. According to the police, the gang earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from its activities. Mr. Giovanni Conzo, the anti-mafia prosecutor in Naples, the city where the gang carried out much of its work said many of the arrested suspects were prostitution madams who pay heavily for the girls to be smuggled into Italy. The victims were usually subjugated with voodoo rites in order to be forced into slavery. The police said some of the victims were paid 3000 euros in order to be used as drug mules, swallowing cocaine or heroin in condoms to transport it around Europe. Mr. Grasso said the Nigerian gang centred around the Nigerian city of Lagos represent an enormous danger. Home Affairs Minister Giuliano Amato said the arrests proved that a new slave trade was growing in Europe, taking advantage of poor young Nigerians. He asked the law enforcement to be tough with such criminals. Chriscent holds charity concert in Pescara The famous Nigerian rapper Chriscent will stage a concert on 17th February in Pescara to raise money for a Nigerian orphan who lost her mother on 11th January this year in the same town. The concert will be held at Via Andrea Doria 33, from 17:00. "Let's all join hands to help this baby who is now left without anyone to take care of her," Chriscent said. He added that those who may not be able to make it to the concert can send their donations. Meanwhile Chriscent's record company, Jimmy Records, is looking for four female dancers to feature in his new video. Those interested should send their pictures to [email protected] before 30th March. Chriscent's latest video "Free at last" was nominated in Nigeria Video Music Awards held in Lagos on 2nd December 2007. It was nominated as the Most Popular Video played in Europe. The video is still dominating the airwaves in several European countries. It is amongst the top 10 on Ben TV. Chriscent's LP "Who are d' enemiz" can be ordered online from his official website www.chriscent.com 16 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 AFRICANS IN ITALY South Africa’s Simphiwe Dana to thrill fans in Rome The famous South African musician Simphiwe Dana will be staging a concert in Rome on 12th February at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli from 21:00. Simphiwe's music is a unique combination of African Roots, Pop, Soul, Gospel and Hip Hop. She is a great stage performer, having staged very successful concerts in several European cities including the Berlin, Barcelona, London, Rome, Madrid and Hamburg. What makes her music is more relevant is that she talks about the main problems facing South Africa with a clear message of hope. She sings about family problems, love and politics. Writing about Simphiwe, the UK's music magazine "Songlines" said "A talent to rival Lauryn Hill, India Arie, Erykah Badu? Without a doubt. Get used to the name. Simphiwe Dana has a voice that pulls you up short." She has also been praised as "The best thing to happen to Afro-Soul music since Miriam Makeba" by the internet magazine from MWEB. South Africa's Jean Barker of 24.com Music said "Simphiwe Dana's gorgeous voice sways center stage against sophisticated jazz piano chords, and modern dance rhythms, shivering with Sophiatown style delicate vibrato, drenched in blues." Born and Raised in the Eastern Cape, Simphiwe's name means 'gift' and many of her fans would agree that she is just that, a gift to the SA music scene. In a short period of time this Soul Sistah has become one of South Africa's favourite daughters. Her music has a fresh sound and her unique voice complements it perfectly. Her debut album "Zandisile" took a lot of music lovers by surprise. It is modern South African music with a timeless revolutionary message. Simphiwe says that her music is mostly influenced by what is going on in people's daily lives. She talks about the struggle that black people are going through, despite South Africa's supposed freedom and status as a democracy. Tracks like "Thwelubunzima" and "Vukani" call for people of colour to wake up and see the light, but then she also has tracks like "Zandisile" which is a song of hope, and "Ndiredi", the hit single for which she won a couple of South African Music Awards. "I am a very cultured person", she says, "as an African person we were made to feel inferior and a lot of African people stopped practicing their culture because it was seen as witchcraft or uncivilized. My music is inspired by African people and the love they have for song. I grew up in a rural area and every time there was some kind of gathering, such as a wedding or circumcision, we sang to celebrate the event. Music has always been my first love, but because of financial problems I was forced to study IT after matric in order to survive and I have worked in the IT industry until reality caught up with me and I couldn't ignore my cal- ling to become a musician anymore. I started off performing at poetry sessions in Yeoville and Newtown and one day after a performance a talent scout from Gallo records approached me and asked me to give her a demo tape, which I did, and weeks later they asked me to sign up with them. The rest, as they say, is history'." Simphiwe has two lovely children. "I want my children to grow up the way I did, knowing where they come from," she says, adding that that is why she speaks to her children in Xhosa. "This is for the same reason I sing in Xhosa. It is very important to South African musician Simphiwe Dana to perpreserve our languages form in Rome on 12th February at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and pass them on to our children." Some of Simphiwe's favourite If you have the love for something and artists are Dorothy Masuka, Miriam you are passionate about it, then you Makeba and Bob Marley just to name a will stop at nothing to do it. And no few. She says: "I like the fact that I matter what you do in life always have a unique sound and I don't purpo- remember where your roots lie." For further information about sefully follow trends. I would advise other people who want to become a Simphiwe's concert in Rome, please musician to be creative about what they dial 199.109.783, or check the website do rather than trying to imitate others. www.auditorium.com Victim of racism? WHO WE ARE Ufficio Nazionale Antidiscriminazioni Razziali- U.N.A.R. (The National Office Against Racial Discrimination) has the objective of checking and guaranteeing just treatment for anyone who has been a victim of any form of discrimination or harassment due to his/her ethnic origin or race. TOLL FREE NUMBER AGAINST RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: 800.90.10.10 U.N.A.R. has set up a toll free number 800.90.10.10, accessible from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 20:00. There are operators answering calls in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Romanian, and Mandarin Chinese. They provide information, offer orientation and support to victims of racial discrimination. By calling the toll free number, you can report or tell of incidents, events, and discriminatory actions based on race or ethnic. The Contact center, where possible, helps in the resolution of the case through the office>s expertise, and supports the victim in protecting his/her rights. UNAR’S COMMITMENT In case we get notified of acts or discriminatory behaviours, UNAR offers assistance and support in legal or administrative procedures and can carry out autonomous investigations to verify the existence of discriminatory phenomenon. The office can also carry out informal reconciliations in order to avoid taking legal action. The aim of such a move is to rapidly get rid of the discriminatory behaviour. UNAR is also committed in the following areas: PREVENTION - UNAR targets the public opinion through awareness raising campaigns, education in schools and formation at workplace. This aims at preventing the development of discriminatory behaviours and ensuring that equal treatment of all becomes and cultural baggage, education and cultural baggage of each individual. PROMOTION - UNAR promotes projects and actions aimed at eliminating at the root disadvantages due to ethnic or racial background. The office promotes studies, research, courses and exchange of experience so as to remove the obstacles to having access to all public and private services, as well as full awareness of civil and social rights. MONITORING AND VERIFICATION - Every year, UNAR prepares a report to the Parliament on the real application of the principle of equal treatment of all and on the efficacy of the mechanisms for preventing racial discrimination. It also prepares a report to the Prime Minister on the activities carried, so as to make political organs and public opinion aware of the progresses and the problems encountered in fighting racial discrimination. Call toll FREE NUMBER COMMENTARY/OP-ED Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 17 South Africa ANC -Winnie Mandela to the Rescue? Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, ex-wife of former President Nelson Mandela, has vowed to repair the split that has haunted the ANC in the period leading to their 52nd National Conference in Polokwane from 16-20 December 2007. She made a sensational political comeback after an absence of five years. The delegates placed her to occupy position number 1 in the 80-member National Executive Committee. "In am going to return the ANC to its former glory by 2009. Watch me" she promised in an interview. Our correspondent Eric Singh was in Polokwane and sent this report the delegates began gathering in the City of Polokwane, Province of Limpopo, in the north of the country on 15th December when registration got under way. It was obvious that there were two distinct camps. The one camp showing three fingers, meaning third term. The other showed the sign of the change used in football matches. The situation was not helped by the heavy deluge that greeted delegates at the registration office. Except for the opening day of conference, it rained the whole time making for very heavy underfoot conditions on the lovely lawn of the University of Limpopo. The mood of the conference was clearly going Zuma's way. In fact on the second day Mbeki's advisers plea- The 52nd National Conference of the African National Congress (ANC) is now history. The 4000 voting delegates placed the running of the organisation into the hands of Mr. Jacob Zuma, the new president, and his National Executive Committee (NEC), which was enlarged from 66 to 86, and has been charged with the task of renewing the ANC and to successfully lead it into the parliamentary general elections of 2009. Speculation is rife. Media and other political analysts are having a field day following the humiliating defeat suffered by President Thabo Mbeki and his supporters. Mr. Zuma made a clean sweep of the top six positions. Never in the history of the ANC have the delegates been confronted with such a situation. Normally presidents have stepped down voluntarily and the new one elected almost by acclaim. Mr. Mbeki, whose term as President of South Africa ends in 2009, decided to retain his place in the ANC where no such rules apply. This split the organisation from top to bottom. Canvassing began months before the conference started. This is a new phenomena in the ANC. The situation was rather tense when ded with him to drop out with grace. He refused. He was very stubborn. He failed to read the writing on the wall and put the organisation in a very embarrassing position. Why did the delegates refuse to endorse Mbeki for a third term? There are many theories floating around. It might be interesting to quote from a reader's letter to the local press a few days before the conference kicked off. This reader, probably a Boer, judging from his name, takes the press to task for their vilification of Zuma. He said: By Eric Singh "Although Mbeki was lambasted by the media despite his successes, no sooner it was clear that Zuma was making ground at the grassroots, this very same media has suddenly found a champion in Mbeki and are tripping over each other in their praise of the man. "Africans are not stupid. And are aware of the Eurocentric agenda. The truth is that the rank and file who make up the strength of the ANC electoral blocs, will support a presidential candidate who they feel will champion their aspirations to go forward, and not a stooge of the advantaged elite". The results of the elections in Limpopo confirmed that this reader understood the situation more than the media who received a well earned slap in the face. The position of the ANC President is a very powerful one. That person can pull the strings, with the help of the NEC, as to who will occupy which position in government. Including the national president. This is precisely what the delegates at Polokwane saw through and voted against Mbeki. They did not want a president for life. A fellow scribe sees it like this "In the end, I suppose, it was Thabo Mbeki's obduracy that sunk him; he was the architect of his own downfall". Dr Pallo Jordan, Minister of Arts and Culture in the second Mbeki cabinet (he was kept out of the first cabinet from 1999-2004. He also held cabinet position under Nelson Mandela) is a very outspoken person. He does not belong to Mbeki's inner circle. Jordan was of the opinion: "It would have been preferable if Mbeki had responded to the demand for change in a different way: if he had not put himself forward for the ANC leadership and, instead, left office gracefully like LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters on topical issues, your experiences, and or comments on any article you have read in the Africa News. We will only consider letters sent to us for publication if they carry the writer's name and address, not necessarily for publication, but as a sign of good faith. Address your letters to: The Editor, Africa News, Via Maroso, 50, CAP 00142 Rome, Italy, or e-mail: [email protected] or fax +39-06-87410528. Nelson Mandela. Thabo has effectively been head of government since 1994. The government's successes have been his successes and it is sad that it should end on this note". Jacob Zuma, in a very passionate, and wide-ranging speech to the delegates, made an appeal to work together. He told them: "Irrespective of whom you voted for, there is no place for a Zuma camp or an Mbeki camp. There is only one ANC," and promised to work closely with the grassroots in order to implement some of the resolutions which need urgent attention. These include expanding the no fee schools; HIV/AIDS programmes, and support for victims and families; 30% land redistribution by 2014; fighting poverty and crime; to fight the patriarchal oppression of women thereby making the gender question a high priority; economy and foreign investments; consolidating the Tripartite Alliance (ANC, COSATU- trade unions, & South African Communist Party) which has been dented under the Mbeki leadership. This is where Ms MadikizelaMandela's experience, talent and persuasive powers will be a great help to Zuma. He would be well advised to heed the lady's offer. He will need it. The Polokwane gathering demonstrated to South Africa that the people will make their presence felt. One cannot ignore them in the belief that they will follow blindly. It is also hoped that the lessons of Limpopo will be felt throughout the continent of Africa. This was democracy in action. At the time of writing, it has been reported that Jacob Zuma has been indicted on corruption charges and will appear in court in August 2008. Further details are not yet available. Ghanaians, make Ghana a developed nation By Mercy Bolus Adede Ghana was already a nation even in the times of the Gold Coast. We had graduates. There was also a man called Kwame Nkrumah and the Big team of six bringing freedom to the rest of Africa while black Americans were denied a vote in their own country. These selfless people from Ghana saw the future of Africa from the keyhole. A new nation was created to be a symbol of Africa and the rest of the world. Let's us keep that torch shining wherever we are! Nationality of people does not really matter, as we love unity to rule our nation. Who is calling the shots here? Is it not Ghanaians? This is what makes Ghana so unique as compared to the rest of Africa and America. We should try to emulate best practices that improve lives and bring stability, growth and technological development to our nation. We certainly have what it takes to make a difference for our nation. However, we need to value and respect each other's capability no matter how small those contributions could be. Each and every one of us has something to share to make that difference in Ghana. Those of us living in the current developed world must not rest until our nation matches the developments we see and enjoy in these developed nations. The slums we see in our country were here in Europe in 1800's until 1970. Why then do we as a nation go for loans and aid? Let us maximise our own resources with new initiatives. As a middle age country and still rising from the Phoenix of colonialism we should be at the height of our developments and even achieving greater things by now. Why are we still struggling as a nation not performing to make that difference like our brothers in Malaysia? What is stopping us from reaching the top level of our development since we started over five decades ago? Ghana is an open-door country and as such has Embassies throughout the world. However, do we capitalise on the advantages these opportunities give us? Does it stretch us to strategically network Ghana with key stakeholders in areas that would be of interest to our country? For example, the Ghana railways system could work in partnership with the German, British or the Spanish railway system in order to provide an effective and efficient system. Are our Ambassadors grasping the knowledge of economic growth and developmental know-how from their host countries? Such intelligence is badly needed for our own development. Do we lack the ability to ask vital questions necessary for our developments? Why are we still struggling when we are over 50 years old and still cannot stand on our own two feet? Surely, 50 years is quite enough for Ghanaian citizens to be seeing concrete outcomes, better educational system, health system, improvement of our cultural heritage, significant increase in our literacy rate and growth and development with adequate welfare system at least. Why don't we then eradicate all the slums springing up around strategic spots in Ghana? These are not acceptable if we are aiming to be a tourist destination in the near future. Let's improve our sanitation around all our towns, villages and cities. Wouldn’t it be a good idea for Assembly men and women to push for basic amenities in all their communities to promote our tourism? One would welcome the new initiative to train local chiefs on management. Marketing skills perhaps would encou- rage all chiefs to promote their areas and maximise the profits they would get from natural resources. How about inviting celebrities from Europe to spend a week to eat local just foof at the Kakum grounds hence giving Kakum Parks etc the PR it needs to boost our tourism. Why are our community leaders not doing their bit in transforming all local beaches into a pleasant surrounding to attract tourists? Let's us keep this momentum going and to get that Ghanaian feeling to achieve against the odds. Let us value each other as one body. Once we get this right we would achieve greater results in all angles. No one is an Island, we need each other like a building project. Let's try and contribute towards community developments in our little way. Ghanaians in Diaspora, let's continue to promote Ghana. Let's help the children we bring up in Diaspora to think of Ghana and invest in business ventures to promote our country. Everyone should walk tall and be proud of being part of Ghana and help in whatever ways they can. Let's shame those who ridicule Ghana by and kicking off this year with key strategic objectives to make that difference. We have a job to do! DON’T PUT LIMITS TO YOUR VOICE. 18 cents are enough to feel at home. Activate Call Your Country: call Egypt, Libya and Nigeria at 18 cents per minute. Furthermore, with Noi Wind, for only 6 euros per month you can talk for free with all Wind cellular phones for 200 minutes per month. Activation is free for new clients until 8th June 2008 Call Your Country costs 4 euros per semester. Connection fee is 15 cents, and it charges every 60 seconds. For further information, consult www.wind.it ENTERTAINMENT Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 19 Kenyan DJ's rise to popularity entertaining Africans in the UK DJ Dubwise: “Politics is a game that can either build or destroy a nation” By Pauline Long Africans in the UK are embracing one of the most talented Disc Jockeys who has gradually became very popular over the years in the music and entertainment scene from hosting gigs, playing at exclusive clubs and parties to fronting The Look East Show on Voice of Africa Radio. His love for music has been there since he was a little boy, growing up in the eighties, listening to the hit songs played at home by his elder sibling. These would either be soul classics from the likes of Bee Gees, Kool & the Gang or Michael Jackson's music, Lingala music or simply some Reggae by Jimmy Cliff, Alpha Blondy, UB40, Lucky Dube and Bob Marley. In an exclusive interview, Pauline Long caught up with the man in question, DJ Dubwise who revealed how it all started and his passion for entertaining the African community in the UK. The chance came when I met a good friend; DJ Collo at a party in London, he allowed me to try out the decks, of course with a few errors but eventually I got to learn the game. I started collecting compilation CD's and going to Clubs hoping to get a try out and it eventually paid off. I had to practice a lot in order to keep up with the demands and as they say the rest is history! So, is this what you planned as a career or what is just a hobby that developed into a career? This was just a hobby that went on to become bigger than main pointers and told me the truth about being a DJ, I took it on board and I'm still trying to learn through what he does! You have in the past been nominated for the best Kenyan DJ Award in the UK by the Kenyan Society UK, how did it feel to be recognised even though you were still relatively new in the industry? Yes, I was nominated alongside other big Kenyan DJ's in the UK in 2004, when I was just getting better in the game. Amongst them was DJ Edu, who was the eventual winner. It was a great honour to be named alongside them and to Everyone knows you as DJ Dubwise, what are your real names? Haha! It's true everyone knows the name Dubwise, a name I was given by a friend of mine years back due to my knowledge of Reggae music. I guess people liked the sound of it and suddenly they started calling me Dubwise and it stuck. However, those who've known me from before would always call me by my real name Frankie! When did it all start for you and how did you get into spinning? Well, I'd say music has been a part of me from way back, when I was growing up, listening to the likes of Lucky Dube, Bob Marley,UB40, Them Mushrooms, Michael Jackson etc. Hence it developed into a hobby of collecting music and exchanging with friends for what I didn't have and just enjoying the music. But the first time I went to a club, I was amazed at how the DJ's juggled the songs and moved the crowds and I'd always think to myself if I could do the same just for fun. NEW RELEASES Kenyan. Being a resident DJ at Club Afrique in Canning Town, where different communities from around the world come and chill out, I've met people who would be looking for a DJ to entertain them during wedding parties, birthday parties or even office parties. I've played at a Nigerian party, a Zambian party, I've played at a wedding with a majority of Polish nationals. This has enabled me to learn more about the different cultures out there! You also own DJ Dubwise promotions, tell me more about it? Dubwise Promotions is simply a name I came up with to use when I plan my own gigs. I felt that I needed something to identify myself with, together with the team that I work with when planning events. These events could be talent shows to promote upcoming musicians or planning events that promote the rich African culture, as well as simply promoting the music I love! What are you currently listening to on your ipod? Oh! Am listeKenyan DJ Dubwise doing what he loves most: to make people ning to a track happy 'Know Yourself' expected, because I've been able to learn quite a lot and made some good friends along the way and I suppose it is now turning into a career. Who do you look up to and consider as your role model in the industry? Wow! The list could be long but someone that encouraged me when I was just beginning to learn the game and the tricks of the trade, and subsequently went on to do bigger things himself is DJ Edu of BBC 1Xtra. He gave me the be a possible winner to walk away with the coveted title. I took it as an encouragement and that people were actually recognizing my input in the DJ scene and this made me work harder at it. Being a DJ from Kenya in the UK one would think that you only spin for the Kenyan community but I know that this is an assumption that doesn't apply to you, is that right? Yes, you are absolutely right; I play for a wider audience even though I am by Levysill a very talented young Kenyan artist here in the UK, also listening to 'Kwaheri' by Jua Cali, actually it's quit a long list! Currently, you are the main man behind the only radio programme for East Africans in the UK - The Look East Show on Voice Of Africa Radio, tell me more about this show? Yes, I front The Look East show on Voice of Africa Radio and it's an interactive show that mainly focuses on East African music, covering Kenya, Uganda , Tanzania and newcomers to East African Community Rwanda and Burundi . The show strives to promote East African culture through music and also updated news concerning the day to day lives of East Africans, both here in the UK and back in Africa. It goes live every Wednesday night from 10PM till 12 Midnight on 94.3FM or online on www.voiceofafricaradio.com. I listen to your show religiously every Wednesday night and most of the time you preach about peace in Africa . What message do you have for your fellow Kenyans who are now experiencing postelection violence and tension? As we all know the media is a powerful tool in relaying information, hence at Voice of Africa Radio, we all try to put across a message of peace and love especially at this moment when Kenya is going through trying times. My message to all Kenyans is to exercise restraint in showing hatred towards fellow Kenyans. Politics is a game that can either build or destroy a nation as we've seen from many examples out there, hence we really need to learn from that and maintain the peace and togetherness that we've lived by for so long. Any gigs we should put on our 2008 Calendar? There's quite a number coming up, I will be featuring at a show by London based group Kasai Masai in early February, as well as the annual Valentine's party on 15th February at Club Afrique, which this time round is focusing on bringing together all Kenyans and friends of Kenya and promote peace and love. For more details on these events and more one can always log onto my website, www.djdubwise.com or www.myspace.com/djdubwise. What does the future hold for DJ Dubwise? With God's grace, the sky and beyond is the limit for me, as I will strive to be the best I can be, rip all the benefits and hopefully use my skills to make a difference in society. Are you looking for personal loan that speaks your language? Call toll free number 800 900 300 From Monday to Friday from 9 to 18.30 Free calls even from mobile phones MORTGAGE PERSONAL LOANS CESSIONE DEL V Our financial shops are located in: ROMA via san Sebastianello, 16/B MILANO via Vittor Pisani, 19 FIRENZE via degli Artisti, 41/A PORTOGRUARO via Camucina, 43-45 BRESCIA via Vittorio Emanuele II, 18 PADOVA via Fistomba, 8 GENOVA piazza Barabino, 5-11 PORDENONE via Brusafiera, 14 UDINE piazza del Pozzo, 5 MANTOVA via Don Leoni, 15/C VERONA via XX Settembre, 45/B ALESSANDRIA via Vochieri, 85-87 VICENZA Contrà San Silvestro, 6 TORINO via Nizza, 43 NAPOLI via Marchese Campodisola, 12 BOLOGNA viale Pietramallara, 35 And our Area Managers are available throughout Italy You can find our products at Authorised points For further information www.isifinancial.it Do you want to become our Financial Agent? Contact us using toll free number 800.900.300 ENTERTAINMENT Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 21 Suzanna Lubrano releases irresistibly danceable LP "Saida" is a delicate, successful fusion of Zouk, R&B and traditional Cape Verdean music styles By Stephen Ogongo The famous Cape Verdean songstress Suzanna Lubrano is celebrating the release of her new album "Saida". This passionate song writer and beauty queen has done what she terms a "crossover LP" by venturing into a new musical territory, bringing together the Sexy Cape Verdean Zouk Love, the more traditional Cape Verdean Batuku and the delicate R&B ballads in English. Suzanna is right to term this LP a "crossover" because it is an intelligent, successful fusion of Zouk, R&B and more traditional Cape Verdean music styles. The product is an excellent, sweet and irresistibly danceable LP with powerful and relevant messages. For instance in the first track that gives the album its name "Saida" which means exit, Suzanna sings about the courage to begin a new life after a past terrible experience. Here she shows the importance of being available and ready to help the suffering. "I was locked up in my pain without feelings, You gave me your hand and you saved me, I was locked up in my sorrow without consolation, You gave me your hand and saved me, I never thought I'd love again after all I've been through in the past, I never thought I'd trust someone to accompany me in my life," Suzanna says. In the track "Sumara", Suzanna cautions against letting friends and rumours interfere with your relationship. She warns against making decisions based on rumours and ill advice from friends. Such friends, Suzanna says, only have the aim of breaking your love and after succeeding, they start to laugh behind your back. Before talking in a bad way or hurting the person you love, Suzanna advises that you give the partner a chance to tell his/her side of the story. "Don't let rumours break you apart, your love is stronger than bad intent, let love and trust be the foundation of your relationship, from there you can continue to build," Suzanna sings. In this diverse pop album containing 19 tracks released by Mass A p p e a l Entertainment, Suzanna is backed by a wide array of producers, composers, musicians, and rappers. Suzanna is a musician who has continuously re-invented herself throu- ghout her career. She won two prestigious awards (the Best Female African Artist and Best Female Artist - West Africa) at the Kora All African Music Awards in 2003 in South Africa. Asked how she feels about her success, she says "I'm someone who is always with both feet on the ground. I'm just a mutual person. I don't see myself as an artiste, I just see myself like any other person." The Cape Verdean pop diva who is deeply saddened by the suffering of many desperate children all over the world, has a dream of building an orphanage. She feels happy when she receives a letter saying that her songs made someone feel good. "That's what excites me," she says. Suzanna officially launched the new LP on 31st January at the Cabo Verde meets Brasil Party at Holland Casino, Rotterdam, Netherlands. She plans to stage many other shows in different parts of the world to launch the LP. You can order a copy of "Saida" and obtain more information about Suzanna's tour schedule from: René Romer and Mical Ghebreab, TransCity, The Netherlands, Tel + 31 10 414 04 64, Tel + 31 65 368-06-75: Email: [email protected], or [email protected] Snippets of the album tracks can be heard on http://www.myspace.com/suzannalubrano and on http://www.suzannaonline.nl Interview with Suzanna Lubrano “Saida” is inspired by my personal experience By Stephen Ogongo Please share with us something about your new album. The first track that gives the album its name is "Saida". Why have you named it "Saida" and what does this mean? "Saida" is a good one. It is not really something that happened to me, but might one day. The song "Saida" is about a girl who had a difficult relationship. Because of all the pains, the sorrows, she got stuck, got locked up in her emotions. She couldn't see a way out. Then someone come along and showed her the exit, because "Saida" means exit. So it is not something that really happened to me. "Saida" can mean a lot of things also. It can mean, for example, living somewhere then choosing to move to live somewhere else. TOP CHARTS It's like changing of moments or things you are going through so it's wider than what I'm talking about in the song. What inspired you to compose this LP? I think this one, except for "Saida" is a more personal album. You know a lot of things are inspired from things I went through, or things I knew someone who went through them, so it is a more personal album. Mass Appeal Entertainment, so we had a chance to work with some people who are professionals in doing some R&B songs. We decided to make it a crossover, that's why there is a lot of R&B songs and English songs on it. What's the secret of being a successful musician? I think just being yourself. And always trying to do better than what you did before, and trying to go with the time. Is there a difference in sound between your new album and the previous ones? What's your advice to young Africans aspiring to become musicians? We've worked with different kinds of people this time. This CD is like a crossover. I always wanted to do a crossover CD but I had to wait for the right time and this was the right time to do it because we have this label in America, the I must say they have to continue building up. I would gladly do something for them to help them record because they need someone serious to record with and to invest in them. I would say keep the faith and keep on doing what you are doing. One day I'm sure something will happen. Apart from music, what else do you do? I do a lot of things. I'm a mother so I do my best to be a good mother, and that's very important next to the music business because it could be very busy sometimes. I ensure that I have plenty of time for my little ones. That's very important. I think being a good mother is even more important than being a musician. And next to that, I love children and one day I would love to do something for the children all over the world. This year I hope we will do something on that line to help children in need. What's your advice to African women forced to make a choice between a family and a career? I would love to say that nothing is impossible. I believe you can do both, that is what I'm doing, of course you need someone to help, but it's not impossible. You should never leave your family just to go for a professional career, I've never done that, I know it is possible to do both because I'm doing it. 22 Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 SPORTS Blatter: Timing of Africa Cup of Nations must be changed Caf: There are no plans to change timing of Africa Cup of Nations tion will continue to kick off in January. FRICA UP OF ATIONS It said there are no immediate FIXTURES to change "This is a tradition, but plans timing of the one should have now the the Sunday, 03 February tournament. courage to go into the "It is impossi- 2008 international calendar ble to move the Winner Group A v Runnerand see if it's not possible competition to up Gp B, Quarter Final, because it is to deal with it. We put a June the rainy season Winner Group B v Runnertarget for 2016 that by in most African up Gp A, Quarter Final, that time the internatio- countries and it will also be too Monday, 04 February nal calendar must be Caf general definitely in accordance hot," secretary Mustafa 2008 with the interests of eve- Fahmy said. Winner Gp C v Runner-up rybody." "We know our Gp D, Quarter Final, continent better, Winner Gp D v Runner-up can Europe orga- Gp C, Quarter Final, Fifa president Sepp nize the European Blatter Championship in Russia in Thursday, 07 February 2008 "It's normal that the clubs January?" Winner Q/F 1 v Winner Q/F 4, Semi-Final, Fahmy also said Winner Q/F 2 v Winner Q/F 3, Semi-Final, don't want us to leave and go and play in the African that despite suggeNations Cup, because they stions from some European officials, Saturday, 09 February 2008 pay us every week. "You can't leave the club and your Caf will not reduce Loser SF1 v Loser SF2, 3rd and 4th Place team-mates like that, because the the frequency of the Play-Offs, Premiership is very difficult. A team tournament, BBC like Bolton may lose three or four pla- reported. "I can confirm Sunday, 10 February 2008 yers.” Around 40 African players in the that the Nations Cup Winner SF1 v Winner SF2, Final English Premier League are in Ghana will continue to be held every two years for the Nations Cup. we need to fulfil and marketing conBut the Confederation of African at least till 2014," he said. tracts that we must respect. "We already have commitments that Football (Caf) insists that the competi"I am surprised that they say we are the only confederation that organizes their Nations Cup every two years" "It is impossible to move "The fact is, Europe and Asia the competition to June are exceptions, other confederabecause it is the rainy tions like Oceania and North and Central America apply the season in most African same duration system we have countries and it will also in our competition." be too hot. We know our Meanwhile Caf has confircontinent better, can med that the 2010 Africa Cup of Europe organize the Nations will start 10 days earlier than this year's edition in Ghana European Championship as a concession to Europeanin Russia in January?" based clubs. Caf said the tournament in Confederation of Angola would be held from January 10-31, unlike this year's African Football which started on Sunday 20th General secretary January and run until 10th Mustafa Fahmy February. © AP PHOTO for us and easier for the clubs as well. Fifa president Sepp Blatter wants the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations changed. He told the BBC that by 2016, the biennial tournament must be held in June and July like other major tournaments. "This is a tradition, but one should have now the courage to go into the international calendar and see if it's not possible to deal with it," said Blatter. "We put a target for 2016 that by that time the international calendar must be definitely in accordance with the interests of everybody." Many African players and European clubs who lose key players to the tournament have made frequent calls to change its timing. El Hadji Diouf, Senegal's former African player of the year has in the past suggested that Cup of Nations should not be held in January and February, at the height of the European season. "We are not playing the African Nations Cup at the right time. We need to look at it again," Diouf said. "Why can't we play when the Premiership is finished? We can play the African Nations Cup in a month at the end of the season. This would make it easier A C N Ghana is a bridge to South Africa as it does everything possible to host a fantastic African Cup of Nations. "For us it is an African World Cup of Nations in reference to 2010. People are coming to Ghana not only to see how Ghana is organised, but how Africa is organised. And we are inviting all South Africans to come to Ghana and we will do our best to host them to the best of our ability. God bless Ghana, God bless South Africa and God bless Africa," said the former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe, who is the Ghana 2008 Director for International Relations. Baffoe played for Ghana's Black Stars national team 16 times and made his name in the German Bundesliga with clubs such as FC Koln, Stuttgart Kickers and Fortuna Dusseldorf. "We all are looking forward to a © AP PHOTO Ghana 2008 a bridge to SA 2010 “(African Cup of Nations) is a trophy and a tournament that needs to be entrenched in the hearts and minds of all African people" 2010 LOC's Chief Executive Officer Dr Danny Jordaan wonderful experience in Ghana. The expectation that this will be the best ever African Nations Cup is huge. Certainly from a playing point of view, featuring players like Kolo Toure, Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel we're expecting that it will deliver high-qua- lity football. We have African players who are now not only in the starting line-ups, but who are stars at some of the biggest clubs in the world". The 2010 OC's Chief Executive Officer Dr Danny Jordaan said "The Ghana 2008 African Nations Cup will further strengthen the character of the game on the continent and we want to wish you as the organisers of the tournament the very best. You will help us. Because if you do a good job - and we know you will - people will see that not only are Africans good on the playing field, they're good organisers as well." Dr. Jordaan praised the Ghana 2008 LOC for their decision to take the AFCON trophy to all the competing countries in the Nations Cup. "The trophy tour gives a connection to the tournament to those people in the competing countries. It gives those countries the chance to experience the symbols of the tournament and also helps to market the African Nations Cup. It is a trophy and a tournament that needs to be entrenched in the hearts and minds of all African people," said Dr. Jordaan. SPORTS Year 6 - n°2 February 2008 23 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa Abedi: Africa’s doing it in style By LOC South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Ambassador Abedi "Pele" Ayew is one of the greatest and most celebrated African footballers of all time. One of the first African players to make a major impact on European club football, he was the African Player of the Year a record three-times in 1991, 1992 and 1993. For all his outstanding personal achievements, however, one honor eluded him in his illustrious career - winning the African Nations Cup on home soil in his native Ghana. He's 43 now and long retired, but he is an omnipresent star in his own right as Ghana hosts the 2008 MTN African Nations Cup from January 20-February 10. And while he won't physically take part in the action on the pitch, he will be well represented on the playing front by his 17-year-old son Andre Ayew. Like his famous father, Andre is a prolific striker who banged in the goals at junior level and has only just embarked on what promises to be an exciting international career with Ghana's Black Stars. And also like his father, Andre is making his mark at France's Olympique Marseille, a club where Abedi won four Ligue 1 French titles and made two European Champions League final appearances, including Marseille's famous Champions League win in 1993. With Ghana excelling at the Black Stars' first FIFA World Cup appearance at Germany 2006 and containing stars such as Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, as well as exciting youngsters like Andre, he is confident his countrymen will emerge victorious on home soil in African football's showpiece. "The Nations Cup in Ghana will be contested by great players, great teams Preliminary Draw in and it will be a great occasion. It is the Durban late last year furperfect platform for Ghana to show its ther showcased the contipersonality and its football. We've got a nent's many abilities. great chance to win the trophy at home, but the pressure is going to be huge after Ghana's good "We are hosting the performance in Germany," said World Cup on the Pele in an interview with FIFA.com. African continent and we With players like Essien, have to keep the African Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o, Ivory vibe and prove to the Coast's Didier Drogba, Kolo world that vibe is going Toure and Salomon Kalou setting world football alight in to be great. Everything recent years at some of the wor- we do will be inclusive of ld's biggest clubs, African foot- Africa and will be distinball is at an all-time high and ctive, like nothing the buoyant as the continent readies world has seen before” itself to host the first FIFA World Cup on African soil in 2010. And Abedi has been one of a South Africa 2010 FIFA resurgent Africa's most respected World Cup™ and important ambassadors, even Ambassador Abedi appearing at the G8 summit to further the continent's case. "Pele" Ayew He was a member of the South African delegation in Zurich on "I think it's unbelieva14 May 2004 which presented a powerful and successful bid to FIFA to host ble that today all those the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with Abedi who didn't have the confimaking an emotive speech to the FIFA dence in us are all very executive that day which strengthened happy. That's why the say this is the power of footSouth Africa's case. "Africa has come a long way in a ball, football brings people together. short time. Africa 20 years ago was There were a lot of people who didn't populated by people who did not own believe in us, but today we have the their own destiny, people didn't have a FIFA World Cup on our continent. We means to make money, to own their have proved to the world that not only own small companies. So democracy in can we play the game, but we can host Africa is young but we are working it as well. As an African, you always very, very fast to really achieve a long- have to prove things. But the strides term sustainable democracy within our we've made in recent times shows that continent," Pele said with great convic- we're on the right track," said Pele. And he is confident his Ghanaian tion. And with Africa's first FIFA World countrymen will continue to send the Cup now hurtling quickly towards the right signals to the footballing world by continent in less than 900 days, Abedi hosting one of the best African Nations was delighted that the extremely suc- Cups ever during the 2008 edition. "Africa is blessed from 2008 cessful 2010 FIFA World Cup (African Cup of Nations in Ghana) to 2010 Angola (African Cup of Nations) and 2010 (World Cup) South Africa. We can't ask for more than this. We have proved to the world that we are not going to do things the same way as Germany 2006, we are not doing the same as Korea Japan, and we will not be the same as France or America." "We are hosting the World Cup on the African continent and we have to keep the African vibe and prove to the world that vibe is going to be great. Everything we do will be inclusive of Africa and will be distinctive, like nothing the world has seen before," said Pele. China opposed to politicizing Olympic Games China strongly opposes using the Olympic Games to hype political issues - such as Darfur - which only serve to disturb preparation works. "It is of apparent political intention and purpose to link the Darfur issue with the Olympics," Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu to have said. "Such practice violates the Olympic spirit and principle, and will never succeed." China is firmly opposed to those persons or organizations that hype particular issues in the name of the Olympics, said Ms Jiang in response to a question asking whether China would put more pressure on Sudan. Some foreign media believe China's continued support for the regime in Sudan could tarnish the Olympics. "I don't know whether those organizations know China's role on the issue and the current situation in the Darfur region," she said. Liu Guijin, Chinese special envoy for African affairs, rejected Western media accusations as groundless, saying it was ridiculous to politicize the Olympic Games. "It is just some portion of Western media and organizations that stick to observing China through coloured glasses," Mr Liu said. "The 2008 Games is not only China's but also the whole world's. The international community has already achieved a consensus that the Games should not be linked to politics," Liu told China Daily. "It is of apparent political intention and purpose to link the Darfur issue with the Olympics. Such practice violates the Olympic spirit and principle, and will never succeed." Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu China has been the first country to promise and then to dispatch soldiers to take part in peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Ms Jiang said. A 140-strong advance troop of a Chinese engineering unit has arrived in Darfur, and the unit is gradually being deployed. The political process and peacekeeping deployment in Darfur has achieved progress under joint efforts of all concerned parties, Ms Jiang said. China says six nations have reached consensus on the major elements of a draft UN resolution on the Iran nuclear issue, which says all sides will continue diplomatic efforts and resolve the issue through negotiations. Puma renews sponsorship deal with GFA Sports goods manufacturer Puma has extended its sponsorship agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) until 2012. According to BBC reports, the deal is estimated to be worth as much as $25 million (£12.7 million). Puma will give the GFA an annual retainer, sales royalties and performance bonuses, as well as sports footwear and clothing. The German company will also supply all national team kits and construct a new training pitch for the GFA in Accra. GFA and Puma had a deal which was due to expire in January 2009. Puma opted to extend the contract because of the Black Stars' impressive showing at the 2006 World Cup finals. "This commitment is convincing proof of the recent progress we have made and this will enhance football in Ghana," said GFA boss Kwasi Nyantakyi. Puma has deals with nine of the 16 teams at the Nations Cup. Egypt, Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia and Namibia all wear Puma kit. PRICES CUT TO IVORY COAST, GHANA, AND NIGERIA! From (€) 8€ To (€) Fees* (€) 0,01 100,00 8,00 100,01 200,00 11,50 200,01 400,00 14,50 * * New pricing introduced across Italy on January 21th 2008. In addition to transfer fees, Western Union also makes money when it changes your euro into foreign currency. © 2008 WESTERN UNION HOLDINGS, INC. All rights reserved. Send up to 100 € for
Similar documents
UK Government moves to block benefits to illegal
Abroad Act which came into effect
on 15th March 2006. It in fact led
to a decrease of roughly 20% in
applications for a Provisional
Residence Permit for family reunification and formation.
As far a...