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DECEMBER 2025 • ISSUE NO. 1973

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A united region helps countries affected by Hurricane Melissa rebuild with courage, compassion and collective strength

Children sit by the roadside, smiling amid the devastation of their community in Oxford, St Elizabeth, Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa (Photo credit: The Gleaner)

HOMES SHATTERED, hospitals and schools destroyed, lives disrupted, families and entire communities displaced following the devastating hurricane. Yet Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba have not faced this alone. A global wave of support, from Caribbean governments, international organisations, diaspora community and its volunteers, is helping them build back better and showing what unity can achieve. ›› p4-5

Best Wishes for the Festive Season

Inside THIS MONTH

The Voice says

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

News, views, stories & videos

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK

Serving with love: the woman behind two decades of Christmas outreach to the forgotten

Domestic violence rises at Christmas. But Black women face an even deadlier silence

A season for giving back: how your festive spending can fuel community growth

Alone but not forgotten: practical ways to ease loneliness this Christmas

Out and about this Christmas? Here are the top events you won’t want to miss

Morocco calling: The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is set to kick off

Melissa shows what we can do together – and what the world still refuses to do

N THE aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the images coming out of Jamaica and other affected nations such as Haiti have been heartbreaking. Yet amidst the destruction, a powerful story has emerged: one of community resilience, diasporic unity and extraordinary human kindness. Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across the UK, US and Canada mobilised with speed and determination. Community groups, charities and businesses rallied, launching fundraising drives, shipping essential supplies and offering support to families whose lives were turned upside down by the devastating Category 5 storm. But while this outpouring of solidarity has been inspiring, Melissa must also serve as a warning. Climate change is fuelling stronger, wetter and more destructive hurricanes. Warmer seas supercharge storms, leading to catastrophic winds, flooding and loss. The Caribbean diaspora can no longer confine itself to crisis-mode responses every time disaster strikes. Permanent structures such as diaspora disaster relief programmes, coordinated networks, and organisations focused on long-term development are urgently needed. The truth is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore: the Caribbean is suffering from a crisis it did not create. The region contributes less

This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

than one per cent of global emissions, yet faces the mounting costs of stronger hurricanes, rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, droughts, and coastal erosion. Tourism, the economic lifeblood of many island, is increasingly vulnerable as storms destroy infrastructure and coral reefs. Caribbean leaders have rightly called this a global injustice. The IMF estimates that over $100 billion is needed for climate adaptation – onethird of the region’s entire annual economic output – yet access to financing remains painfully limited. The Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP27 was a breakthrough, but progress has been slow and pledges fall far short of what is required. As former Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland has noted, storms can erase decades of economic progress in a single night, leaving countries trapped in cycles of debt. Local efforts from Jamaica’s renewable energy investments to Grenada’s restoration projects are vital, but they cannot compensate for global inertia. Diaspora communities must continue advocating, organising and supporting the region’s leaders in demanding fair climate financing. And the world’s major polluters have a moral duty to urgently act, because the Caribbean cannot, and should not, shoulder this burden alone.

HEROIC: Layla Warren

1 2 3 4 5 6

News: Row erupts over Brixton Remembrance Sunday event honouring Black war heroes

News: ‘Jamaica Love’ stage play to help fund relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa News: Calm, brave and only 14: meet Birmingham schoolgirl Layla Warren who saved a life Ent: ‘House of MOBO’ Pub opens this month

News: Jamaica issues warning over fake Hurricane Melissa relief websites

News: ‘Patients called me the N-word. But I refused to give up my dream’ – Windrush generation nurse Allyson Williams MBE shares her powerful story of resilience News: Black judges unite to shape the future of justice

7 8 9 10

News: Jamaica to receive $150 million payout from World Bank following Hurricane Melissa News: ‘Let the hungry be fed’: how Rastafari love and labour are saving lives

News: Haiti begins three days of national mourning to honour victims of Hurricane Melissa

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DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 3

News Feature

COMMUNITY IN ACTION Youth organisation PodxParty is tackling postcode wars in an unconventional way, uniting young people across London and beyond. By Pryncess Bignell

N A time where divisions between young people are too often reinforced by postcode rivalries, social pressures, and the lingering effects of isolation, PodxParty has emerged as a force for unity, creativity, and empowerment. What began as a small idea to give young people a safe space to express themselves has become a movement – one that’s breaking barriers across London and beyond. In October, two groups of young people from Grays in Essex and various areas in London took to the stage at Thameside Theatre for a powerful theatre production tackling the realities of stop and search, racism, violence against women and girls, peer-on-peer bullying, substance abuse, and mental health. The performance, which saw PodxParty collaborate with Uturnship and directed by our in-house acting coach Jermaine Adeniregun, successfully brought together youth from the two areas proving that art can build bridges where walls once stood. It wasn’t just theatre – it was truth, courage, and unity in motion. The young people met as strangers and left as family. At PodxParty, our mission is simple but profound: to create a safe, inclusive community where young people can thrive, no matter their postcode, background, or circumstance. We’re not just running events; we’re nurturing futures. Although we’re based in south London, we welcome young people from the capital to form lasting

connections, build confidence, and work together to combat violence, loneliness, and division. Over the past 11 months, PodxParty has engaged over a thousand young people through a vibrant mix of activities that inspire creativity and belonging. From family fun days and summer cookouts to live podcasts, acting workshops, music showcases, and football tournaments, every project has been designed to break isolation and foster togetherness. We purposely work with organisations from different areas. For example, Masters Social Group, based in Mitcham, and 21UP in Essex, are two youth organisations who regularly participate in our events. VOICES Our aim is to create a community of young people that sees beyond postcodes and champions togetherness. We’ve also hosted our live youth podcast events in the Brickstone located in Brixton, south London, and Wembley Boxpark, giving young people the microphone to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and discuss real issues – from mental health and identity to safety and ambition. Each event has been a celebration of young people’s voices, filled with energy, honesty, and community spirit. PodxParty recently joined forces with Westbourne Community Centre for a Family Funday event and a football tournament in Highbury and Islington, where young people from different postcodes and backgrounds came together, not as

TACKLING TOUGH ISSUES: Young people from two youth organisations collaborate to perform at Thameside Theatre in Grays

BREAKING BARRIERS: PodxParty founder and CEO Pryncess Bignell (above, second from the right) celebrates another successful event with young participants, continuing a mission to build unity, confidence, and hope; left, PodxParty teamed up with Westbourne Community Centre for a Family Funday in Islington, uniting young people through play and teamwork rivals, but as teammates. These are the moments that truly define our mission: creating spaces where connection replaces conflict. We are committed to giving young people experiences that expand their horizons. In Croydon, we took ten young participants to attend the prestigious Charles Gordon Black Tie Awards, exposing them to role models, community leaders, and a world of possibility beyond their everyday environment. The collaboration and creative partnership with Uturnship on the theatre project at Thameside Theatre in Grays was a milestone for us. This production tackled tough issues but did so with honesty and hope, showing that young people can lead conversations about change when they’re given the chance. One young performer said: “Being part of this production showed me I’m not alone. I met people I never would have before, and we could talk about things that really matter to us.” At the heart of PodxParty’s success is our belief that youth empow-

erment must include emotional safe non-judgemental community support. That’s why we’re proud for them to feel safe and valued in. to have Danielle Colleman, our in- As we look ahead, PodxParty conhouse young counsellor, providing tinues to build momentum. mental health support to particiAfter the success of our last Podxpants. Party event in October we are excitAt just 23 years old, Danielle ed to announce our next signature brings a relatable and understand- panel and performances event will ing voice to young people who take place on December 22 at Wemmight otherwise struggle in silence. bley Boxpark. Her work reminds our community This event will once again showthat healing, growth, and self-belief case youth talent, highlight positive go hand in hand. stories, and feature open discussions on the issues that matter most to young people today. It’s more BELONGING Mental health is a major pil- than an event, it’s a celebration of lar of what we do. Many young growth, unity, and resilience. Bringing young people together people who come to PodxParty face loneliness, anxiety, or trauma. from all corners of London and beOur sessions, creative projects, and yond is groundbreaking work. It challenges the idea that postone-to-one support help them rediscover confidence, purpose, and codes define identity and replaces it belonging. We’re not only giving with collaboration, understanding, them opportunities – we’re giving and community. Through every project, every perthem hope. We have many young people at- formance, and every conversation, tend our events who have been we’re helping young people realise labelled hard to reach by society, that they’re stronger together. At PodxParty, we believe that many attend alternative educational provisions and feel ostracised by building community among young people is not just important – it’s society. We’ve succeeded in creating a essential. When youth come to-

gether, barriers fall and bridges rise. We see it every day: young people supporting each other, creating together, and learning that safety, respect, and opportunity come from unity. Our mission is to keep breaking down the walls that separate our youth and replace them with shared purpose and pride. Whether on a stage in Grays, a football pitch in Islington, or a panel at Wembley Boxpark, we’ll continue to stand alongside young people, amplifying their voices and celebrating their power to create change. At PodxParty, we’re not just running programmes – we’re building a movement. A movement for connection, healing, and community. We are shifting the focus in the minds of the youth we work with to seek out relatable similarities in their peers instead of leading with negative differences. Together, we are proving that when young people are given space, support, and trust, they don’t just survive, they thrive. l Pryncess Bignell is the CEO of PodxParty

34 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Jacqueline McKenzie

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

DIASPORA DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMMES ARE VITAL

Hurricane Melissa’s destruction of Jamaica has been a hugely costly wake-up call for the Caribbean

EWS OF any natural disaster is heartbreaking, but more so when it hits the epicentre of your world. I’m used to hurricanes battering Grenada, the home of my teenage years and land of my mother. But Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation of Jamaica, the birthplace of my late father, has been shattering. After each natural disaster, we donate and send supplies, and before long, life on the island returns to a semblance of normality. I visited Grenada a few weeks after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the island’s worst after Hurricane Janet in 1955. Ninety per cent of houses and buildings had suffered damage, energy grids and telecommunications were affected, and the tourism and agriculture sectors suffered serious setbacks. Damage was estimated at $1billion, twice the island’s then GDP. But in quick time, Ivan’s trail of destruction was less visible and only months later, the barren lands caused by the hurricane were green again and many houses had been repaired. Today, the main ongoing impact of that hurricane has been the failure of various governments to restore the sites of national heritage that were damaged, including the national library. However, Jamaica’s challenges are greater. Hurricane Melissa was its most powerful, registering as a

Category 5 hurricane, with wind speeds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall. The impact has been severe with damaged roads, homes, hospitals, schools and businesses spread over a large area. As of mid-November, damage is estimated at US $48 billion, with the Jamaican government reporting 45 deaths and 1.6 million people affected, many of whom remain in shelters. Despite the country grappling with inflation, 4.7 per cent remains high and is likely to increase due to shortages, especially in the agricultural sector. POVERTY There are already reports of business profiteering in the sale of essential foods, transport and materials needed for house repairs. And despite the country’s progress in reducing poverty, with the national poverty rate falling to 8.2 per cent in 2023, half that of 2021, there will be an inevitable setback as jobs are lost in many sectors, particularly in the tourism and agricultural processing industries, braced only slightly by the inevitable short-term increase in remittances from the diaspora. Hurricane Melissa is devastating for Jamaica, but provides a salient wake-up call to the Caribbean. Climate change has worsened this natural phenomenon causing warmer sea temperatures which according to experts is providing more energy for hurricanes,

DEVASTATION: Children sorting through the wreckage of a school near St George’s, Grenada following Hurricane Ivan in 2004 (photo: Getty Images)

CARNAGE: An aerial image showing the devastation caused in Jamaica by October’s Hurricane Melissa (photo: Getty Images) leading to higher winds, more rainfall and floods, and the risk of more intense hurricanes. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Jamaica is particularly vulnerable to the serious negative impacts of climate change. Jamaica has been working

towards alleviating the risks through its Long-Term Emissions There’s a Reduction and Climate Resilient Strategy for 2050, but the fundamental consequences now are devastating, particularly for those officially question on recorded as living in poverty, and the significant numbers on the how the margins. Jamaica’s misfortune has been diaspora can slightly eased by it being one of the help protect most loved countries in the world. Much of this is down to the our Caribbean disproportionate impact, given its size, that it makes on the world homelands through music, food, literature and sporting prowess. from natural Less well known is the impact it is also making in the arts and disasters sciences. And let’s not forget that some of its past political leaders, wonderful, necessary and will not least, Marcus Garvey, have spurred international movements provide an important stop gap. But there’s a fundamental which raised Black consciousness. question on how we in the This reverence for the country diaspora can be better organised to has meant that Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans alike are rallying to help protect our Caribbean support relief measures. This is homelands from the inevitable

natural disasters. How do we develop structures that alleviate the panic-stricken response we see each time disaster strikes? The need for permanent diaspora disaster relief programmes is crucial, as are organisations involved in assisting the Caribbean with its long-term development goals. On the latter, work is taking shape on a UK Caribbean Institute of Development, but more is needed. With the British government’s response to Hurricane Melissa being deemed woeful by many, and with there being no initiatives to enable displaced Jamaicans, who still have the British monarch as their head of state, to come to the UK, we place our future development solely in the hands of our former oppressors, at our peril. l Jacqueline McKenzie, is a Partner at Leigh Day and a social justice campaigner

Lifestyle

36·37

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44 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Christmas Gifts

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL... 2

Whether it’s adults, kids, him or her, Lifestyle has been busy identifying some cool and functional presents

4 6 5

1. SO CHILL MINI FRIDGE INFINITY, £44.99, FROM SMYTHS A clever addition to a bedroom or gaming setup. The LED infinity light mirror door looks great, while the four-litre compartment holds drinks, skincare or snacks. USB powered, small enough for a desk and customisable with the included stickers.

2. SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR 2.0, £20, FROM SUCK UK

A smart little gadget that turns a phone into a projector with no setup stress. Drop a smartphone inside, switch off the lights and enjoy instant wall-sized viewing. Great for travel, student rooms or late-night film sessions.

3. STAR WARS CABLE GUYS DARTH VADER CONTROLLER HOLDER & PHONE STAND £29.99, FROM EXGPRO.COM

Welcome the Dark Side into your home with our Darth Vader: A New Hope Cable Guy based on one of the evilest and most beloved characters from the Star Wars franchise, our Darth Vader: A New Hope Cable Guy is armed with his lightsaber and ready

to attack anyone from the Rebel Alliance who may want to get their hands on your most treasured items – from your phone to your controller, and even your lightsaber. Just remember not to “underestimate the power of the Force”.

4. ORB RETRO MINI ARCADE MACHINE, £34.99, FROM THUMBSUP.COM

A tabletop arcade cabinet loaded with 300 games. Great colours, responsive controls and a bright screen make it a fun choice for gamers who enjoy quick sessions without booting up a full console.

5. CARE BEARS DIGITAL PETS, £20, FROM THUMBSUP.COM

Fun, low-maintenance and bright. These digital pets make a sweet little tech gift for those who love interactive toys.

6. MINDFUL BATH £24.99, FROM SUCK UK

Mello waterproof A5 notebook & incense. Put pencil to paper and let your thoughts and ideas flow in the steamy comfort of your own bathtub. Includes a 100 per cent

waterproof A5 notebook (no crinkled pages or slippery fingered accidents here!) and scented incense sticks and holder to get you in the perfect headspace

7. PLANT WITH WILLOW STARTER PACK – £34.99, AVAILABLE FROM PLANTWITHWILLOW.CO.UK The Plant With Willow Starter Pack gives your houseplants a voice, quite literally. A discreet soil sensor tracks moisture, light, temperature and nutrients, sending realtime updates to your phone via a beautifully intuitive app. You’ll know when to water, when to feed, and when your monstera simply needs a moment in the sun.

8. PHOTO CREATOR VIDEO PROJECTOR CAMERA £69.99, FROM SMYTHS

With the 3-in-1 Video Projector Camera from Photo Creator, you can snap photos, shoot crisp HD video, project your creations in colour, and connect to cast your favourite content onto any surface. This exciting allin-one device projects photos and videos from up to four metres, creating a big screen projection display up to

200 x 112cm, with adjustable focus to capture the perfect picture. Take 48MP photos and films crisp HD video on the 2.4 screen, with 27 fun effects, including digital frames and filters to personalise your work. With simple projection in bright, bold colour, this video projector camera offers endless creative fun, with a 16GB MicroSD card that lets you capture, save and share with friends and family. Connect devices wirelessly to cast your favourite content onto any surface for an even bigger viewing experience and home-projector fun

9. PAD CREATOR INSTANT PRINT TABLET – £129.99, AVAILABLE FROM SMYTHSTOYS.COM

For the next generation of digital dreamers, the Pad Creator is part tablet, part instant printer, and entirely brilliant. With six creative modes, kids can shoot photos, film mini movies, sketch, add filters and print their masterpieces instantly from the eight-inch touchscreen. There’s even a child-friendly browser for inspiration hunting – making it as safe as it is inspiring. The kind of gift that turns rainy afternoons into studio time.

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 45

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2025 | THE VOICE

A DREAM FOR AAMILAH

Aswat competes in a race at Kempton Park, the first British Black female jump jockey ever to do so. By Rodney Hinds

AMILAH ASWAT has made history as the first-ever Black British female jump jockey to race when coming fifth in the JCB Handicap Hurdle at Kempton Park in November aboard Guchen for trainers Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls. Aamilah said: “I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true. I couldn’t ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I will remember this day forever. “I just wanted to get round safely and repay the trust that Kim and Mat have had in me. I am so grateful to them and the owners, the Friends of Ebony Horse Club for giving me this opportunity. “I am really proud to be the first Black British female jump jockey. When I was growing up I looked up to Khadijah (Mellah) and I hope that now other young people will look up to me as well and know they can also reach their dreams.” Mellah, one of the cofounders of the Riding A Dream Academy, said: “I have watched

Aamilah progress over the years and I could not be more excited and proud to see her race today. She is a brilliant role model for the other Riding A Dream Academy students. “Visibility is so important and I am excited for her to have the opportunity to display her talent and hard work. Huge thanks to Kim Bailey, Mat Nicholls and their team and also the Friends of Ebony for facilitating this huge day. It is a privilege to support the next generation and Aamilah is the future of talent in horse racing.” Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Academy, added: “Representation really matters and what we’re seeking to do at the Riding A Dream Academy is ensure that young people from diverse ethnic communities have the chance to shine in the sport. “Only around two to three per cent of licensed jockeys come from these communities, far below the national

IN THE GROOVE: Guchen and Aamilah Aswat make steady progress at Kempton

(photos: John Hoy/ Jockey Club)

average, so we hope Aamilah is the first of many to come through the ranks and succeed in the sport. "None of these things happen without a huge number of people and we are so grateful to our funders the Racing Foundation, the staff at the Riding A Dream Academy and British Racing School and the team at Kim Bailey’s”

Aamilah grew up in Gloucester and first learned to ride at St James’ City Farm in the city, under the tutelage of Imran Atcha, ahead of competing in pony races in 2017 and 2018 with the Pony Racing Authority. She then joined the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship programme in 2021-22 (where she was sponsored by The Jockey Club) which was

set to support young people from diverse ethnic communities into horse racing after Mellah won the Magnolia Cup in 2019. The young rider then went on to complete the Foundation Course at the British Racing School before joining the yard of Bailey, the Grand National winning trainer.

Night of celebration for the good and the greats of track and field By Milton Boyce

FORMER ATHLETE turned broadcaster and presenter, Jeanette Kwakye, was presented with the Track and Field Inclusion (TAFi) Recognition Award at the inaugural ceremony, which took place at The Ivy in Tower Bridge. Kwakye picked up one of three legacy awards given out on the evening along with Ken Pike and Glenys Morton landing the TAFi Unsung Hero of the Year and Lloyd Cowan Bursary awards, respectively. A total of ten awards were given out, with the other seven being voted for by the public. Winners included The TAFi Male Athlete of the Year, Seamus Derbyshire, Female Athlete of the Year, Amy Hunt, Male Paraathlete of the Year, Thomas Young, Female Para-athlete of the Year, Hannah Cockroft, Male Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Teddy Wilson, Female

YOUR GENIAL HOSTS: Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and Donna Fraser, right, with Jeanette Kwakye, centre

ROLL OF HONOUR TAFI 2025 WINNERS: (public vote) TAFi Male Athlete of the Year, Seamus Derbyshire TAFi Female Athlete of the year, Amy Hunt TAFi Male Para-athlete of the year, Thomas Young TAFi Female Para-athlete of the year, Hannah Cockroft TAFi Male Breakthrough athlete of the year, Teddy Wilson TAFi Female Breakthrough athlete of the year, Alessia Scala TAFi Coach of the year, Sharon Morris TAFI LEGACY AWARD WINNERS: TAFi Recognition Award, Jeanette Kwakye TAFi Unsung Hero of the Year, Ken Pike TAFi Lloyd Cowan Bursary Award, Glenys Morton

Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Alessia Scala and Coach of the year, Sharon Morris. Backed by chief sponsors UK Athletics and supported by England Athletics and The Ivy Collection, The TAFI Awards were brought to life by co-founders Joel Campbell and Michael Facey

(photo: Paul Simon)

in order to celebrate the most inclusive sport in the world. Hosted by four-time Olympian and current Director of EDI at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Donna Fraser, alongside award-winning journalist and broadcaster Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, the event was attended by the great and the good across UK track and field with speeches coming from UKA CEO, Jack Buckner and Dame Denise Lewis DBE, president of Commonwealth Games England.

TAFi was created to honour the many individuals whose passion, dedication, and contributions shape the track and field community — shining a light on those whose love for the sport keeps it thriving. In a joint statement, the cofounders said: “TAFi was an idea both of us came to realise had to happen. “Uniting the various people that make the sport so special and inclusive was a no-brainer and to see multiple generations

celebrating the most inclusive sport in the world, is something that will stay with us forever. “Big congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, keep up the good work, you are all inspirational people. “A big thanks must go out to UK Athletics, England Athletics and The Ivy for their unwavering support to ensure this idea went from concept to reality. “We’d also like to recognise the Voice Newspaper for being the first media partner in the event’s history. “There’s only one opportunity to do things for the first time and we’re happy everyone left the event with a smile on their faces. “To everyone that attended, be they athlete, fan of the sport, coach, administrators or media, thank you, your support is truly appreciated. “We have plans for the future which we’ll make everyone aware of sooner rather than later.”