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JUNE 2024 • ISSUE NO. 1955

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INSPIRED

WINDRUSH

Thousands of people across Britain are preparing to honour the Windrush Generation. June 22 will see a range of community events take place highlighting the Caribbean migrants who arrived in 1948 and transformed the country for the better.

WINDRUSH DAY SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

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The Windrush generation: Pioneers of modern Britain, deserving of justice

S WE approach National Windrush Day, we celebrate the Windrush generation, those courageous Caribbean migrants who arrived in Britain in 1948 to help rebuild the country after the ravages of the Second World War. Their arrival marked a pivotal moment in British history, one that has left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. These pioneers epitomised resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Facing systemic racism and discrimination, they nonetheless made profound contributions to British society. Their perseverance laid the groundwork for future generations, fostering greater diversity and inclusivity. The Windrush Generation’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of migration. They brought with them a cultural renaissance that reshaped British music and the arts, and enriched the nation’s cultural landscape with vibrant jazz, calypso, and blues. We owe so much to the Windrush generation. Their tireless sacrifice, undeniable faith, and great courage inspire us to walk fearlessly into the future. They demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a strong sense of community – qualities that remain profoundly important today. By reflecting on their experiences and the principles they upheld, we

This issue is 56 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

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

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ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

draw valuable lessons applicable to our current challenges. Their commitment to collective progress reminds us of the enduring power of unity and hard work. Yet it seemed as though their immense contribution to Britain’s social and cultural fabric counted for nothing when news of the Windrush scandal broke in 2018. The scandal, directly caused by Home Office errors, was a catastrophe for those affected by it. The destruction of thousands of landing cards and the creation of a ‘hostile environment’ wrongly questioned the status of British citizens of Caribbean origin, leading to them being denied access to healthcare, housing, and employment, and even deportation. The government admitted its ‘errors’ and launched the Windrush Compensation Scheme in 2019. Yet, five years on, many argue that the scheme has been set up to fail, with high burdens of proof and a continued environment of political hostility around immigration. It is imperative that the victims of this scandal are properly compensated. As we prepare to honour the Windrush Generation on June 22, we can be led by the example they set of showing resilience in the face of formidable obstacles. Their story is more than just a chapter in British history; it is a beacon of hope for all.

Nigeria has a new leader. Former AFCON winner Finidi George has been named as the new head coach of the Super Eagles following the departure of Jose Peseiro Daniel Anjorin deserves better. The Sun newspaper’s shameful ‘sword lad’ headline was not just deeply insensitive, it is a reminder of the media’s deep-seated lack of care for Black crime victims

UK family fights for justice after losing home in Grenada. Caribbean legal expert is warning Black Britons to protect their assets if they plan on returning to the region to live

Are you sure you’re British? The realities of renting while Black. Campaigners say that policies such as Right to Rent have meant Black and minority ethnic renters face significantly higher discrimination in accessing tenancies

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News Feature

‘WE WANT TO LET FATHERS KNOW THEY’RE NOT ALONE’ After struggling as a new dad himself, Errol Murray has gone on to create a space for fathers and children. By Vic Motune

EVERAL studies in recent years have highlighted how lonely life can be for new mums. But it’s fair to say that there’s been relatively less attention on how both parents can struggle physically and emotionally after the birth of a child. Becoming a dad triggers a mix of emotions like joy and anxiety. Sleep deprivation, navigating new responsibilities, and feeling disconnected from partners compound the emotional challenges faced by new fathers. Studies reveal that as many as one in 10 men experience mental health issues in the first six months post-birth, with first-time and younger dads at higher risk. Dad-of-two Errol Murray was one of those who faced a tough time following the birth of his daughter Rayya, in October 2010. “We’d had a baby in Leeds, a city that we’d just moved to from Brixton in south London,” the charity manager recalls. “After Rayya was born, I realised that even though we had lots of friends we didn’t have many people close by who we could talk to about raising a child. We had family, but the nearest were hours away. At the time I was working in Manchester and commuting a hundred miles every day. “I was tired and balancing work and family, especially with the added responsibility of a new baby was exhausting.” Murray found that while there are many local and online networks to support new mothers, there were few similar resources available for dads. So he decided to do something about creating a space where he could connect with other dads as well as spending more time with his new daughter. “Back in 2011 I decided to ask a few of my friends, who are also mums, if their partners could join me for a playdate with our children because asking the dads directly wasn’t happening,” he says. “I thought if mums got involved, they would sort of encourage their partners to go, which worked out brilliantly. Our first meeting was four dads with our kids at Leeds City Museum in the café. We talked about feeling constantly tired

“I was tired and balancing work and family, especially with the added responsibility of a new baby, was exhausting”

can share ideas and experiences as well as spending quality time with their children. “Often you might go to a playgroup with your children and you’ll be the only dad there,” Murray says. “And you can feel so excluded and isolated it’s difficult Errol Murray to go back. A lot of dads have told us this. So the key thing that makes and the functional nature of our us different is that we go out of our conversations with our partners way to engage new members.” that revolved mostly around pracA Leeds Dads volunteer in a tical tasks like getting the milk or yellow T-shirt will approach new picking up the baby. dads, offer support, get tea and “And when we all shared our toast, and chat with them. And thoughts we all realised that other the safe space that this provides is people are in the same boat which crucial, Murray says. makes it easier to accept the chal“We found that our greatest lenges of fatherhood and look at strength, our superpower, is peer ways of supporting ourselves. And support. Dads have told us the that Sunday afternoon, we decided group has saved them, it’s given we’d meet again the following them a rock, some sanity. It might month.” be the only adult conversation Since that first meeting in 2011, they’ve had away from their partthat small group has blossomed ner all week. into a charity called Leeds Dads “The space we provide helps which has been hailed as a beacon to foster some honest, incredible of support for fathers in the city. conversations. Many feel unpreIts focus on paternal mental pared for parenthood, and struggle health sees Leeds Dads work with with the contrast between their more than 1,000 fathers every upbringing and how they want year through a diverse array of to bring up their children. These programs, workshops, events and challenges are openly discussed, online conversations. providing a supportive environIts inclusive and welcoming ment for dads to share their fears.” approach ensures that a range He continues: “One dad told of dads, from those experiencing me he didn’t want his partner to fatherhood for the first time to have a child when he found out those with many years of parenting she was pregnant. That led to a experience, benefit from a supdifficult situation. Five years later, portive community in which they he can’t imagine what life would

“The funds that we used to apply for a year ago, have all but dried up,” he says. “It’s a lot harder to get to gain access to funding. We’re looking for organisations to step forward and support us, especially the big national corporate com companies because it’s probably their staff members and their children who are coming to our events. By supporting us, it supports them too.” Despite the challenges, Murray and his team remain fuelled by a shared commitment to support a community where fathers feel seen, heard, and supported on “We also have these challenges in be like without their children. The their journey through parenthood. level of trust is amazing and that the UK. But they were enlightened Many of those volunteers will be enables us to support dads facing by how we have worked with Leeds working on a special forthcoming alcohol, gambling, or relationship University and Leeds Beckett UniFathers’ Day event. challenges. We will signpost them versity to develop workshops and In previous years, Leeds Dads to where they can get professional information that support dads and help. Leeds Dads is something that give them the skills needed to help has organised an event called Dadstastic Day at Leeds City Museum gives men a moment to gather nurture their children.” to celebrate Father’s Day. The event their thoughts, share their experiHigh-profile recognition of Mur- attracts over 3,000 attendees with ence and recognise that they’re ray’s work in the UK came after he free arts, dance, music, and science not alone.” met the Princess of Wales and they activities. The impact of Murray’s work has discussed the work of Leeds Dads “This year is going to be slightly achieved international recognition. with her as part of her own efforts different,” Murray reveals. “We’re He was recently invited to Los to increase public understanding planning a tea party which is basiAngeles to speak at the Families cally a big picnic. It’s a family event. and Fathers Coalition conference. of the importance of the first five years of a child’s life through the We want our Father’s Day events to “It was marvellous being out Royal Foundation Centre for Early be inclusive. there,” he recalls. “A lot of statuChildhood. “But it’s also just a fun way of tory bodies in America, such as However, despite the growing highlighting all that the charity has children’s services, see dads as a demand for its services and the achieved over 13 years. ” problem rather than a source of support for families when it comes efforts of its dedicated volunteers, For more information about Leeds to things such as child protection, Leeds Dads is facing an uphill battle against dwindling funds which Dads and its Father’s Day events or drug and alcohol issues that please visit www.leedsdads.org could threaten its work. affect parenting.

Lyndon Mukasa Eye on the Diaspora

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

DOES THE CARIBBEAN BENEFIT FROM THE TOURIST INDUSTRY? Visitors bring billions to beautiful beaches – but is this genuine development or just neocolonialism?

HEN people think of the Caribbean they often think of sunny weather, sandy beaches and crystal waters filled with jovial (Black) people eager to please and make their stay as comfortable as possible. This image is not accidental, and it has been around since the mid-20th century. It is a product of marketing that has been endorsed by both Caribbean governments and tourism companies. In the 1950s and ’60s, the UN and the World Bank encouraged newly independent countries in the Caribbean to adopt tourism to increase their comparative economic advantage in an increasingly globalising world. This was during a period of increased economic uncertainty as migration to Britain had increased and industries such as agriculture were struggling to grow. Many activists have argued that tourism doesn’t benefit local people as much as it does tourists and large, foreign-owned tourist companies. Today many locals often hear government officials argue that tourism is vital to development. However, critics of this view have asserted that tourism has undermined local communities, and effectively modernised colonisation where the islands that local people call home don’t feel theirs. Has the tourist industry turned Caribbean countries into a giant playground for Westerners at the expense of local communities? Or has the tourist industry saved many countries in the region from poverty?

At a glance, the figures for the tourist industry look extremely positive. A record of over 28.3 million people visited the region in 2022. Visitors spent almost $37.5 billion, which according to the World Travel and Tourism

“Many political leaders argue that the benefits far outweigh the negatives and that the costs are covered by the huge foreign exchange brought in from the tourist sector. But this argument is false.” Council represents the fastest recovery rate in the world for the tourist sector coming out of the emergency phase of the pandemic. The tourism sector contributes up to 15.2 per cent of GDP to the Caribbean and is responsible for more than 1.8 million direct jobs which over the next 10 years could add 1.34 million more jobs as it expands.

It’s therefore no surprise that the Caribbean is the most touristdependent region in the world. While many across the region take pride in the openness of their countries, others (such as anthropologist George Gmelch) argue that the initial promises of expanding the tourist sector in the 1960s have largely incurred costs that are not worth the benefits outlined. Gmelch contends that many Caribbean governments were not prepared for the much larger capital overlays the sector needed for infrastructure development to attract and accommodate Western tourists. This meant excessive spending in order to import Western food, upgrade roads, sewage treatment plants, large international airports and telecommunication technology. While these upgrades are positive, it compels Caribbean countries to spend

way above their means as other crucial sectors such as the food and agriculture industry failed to grow. Moreover, the cost of maintaining this infrastructure adds to the cost which has forced prices in energy, food and water in the region to remain high with many countries having to borrow from the IMF to prevent economic failure.

Many political leaders argue that the benefits far outweigh the negatives, and that the costs are covered by the huge foreign exchange brought in from the tourist sector. But this argument is false. The reality is that the vast majority of profit leaves the region as the biggest beneficiaries are mostly foreign-owned hotels, tour companies and airlines. It’s staggering that some studies estimate that up to 80 per cent of all profit from tourism leaves the Caribbean. In addition, the proliferation of all-inclusive packages and hotel resorts means that there is little incentive for visitors to spend at local businesses. This is exacerbated further with many resorts buying up previously public land and segregating locals from their own country, preventing further foreign exchange. It is within this context that we can understand the exploitative nature of the industry. There’s no doubt that Caribbean nations have benefited from infrastructure development as a result of tourism, but they face significant costs as profits often leave the region. Tourism saved the region’s economies in the 20th century, but reliance on them raises questions about sustainable growth in the 21st century. l Lyndon Mukasa is a writer

and researcher. He studied International Development at the London School of Economics.

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