Tuesday 7 October 2008

the Commonwealth Finance Ministers summit 3

The Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting opens in Castries, St Lucia on Monday with the high global food and fuel prices expected to dominate the talks

Ministers from 53 Commonwealth countries are expected to discuss and share ideas on the best way to resolve the two problems that have raised the cost of key commodities, pushing vulnerable countries closer to extreme poverty
Dr David Kihangire (far left with Glasses) -Acting Excecutive Director Bank of Uganda of Uganda at the Finance Ministers Meeting in St Lucia
Nelcia Robinson, Co-ordinator of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action cited the need for food security to ensure that those groups indentified as vulnerable within the Millennium Development Goals will be able to meet nutritional basics.

Part of the Tanzania Delegation at the summit “People with, or supporting those with HIV and AIDS are already hard pressed to meet their nutritional needs,” said Robinson. “Increasing costs and potential increases through Value Added Tax will only exacerbate this.”

The Kenya High commission UK- Hon Joseph Muchemi at the summit in St Lucia
The secretary General of the Commonwealth speaking to small scale farmers in St Lucia
Governments face the reality of spending less on social welfare and development sectors as they try to stem and support the current crisis but civil society representatives are urging them not to lose sight of the work done towards the MDG achievements to date and that national policies addressing the crisis should be in line with the plans for addressing the MDGs.

“The high fuel and food prices pose different challenges for each Commonwealth country. There is a need for all member countries to develop policy responses to meet those challenges and address civil society’s collective concerns and contribute to a global debate,”

A selection of Black History Month events taking place across the UK in October.
Saturday & Sunday 4/5 October 2008, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Being Black in Britain - this performance explores the Black British experience. FREE, tickets available on the day at the information desk. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Wednesday 8 October 2008, 6.30-9.30pm (Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS), Talk by playwright Bonnie Greer - playwright Bonnie Greer will give the SERTUC Black History Celebration 2008 keynote lecture, followed by a Q&A session. Free admission - booking essential (limited spaces). Please register by email:
sertucevents@tuc.org.uk or phone: 020 7467 1220 . Download a leaflet (pdf file, 324kb).
Sunday 19 October 2008, 1-4pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Black Inspirations - celebrates and explores Black history through creativity in an artist-led workshop. FREE. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Wednesday 22 October 2008, 1.45pm & 2.45pm (World Museum Liverpool, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN), The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole - performance about the life of Mary Seacole. FREE, tickets available on the day at the information desk. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Wednesday 22 October 2008, 1-4pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Black Inspirations - celebrates and explores Black history through creativity in an artist-led workshop. FREE. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Thursday 23 October 2008, 2pm & 3pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole - performance about the life of Mary Seacole. FREE. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Sunday 26 October 2008, 1-4pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Ska Ska Ska - a musical celebration of Ska. FREE. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Monday 27 October 2008 10.30-2.30pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Conserving your heritage - bring along paper based treasures - photographs, letters and certificates - and learn how to preserve them for the future. FREE, drop in. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website.
Monday 27 October 2008, 7pm (International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ), Black Perspectives - an evening of readings from Black literature. FREE, call 0151 478 4441 to book. For more information, visit
National Museums Liverpool Black History Month website

The Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth - addressing the Conference







DR Inrajeet Coomaraswamy-Director of Economic Affairs -Commonwealth secrerteriat speaking at the Event




Dear all my friend Victor Miller is running a 5 day training course in Final Cut pro for women. Please could you circulate. Many thanks.

The women have to be over 16. They will be trained by a woman.

Training will be held at 3 Mills Studios in East London.

The places are free and will be on the following days:

14th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, and 24th October between 10-4 or 11-5.

Please contact Victor on 07961 048 777

There are 4 places