Other News In Brief

Belfast Asian Women's Academy Chosen As One Of Lord Mayor's Chosen Charities

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black has announced the Belfast Asian Women's Academy (BAWA) as one of her chosen charities.

Each year, the First Citizen selects a number of charities to support during their year in office.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black said: "It is my absolute pleasure to announce Belfast Asian Women's Academy as one of my charities for my term in office.

"This invaluable charity focuses on supporting women from minority ethnic and migrant communities who have made Belfast their home, and supports them personally and practically to create a real sense of community.

"Moving to any new city is daunting - matters such as employment, housing and family issues are a priority and Belfast Asian Women's Academy acts as a refuge for this type of support. The charity is a safe haven for women who may have nowhere else to turn and not only provides practical support, but initiates friendships and integration within communities.

"I am delighted to lend my support to these fantastic women and I look forward to seeing their continued success within Belfast."

Lord Mayor was presented with a handmade mandala artwork, representing the connection between our inner selves and outer reality, and the connection with each other.

Speaking on behalf of the charity, chair Ana Chandran said: "We are so thankful to the Lord Mayor for recognising the work we have done and continue to do. We feel very privileged to be recognised as one of the Lord Mayor's official charities."

Councillor Black also recently announced Pretty n Pink as one of her official charities. The charity is the only registered breast cancer charity in Northern Ireland.

UUP Condemn 'Disgusting' Attack On Keady Orange Hall

The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned a "disgusting" attack on an Orange Hall at Crosskeys Road, Keady.

Armagh councillor Sam Nicholson said: "I am totally disgusted at the low life thugs who under the cover of night have sprayed sectarian and offensive slogans across the front of my local Orange Hall, which is the home of Crosskeys LOL 88.

"It is a despicable act and abhorrent that anyone could stoop so low. Our local community feels violated by this incident and people in the area are shocked and saddened that there are those who would seek to inflict misery and heartache upon our lodge and our band. We simply want to be respected and be able to celebrate our Orange culture but clearly our very existence is too much for some who are so insecure in their own culture and identity that they feel the need to attack the symbols of others.

"This is nothing less than narrow-minded bigotry. It is not just an attack on bricks and mortar, this is an attack on Unionists and the Orange Order and the many people in the community who use this facility. I utterly condemn those responsible. There can be no place in society for this bitterness and hatred and it speaks volumes about the perpetrators.

"I have been in contact with the police to report this matter and also share the views and distress of the local community.

"I also call on all political leaders to condemn those who continue to attack Orange halls. It speaks volumes that this hall has to have security shutters across all its windows and doors in the first place.

"I appeal to anyone with information to report it to the PSNI by contacting them on 101."

'Stealth' Shutdown Of Radio Foyle Cannot Be Allowed To Proceed – SDLP

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that an attempt to close BBC Radio Foyle by stealth cannot be allowed to proceed.

He was speaking after the BBC announced the axing of the Radio Foyle Breakfast Show and hourly news bulletins, with a number of staff jobs at risk.

Mr Eastwood said the station provides an important service for people in the north west and that its long-term future must be protected.

Foyle MP Mr Eastwood said: "This decision by the BBC top brass is nothing more than a shameful attempt to begin to shutdown BBC Radio Foyle by stealth. It's gutting our local station to the point that it will be unsustainable. My thoughts are with all of those who are affected by today's announcements and now face an uncertain future at what is already a very difficult time.

"Radio Foyle has been broadcasting to people in this area for over 40 years and we have seen numerous attempts to reduce its services and staff. That the station is still such an integral part of life for people in the north west is a tribute to the efforts of all the staff. During previous attempts to make cuts at Radio Foyle we have seen a groundswell of public support and we need to do everything possible to make the BBC aware of how important this station is to this community and to force them to reconsider these decisions. If there are cuts to be made, it should be on some of the outrageous wages that the BBC currently spends. Our local station and listeners should not suffer because the BBC lack the will to upset their highest earners.

"If this goes ahead the BBC can no longer ensure that our local voices and stories are heard by a broad audience. With the media landscape changing drastically in recent years people have come to rely more and more on the BBC when it comes to local news. They provide a vital resource when it comes to covering the issues that matter to our communities and a platform for those wishing to pursue a career in the media. Some of our best-known broadcasters have passed through Radio Foyle and its demise would have a hugely negative impact on journalism in the North."