Multicultural Cafe: Cuba

With the beginning of the first month of the new year, Red cross of Åland and Mångakulturen ,Åland were not to be left behind and as usual, Monday the 26^th January 2009 saw the first 2009 arrangement of countries presentation with Cuba taking the first initiative to represent herself.

The place was fully packed with audience yawning for more seating places. Cafe Bonön has been at the centre of all these organized presentations. The atmosphere is quite inviting and the people are friendly, but the big problem is the space. This place has so little space to take all the people who attend to these popular presentations. To make matters even worse, is the fact that cooking which is part of the main cultural event is being prepared in this small place; you can imagine how intense the heat can be.

The presentation itself was good, though the girls were unsteady and seems not to have found their niche as they dwell on Fidel Castro and the revolution too much. The point to note is that with most of liberties denied in Cuba, for most of the Cubans, survival is paramount.

I take their performance in good grace and warmly congratulate them for the detailed briefing about revolution which revealed that Che and Castro had been friends for a long time and loved one another as comrades with all the strength of their tenacious mind.

Onyango Okeyo

Cuba

Multicultural café

Monday 26th January 2009

18.00-21.00

Café Bönan in the Sjökvarter

Coffee/tea and a taste of Cuban food

Country presentation and discussion

Entrance fee 5 euro

Welcome!

Arr: The Åland Islands Peace Institute,

the Finnish Red Cross,

the Multicultural Association of Åland

and Café Bönan

kubaeng(courtesy of Petra and the Redcross)

Okush attends Obama´s Inaugauration and makes History

My Dear Esteem Friends, colleagues and relatives,

I am hereby honored to inform all of you that the US Presidential Inaugral
commitee has extended an invitation to me, an honored that
I cannot turn down, to be a part of the history making, in putting Wuod
Luo into the Oval Office.

However, I would also like to inform you that the only time I turned down a
Presidential Inaugration Invitation was when H.E President Kibaki was sworn
in as the second president of the Republic of Kenya.
Otherwise, I have attended most of the Inaugrations wher as my presence has
been sought to surfice, including Nicholas Sarkozy of France.

Best Regards
Morris//

Barack Obama´s Inaugural Speech

America’s greatness must be earned

Fellow citizens, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.

I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown in the transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered.

Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Hope

Today, I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.

It must be earned.

Our journey as a nation has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame.

Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labour — who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Ambition

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction. This is the journey we continue today.

We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished.

But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.

We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.

All this we can do.

And all this we will do.

There are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. They have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

Trust

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.

Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programmes will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.

Those ideals still light the world and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake.

So to all peoples and governments watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of all nations and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

Threats

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.

With old friends and former foes, we will work to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

Respect

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. The world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

Citizenship

This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive… that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.

Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Welcoming The New Year

With both Christmas and New Year “now behind us” and just like everybody else, challenges of New Year have began. Most likely, New Year promises have been made at different levels and the tasks now is to begin to implement them.

While the world and the global economy continues in a slow downturn, up to 30 developing world economies are listed to be on the hardest hit list. A number of jobs have been lost and many families have become homeless as a result of mortgage crisis a round the world, with the world largest economy the USA being the most affected.

In the years since the end of the cold war, globalization has emerged as both a buzzword and a defining theme of the new era. The term is new.

Indeed, it is arguable that the basic concept has historical roots, extending back to the first explorers and traders, the predecessors of Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo. Defined broadly, globalization is the process of intergrating nations and peoples-politically, economically and culturally-into larger communities.

This process intergrates people, businesses, non governmental organizations and nations into larger networks. Globolization promotes convergence, harmonization, efficiency, growth and perhaps, democratization and homogenization.

These all touch on the USA diplomacy. Has the world economy moved in the years towards being globolized, the effects of what started in the USA as a mortgage crisis has led to global economic recessions world wide. This economic downturn has led to countries reaching out for loans from international financial institutions like the world bank to rescue their collapsing economies.

The troubling questions at the moment are, for how long will this slowdown and recession last? Will the rescue packages help in stabilizing the global economies? Which economical sectors will be the next victim?who are the next to loose their jobs?

Habari Newsletter hopes that this negative economical impact will not last long and past mistakes should be rectified for the benefit of the future.

Habari Newsletter and Habari1 wishes all our readers a Happy New Year and Prosperous 2009.

Onyango Okeyo

Åland:Israel and Palestine Conflict

The 11^th January 2009 was a special day for residents of Åland Island, a demilitarized province of Finland who turned out in large numbers and brave the cold to attend a ceremony calling on the two brothers to stop fighting.

The Palestine and Israelites have been fighting for a very long time and sometimes one wonder if there ever will be peace in that part of the world with the investment of the vast political interest from the powers.

Lately, by the dawn of new year, as other world inhabitants celebrated and welcomed 2009 with love, joy and hope, bombardment and rockets were exchanged and a war erupted again. As it stands today, hundreds of life have been lost in this war.

This tragic acts from both sides have made the residents of Åland to act and petition the powers concerned for action. Through this petition, they hope that the warring functions can be wise and learn wisdom so as to put their trials and tribulation in the hands who can both plant and bring fruition for the future of their kids and their kids,kids, kids.

Onyango Okeyo

Petition Statement Distributed to the Participants:

We, the undersigned inhabitants of the Åland Island(Finland), are extremely concerned with the situation in Gaza and southern Israel and direct our call to the Israel authorities,the leadership of Hamas and the Presidency of the council of the European Union.

We call on Israel to end all unlawful attacks, both those directed at civilians and those which are indiscriminate or disproportionate.

We call on Hamas to immediately stop firing indiscriminate rockets against town and villages in southern Israel, thereby endangering the civilians population.

We call on both sides to declare a truce so that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need and so that those who want to leave can be evacuated. Furthermore, we urge both sides to respect international humanitarian law.

We call on the presidency of the council of the European Union to work resolutely with the UN Security Council to enable the adoption of a resolution demanding that all parties respect their obligations under international law and that a cease fire agreement is monitored by international observers.

Todays Vision

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool´s provocation is heavier than both. One has to be brave for to be coward is an insult to God and man.

Onyango Okeyo.

Banking:Are Banks in Åland Failing?

As the economy is ailing across the world ,the banking system in the Island seems to be feeling it hardest.The banking system seems to have taken a cause for the worse with some providing disoriented services.

The customer service through the teller and the client in one of the well known bank in Mariehamn is in a desperate situation.This highly recognised and respected bank cannot provide adequate service to its customers as most of its counters are empty around the clock  while the waiting clients queue for hours to be served by two or one employee at the counter.

The other problem with most of these banks is the on job training. New employees require on job training, hence time consuming lessons which also a customer has to bear with.(where are the banking colleges?)

With this in mind, we at Habari1 and Habari Newsletter urges the affected bank to give efficient service to the clients and appeal to the state legislation in Åland to take its course and intervene to help improve on this situation before it gets worst.

Onyango Okeyo

Comment:Afrikaner Vill Studera i Vasa(Vasabladet 30-11-08)

Since my schooling days as a student in Vasa city at Vasa Politechnic or University of Applied Sciences as it is called today and at the Vasa University which am still enrolled as a visiting student today, did I never see an influx of International Foreign Students in Vasa as it is today.

Here are my comments after reading the article in Vasabladet last November which wrote about the majority of foreign students currently enrolled in higher learning institutions in Vasa city are from Africa,mostly from these countries in Africa,Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria.

This makes me reflect back during my full study times in Vasa when we were just a few students from Africa and majority of foreign student were from far east countries like China and India. It makes me feel good and impressed on how far Vasa as a city and Vasa study institutions have progressed.

Much of this progress and improvement can be attributed to the efforts of Dr. Adebayo Abdejule who has been a lecturer at the two higher learning institutions for a time record now, the paper explains. Dr. Adebayo Abdejule had a plan and he has succeeded in building a legacy. This he did through opening a correspondence office in Accra, Ghana where students can apply for entrance examination with the language of instruction as English.

At the moment the statistics show that there are about 150 African Students studying in Vasa city. The paper explains that the schools through this initiative invited about 3000 students for entrance exams and 500 were accepted.

Most of the students plans to study for their masters and later on work with International Companies like ABB or Vacon.

Most of them whom I met talked about difficult economic situations and luck of jobs to have an income to sustain themselves and hoped the city should do more to create jobs.

It is of my opinion that initiatives like this in Vasa city should be adopted in Åland my current location, this will aid in uplifting the education standard in the Island, multi-cultural interaction and socio-economical and political exchanges thereby widening the brain scope of people. Higher learning institutions in Åland should interlink with International Institutions world wide or local institutions in Finland mainland and in Sweden to enable Åland have its own University.

Onyango Okeyo

2009:New Year Messege

One Faces the Future with One´s Past: We are never divorced from our past. We are in company with it forever, and it acquaints us with the present. Our responses today reflect our experiences yesterday. And those roots lie in the past.

Every day is offering us preparation for the future, for the lessons to come, without which we would not offer our full measure tothe design which contains the development of us all.

Our experiences, past and present are not coincidental. We will be introduced to those experiences that are consistent with our talents and the right lessons designated for the part we are requested to play in life. We can remember that no experiences will attract us that are beyond our capabilities to handle.

“All is well. I am ready for whatever comes today. My yesterdays have prepared me.”

By Pearl S. Buck : edited by Onyango Okeyo