Latest news with #communityCohesion
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Prejudice against travellers is still shocking'
"Prejudice against Gypsies and travellers is one of the last bastions of racism that is still widely acceptable within society," says Martin Rone-Clarke. His job is to "break down barriers" between Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities and Warwickshire Police - and he says he is passionate about challenging prejudice. "It is encouraging to see the significant changes in [police] engagement," he said. He is urging people to "come and say hello" to members of travelling communities during roadshows in Warwickshire and the West Midlands later this month. Mr Rone-Clarke said he became fascinated with the history and culture of travellers' ways of life while working as a community cohesion officer two decades ago. He took up the liaison job five years ago, after retiring from his 29-year career as a police officer with the Warwickshire force. "It is still somehow widely acceptable to use derogatory language against Gypsies and travellers which is shocking," he says. "I am proud to be one of few Gorgers (non-travellers) who are members of the Gypsy, Roma Traveller Police Association." He said, at the start of his career, he had no training to educate him on "the reality of who Gypsies and travellers are". "Like the majority of the general public, I only saw the negatives," he said. Meeting members of the community changed his view and deepened his understanding, he explained, since he had never previously spoken to individuals other than when carrying out enforcement. "I never got to share a cup of tea in a spotless caravan," he said. "I had no idea that so many have to mask their ethnicity in order to succeed and avoid persecution. "If I had the knowledge and understanding that I now have, my perception and response would have been very different." He said officers were now encouraged "to look at things differently, to go on to sites and engage with the community". "I am pleased that in Warwickshire we are seeing some of those changes take place," Mr Rone-Clarke added. He said levels of crime and antisocial behaviour were "no different within the Gypsy, Roma traveller communities than any other community". He added: "I'm often asked, 'how do we engage with Gypsies and Travellers?' My answer is always, go and speak with them - bring an open mind, and take it from there." The roadshows are happening n Walsall, Rugby, Warwick, Bedworth, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bidford-on-Avon between 16-27 June. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Seven arrested after police raid traveller site Town set for start of traditional horse fair Police watchdog to review Traveller dispersal case Are there too many van dwellers in Glastonbury? Warwickshire Police
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Prejudice against travellers is still shocking'
"Prejudice against Gypsies and travellers is one of the last bastions of racism that is still widely acceptable within society," says Martin Rone-Clarke. His job is to "break down barriers" between Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities and Warwickshire Police - and he says he is passionate about challenging prejudice. "It is encouraging to see the significant changes in [police] engagement," he said. He is urging people to "come and say hello" to members of travelling communities during roadshows in Warwickshire and the West Midlands later this month. Mr Rone-Clarke said he became fascinated with the history and culture of travellers' ways of life while working as a community cohesion officer two decades ago. He took up the liaison job five years ago, after retiring from his 29-year career as a police officer with the Warwickshire force. "It is still somehow widely acceptable to use derogatory language against Gypsies and travellers which is shocking," he says. "I am proud to be one of few Gorgers (non-travellers) who are members of the Gypsy, Roma Traveller Police Association." He said, at the start of his career, he had no training to educate him on "the reality of who Gypsies and travellers are". "Like the majority of the general public, I only saw the negatives," he said. Meeting members of the community changed his view and deepened his understanding, he explained, since he had never previously spoken to individuals other than when carrying out enforcement. "I never got to share a cup of tea in a spotless caravan," he said. "I had no idea that so many have to mask their ethnicity in order to succeed and avoid persecution. "If I had the knowledge and understanding that I now have, my perception and response would have been very different." He said officers were now encouraged "to look at things differently, to go on to sites and engage with the community". "I am pleased that in Warwickshire we are seeing some of those changes take place," Mr Rone-Clarke added. He said levels of crime and antisocial behaviour were "no different within the Gypsy, Roma traveller communities than any other community". He added: "I'm often asked, 'how do we engage with Gypsies and Travellers?' My answer is always, go and speak with them - bring an open mind, and take it from there." The roadshows are happening n Walsall, Rugby, Warwick, Bedworth, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bidford-on-Avon between 16-27 June. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Seven arrested after police raid traveller site Town set for start of traditional horse fair Police watchdog to review Traveller dispersal case Are there too many van dwellers in Glastonbury? Warwickshire Police
BBC News
08-06-2025
- BBC News
The Warwickshire man who fights prejudice against travellers
"Prejudice against Gypsies and travellers is one of the last bastions of racism that is still widely acceptable within society," says Martin job is to "break down barriers" between Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities and Warwickshire Police - and he says he is passionate about challenging prejudice."It is encouraging to see the significant changes in [police] engagement," he is urging people to "come and say hello" to members of travelling communities during roadshows in Warwickshire and the West Midlands later this month. Mr Rone-Clarke said he became fascinated with the history and culture of travellers' ways of life while working as a community cohesion officer two decades took up the liaison job five years ago, after retiring from his 29-year career as a police officer with the Warwickshire force."It is still somehow widely acceptable to use derogatory language against Gypsies and travellers which is shocking," he says."I am proud to be one of few Gorgers (non-travellers) who are members of the Gypsy, Roma Traveller Police Association." He said, at the start of his career, he had no training to educate him on "the reality of who Gypsies and travellers are"."Like the majority of the general public, I only saw the negatives," he members of the community changed his view and deepened his understanding, he explained, since he had never previously spoken to individuals other than when carrying out enforcement."I never got to share a cup of tea in a spotless caravan," he said. "I had no idea that so many have to mask their ethnicity in order to succeed and avoid persecution."If I had the knowledge and understanding that I now have, my perception and response would have been very different." He said officers were now encouraged "to look at things differently, to go on to sites and engage with the community"."I am pleased that in Warwickshire we are seeing some of those changes take place," Mr Rone-Clarke said levels of crime and antisocial behaviour were "no different within the Gypsy, Roma traveller communities than any other community".He added: "I'm often asked, 'how do we engage with Gypsies and Travellers?' My answer is always, go and speak with them - bring an open mind, and take it from there." The roadshows are happening n Walsall, Rugby, Warwick, Bedworth, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bidford-on-Avon between 16-27 June. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Feature of the Week: 3 students from Wai Chow School attempt to set Guinness World Record
Do you have something to share? Send us your recommendations using this form Three Primary Six students from Wai Chow School in Yuen Long participated in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record in Hong Kong using coins. Here are their reflections on this experience. Chan Yat-long I was thrilled to participate in the Hong Kong Guinness World Record challenge organised by KLN and Unicef Hong Kong, titled 'Most People Playing Heads or Tails Simultaneously'. This meaningful event fostered community cohesion and allowed us to learn about currencies. Through this interactive game, we better understood one another while creating wonderful memories. I truly enjoyed the experience. Chan Yat-long shares how the Guinness World Record challenge promoted community cohesion. Photo: Handout Lui Wing-sum This event was truly meaningful because we could reuse coins that are no longer in circulation. Participating in such a large-scale event made us feel valued and honoured. Having over 250 people in one room flipping coins was an extraordinary experience. With those coins, we could also help others in need. Several organisations contributed to the event, demonstrating that many people care about this initiative. I hope to participate in more activities like this, whether to help others or break more world records. Lui Wing-sum says the event was a unique opportunity to repurpose unused coins while fostering community spirit and supporting those in need. Photo: Handout Lyrus Tse Witnessing and being one of 286 people guessing a coin toss simultaneously was fun and impressive. It is amazing how this event inspired us to believe that everyone has the power to change the world, even with small actions. Congratulations to all participants for making history in such a playful way. The trophy is shaped like fish scales and has coin patterns. This symbolises abundance and prosperity while reminding us of Hong Kong's journey from a fishing port to a major financial centre. Lyrus Tse says the event celebrated the power of small actions to inspire change. Photo: Handout
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘We're in this together': Singapore Malay-Muslim success a collective effort, says acting Muslim affairs chief
SINGAPORE, May 26 — The success of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community must be a shared mission, the republic's acting minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said. Faishal stressed the importance of working closely with the M3, a collaboration between Singapore's Islamic Religious Council (Muis), its Council for the Education of Muslim Children (Mendaki), and the Malay Activity Executive Committees Council, under Singapore statutory board People's Association to promote social, cultural and community cohesion. 'We're in this together,' he was quoted by the Straits Times of telling reporters yesterday during Cyclation 2025, a community cycling event organised by Wisma Geylang Serai where he also serves as lead adviser. He called on all segments of the community to play a role and 'create closer, more effective networks to work towards the community's success'. Every individual, he said, should feel they have a stake in shaping the community's future. 'We want to give space for them to share their views, share their aspirations on how we can shape a successful Malay/Muslim community,'Faishal was quoted as saying. He noted that this engagement is especially vital now as the global climate becomes more challenging. Faishal took over the ministerial role on May 21 from Masagos Zulkifli, who held the portfolio since 2018. Cyclation 2025 was part of SG60 Bersama, a series of celebrations marking the Malay-Muslim community's contributions to Singapore on its 60th anniversary of independence. Some 90 cyclists participated in the 15km route. Faisal said the Gerak-Gerak Geylang, a free weekend fitness programme, is an example of Muslim success, adding that this kind of engagement is an extension of his political journey, which began in 2006 as an MP for Marine Parade GRC. Faishal said such inclusive engagement will ultimately benefit all communities in Singapore. 'I would like to listen. I would like to see how your suggestions can contribute to the development of the Malay/Muslim community. 'I think what is key is that we are in this together, and I hope to bring as many people on board this journey,' he was quoted as saying.
