Friday 31 December 2010

AMBASSADOR DOZIE NWANNA ,OON THE WINNER OF THE BEN TV DIPLOMATS AWARDS 2010 DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR



Dozie Nwanna, OON, was appointed an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in April 2007 and assigned as Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. A career diplomat, he had previously served in France and South Africa.

For higher education, Nwanna went to the University of Nigeria and graduated in psychology in 1978. He has attended many courses during his career, including studying for the Master of International and Strategic Studies (MISS) programme of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, between 1998 and 2000.

Nwanna formally joined the Nigerian civil service as an Investigation Officer at the Public Complaints Commission in 1979 and has been appointed into various positions, including being an Acting Director of Administration at the National Space Research and Development Agency in 1999 and a Foreign Service Officer (Special Grade) in 2004.

He has very strong personal interests in the study of war games, a field in which he has patented inventions and developed a war analysis and strategy prognostication device (termed the WASP Technology) for the military. Apart from serving a consultant on war games to the Nigerian Army between 1988 and 1992, Nwanna has given many public and private exhibitions on his inventions and their fallout. In addition, he privately sponsors and promotes the establishment of Doziet (war-game) Clubs for recreation and for general enlightenment on Strategy. In 2001, Nigeria's national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) was conferred on the inventor for services to Nigeria with his groundbreaking Doziet war games and their spin-off.

Born on 6th August 1954, Ambassador Nwanna is married and has two daughters. For hobby, he sings as well as plays the guitar. A lyricist, he enjoys and writes poetry, and listens to classical and martial music.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Habari za jioni.
Leo tunauaga Mwaka 2010 na kuukaribisha Mwaka 2011. Kama ilivyo ada, hatuna budi kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu mwingi wa rehema, kwa kutujaalia uhai na kutuwezesha kuifikia siku hii adhimu. Wapo ndugu, jamaa na marafiki zetu wengi ambao hawakujaaliwa bahati hii kwa kuwa wametutangulia mbele ya haki. Tuzidi kuwaombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu awape mapumziko mema.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Kwa namna ya kipekee mimi binafsi, namshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kunijaalia uzima na kuniwezesha kuendelea kuitumikia nchi yangu na ninyi wananchi wenzangu. Nawashukuruni sana wananchi wenzangu kwa kuendelea kuniunga mkono mimi na kuiunga mkono Serikali yetu ninayoiongoza. Mmefanya hivyo mwaka huu tunaoumaliza leo na tangu tuingie madarakani miaka mitano iliyopita mpaka sasa.Imani na upendo mliyotuonesha vimetupa faraja na ari ya kuendelea kuwatumikia kwa bidii zaidi. Nawaomba muendelee na moyo huo katika mwaka mpya tunaoukaribisha usiku wa leo. Mimi nawaahidi kuendelea kutumia vipaji vyangu vyote nilivyojaaliwa na Mwenyezi Mungu kuwatumikia wakati wote na kwa hali yoyote kama nilivyofanya mwaka huu tunaoumaliza leo na miaka ya nyuma.

Ndugu wananchi;
Mwaka 2010 ulikuwa na shughuli nyingi na mafanikio mengi licha ya kuwepo changamoto mbalimbali zilizojitokeza. Kwa ajili hiyo tunaingia mwaka 2011 tukiwa na matumaini makubwa ya kufanya vizuri zaidi.
Hali ya Usalama Nchini

Ndugu Wananchi;
Hali ya usalama wa nchi yetu ni mzuri, mipaka iko salama na hakuna tishio lolote kutoka mahali popote au watu wowote linalotia mashaka. Uhalifu umeendelea kudhibitiwa na mafanikio yamekuwa yanapatikana. Taarifa ya Jeshi la Polisi ya hivi karibuni inaonyesha kuwa matukio ya uhalifu yamepungua mwaka huu ukilinganisha na mwaka uliopita.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Ni jambo la kujivunia kwamba tumemaliza mchakato wa uchaguzi mkuu kwa amani na salama. Tulikuwa na siku 70 za kampeni, moja ya kupiga kura na siku 6 za kusubiri matokeo bila ya kuwepo matukio ya uvunjifu wa amani yanayostahili kuzungumzwa.Sehemu zetu zote mbili za Muungano kulikuwa salama na Zanzibar ndiko kulikuwa na utulivu mkubwa zaidi kuliko miaka ya nyuma.

Hakika Tanzania tumeendelea kudumisha sifa yetu ya kuwa kisiwa cha amani na utulivu. Naomba sote tujipongeze, lakini tutoe pongezi maalum kwa vyombo vyetu vya ulinzi na usalama kwa kazi kubwa na nzuri waliyoifanya mwaka huu ya kuhakikisha kuwa nchi yetu na watu wake wako salama.
Demokrasia Inazidi Kuimarika

Ndugu Wananchi, Watanzania Wenzangu;
Mwaka huu tumeshuhudia demokrasia ilivyozidi kuota mizizi, kukomaa, kustawi na kuimarika. Tumefanya Uchaguzi Mkuu wa nne chini ya mfumo wa vyama vingi kwa mafanikio makubwa. Sisi wenyewe ni mashahidi na dunia nzima ni mashahidi wa ukweli huo. Wakati tukitambua na kujipongeza kwa mafanikio haya, hatuna budi kujiwekea dhima ya kufanya mambo yetu vizuri zaidi katika chaguzi zijazo. Tufanye tathmini ya uchaguzi wetu uliopita ili tuimarishe na kudumisha yaliyo mazuri na kurekebisha yenye mapungufu.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Uchaguzi wa mwaka huu ulikuwa na ushindani mkali na nguvu ya vyama vya upinzani imeongezeka. Hili ni jambo jema kwa utawala bora na uwajibikaji nchini. Bila ya shaka Bunge litachangamka kama tunavyotarajia sote. Nimewakumbusha Mawaziri wajibu wao wa kuwa makini na kutekeleza majukumu yao kwa ufanisi zaidi Bungeni. Kwa upande wa Chama tawala hatuna budi kujipanga na kujijenga upya kwa kuzingatia mazingira mapya ya kisiasa nchini.

Ndugu Zangu,Watanzania Wenzangu;
Naomba kurudia kukumbusha kuwa uchaguzi ulishaisha Oktoba 31,2010 na malumbano ya kampeni za uchaguzi yalimalizika wakati ule. Sasa ni wakati wa kuendelea kufanya shughuli zetu za kawaida za kujiletea maendeleo yetu wenyewe na ya nchi yetu.Kuendeleza malumbano na kuendelea kuishi kama vile kampeni za uchaguzi bado zinaendelea siyo sahihi hata kidogo.
Najua wapo baadhi ya wanasiasa na vyama vya siasa ambavyo vimepanga mikakati ya kuendeleza malumbano ya uchaguzi na kutaka Watanzania waishi kama vile nchi ipo kwenye kampeni za uchaguzi. Wamepanga wakati wote kutafuta jambo au hata kuzua jambo ili kuwachochea wananchi waichukie Serikali.Wamepanga kuchochea migomo vyuoni na maandamano ya wananchi mara kwa mara.Kwao wao huo ndiyo mkakati wa kujijenga kisiasa ili kujiandalia ushindi kwenye uchaguzi wa mwaka 2015.

Nawatanabaisha ndugu zangu myajue hayo ili msipoteze muda wenu muhimu wa kujiendeleza na kugeuzwa kuwa mbuzi wa kafara kwa ajili ya kuendeleza maslahi ya kisiasa ya watu fulani. Kwa jinsi watu hao walivyokuwa wabinafsi na wasivyokuwa na huruma na wenzao, wako tayari kuchochea ghasia bila kujali madhara yatakayowakuta watu watakaoshiriki. Wao hasa wanachotaka ni ghasia kutokea na vyombo vya dola kuingilia ati waiambie jumuiya ya kimataifa jinsi Serikali yetu ilivyo katili. Nawasihi ndugu zangu msiwasikilize wala kuwafuata wanasiasa hawa.
Nawaomba, wakiwafuata wakumbusheni kuwa wao wanazo fursa nyingi za kusema wayatakayo Bungeni na kwingineko, waache kuwatumia kama chambo au wahanga wa maslahi yao.

Uwajibikaji wa Mawaziri
Ndugu wananchi;
Tunaumaliza mwaka 2010 na kuukaribisha mwaka 2011 tukiwa na Serikali mpya yenye damu mpya nyingi na changa katika Baraza la Mawaziri. Nimejitahidi kuwapanga Mawaziri hao kwa namna ambayo wanaweza kutumia vyema maarifa yao na uzoefu wao kulisukuma kwa kasi, ari na nguvu zaidi, gurudumu la maendeleo ya nchi yetu. Nimeshakutana na kuzungumza nao wote kuhusu majukumu yao na wajibu wao.

Nimewasisitizia matumaini yangu kwao ya kuwa wachapa kazi hodari na kupiga vita rushwa, uzembe na ubabaishaji bila ya ajizi. Wawe watu waaminifu na waadilifu, watakaochukia maovu na kuyapiga vita kwa nguvu zao zote katika maeneo yao ya kazi. Wawe ni watu wenye moyo wa kuipenda nchi yetu na watu waliotayari kuitumikia kwa moyo na uwezo wao wote. Wawe karibu na watu wawasikilize na wawe wepesi kutatua shida zao. Aidha, nimewakumbusha kutambua kuwa ahadi kubwa ya CCM kwa Watanzania ni Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya mwaka 2010, hivyo wahakikishe kuwa malengo ya Ilani kuhusu maeneo yao ya uongozi wanayatambua vizuri na kuyapangia mipango thabiti ya utekelezaji na kufuatilia kwa dhati utekelezaje wake. Nafurahi kwamba Mawaziri tayari wameanza kazi kwa kasi nzuri na wengine kwa kishindo. Naomba tuendelee kuwaunga mkono na kuwasaidia.

Nidhamu ya Matumizi
Ndugu Wananchi;
Miongoni mwa mambo ambayo nimesisitiza kwa Mawaziri ni kuhakikisha kuwa wanasimamia vizuri ukusanyaji wa mapato ya Serikali na hasa nidhamu ya matumizi ya fedha na mali za umma. Tunapata mafanikio ya kutia moyo kwa upande wa ukusanya mapato. Ndugu zetu wa TRA wanastahili pongezi zetu kwa kazi waifanyayo.Pamoja na hayo hatuna budi kuongeza mapato ya Serikali maradufu juhudi zetu za kukusanya mapato, kwani mahitaji yanazidi kuongezeka wakati uwezo wa mapato hauongezeki kwa kasi hiyo hiyo.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Kwa upande wa nidhamu ya matumizi bado hatujapiga hatua ya kunifanya nipoe moyo, ingawaje kuna mafanikio yanayoendelea kupatikana. Niliwakumbusha Mawaziri kuhusu kuwepo Kamati za Matumizi ya Fedha katika kila Wizara, Idara za Serikali na Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji ambazo niliagiza ziundwe miaka mitatu iliyopita. Niliwakumbusha kuwa, wakuu wa taasisi hizo ndio wanaoongoza Kamati hizo na hivyo wao ndiyo wanaoongoza Kamati za Wizara zao. Nimewataka wahakikishe kuwa Kamati hizo zinatekeleza ipasavyo majukumu yake ili rasilimali za taifa zifanye kazi iliyokusudiwa. Halikadhalika, niliwataka wahakikishe kuwa Kamati za Idara na Mashirika chini ya Wizara zao zinafanya kazi kwa ukamilifu.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Kwa upande wa Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji, mwaka huu tuliendelea kuziimarisha Idara za Uhasibu na Ukaguzi wa Ndani. Tutaendelea kuhakikisha kuwa kila Halmashauri ina Wahasibu na Wakaguzi wa Ndani wenye ujuzi na sifa zinazostahili za kitaaluma, uaminifu na uadilifu.

Siku za nyuma tulishafanya uamuzi wa kumfanya Mhasibu Mkuu wa Serikali kuwa na mamlaka ya kuangalia utendaji wa shughuli za fedha katika Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji kama aliyonayo kwa Wizara na Idara za Serikali Kuu. Mwaka huu tumeamua kuwaunganisha Wakaguzi wote wa Ndani wa Wizara na Idara za Serikali chini ya Uongozi mmoja. Aidha, tumeunda nafasi ya Mkaguzi Mkuu wa Ndani ambaye Wakaguzi wa Ndani wote wa Wizara na Idara za Serikali watakuwa chini yake na kuwajibika kwake. Yeye atahusika na uteuzi wao na kuwapangia vituo. Tumeamua, pia, kuwa Mkaguzi Mkuu wa Ndani atakuwa na mamlaka kwa Wakaguzi wa Ndani wa Halmashauri za Wilaya na Miji. Bila ya shaka hatua hii itasaidia kuimarisha uwajibikaji, nidhamu na uaminifu katika matumizi ya pesa na mali za umma.

Hali ya Uchumi
Ndugu Wananchi;
Tunaumaliza mwaka 2010 hali ya uchumi wa nchi ikiwa ni ya kuridhisha. Inaelekea athari za miaka mitatu iliyopita zilizosababishwa na misukosuko mbalimbali ya uchumi wa dunia sasa zinanza kutoweka. Tunatarajia kuwa mwaka huu uchumi utakua kwa asilimia 7 ukilinganisha na asilimia 6 ya mwaka 2009. Matumaini yetu ni kuwa mwaka 2011 uchumi utakua kwa asilimia 7.2 kama mambo yatakwenda kama tunavyotarajia.

Mfumuko wa bei nao umeshuka sana kutoka wastani wa asilimia 12.1 mwaka 2009 hadi asilimia 5.5 Novemba, 2010. Ni dhamira yetu na matarajio yetu kuwa mfumuko wa bei utaendelea kuwa chini ya hapo. Kwa ajili hiyo hatuna budi kuhakikisha kuwa hali ya ipatikanaji wa chakula nchini inaendelea kuwa nzuri.

Kilimo na Chakula
Ndugu wananchi;
Hali ya upatikanaji wa chakula nchini ilikuwa nzuri katika mwaka 2010 lakini hatuna hakika hali itakuwaje katika mwaka 2011. Tunazo sababu za kutia shaka kwa sababu ya hali ya mvua kutokuwa nzuri katika maeneo mengi hapa nchini. Maeneo mengi yanayopata mvua za vuli katika mikoa ya Pwani, Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha na Manyara hali ilikuwa mbaya. Mvua zimekuwa pungufu sana na wakulima wengi hawakudiriki hata kupanda mazao. Kwa mikoa hii matumaini yetu tunayaweka kwa mvua za masika zinazotarajiwa kuanza kunyesha mwezi Machi. Tuombe kwa Mola mvua zipatikane za kutosha tunusurike na baa la njaa.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Kwa upande wa Mikoa ya Kusini Nyanda za Juu na mingineyo inayopata mvua moja kuanzia mwezi Novemba au Desemba, mvua zilichelewa kuanza kunyesha. Hivi sasa zimeanza na zinaendelea vizuri. Tuzidi kumuomba Mungu ziendelee vizuri ili taifa liwe na hakika ya akiba ya kutosha ya chakula ambayo huchangiwa kwa zaidi ya asilimia 85 na mikoa ya ukanda huu.
Wataalamu wetu wa Idara ya Hali ya Hewa wametahadharisha kuwa hata maeneo haya huenda yakapata mvua chini ya kiwango cha kawaida. Kwa ajili hiyo, niwaombe ndugu zangu wa mikoa ya Iringa, Ruvuma, Mbeya na Rukwa kuhakikisha kuwa wanazitumia vizuri mvua zinazonyesha sasa. Tukifanya hivyo athari za upungufu wa mvua tutazipunguza. Na, kwa wananchi wote kwa jumla nawaomba tuwe waangalifu katika matumizi ya akiba yetu ya chakula tuliyonayo. Wahenga walisema “tahadhari kabla ya hatari”. Tuzingatie maneno hayo ya hekima.

Hifadhi ya Chakula
Ndugu Wananchi;
Mwaka 2010 tumeamua kuongeza akiba yetu ya chakula katika Hifadhi ya Taifa ili ifikie tani 400,000 ifikapo mwaka 2015. Tumeanza safari hiyo kwa dhati. Mwaka huu tumenunua tani 200,000 na kuzihifadhi. Kwa sababu hiyo tuliongeza fedha za kununulia chakula kutoka shilingi bilioni 18.2 hadi shilingi bilioni 60.26. Tutaendelea kukuza uwezo huo mpaka tufikie lengo letu.

Pembejeo za Kilimo
Ndugu Wananchi;
Mwaka huu tumeongeza mbolea ya ruzuku na wakulima wengi zaidi watapata mbolea hiyo. Tutaendelea kufanya hivyo katika miaka ijayo kwa lengo la kuwafikia wakulima milioni 3.5 mpaka 4 miaka mitano ijayo. Aidha, tutaendelea kufuatilia na kuyatafutia ufumbuzi matatizo ya upatikanaji na hasa usambazaji wa pembejeo kwa wakulima na wafugaji. Nasikitishwa sana na taarifa za vitendo vya wizi na udanganyifu vinavyofanywa na baadhi ya mawakala wa mbolea, mbegu na dawa za kilimo na mifugo wakishirikiana na baadhi ya watumishi wa umma wa ngazi mbalimbali.

Nimewataka Mawaziri husika na hasa Wakuu wa Mikoa na Wakuu wa Wilaya na vyombo vya dola yaani Polisi na TAKUKURU kufuatilia mwenendo mzima wa usambazaji na upatikanaji wa mbolea, mbegu na dawa za ruzuku kwa wakulima na wafugaji. Wawatafute na kuwabaini wale wote wanaofanya vitendo viovu kinyume na taratibu zilizowekwa na kuwachukulia hatua za kisheria na kinidhamu. Watu hawa ni wahujumu wa uchumi, ni adui wa wakulima, wafugaji na taifa zima kwa jumla. Hawastahili na wala wasionewe huruma hata chembe.

Ndugu wananchi;
Pamoja na mikakati tuliyojiwekea ya kuboresha kilimo, tutaendelea kuwekeza na kuhamasisha uwekezaji katika sekta nyingine ambazo tunazitegemea zisaidie kukuza uchumi na kupunguza umaskini kama vile viwanda, utalii, biashara, miundombinu ya barabara, reli, bandari, umeme, maji n.k. Kwa upande wa huduma ya fedha, Serikali itaendelea kuongeza mtaji kwenye Benki ya Rasilimali Tanzania (TIB) ili irudie kuwa benki ya maendeleo na kutoa mikopo ya muda wa kati na mrefu kwa wawekezaji wetu. Ni dhamira yetu kuwa mwaka 2011 tuongeze kasi ya kuanzisha Benki ya Kilimo ili ikiwezekana ianze au matayarisho yafikie hatua nzuri ya kuweza kuanza mwaka unaofuata.

Matatizo ya Umeme
Ndugu wananchi;
Mwaka 2010 haukuwa na utulivu wa kutosha kwa upatikanaji wa umeme. Mara kadhaa kumekuwepo na matukio ya kukatika na mgao wa umeme kutokana na uharibifu wa mitambo ya kuzalisha umeme hasa katika kituo cha Songas na vituo vya TANESCO. Pamoja na hayo tatizo la msingi ni uwezo wa uzalishaji wa umeme kuwa mdogo kuliko mahitaji. Hivyo basi,hitilafu katika mtambo mmoja au kituo kimoja cha kuzalisha umeme huzua tatizo kubwa la upatikanaji wa umeme kwa nchi nzima.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Katika kukabiliana na tatizo hilo miaka mitano iliyopita, TANESCO kwa msaada wa Serikali, imeongeza uwezo wa kuzalisha umeme kwa MW 145 (MW 100 Ubungo na MW 45 Tegeta) kwa kutumia gesi asilia. Bahati mbaya mpango wa kuzalisha MW 300 kule Mtwara kwa kushirikiana na sekta binafsi, haukufanikiwa baada ya mwekezaji kushindwa kupata fedha kwa sababu ya mgogoro wa masoko ya fedha ya kimataifa. Kama tatizo hilo lisingekuwepo umeme huo ungekuwa unakamilika au kukaribia kutumika hivi sasa.

Kwa sasa TANESCO ina mipango kadhaa inayoendelea nayo ya kuongeza uzalishaji wa umeme nchini. Kwa msaada wa Serikali ndani ya miezi 12 ijayo,TANESCO itaongeza uzalishaji wa umeme kwa MW 160,(MW 100 Ubungo kwa kutumia gesi asilia na MW 60 Mwanza kwa kutumia dizeli nzito).Kwa kushirikiana na sekta binafsi pia, ndani ya miezi 36 ijayo TANESCO wanatarajia kukamilisha ujenzi wa vituo vya umeme huko Kinyerezi (MW 240) Somanga Fungu (MW 230) na Mtwara (MW 300). Inatarajiwa pia kwamba katika kipindi hicho mradi wa kuzalisha MW 200 pale Kiwira utakamilika.


Bei ya Umeme
Ndugu Wananchi;
Natambua kuwepo kwa mazungumzo, katika jamii kuhusu uamuzi wa EWURA wa kukubali ombi la Shirika la Umeme (TANESCO) kuongeza bei ya umeme. Wakati mwingine mazungumzo yamekuwa na hisia kali na hata jazba kutawala. Wizara, TANESCO na EWURA wameeleza kwa ufasaha misingi iliyotumika mpaka kufikia uamuzi huo. Sina maelezo mazuri zaidi ya hayo. Ninachotaka kusema mimi ni kuwaomba Watanzania wenzangu kutokukubali suala hili la kibiashara na kiuchumi kugeuzwa kuwa la kisiasa na kutafutiwa majawabu ya kisiasa.

Naomba tuamini na kukubali maelezo ya TANESCO na EWURA kwamba katika miaka minne hii gharama za uendeshaji, uzalishaji, usafirishaji na usambazaji wa umeme zimepanda kama zilivyopanda katika shughuli nyingine. Hivyo basi, kutaka bei ya umeme ibaki kama ilivyokuwa miaka minne iliyopita hautokuwa uamuzi sahihi kiuchumi na kibiashara kwa TANESCO. EWURA imefanya kazi nzuri ya kuchambua maombi ya TANESCO na kuyakubali yanayostahili na kuyakataa yasiyostahili kuwa sehemu ya bei. Kwa kufanya hivyo, watumiaji wa umeme wamelindwa wasibebeshwe mzigo usiostahili na Shirila la Umeme limewezeshwa ili lisiendeshe shughuli zake kwa hasara.

Mahusiano ya Kimataifa
Ndugu Wananchi;
Katika mwaka 2010 Serikali iliendelea na jitihada za kupigania na kuendeleza maslahi ya Tanzania miongoni mwa mataifa duniani na mashirika ya kimataifa na kikanda. Kazi hiyo tumeifanya kwa mafanikio na faida zake tunaziona. Tumeshuhudia kuongezeka kwa misaada ya maendeleo, kupatiwa misamaha ya madeni, kuongezeka kwa wawekezaji na mitaji kutoka nje na kuzidi kuongezeka kwa watalii. Aidha, mauzo yetu nje pamoja na mapato na akiba yetu ya fedha za kigeni navyo vimeendelea kuongezeka.

Jina la nchi yetu limeendelea kung’ara katika medani za kimataifa. Tanzania imeendelea kushirikishwa katika masuala muhimu ya kikanda na kimataifa. Kwa mfano, Rais Mstaafu, Mheshimiwa Benjamin W. Mkapa aliteuliwa na Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa kuongoza Tume ya kuangalia mchakato wa kura ya maoni ya Sudan ya Kusini itakayofanyika tarehe 9 Januari, 2011.

Katika kura hiyo, wananchi wa Sudan ya Kusini wataamua iwapo wawe taifa huru au waendelee kuwa sehemu ya Sudan kama ilivyo sasa na Wananchi wa Jimbo la Abyei watapiga kura ya kuamua wawe upande upi: Sudan Kusini au Sudan Kaskazini. Tunamtakia heri Rais Mstaafu Benjamin Mkapa ili akamilishe jukumu hilo kwa mafanikio. Wakati huo huo tunawatakia wananchi wa Sudan ya Kusini na Sudan, kwa jumla, kuendesha zoezi hilo kwa amani na salama ili watu wapate fursa ya kuamua matakwa yao kwa uhuru.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Katika mwaka huu tunaoumaliza leo Umoja wa Mataifa umetupatia heshima nyingine kubwa. Shirika la Afya Duniani limeniteua mimi na Waziri Mkuu wa Canada Mheshimiwa Stephen Harper kuwa Wenyeviti Wenza wa kuongoza Tume ya Kimataifa kuhusu Afya ya Akina Mama na Watoto. Lengo kuu la Tume hiyo ni kuzisaidia nchi zinazoendelea ziweze kutekeleza Malengo ya Milenia kuhusu kupunguza vifo vya akina mama na watoto.

Tume yetu ina kazi ya kupendekeza mfumo wa kutoa taarifa juu ya maendeleo ya afya za akina mama na watoto na kufuatilia utekelezaji wa ahadi za nchi tajiri kuzisaidia nchi masikini kukabiliana na changamoto za afya za akina mama na watoto. Aidha, tunalo jukumu la kupendekeza mfumo wa kufuatilia jinsi fedha zinazotolewa, zinavyotumika kwa malengo yaliyokusudiwa. Tunatarajia kuanza kazi Januari 2011 na kuwasilisha Ripoti yetu kwa Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa kunako Mei 2011.

Michezo
Ndugu Wananchi;
Nafurahi kama tunavyofurahi wote kuwa kwa upande wa michezo, mwaka huu tumeumaliza vizuri. Timu ya Taifa ya Soka ya Tanzania Bara, Kilimanjaro Stars, imefanikiwa kushinda Kombe la Challenge kwa nchi za Afrika Mashariki na Kati baada ya kufanya hivyo mara ya mwisho miaka 16 iliyopita yaani mwaka 1993.

Timu yetu ya Soka ya Wanawake, Twiga Stars, nayo kwa mara ya kwanza, iliweza kufikia fainali ya Kombe la Mataifa ya Afrika kwa Wanawake.
Hatuna budi kuyatambua na kuyaenzi mafanikio hayo tuliyoyapata.Wakati huo huo tuwatake wanamichezo wetu kuwa na ari ya kufanya vizuri zaidi. Nimetoa changamoto kwa TFF na timu yetu ya taifa kujiwekea lengo la kushiriki fainali za Kombe la Mataifa ya Afrika mwaka 2012. Wakiamua hivyo, itabidi waanze sasa kufikiria na kufanya maandalizi ya namna ya kufanikisha lengo hilo.

Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwahakikishia wanamichezo wote na Watanzania wenzangu, kuwa nitaendelea kuziunga mkono kwa hali na mali timu zetu zinazoshiriki michezo mbali mbali. Mwaka huu nitakuwa na mazungumzo na viongozi wa riadha ili tuelewane kuhusu namna ya kufufua michezo hiyo ambayo miaka ya nyuma ilililetea taifa letu sifa kubwa.

Maadhimisho ya Miaka 50 ya Uhuru
Ndugu Wananchi;
Mwaka mpya tunaouanza usiku wa leo una umuhimu wa kipekee katika uhai na historia ya nchi yetu. Tarehe 9 Desemba 2011 nchi yetu itatimiza miaka hamsini ya Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara. Haya si mafanikio madogo hata kidogo.Ni mafanikio makubwa sana ambayo hatuna budi kuyafurahia na kuyasherekea kwa uzito unaostahili.

Katika miaka 50 ya Uhuru wetu tumefanya mambo mengi mazuri ya kujivunia katika nyanja mbalimbali. Tumedumisha uhuru na umoja wa nchi yetu. Kwa hakika hali yetu ilivyo leo kisiasa, kiutamaduni, kiuchumi, kijamii, kiusalama na kimaendeleo kwa jumla, ni tofauti sana na hali ilivyokuwa wakati Tanzania Bara inapata uhuru wake tarehe 9 Desemba, 1961. Natambua pia kwamba katika miaka 50 hii, nchi yetu na watu wake wamekumbana na kukabili changamoto nyingi. Zipo nyingi tulizoziweza na zipo ambazo tunaendelea kuzikabili na tunayo mipango thabiti ya kuhakikisha tunafanikiwa.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Kwa kutambua umuhimu wa aina yake wa maadhimisho ya mwaka huu ya siku ya Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara tarehe 9 Desemba,2011,tumekubaliana na viongozi wenzangu Serikalini kuwa tusherehekee siku hiyo kwa uzito unaostahili.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Tumekubaliana pia, tufanye mambo manne muhimu katika maadhimisho hayo. Kwanza, nautangaza mwaka 2011 kuwa ni Mwaka wa Maadhimisho ya Miaka Hamsini ya Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara. Kilele chake kitakuwa tarehe 9 Desemba, 2011 ambapo kutafanyika sherehe kubwa na za aina yake nchi nzima ambapo wananchi watashirikishwa kwa ukamilifu.

Pili, tufanye tathmini ya kina ya mafanikio tuliyoyapata, katika juhudi zetu za kujiletea maendeleo katika miaka hamsini hii. Kila Wizara, idara na taasisi za Serikali na hata sekta binafsi zifanye tathmini ya eneo lake. Tathmini hizo ziandikwe katika vitabu ili kuhifadhi kumbukumbu hizo muhimu kwetu na kwa vizazi vijavyo. Vitabu na nyaraka hizo vitakuwa kumbukumbu zenye manufaa makubwa kwa wenzetu watakaokuwepo mwaka 2061 wakati wa kusherehekea miaka 100 ya Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara. Itarahisisha kazi yao ya kufanya tathmini wakati huo.

Tatu, kwamba yafanyike maonyesho maalum katika Uwanja wa Maonyesho wa Julius Nyerere hapa Dar es Salaam na kote mikoani kwenye viwanja vya maonyesho, kuelezea mafanikio yaliyopatikana katika nyanja mbalimbali katika miaka 50 tangu Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Jambo la nne ambalo tulilokubaliana kufanya ni kuanzisha mchakato wa kuitazama upya Katiba ya Nchi yetu kwa lengo la kuihuisha ili hatimaye tuwe na Katiba inayoendana na taifa lenye umri wa nusu karne. Katiba yetu ya sasa tuliyoachiwa na waasisi wa taifa letu, imeifanyia nchi yetu mambo mengi mazuri na kuifikisha Tanzania na Watanzania hapa tulipo. Tunayo nchi moja huru, ya kidemokrasia na inayoendesha mambo yake kwa kuzingatia utawala wa sheria, kuheshimu haki za binadamu na mgawanyo wa madaraka miongoni mwa mihimili mikuu ya dola. Nchi yenye amani, utulivu na watu wake ni wamoja, wanaopendana na kushirikiana na maendeleo yanazidi kupatikana.

Pamoja na hayo, mwaka 2011, nchi yetu inatimiza miaka 50 ya Uhuru wa Tanzania Bara, miaka 47 ya Mapinduzi matukufu ya Zanzibar na miaka 47 ya Muungano wa nchi zetu mbili. Yapo mabadiliko mengi yaliyotokea katika nyanja mbalimbali za maisha ya nchi yetu na watu wake katika kipindi hiki. Kwa ajili hiyo ni vyema kuwa na Katiba inayoendana na mabadiliko na matakwa na hali ya sasa. Katiba ambayo italipeleka taifa letu miaka 50 ijayo kwa salama, amani, umoja na kuwepo maendeleo makubwa zaidi.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Ndiyo maana tukaamua kuanzisha mchakato huu na kwa ajili hiyo, nimeamua kuunda Tume maalum ya Katiba, yaani Constitutional Review Commission. Tume hiyo itakayoongozwa na Mwanasheria aliyebobea, itakuwa na wajumbe wanaowakilisha makundi mbalimbali katika jamii yetu kutoka pande zetu mbili za Muungano. Jukumu la msingi la Tume hiyo litakuwa ni kuongoza na kuratibu mchakato utakaowashirikisha wananchi wote bila kubagua, vyama vya siasa, wanasiasa, wafanyabiashara, asasi za kiraia, mashirika ya dini, wanataaluma na makundi mbalimbali ya watu wa nchi yetu kote nchini, katika kutoa maoni yao juu ya wayatakayo kuhusu Katiba ya nchi yao.

Baada ya kukamilisha kukusanya maoni,Tume itatoa mapendekezo yake yatakayofikishwa kwenye vyombo stahiki vya Kikatiba kwa kufanyiwa maamuzi.Baada ya makubaliano kufikiwa, taifa letu litapata Katiba mpya kwa siku itakayoamuliwa ianze kutumika.

Ndugu Wananchi;
Ni matumaini yangu kuwa mchakato huo utaendeshwa vizuri, kwa amani na utulivu kama ilivyo sifa ya nchi yetu na mazoea yetu ya kujadiliana bila kugombana. Wananchi watapewa fursa ya kutosha ya kutoa maoni yao kwa uhuru na pawepo kuvumiliana kwa hali ya juu pale watu wanapotufautiana kwa mawazo. Pasiwepo kutukanana, kudharauliana, kushutumiana, kubezana, kuzomeana wala kushinikizana. Naomba washiriki waongozwe kwa hoja badala ya jazba. Tukiwa na jazba, hasira na kushinikizana kamwe hatutaweza kutengeneza jambo jema. Na inapohusu Katiba ya Nchi itakuwa hasara tupu. Haitakuwa endelevu na kulazimika kufanyiwa marekebisho mengi mwanzoni tu baada ya kutungwa.

Nawaomba Watanzania wenzangu wenye maoni yao wajiandae kushiriki kwa ukamilifu katika mchakato huu. Katoeni maoni yenu mazuri yatakayowezesha nchi yetu kuwa na Katiba itakayokidhi matakwa yetu ya sasa na ya miaka 50 ijayo.

Hitimisho
Ndugu Wananchi, Watanzania Wenzangu;
Napenda kumalizia salamu zangu za Mwaka mpya kwa kumshukuru tena Mwenyezi Mungu kwa rehema zake alizotujaalia mwaka 2010. Tuendelee kumuomba atujaalie baraka tele katika Mwaka ujao wa 2011: Tumuombe nchi yetu iendelee kuwa ya amani na utulivu, watu wake waendelee kuwa wamoja, wanaopenda na kushirikiana, uchumi wetu uendelee kustawi, tupate mvua za kutosha na neema ziwe tele kila mahali.

Kwa furaha na matumaini makubwa nawatakia heri na fanaka katika mwaka mpya 2011. Namtakia kila mmoja wetu mafanikio mema katika shughuli zake za kujiletea maendeleo na kuendeleza hali yake ya maisha.

Mwisho,kabisa nawaomba tuukaribishe na kuusherehekea Mwaka mpya kwa usalama na amani.

Heri ya Mwaka Mpya!! Happy New Year!!

Mungu Ibariki Afrika!
Mungu Ibariki Tanzania!
Ahsanteni kwa kunisikiliza.Email This
BlogThis!
Share to Twitter
Share to Facebook
Share to Google Buzz

Thursday 30 December 2010

UK based NGO Stepping Stones Nigeria (SSN) is delighted to announce the release of their new and ground-breaking Nollywood film – The Fake Prophet - produced as an advocacy tool to save and change thousands of children’s lives.
Stepping Stones Nigeria has produced The Fake Prophet in an attempt to stimulate debate and pioneer positive change on challenging issues such as child trafficking and the labelling of children as "witches". The film powerfully encapsulates many major social and political issues that affect Nigerian society today.
Gary Foxcroft SSN Programme Director stated that, "Given the projected reach of The Fake Prophet and the power of the Nollywood film industry we anticipate that this film will go a long way to help challenge deeply held attitudes, values and beliefs and will ultimately prevent the abuse of children. As such we are massively excited about its potential".
SSN have collaborated with the leading Nollywood film director Teco Benson to produce this film. Teco is well known throughout the world for his timely and influential productions. He also believes in the power of film to instigate positive change.
Many Nollywood films have capitalised on the belief in child witches, with some depicting children eating human flesh and using their power to wreak havoc over communities. These films have had a significant and damaging impact on children who become victims of torture, violence and abuse as a result of witchcraft accusations.
The Fake Prophet aims to counterbalance these films and expose the truth behind the so-called men and women of God who have made their wealth from branding children as witches and highlight the legal consequences of child witch stigmatisation and abuse.
The Fake Prophet will be available soon on-demand only on AMC.


Meet Prince and Princess Balla the Crown Prince of Plateau -Nigeria
Press release

Embargo 0001 Thursday 30 December 2010

Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, New Year Message

2011: Year of Consequences

Ed Miliband MP:

"In 2011, thousands of our bravest men and women will continue to serve far from home in Afghanistan with the highest commitment and dedication. My thoughts are with them and their families at this New Year.

"Here at home, 2011 will be a year of consequences for Britain. Consequences that will be felt by hardworking families across the country. Consequences of the decision taken to reduce the deficit at what I believe to be an irresponsible pace and scale.

"Many people feel powerless in the face of these decisions that will affect their lives, families and communities. The political forces in Whitehall which have made these choices appear forbidding and unheeding.

"It is the message I get talking to young people about the loss of their educational maintenance allowances and trebling of tuition fees, people in different areas worried about their services and those wondering where the new jobs to replace those lost are going to come from.

"In 2011, many people will wonder what they can do. Some will ask whether there really is an alternative to this scale of cuts. Still more will shrug their shoulders at casually broken promises and conclude politicians are indeed all the same.

"Labour's challenge and duty in 2011 is to be people's voice in tough times and show that these are changes born of political choice by those in power not necessity.

"And we will take the next steps on the journey to win people's trust that we offer a better, more optimistic future for Britain.

"To do that will require learning from what we did right and wrong in government, strong opposition where it is required and laying the foundations for an alternative path for Britain.

"I began my leadership by admitting that in government, we had lost touch and lost trust and that we needed to change to be the party that Britain needs. I saw it on the doorstep at the 2010 General Election and I know it can't be put right automatically.

"It is why our journey to construct a better future for Britain must start from people's lives and their hopes and dreams. And we must change our party so that it becomes a genuine community force in every part of the country.

"People also need our voice now.

"So in 2011, we will be arguing for a proper economic strategy rather than an economic policy reduced only to deficit reduction. We would have made cuts but the scale, pace and targeting of these changes is not just wrong, it holds us back from answering the bigger economic challenges we face: about where the jobs of the future are going to come from and how can we create an economy which works for all.

"We will stand up for young people because the promise of progress should be that the next generation does better than the last. That is not what young people feel is being delivered when they face the burden of tens of thousands of pounds of student debt, or are told there will be no more help to stay on at school or college or to find a job.

"And we will expose the promise of new politics when it is simply about the breaking of promises in 2011 that were made in 2010.

"And as we begin a New Year, I call on all people of other parties and none who share our values and worry about the direction of the country under this government to work with us.

"I said in my Labour Party Conference speech that I have never believed that all wisdom resides in one political party. That is why I want to reach out to all other forces of progress in Britain.

"To those who feel that politics as it is being practised is high-handed, remote and arbitrary, I also urge them to campaign and work with us. Decisions over school sport and in recent days, bookstart, were reversed because of the power of people arguing and winning their case.

"It shows that political change comes because people make it happen.

2011 will be a year where we work to change Labour and seek to rebuild trust in us and in politics as a force for good.

"Even in these tough times, we must keep the flame of optimism burning.

"I sincerely believe that we can build a better future for Britain. That means closing the gap between people's aspirations and their chances of fulfilling them, being a society where we look after each other and meeting the promise that the next generation does better than the last.

"That is our mission as a party which we will pursue next year and in the years ahead."


Ends


Tuesday 28 December 2010






TANZANIA REKNOWN ARTIST ALI KIBA PERFORMIG ON BOXING DAY IN EAST LONDON



At his young age, Ali Kiba from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania has already seen much of the world. His songs, most notably the monster hit Cinderella, have become known and loved all throughout the Swahili speaking countries of East Africa as well as the diaspora. The style is called Bongo flava which is also the term used to describe Tanzanian hip hop, however Ali Kiba’s songs are more reminiscent of candy zouk

Read more: http://www.africanhiphop.com/africanhiphopradio/ali-kiba-without-autotune/#ixzz19JoreMfN
































Monday 27 December 2010

COMING SOON COMING SOON!A TALK ON NIGERIA DEMOCRACY :GUEST OF HONOR HON GORDON BROWN-FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER(Further details to follow)

Ayoub mzee with Gordon Brown former British Prime Minister

XMASS AND END OF YEAR DIPLOMATS PARTY AT THE NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION -UK




The work of the Nigeria High Commission is to co-ordinate, promote and protect the national interests of Nigeria within the United Kingdom in ways that contribute to the enhancement of Nigeria's security and socio-economic prosperity.





OPENING HOURS: Mondays - Fridays
(Except Nigerian and UK Public/Bank Holidays)





A) OFFICIAL OPENING HOURS: 9.30am - 5.30pm

B) IMMIGRATION AND CONSULAR SECTIONS:
i) Submission of all Applications: 9.30 - 1.00pm
ii) Collection of Visas: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
iii) Collection of Passports: 10.00am - 1.00pm

C) OTHER VISITS TO THE HIGH COMMISSION IS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENTS.




In Nigeria, culture is manifested in art, dance, language, literature, folklore, mores, music, governance, and even the environment. According to archaeological findings, Nigeria's artifacts depicting the early life of the people date back to 2000 years












Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation. Oil accounts for about 25 percent of GDP, over 90 percent of exports, and over 80 percent of government revenue despite violence in the Delta region that disrupts production






The largely subsistence agricultural sector has not kept up with rapid population growth. Nigeria, once a large net exporter, now imports food though the Administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has introduced far-reaching policy initiatives to reverse this trend and attain national food self-sufficiency. Based on GNP per capita, Nigeria is among the world's 20 poorest countries. Economic growth since the early 1970's has been erratic, driven primarily by the fluctuations of the global oil market. During the 1980's and 1990's Nigeria faced growing economic decline and falling living standards, a reflection also of political instability, corruption, and poor macroeconomic management (most notably the failure to diversify the economy).







Fundamental economic reforms were introduced by the Administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo which resulted in a stable macro-economic environment, including debt relief. A major debt deal led to massive reduction in Nigeria's debt from over US$36 billion in 2004 to a mere US$3.6 billion in 2008. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has intensified economic reforms on the basis of the foundation laid by his predecessor. Between 2004-2008, the country's GDP grew two-fold to $209.5 billion and at an impressive rate of 7%. This was the best performance for many years, above the regional average of 6%.





Agriculture, forestry & fishing
This sector has suffered a relative decline because of the dominance of oil in the economy, but it still accounts for 33% of GDP (2005) and provides employment, both formal and informal, for a large majority of the population. Attempts to revive agriculture have been largely unsuccessful. Although Nigeria previously had a strong export sector, the range and quantity of products has declined sharply: in the early 1990's only cocoa and some rubber and palm products were being exported. Cash crops include cocoa, rubber (nearly all exported), coffee, cotton and palm kernels. The palm oil sector, which was a foreign exchange earner in the 1970's, is being redeveloped.






Agriculture is still dominated by traditional smallholders raising subsistence crops such as sorghum, maize, cassava, yams, millet, rice and increasing quantities of wheat (up to 70% of which is for their own consumption). Arable potential has been put at 25% of total area, of which about 12% is cultivated





Plantations and commercial agriculture sometimes owned by, or in partnership with, multinational corporations, are gaining ground in producing good crops and raw materials for company use (e.g. grain for breweries). Irrigation schemes, higher producer prices, the expansion of credit and improvements in the rural infrastructure are beginning to show results. Livestock farming is important, and poultry farming is rapidly increasing.




The industrial sector contributed 4.8% to GDP in 1998 and employed 8 % of the workforce. Emphasis has shifted towards more low-cost, integrated, high value-added industries which rely on local rather than imported raw materials and capital goods, and on shifting production away from Lagos. Although it has benefited since 1985 from lower exchange rates, industry is still vulnerable because of the high proportion of imports among its inputs. Manufacturing is dominated by light consumer goods and is oriented towards import substitution. The adverse general situation in the country and low demand has pushed the estimated capacity utilization rate below 30%. Beverages, textiles, cigarettes, food processing and soaps continue to account for over 60 % of total manufacturing output.







Nigeria used to be one of the largest producers of tin in the world, with production based around the highland district of Jos. Production collapsed from an average of 10,000 tonnes per year in the 1970's to 300 tonnes in 1995. Tin reserves are estimated at 16,000 tonnes. Independent estimates place iron ore reserves at 800 million tonnes, averaging 37 % metal content. Iron ore mining began in 1984 and 1989 reported a stockpile of over 500,000 tonnes. By 1997, it was unlikely that iron output was more than 50,000 tonnes per year. Iron ore deposits are being exploited with the long-term aim of supplying the requirements of the national steel industry. Deposits of uranium, lead, zinc, tungsten and gold are not yet exploited. There are 65 sites in Nigeria where gold has been located. By mid-1999, field appraisals had recommended nine as being ready for exploitation
























Pizza Hut resolve Bournemouth footballer disputeThe following is an agreed joint statement from Pizza Hut UK and Operation Black Vote.Pizza Hut statement:“Following a recent incident, we want to reiterate that we strongly oppose any form of stereotyping and we have reminded staff at all of our restaurants to use our standard policy of asking for payment after the meal.With a diverse workforce and a customer base which spans all demographics we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and as such, we were pleased to meet today with Operation Black Vote, one of the UK’s leading organisations for the promotion of equality, and will maintain an open dialogue going forward.”Operation Black Vote statement:"Today Pizza Hut has recognised that the actions of one of its restaurants of asking some customers to pay before eating led staff to make judgments about customers. These judgments could be based on stereotypes. Pizza Hut bosses have reiterated that they do not accept any form of stereotyping within their business and have therefore ordered all restaurants not to undertake asking customers to pay before eating.Pizza Hut has again apologised to the players for inadvertently causing them some distress and will make a contribution to a charity of the player’s choice."Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote stated:"The football players can now find closure and get on with what they do best: playing good football. Pizza Hut have demonstrated that a good employer can deal with these problems with honesty and integrity. Moreover, they learn from their mistakes and come out even stronger."-- Ashok Viswanathan, Deputy DirectorOperation Black Vote, 18A Victoria Park Sq, London E2 9PB020 8983 5430 http://uk.mc295.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ashok@obv.org.ukhttp://operationblackvote.wordpress.com/ http://www.obv.org.uk/

Sunday 26 December 2010

National Theatre Live and the Phoenix Cinema
presents
'FELA!'

Broadcasted live from the National Theatre, a provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Thursday 13 January 2011



United Kingdom found to be in severe breach of Trade Union/workers rights
The European Social Charter to which the UK is a signatory, sets out the labour rights of the citizens of Europe
The right to just conditions of work, the right to fair remuneration, the right to organise and the right to bargain collectively, the right of workers to be informed and consulted, and the right of workers to take part in the determination and improvement of working conditions and working environment.
In 2010 the European Committee of Social Rights examined the reports on the application of the European Social Charter by the United Kingdom.
The report was published on Friday 17th December 2010
**********************************************************
Conclusions of the European Committee of Social Rights
The European Committee of Social Rights examines the reports and decides whether or not the situations in the countries concerned are in conformity with the European Social Charter. Its decisions, known as "conclusions", are published every year.
The European Social Charter was ratified by the United Kingdom on 11 July 1962.
European Social Charter - European Committee of Social Rights
United Kingdom - Conclusions XIX-3 (2010) - Articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the Charter
Article 6 - Right to bargain collectively/Paragraph 2 - Negotiation procedures
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 6§2 of the Charter on the grounds that:
- workers do not have the right to bring legal proceedings against employers who made offers to co-workers in order to induce them to surrender their union rights
- and, in such cases, trade unions too cannot claim a violation of the right to collective bargaining.
Article 6 - Right to bargain collectively/ Paragraph 4 - Collective action
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 6§4 of the Charter on the following grounds:
- the scope for workers to defend their interests through lawful collective action is excessively circumscribed;
- the requirement to give notice to an employer of a ballot on industrial action, in addition to the strike notice that must be issued before taking action, is excessive;
- the protection of workers against dismissal when taking industrial action is insufficient.
Article 2 - Right to just conditions of work/ Paragraph 2 - Public holidays with pay
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in United Kingdom is not in conformity with
Article 2§2 of the Charter on the ground that it has not been established that the right to public holidays with pay is guaranteed.
Article 2 - Right to just conditions of work/Paragraph 3 - Annual holiday with pay
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in United Kingdom is not in conformity with
Article 2§3 of the Charter on the ground that workers who fall ill or are injured during their holiday are not entitled to take the days lost at another time.
Article 2 - Right to just conditions of work/Paragraph 4 - Reduced working hours or additional holidays in dangerous or unhealthy occupations
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity
with Article 2§4 of the Charter on the ground that it has not been established that measures reducing exposure to risks are provided.
Article 2 - Right to just conditions of work/Paragraph 5 - Weekly rest period
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 2§5 of the Charter on the grounds that there are inadequate safeguards to prevent that workers may work for more than twelve consecutive days without a rest period.
Article 4 - Right to a fair remuneration/Paragraph 1 - Decent remuneration
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 4§1 of the Charter on the ground that the minimum wage is manifestly unfair.
Article 4 - Right to a fair remuneration/Paragraph 2 - Increased remuneration for overtime work
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 4§2 of the Charter on the grounds that workers do not have adequate legal guarantees ensuring them increased remuneration for overtime.
Article 4 - Right to a fair remuneration/Paragraph 4 - Reasonable notice of termination of employment
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 4§4 of the Charter on the ground that notice periods for employees with less than three years' service are too short.
Article 5 - Right to organise / Not in conformity
Conclusion:The Committee concludes that the situation in the United Kingdom is not in conformity with Article 5 of the Charter on the ground that Section 15 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, which makes unlawful for a trade union to indemnify an individual union member for a penalty imposed for an offence or contempt of court, and Section 65 of this Act, which severely restricts the grounds on which a trade union may lawfully discipline members, represent unjustified incursions into the autonomy of trade unions.
Attached is the full report, read and organize
End of Bulletin
--