Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
AS THE Coronavirus continues to shake the globe, many have shed light on the acts of solidarity that have sprung from its devastating consequences: community aid in the form of grassroots organising; local businesses distributing essential emergency packages to those most in need, and social support networks established for the elderly. Such kindness restores some desperately needed faith in humanity.
And yet, regrettably, there are those who find — in the midst of a pandemic — an opportunity to incite division, to revisit archaic stereotypes and to propagate a culture of blame.
While we are right to focus on the positives at this time, we similarly cannot disregard the less palatable truth that racism has once again reared its ugly head during this time of crisis.
ROGER McKENZIE argues that Western powers can see the beginning of the end in the rise of the global South — and racist reactions are kicking in
ROGER McKENZIE argues that the BRI represents a choice between treating humans as commodities or as equals — an essential project when, aside from China’s efforts, hundreds of millions worldwide are trapped in poverty
Morning Star editor BEN CHACKO reports from the start of Kunming’s Belt and Road media forum, where 200 journalists from 71 countries celebrated a new openness and optimism, forged by China’s enormous contribution to global development
While ordinary Americans were suffering in the wake of 2005’s deadly hurricane, the Bush administration was more concerned with maintaining its anti-Cuba stance than with saving lives, writes MANOLO DE LOS SANTOS


