The chicken does not forget who feathered it during the rainy season, so says an African adage.
This question comes to focus in the light of Ireland’s new policy of accelerating citizenship
applications of new immigrants especially Africans.
In an online publication on February 15, 2012, Metro Éireann asserted that Irish Government is to generate an income of nearly €30million in 2012 from various fees payable by immigrants. According to the report which quoted the Justice Minister, Alan Shatter TD, “the pilot visa waiver scheme, which runs until 31 October 2012, is based on his conviction that “the immigration system can significantly aid economic
activity”.
Having said that, what do we want and what is expected from us?
Simply, we want to be involved in all sphere of things especially issues that can energise
Ireland. We need a level playing ground to operate. Policies aimed at integrating Africans
should be put to practice, not just for the ears. Government should lead in changing
stereotypical views of many through studies in schools and encouraging the practical integration
of the New Irish.
Recently, Minister of State in the Foreign Affairs, Joe Costello launched an initiative on the
involvement of Diasporans, it has to be marched with action. The Irish government has to be
bold to move beyond “Waiting for EU and the US” in their quest to rekindle an extinguished
Celtic Tiger torch. The greatest love for anyone is to care about himself.
There are great opportunities to trade in the continent of Africa and beyond if parish-pump politics can be
overlooked. On this issue, African professionals incubating and on service are ready to come to
work. Stereotypes and Irish media executives have pursued misplaced priorities, thus avoiding
a panacea that can help Ireland, of which trade takes centre stage.
On the other hand, big countries who are at the forefront on the media war against Africa are all in the continent milking its natural resources.
Can’t you imagine that they paint gory pictures of Africa, yet thousands of
their best business brains and groups are there? They keep lending money to African countries
and organisations with outrageous interest. Who lends money to a poor and jobless man? Why
is Ireland afraid to engage in return for expertise at least to revive its economy? This is where
African professionals among the new Irish can help.
The just concluded European Championship in Ukraine and Poland should serve as a mirror.
Very poor team and magnificent supporters club. Be that as it may, Africans among the new
Irish especially those who have been held up by citizenship huddles: now is time to show what
you can do. Kick-start your initiative and let us break the jinx.
AfricaWorld will go biweekly from next month. We are poised to serve and inform better. In the
light of the message above, let us use our tongue to count our teeth. Come inside.
African World News.
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