COUNCILLOR Qaisar Abbas, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, at Thurrock Council, Thurrock residents, Mr Richard Bellefine and Mrs Cindy Bellefine, jointly organised an exclusive BIOT Citizens’ Awareness and Cultural event, the first in Essex, to celebrate rich culture and contribution of Chagossian community. The event was attended by Essex Police officers, Chair of WTSS Forum and Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch and leaders of different communities. Renowned singer Nafees Irfan and other artists performed at this event to entertain the guests.
Mrs Cindy Bellefine welcomed the guests and said: “We are very grateful for Cllr Qaisar Abbas for always helping and supporting us and our community. This event was organised to celebrate achievements and the rich heritage and culture of the British Indian Ocean Territory. We are pleased to see representatives of different communities and Essex Police officers in attendance.”
Cllr Abbas at this occasion said: “I am always here to support different communities and today’s event is another example of continuation of this commitment. The BIOT Citizens are facing many challenges in the UK and we are providing them an opportunity to share their concerns and showcase their rich culture. I thank all the participants for attending and volunteers of Best British Centre and QAG’s Foundation for their help in organising this event.”
