The Flight of the Albatross (Haiku)

The majestic flight
Of the wandering albatross
Touching the blue sky


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo

Celebrating the Australia Day

The Australians of all persuasions are, happily, celebrating the Australia Day - a national birthday. Although black and white Australians have become used to considering January 26 as the Invasion Day, there is more that unites the nation than divides it.

Nevertheless, in a very special way, the Australia Day is a celebration of cultural diversity – and, more importantly, a celebration of a nation in all its manifestations.

In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister, John Howard, said that migrants (old and new) were expected to “make an overriding commitment to Australia, its laws, and democratic values”. But he argued, passionately, that while multiculturalism is important, it will never alter Australia’s commitment to freedom and equality.

Happy Australia Day!

Attracting Skilled Migrants

One of the greatest challenges facing Australia in the 21st century is how to attract the skilled migrants it needs for economic expansion.

A new research by the country’s highly respected Productivity Commission shows, quietly clearly, that the effect of a 50 per cent annual increase in the number of skilled migrants over the next 20 years would be quite benign. For one, unemployment would not rise despite the influx of new migrants.

Furthermore, the average hours worked would increase ever so slightly. And the per capita income would be marginally higher at the end of the period covered by the study.

Nevertheless, as the Australian population ages, increased skill migration will be needed for the expansion of the domestic economy.


http://www.theaustralian.com.au

Queen of Song

Miriam Makeba, Africa’s legendary queen of song known as “Mama Africa”, will soon make her presence felt in South Australia; and the African community is delighted. She will star in the Womadelaide program in March as part of her international farewell tour.


www.womadelaide.com.

The January Sun (Haiku)

Under the January sun
The giant lizard takes a nap
In the sun-burnt country!


© Lawrence T. Udo-Ekpo