The Deputy's In Town
Friday 26th February 2010 was an important day in the calendar of London's growing Roma community. The Old Town Hall in Stratford, East London rang with the sound of traditional Romani music as it played host to a gathering of hundreds.
Boris Johnson's Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, was in attendance to discuss the big choice for the future of these groups in the UK: exclusion or engagement? 'My diary often means I have to say no to conferences but it was extremely important for me to be here today', said Richard.
Chief Inspector Rick Tyson of Newham Police also attended and spoke about how Roma history had convinced him of the need to build new relationships on trust.
Professor Thomas Acton of the University of Greenwich opened the conference with a talk on the troubled history of the Roma people. 'Today's important because it has brought together a whole range of public service providers: the chief of neighbourhood policing in Newham, health professionals, and Mayor Boris Johnson's Deputy', said Professor Acton.
'For the first time they are actually looking at what is important for Roma right here in Newham.
Geoff Brown of the Department for Children, Schools and Families also spoke at the conference. 'This morning there's been a realisation that there are opportunities for people to work together, and there have been offers. I think this is a good working model for other authorities', he said.
The conference was organised by the Roma Support Group, represented by Sylvester Huczko and Dada Felja.
'We are not different to any ordinary human being. We've just been excluded, excluded for centuries. If we were included, nobody would have any problems', said Sylvester.
'We are not causing any problems. We're just minding our own business. The Travellers and the Gypsies, they mind their own business. They do their own trades. They are not there waiting for the government to give them money. Same thing with the Roma people.
'Involve Roma people, involve Gypsies and Travellers everywhere: in your schools, in your policing, create opportunities for them, jobs for them, and you won't have any problems. In order for us to reach our potential, we must be given an opportunity.'