Treasuring the riches migrants bring to our community
Hundreds of people came out on Monday to show their support and solidarity with migrants at a rally in Cardiff and celebrate their contribution to society. At the One Day Without Us event held at the Senedd, we spoke to a number of migrants about why thei
Laura Sorvala Laura Sorvala, originally from Finland, has lived in Wales for 14 years and now lives in Roath.
She said: “I initially came here on an exchange through uni and I stayed to finish my degree. I was studying graphic design and I knew in advance the UK creative industry has a good reputation.
“I wanted to study and work here in Cardiff. I’ve had the opportunity to move to London but I don’t want to because the community here is strong.
“You don’t have those bonds that you do in places like Cardiff.”
Speaking about the contribution migrants make to Wales and the UK, Laura said: “I think all these essential public services that rely on migrants would suffer if they were told to leave.
“With the impact they make to the UK economically, it’s a little bit like why wouldn’t they be important?
“I think these events are important. It’s the kind of thing that people who go to demonstrations are more likely to go to but I think it’s heartening to see solidarity and people coming together.”
Laura, now self-employed, has been working on an art project which tells migrants’ stories, and it will be showcased at the Tate Modern later this year.
She said: “It’s time to show people that stereotypes aren’t all there is.” Bevin Magama Bevin Magama, originally from Zimbabwe, moved to Wales in 2002 and now lives in St Mellons.
He said: “I came here as a refugee because of the problems, in Zimbabwe such as the land problems and intimidation brought on by Mugabe’s government.
“Quite a large majority of the refugees came to the UK because of the oppressive rules by Mugabe’s regime.”
Speaking about the contribution made by migrants, Bevin said: “It’s a significant amount that migrants bring to the UK, for me as an artist I think you can see that diversity in the UK brings about all these skills. It’s quite a significant amount that migrants aid to enrich what the UK already has.
“When you look at industries and the commercial sector, migrants contribute quite a lot. The amount of migrants in hospitals working as nurses, doctors and support staff.
“If migrants were to stay away for a day or two the NHS wouldn’t work.”
Regarding the support shown at the event, Bevin said: “This is a very important occasion and it’s nice to see all the support that the mainstream people give to the migrant community.
“This kind of support is brilliant and we really appreciate it that local people support or recognise that contribution that does bring things to this economy.” Eric Ngalle Charles Eric Ngalle Charles, originally from Cameroon, moved to Wales in 1999, and now lives in Cathays.
The author said: “I was a migrant myself and I am settled in Wales now.
“In 1997 I was a victim of human trafficking and I came to Wales in July 1999 on a Zimbabwean passport.
“I use literature as a means of communicating the benefits of migrants in society. Events like this go a long way in helping the situation.
“You cannot overestimate the importance on a social-political level when you see images of Donald Trump and anti-migrant rhetoric.
“Chinua Achebe said ‘When two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers’. It’s not just two elephants fighting at the moment and it’s us, the grass, that suffers.”
Speaking about the contributions migrants make to society, Eric said: “You can only look at these contributions on an individual level. I teach creative writing and run workshops so that’s my contribution as an individual. “When I came here I knew I had to build a new life from scratch so I surrounded myself with people who helped me, to make a positive contribution and create positive vibes.” Salvo and Gwyneth Spadaro-Dutturi Salvo Spadarro-Dutturi, originally from Italy, moved to Wales in 1965, and now lives in Griffithstown, Pontypool, with his wife, Gwyneth, from Wales.
They both worked in the pub trade, and re-opened the Crown Inn, in Llantwit Fardre, before retiring.
Gwyneth said: “My husband has been living her for more than 50 years and he has been selfemployed and has helped to create jobs. He’s paid his dues.
“We’re very concerned about Brexit, as is everybody here. It’s a massive concern because we’re like bargaining chips.
“When you live in a country for 50 years and somebody says ‘go home’, where do you go home to?
“I think events like these are very important because it raises awareness about what could happen in the future.
“At the moment Brexit has created so much uncertainty, and once Article 50 is triggered will hate crime increase?
“When my grandchildren are going for a job with their last name, are they going to be turned down?”