People have really got it twisted if they feel that supporters of ‘Almost British’ are merely apart of a popularity club. No, no, let me tell you, the supporters (including myself) are advocates of change in the institutions we call society. We are supporting the movement for more respect and tolerance of people from different ethnicities! We believe that more attention should be paid to ALL racism; regardless of whether it’s subtle, public, institutional or systemic!!!!!

By the way I’m not Olivea Ebanks.

Thanks,
S.Brown

I was searching for Almost British and came across Lee Jasper's blog which gave a great review. Now all I have to do is get a copy of the book. I've been told Minkah Justice on Amazon has some so I'll try there! In the meantime check out Lee's blog:

http://leejasper.blogspot.com/2011/08/ministry-of-justice-or-dystopian.html

Well worth the read.

If Mrs Ebanks could have been dismissed for poor performance or misconduct the MOJ would have done so already and be done with her!

Instead because they cannot in all good conscience dismiss her without it falling under the banner of 'unfair dismissal', they have decided to do the next best thing. Try to prohibit the continued publicity of this book, and stunt any movement in her career with them!

And, I'm sure if she decided to leave the MOJ and move on they would not give her a favourable reference! Which means no one will employ her post MOJ! So that decision will hurt her also. What is she supposed to do?

Something needs to be done - and by the way Mrs Ebanks is still expected to arrive at work daily and perform all of her duties?

A few of my colleagues have been speaking about a Mrs Ebanks and her book 'Almost British'. I have flicked through a few pages and after reading the above and googling to get some more insight into this story, I can completely appreciate where Mrs Ebanks is coming from.

I have experience unfair treatment at work not because of my performance or my behaviour. Admittedly, I didn't say or do anything for fear of the situation becoming worst. I intend to get a copy of the book and I wish Mrs Ebanks all the very best as I can only appreciate how hard this can be.

If your house is on fire you would call the fire brigade, even if this occurred on more than one occassion.

If your house is burgled you would call the police, even if this occurred on more than one occassion.

What the writer on Thu, 2011-08-11 02:34 seems to state is that if someone has made a claim for being treated unfairly, for Racism, Victimisation or Bullying or Harassment then they should only do this once and if they suffer the same detriment again they should stay silent.

If Mrs Ebanks has made claims before did she win? If she did good! Why should she accept being treated unfairly.

I am so glad that the individual on the Thu, 2011-08-11 02:34 touched on the Israelites. I too would like to talk on the Israelites and Egypt in the Exodus story, if I could. In the story, Moses asked Pharaoh on God’s behalf to ‘Let the Israelites go’ several times, but Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he refused several times! Now all I am going to say is, we all know what happened after every time Pharaoh refused and the ending of the story, right? I personally think the MoJ should do themselves a favour and allow Olivea to promote the book.

‘Let Olivea, Let Almost British go!’

You have the support of Emmanuel Ministries. We are praying Justice to prevail.

Keep the faith Mrs Ebanks justice will prevail! You have the best wishes and prayers of so many people!!!

I have read the book and have actually met Mrs Ebanks.

The book is well structued and gives the reader a brief summary of how black people were viewed (which is very shocking), discusses her faith and family and her experience she endured taking the Prison service to court.

I think she speaks for many who have been bullied or endured discrimiation in some form.

It's a good book before judging the book read it for yourself. It opened my eyes to some of the strategies used by people when they want to keep you down.

Reading the Government employees second response where they state "time to move on and stop wallowing in what has gone on before" - i guess Rosa Parks, Dr Martin Luther King (to name only a couple of many) were also told this at some point in their struggle.....where would YOU be today without this strength of others?

People like Olivea are NEEDED in this cruel world, she found the strength to FIGHT for the RIGHT....for all, hopefully !!!

I really do'nt think a lot of black people understand we are not wanted hear. You can have a PHD you work in the highest postion,but when push come to shove we are not wanted hear any more. It is the Indian and the Pakistani man who have more than subpass us. The fact that there are only a few countries in Africa that we can go to and live well without fear of a war is even more sad. And people must remember that as far as England is concernd that even on thier worse day they treat us better than our own,and for most parts its true...What a sad world we live in.

I have read this book and it is scary that in the 21st century Britain is still so divided. I work as a social worker in the Bedfordshire area and I am amazed how colonial Britain still is. If you are a strong black women or man you are labelled with a thousand labels to prevent you from moving on being trained and achieving all you are entitled to achieve. I have heard first hand the derogatory comments managers have made within our department. I have worked within the social care remit for over 8 years and I have not seen a black service manager or the head of the department to date. In this society as black people it would seem we can reach the level that the colonized British will allow us to reach. Anyone that doesn’t believe what I’m saying then please look around your work place or parliament and government and let’s analyse how many black representatives have high powered jobs or whose job is the secretary of state, head of education, defence minister. I was able to identify with Mrs Ebanks book her frustration and how managers would deliberately prevent you from excelling within your profession. This book must and should be read by all professionals black and white so that there is an understanding that All British people have the right to make a positive contribution, achieve economic well being, enjoy life and achieve. For those of you who are struggling with managers who won’t let you excel in your profession the key is to educate yourself and know your rights, that’s the only way to stop this racist and colonized thinking that is preventing black people from being recognised as hard working team players and dedicated professional as any other British person who strives to be at the top of their game.

MSY.

funny how the bnp can air their opinions, form a party knock on peoples doors to beg for votes... but a woman who is only trying to earn a living, who has been employed to do a job and is denied the training and support by her colleagues is not!!

All of us want to see a change. All of us are entitled to be treated faily and justly.....

!!NO WONDER PEOPLE ARE RIOTING!!

I am a member of the church where Olivea is a Pastor. Whilst reading her book I recognized that depression was trying over shadow me. I approached her to seek counsel in over coming this as she had done so in her book, only to be told she could not because she was banned from talking about the book or using the book for references as it would jeopardize her job. She has always taught us that our testimony would help others in the same or similar positions yet when I needed the very same help it was denied because someone cant see the wood for the trees. Yes I could have gone elsewhere, however, why should I? I have been with this ministry for 10 years which has given me wise counsel for many intimate things in my life yet because of this stumbling block I cannot receive counsel from her for fear of her losing her job? What is this really about? How is she suppose to continue to pastor and mentor me or her congregation with restrictions like this?

 I am surprised that The Voice is keeping this thread of comments alive. It is clear that my earlier comments were not appreciated by several readers. I can confirm that I too work for the Government in a position of seniority and can state with all assurity that black "professionals" often use the terms discrimination and harassment to mask underperformance or poor performance.  The reader who seemed to take the time to dissect my comment into the key points clearly has a vested interest in this case.  Clearly this is Olivea responding as no one else would be so interested in substantiating so many justifications or counter-arguments. More examples of how she performed in her own court case (of which this is not the only one I hasten to add). Olivea has taken previous employers to court prior to this case.  Seems she is latching onto a winning formula for increasing her bank balance and notority. The very notion that Rudy and Olivea's mother are fighting against White supremicity is ludicrous. This just shows how ill-informed and ignorant some people can be. As black individuals in the world of professional work we must take a stand by being and performing at the top of our game and thus minimising the power that the readers seem to claim that White people have over us. The Isrealites maintaining the mind of Egypt once again!  The victim mentality pervades!  Can we move away from the Olivea's popularity club and address the real issues of the day!  Let's leave the so-called doting husband and ageing mother out of this and give us a break Olivea from your constant ranting of your injustice and acknowledge that in this case: you are part of the problem and the problem is part of you!  So I repeat, it's time to move on and stop wallowing in what has gone on before and walk into what is supposedly predestined for you!

Olivea and Rudy as well as Ms. Rubertha Brathwaite are phenomenal example of black people refusing to be bullied by Racists/White Supremacists. Mr. Ebanks is supporting and defending his wife in a most honorable manner. Ms. Brathwaite is 87 years old and unafraid to oppose White Supremacists who do not want truth revealed about the disgracefully racist behavior of many of the White employees at the "Ministry of Justice". Please, support their efforts and remember their refusal to submit to Injustice. Here's a radio broadcast with Mr. Ebanks: http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-97250/TS-518317.mp3

Rubertha is very brave. If she can do this in her 80s it makes me wonder what I can do! I have got to get a copy of this book.

The MoJ is just making themselves look bad. Just because Olivea didn't win all of the points she raised doesn't mean she didn't win her case. In a race a win is a win whether by a fraction of a second or by 10 minutes.

The MoJ spokesman states that

"Civil Servants must not publish material relating to their work at a Government department without seeking permission first. Ms Ebanks' book is unbalanced and misleading...”

Like the previous writer I too would ask have you read the book. The book seems very thorough and comprehensive with a lot of detail and relevant information that I believe is useful for the reader to understand in context the experience she endured.

I find it hard to believe that Olivea after representing herself in Court against the Prison Service and winning and then writing about her experience hasn’t done her due diligence by letting her employers know what she is doing. Also, how is the book “unbalanced and misleading”? Surely, if the MoJ can make a comment on the book so can the author.

Release the gagging order and let her speak.

Cecil

I read with astonishment the reponses of the Ministry of Justice spokesperson concerning the book 'Almost British' by Olivia Ebanks and my question to the very same spokesperson is 'have you read the book?'. Whilst it mentioned about how she was treated in her job it also mentions how she over came depression, her life growing up in this country, her passion as a minister of God. This book is for all to read if you are going through a 'David and Goliath situation in your life, and just like David you can triumph over the 'Goliaths in your life to get the victory.
RighteousGirl62

"Poor Performance" and "Unprofessional Conduct" are not descriptions that could EVER be connected to Olivea Ebanks. This is a most resilient woman who has taken a courageous stand against a bureaucracy that is determined to have its way. Her integrity and persistence is admirable. She is my hero.
Di Law

Greatly admire this lady. She was likely not to have been the first, and she definitely will not be the last to suffer discrimination within the public sector. She is one of the few to actually speak out and not give up and just bare it or leave. It is equally bad in teaching proffession where a high propotion of black teachers leave within a few years of starting, due to racist leadership and bullying. Good luck to this lady. I know she is telling the truth.

Well done 'The Voice' for addressing this issue. I've worked for various company's over the years and seen all types of injustice not just with someone's Race but Gender too. I've seen people who have left their jobs because they couldn't take on the individuals (or the company). What your article reminded me of is at the time of seeing the treatment of these people I didn't say or do a thing. It was when I was going through my own issues I realised I had no one to support me.

I wish this lady all the best as I really appreciate that it can be hard when you have to fight alone.

Yvonne O.

Attempting to discredit the person trying to be heard is a common tact. "Misconceived" so here we have the 'this person obviously has a chip on her shoulder approach'.
"these were individual acts with no malice intended" what!! how would the system know what the intent was?
And if i'm wearing the uniform and expressing intolerant views and intolerant behaviour then that's OK?? "4 individuals"...that represented the accepted behaviour within the organisation...

If you are affected by these issues take a look here for info:
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/your-rights/

And keep challenging...
C.E

I ALSO found the comments by the individual who posted on Thursday 21 July at 01:56 VERY interesting. What comes immediately to mind is “get your facts right”.

I actually know Olivea and have also read the book. In addition, I have spoken with many individuals who have read the book. The feedback is usually the same, “well-written”, “educational”, “inspiring”, “motivational” “it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry” and so on and NO, I haven’t actually heard any negative comments but no doubt there may be one or two. In fact the only critical comment came from a white colleague who I gave the book to. Her remark was that “the writer wrote it as if they were angry”, go figure.

I believe this is the book that many of us have been waiting for.

I don’t believe the Prison Service, the Prison Service College based in Rugby, NOMS (National Offender Management Service), the Judicial Office, or the Judicial college, (Yep! This is who she is up against) want this book in the public domain as it brings together history, culture, family, our faith and of course the injustice of racism, discrimination, harassment and victimization found in a national institution.

Yes! Re: There are “two sides to every story”, so relating to your comment “the publication of emails and communication between employees” – My first question is if you haven’t read the book how do you know about publications of emails and communication between employees when this was not covered in the article you are responding to? :-0

FACT 1 – all the emails and communications published in the book are in the public domain by way of being disclosed in the court case.

Re: “Getting your 87 year old mother to fight your corner seems like emotional manipulation”.

FACT 2 – I also know Olivea’s Mother, and the fact is she did this without Olivea’s knowledge as she didn’t want to compromise her situation with her employers. Her Mother had the support from family and members of her church. She was determined to do her part and she did. Your comment is assumptive as I guess you do not know Olivea’s Mother. If you did know her, you would know she cannot be manipulated into doing anything she doesn’t want to do. She is a strong, independent, praying, Jamaican woman.

Re: “Only 4 of the 37 complaints were substantiated, there’s a considerable amount that was not”

FACT 3 - This could go on for a little while so I’ll make it brief. Olivea is not a solicitor! She has no legal training or background. She represented herself. Yes! She raised 34 issues in fact, based on the advice she was given at the time and just because the judges did not find in her favour for all of the issues doesn’t mean treatment was any less detrimental.

Re: “As this book was self published, clearly reputable publishing houses were not interested in supporting a book that could quite possibly be based on misconceptions and fabrication.”

FACT 4 - Question! So What? The fact that Olivea was not beholden to any one publishing house is commendable and is surely a strong indication of her commitment and courage to get the truth out.

Question! Have you ever published anything of note? Furthermore I doubt very much whether a publishing house was worried about misconceptions and fabrication because they have legal departments to validate whatever is submitted to protect themselves.

Re: “...[Olivea] is using this as an opportunity to express her rants of discrimination, instead of accepting her part in poor performance and unprofessional conduct”

FACT 5 - Hmm! Question – DO YOU BY ANY CHANCE WORK FOR THE MINISTRY OF JUSCTICE? because you seem to have some inside knowledge that we are not privy to. Who mentioned anything about “poor performance” or “unprofessional conduct”? :-) Again, you are responding to points that were not raised in the article and you claim not to have read the book???

Concerning “rants of discrimination” - You do realise that Olivea WON the case right! Against Her Majesty’s Prison Service and 3 named individuals. You do realise she represented herself in court for 15 days winning rulings against each of the areas of discrimination law: direct racial discrimination, harassment on racial grounds AND victimisation!!

Read the book, you’ll realise that the Prison Service BROKE THE LAW!!! And now they don’t Olivea to speak about it.

Re: “It appears as if there is a lot more to this case than first meets the eye!”

FACT 6 – Yes you are right!! But you won’t know until you read the book.

Re: “Get real and get on with moving forward, rather than hanging on to the events of the past!”

FACT 7– keep living, your day soon come!!

I found the comments by the individual who posted on Thursday 21 July at 01:56 very interesting. Seems a bit presumptuous to criticise something you haven’t read?

Having read ‘Almost British’ as well as knowing Olivea personally and having the experience of working in a Government Department I think I’m probably in a better position to comment than the individual who suggests Olivea stop ‘hanging on to events of the past’. How can you move on when those who persecuted you won’t let you tell your story? If this individual knew anything about healing and moving on they would have realised that talking openly about what happened is an important part of the healing process.

It is a sad truth that those who are appointed to lead spend a disproportionate amount of their time and resources attempting to censor those who they are there to listen to. How will anything change if the truth is always suppressed? Look at the News of the World fiasco, information slowly being uncovered as a consequence of determined individuals even though very powerful people had the opportunity to investigate and disclose it all years ago. What chance does a single civil servant have against a Government Department bent on keeping its dirty linen hidden from sight? The answer – not much usually. The fact that this is the first book of its kind telling the storey of racial discrimination and harassment in a Government Department and the full might of the authority has been set in motion to crush it means one of two things. Either there is no racial discrimination or racial harassment in Government Departments and Olivea is the reincarnation of Billy Liar or someone has something to hide. I don’t need to guess which one it is, I just wish I had the strength, courage and determination to tell my very similar story. For me the two most sad things about this is that Olivea’s experience is so common it could have been written by thousands of black civil servants, and the second is that until you are prepared to face-up to your shortcomings nothing will change. Silencing Olivea is a clear an indication as can be given that those who should enforce change have no interest in doing so.

A question for the July 21 critic – you said ‘... only 4 of the 37 complaints were substantiated.’ Assuming this was the correct decision, how many acts of racial discrimination and racial harassment are acceptable? It only takes one act of racism to destroy someone’s life!

what ever happened to constitional rights and freedom of speech, hasn't the government done enough over all the years either openly or covertly to 'muzzle' us. the time is now. we must take action as a society to get this story HEARD. Self-sufficieny is a must in this babylonian society. Let her story be heard and us who continue to beg massa for his quarter piece of bread learn a lessson.

It is disappointing and disconcerting that the author of this wonderful and engaging book is being silenced by the 'powers that be'....particularly as it has been a blessing to so many people! The situation with the author is a stark reminder of the times we are living in and of the fact that things need to change....what is there to hide? I would the 'powers that be' to answer that question.

Silas Brown, Wellingborough

It is disappointing and disconcerting that the author of this wonderful and engaging book is being silenced by the 'powers that be'....particularly as it has been a blessing to so many people! The situation with the author is a stark reminder of the times we are living in and of the fact that things need to change....what is there to hide? What is misleading? I would love the 'powers that be' to answer that one!!

There are always two sides to every story and I am sure that the MoJ must have some grounds to initiate an injunction on the publication of emails and communication between employees. Getting your 87 year old mother to fight your corner seems like emotional manipulation. Only 4 of the 37 complaints were substantiated, there's a considerable amount that was not. As this book was self published, clearly reputable publishing houses were not interested in supporting a book that could quite possibly be based on misconceptions and fabrication. There may very well have been some challenges experienced, but is this also a case of an aggrieved employee who is using this as an opportunity to express her rants of discrimation, instead of accepting her part in poor performance and unprofessional conduct. It appears as if there is a lot more to this case than first meets the eye! Still won't persuade me to purchase the book. Get real and get on with moving forward, rather than hanging on to the events of the past!

It's difficult to see why permission should be withheld. The dept. could always rebut the allegations. It seems that anybody in this country can say whatever they want, except us! Very strange Mr Cameron, and we will remember it at the time of the next election!

The fact that Olivea won should be enough for this book to be published! The Prison Service is a racist organisation. If you want to see a good example of how the Guiness effect works, look no further than the Prison Service. How much longer are we going to put up with this? If we all stand united we can put an end to this once and for all.

The truth will set us all free

please don't give up the fight in educating people in what we all are up against.this brave woman should seriously think about getting the book republished via another country or if not become a GHOSTWRITER at worst

I have read the book, it's funny,sad and heartbreaking all at the same time. We all know this story is not unique. Most of us have a story to write,but never get round to do it. God Bless you Olivia for your bravery and honesty. Yes let them be feel uncomfortable, we've been feeling uncomfortable for 450 yrs

An admission - I know Olivea, and some of the story. The book is about Olivea's experience within a particular Prison. The book's contents are a mix of autobiographical personal opinion (duh!) and court records which are a matter of public record. She would be free to publish it if we lived in a free country. But we don't.

But first, Olivea does NOT work for the Prison Service, so her experiences there should not be of any interest to her current employers.

She did get the OK to publish the book, and this was rescinded after publication (and all those costs!), without proper explanation or compensation.

So the MoJ spokes-person is being "economical with the truth". No. Lets call it by its proper name - he lied.

I learned long ago that the UK is a Police State dressed up as a democracy. The great train robbers got such ferocious sentences it was pure spite by the authorities, and little has changed since the 60s. We have had examples since, to numerous to mention, ending up with the charges against Julian Assange being taken seriously, the Prime Minister and the Met hiring people implicated in the phone hacking scandal (and the Met trying to hide this fact).

As for the book being "unbalanced and misleading". So what if it is? It won't be the first, or last. It is claiming to be autobiographical. Those always express the author's view. The book should be published, so we can all make our minds up for ourselves.

As things stand it looks like a cynical example of the powerful in the UK abusing their power to hide deep seated racism in the UK criminal justice system. I guess the current situation must suit them.

Do we have a representative number of black judges, black prison guards or prison managers, black police officers, or black probation officers? The only group that is over-represented is black inmates! The differences are statistically significant and scandalous, and represent a potentially explosive issue.

The reasons are complex, and deep, (and might not be open racism in the traditional sense). However trying to hide the truth will do nothing to tackle the issue.

and that they're doing a service to the public by censoring a voice in the contracted out environment which might be bad for the Business of
GB plc and might 'inflame' tension rather than seeing this as a healthy response to the unacceptable way generations are being denied rehabilitation?

This book is a rewarding tribute to black authors especially women who want to share their experiences and sometimes their ill-treatment against their provocateurs albeit racism for starters.

A factual book which encourages anyone to fight against racial injustice is beneficial. The government comments about the book being misleading and unbalanced could be seen as shielding and denying the truth from someone who worked in the White collar sector.

J.Brown

As a woman personally experiencing racism in the workforce, I believe that this should not be happening. This should be nonexistent in the 21st century. This is hypocrisy by the govt. More women need to stand up and come forward with their stories..... This kind of thing can no longer be tolerated; we are leaders for our generation and the next, our kids cannot go through this. No more shall we be silenced.

Yvonne Morin-Brown

I would love to know which part of the book 'Almost British' the MoJ is referring to as misleading. It seems a very ambiguous response by the MoJ. I'm no lawyer but this apparent gagging order seems to bean infringement on the authors freedom of speech, which is very sad and alarming! I definitely want to make a stand and support the movement because this ain't right!

Well surprise, surprise, no surprise there. It's what has been & is still happening. I'm glad she decided to bring it to light. More of us need to be bold enough to do the same thing as too much of it is happening but we don't say anything because we don't want to 'rock the boat'.

Why I am not surprised? This country likes to cover up the racism that exists here. People need to be aware of what really is happening in this country in terms of race relations. Instead we get questionable reports that race relations are greatly improving. Yet too many, this does not appear to be their experience. A democratic society I her people mumble? Well you figure it out for yourselves.

David Myles, from multi cultural non racist London.