Black Beauty Author Honored with Equestrian Sculpture in Great Yarmouth

Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff

D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.

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Image Source : Andrew Turner

A Tribute to Anna Sewell and Her Famous Horse

The legacy of *Black Beauty* author Anna Sewell is being celebrated in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, with a life sized fibreglass horse sculpture, set to capture the essence of her famous literary work. The sculpture, created by Scotland based artist Lois Cordelia, is being painted in the town's marketplace as part of the Great Yarmouth Arts Festival. Born in the town in 1820, Sewell’s depiction alongside her famous horse reflects both her life and the enduring influence of her novel, a pioneering work that shifted the literary perspective to that of an animal. Cordelia expressed excitement about the public's reactions, with many commenting on their fond memories of the novel. The artwork will be part of a broader public art trail, funded through the Government's Town Deal Fund, costing £330,000.

Cordelia’s design incorporates images of Sewell, her birthplace, and various equine portraits. She remarked on the significance of *Black Beauty*, noting its unique portrayal of an animal’s viewpoint, a rare approach at the time of its publication. The sculpture is one of several art pieces set to be displayed across the town, enhancing both public spaces and local tourism.

Celebrating Local Heritage and Art

In addition to the *Black Beauty* tribute, the art trail will feature a range of sculptures celebrating Great Yarmouth's culture and history. One notable piece is a tribute to local artist Ernie Childs, created by sculptor Mark Goldsworthy. Titled *Yarn with Ernie*, the sculpture will depict a figure in Childs' signature fisherman’s smock, holding a paintbrush a nod to the town’s fishing heritage and artistic legacy. Goldsworthy shared his excitement, aiming for the work to represent the welcoming and warm spirit of the town’s people, while serving as a lasting tribute to Great Yarmouth’s rich history and community.

The initiative, supported by Conservative council leader Carl Smith, is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the town. The new art trail, alongside recent investments in public spaces, such as a new market building and a library campus, is expected to boost tourism and create a legacy for both residents and visitors. The town's leaders and the arts community are enthusiastic about the diverse range of sculptures, believing they will become beloved additions to the local landscape.

West Bengal Doctors’ Protest Over Colleague’s Murder Leads to Leadership Shake Up

Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff

D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.

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Image Source : MURALI KUMAR

Government Response and Leadership Changes

The state of West Bengal has agreed to remove top officials, including Kolkata's police commissioner, following intense protests by doctors over the rape and murder of their colleague. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after a lengthy five hour meeting with the protesting doctors. In addition to the police chief, two senior health officials the director of medical education and the director of health services will also be dismissed, addressing one of the key demands of the striking medical community.

The protests erupted after the body of a 31 year old junior doctor was discovered on August 9 at the state run hospital where she worked, prompting a wave of anger and nationwide concern over the safety of health workers in India. Thousands of junior doctors in West Bengal went on strike, demanding justice for their colleague and enhanced security measures for healthcare staff. While the government has met some of these demands, protesters are holding off on returning to work until promises are fulfilled. The chief minister has also assured that no disciplinary action will be taken against those who participated in the strike.

Nationwide Protests and Ongoing Tensions

The murder of the young doctor has ignited widespread outrage, particularly in West Bengal, where thousands have taken to the streets to demand action. On August 14, tens of thousands of women participated in a massive "Reclaim the Night" march across the state, calling for freedom from fear and demanding greater protections for women. Despite a Supreme Court order for the doctors to return to work, the protestors have refused to back down until all their demands are met, including enhanced security at hospitals.

The protests have placed the state government under significant pressure, with courts criticizing local authorities for mishandling the case. Though officials deny any lapses, the government has responded by implementing measures aimed at improving women's safety in the workplace, such as establishing CCTV monitored safe zones and designated resting areas for female staff in state hospitals. Despite claims that 23 people have died due to a lack of medical care during the strike, the protesting doctors maintain that emergency services have remained operational. The protests continue to draw national attention, with the Supreme Court calling the incident a tragedy that has "shocked the conscience of the nation."

Amazon Ends Hybrid Work Policy, Staff Ordered Back to Office Full Time

Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff

D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.

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Image Source : Mark

Amazon's Return to Office and Corporate Tensions

Amazon is set to end its hybrid work model, requiring employees to return to the office five days a week starting January. In a memo, CEO Andy Jassy announced the change, stating that being back in the office full time would enhance collaboration, innovation, and connection among staff. Jassy, a long time skeptic of remote work, said Amazon’s flexible work policies had diluted the company’s intense corporate culture, which was crucial to its growth from a startup to a tech giant.

Amazon’s push for in person work has sparked internal unrest. Staff at its Seattle headquarters protested the reduced remote work policy last year, a protest that led to the dismissal of its organizer, raising concerns over retaliation. Jassy further noted that Amazon was streamlining its managerial structure to reduce bureaucracy, which could result in job cuts. He emphasized that hot desking would also be implemented, though allowances for remote work would be made in special circumstances, such as personal emergencies.

Shifting Global Attitudes on Remote Work

Amazon’s return to office mandate contrasts with evolving employment policies in other regions. In the UK, the government plans to introduce a new employment rights bill that will make flexible working a default right from the first day of employment. This policy aims to combat the "culture of presenteeism" and unlock economic benefits by broadening recruitment opportunities.

Despite a shift toward hybrid and remote work during the pandemic, some industries are reverting to traditional office setups. High profile figures like JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon have been vocal critics of remote work, demanding full time attendance. UPS and Dell have also recalled their employees to the office this year. However, experts like Stanford’s Professor Nicholas Bloom suggest that while some companies are pulling back on remote work, others are expanding it though these shifts often fly under the media radar. Prof. Bloom’s research indicates that the balance between remote and office work has remained stable for the past year, suggesting that full time office mandates may not represent a widespread reversal of flexible work trends.