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Oakland Forms Bonds with Bolton, England and Sanzule Kingdom, Ghana New Sister Cities Strengthen Cultural, Economic Ties and Promise Mutual Growth for All Communities Involved

On the heels of a groundbreaking trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland Post Ambassador Jonathan Fitness Jones, a member of the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and global ambassador Dr. Maritony Jones, founder of LIFH and Maritony & Associates, have successfully laid the foundation for two new sister cities, representing a monumental stride in Oakland’s efforts for global unity and peace.

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Dr. Maritony Jones and Jonathan Fitness Jones (third and fourth from respectively) in Kingdom Fellowship with the Bolton Youths discussing Youth Bootcamps and exchange programs with Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International.
Dr. Maritony Jones and Jonathan Fitness Jones (third and fourth from respectively) in Kingdom Fellowship with the Bolton Youths discussing Youth Bootcamps and exchange programs with Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International.

By Post Staff

On the heels of a groundbreaking trip to the United Kingdom, Oakland Post Ambassador Jonathan Fitness Jones, a member of the African American Sports Entertainment Group (AASEG), and global ambassador Dr. Maritony Jones, founder of LIFH and Maritony & Associates, have successfully laid the foundation for two new sister cities, representing a monumental stride in Oakland’s efforts for global unity and peace.

From Oct. 8-17, spearheaded by Jones, the pair visited Bolton in Greater Manchester and London to solidify sister-city relationships and explore economic and cultural possibilities. They were hosted by Bolton leaders and business partners Dr. Ronnie and Constance Chikwama.

Through a series of meetings, they explored opportunities in community development, mental health, labor, youth engagement, and several investments. The Bolton business community was enthusiastic about the tie-up, already planning youth programs for the coming year and looking forward to the formation of Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International (OBSCI).

Bolton youths planning next year’s Kingdom Youth Bootcamp in the UK and are excited to host Oakland youth. In return, Oakland is geared to welcome youth from Bolton, whose families have immigrated primarily from Zimbabwe, Jamaica and various African nations.

The Joneses also visited Bolton’s urban and rural areas, malls, markets, transportation, restaurants, local shops and landmarks like Bolton Town Hall in Victoria Square. They also visited different parts of Manchester.

(L-R) Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones, Dr. Maritony Jones, Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa) in London England (UK) discussing Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International

(L-R) Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones, Dr. Maritony Jones, Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa) in London England (UK) discussing Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International

(L-R) Dr. Ronnie Chikwama, Constance Chikwama, Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones in Chinatown, Manchester England (UK) after Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International meetings

(L-R) Dr. Ronnie Chikwama, Constance Chikwama, Dr. Maritony Jones, Amb. Jonathan Fitness Jones in Chinatown, Manchester England (UK) after Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities International meetings

A pivotal part of the trip was meeting with Queen Nana Ofei Nkansah (Queen Mother of Akuapem Kingdom, Ghana East Africa), spouse of King Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III of the Sanzule Kingdom in Ghana.

They discussed the Sanzule Kingdom’s role in the newly formed “Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities International” (OGSCI) and creating the partnership to strengthen economic opportunities and deepen cultural understanding.

The Sanzule Kingdom, which is part of the Greater Nzema Kingdom became the first African nation to free themselves from the British Empire and then went on to establish the democracy and government of Ghana.

Nana Ofei, who invited Mr. and Dr. Jones to London, introduced them to some of her Ghanaian royal family members and took them to the Speakers’ Corner which is located in London’s Hyde Park, a stone’s throw from Marble Arch and Oxford Street shops.

Historic figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, Marcus Garvey, and Lord Donald Soper all came here and joined the common man, and occasionally woman, to give public speeches. The Joneses also visited Buckingham Palace and explored the heart of British culture and lifestyle during the annual London Art Week.

In summary, the Oakland-Bolton Sister Cities Int. (OBSCI) and Oakland-Ghana Sister Cities Int. (OGSCI) initiative aims to foster economic development and entrepreneurship; empower youth and women; strengthen cultural and historical bonds; promote peace and mutual understanding; capture the wisdom of elders, and promote tourism and sports for both communities.

“Together, we have the opportunity to build a remarkable bond that transcends borders, uplifting both communities and contributing to a more harmonious world,” Jonathan Fitness Jones said.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025

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OP-ED: Like Physicians, U.S. Health Institutions Must ‘First, Do No Harm’

Coupled with their lack of government and healthcare-related experience, we are concerned these nominees will significantly undermine public health, increase the number of uninsured people, worsen health outcomes, and exacerbate health disparities. Physicians observe Hippocrates’ maxim to “First Do No Harm,”, and we urge Trump administration officials to do the same. It is critical that the leadership of HHS and its agencies make decisions based on facts, evidence, and science. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies. Spreading these falsehoods also erodes trust in our public institutions.

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Albert L. Brooks MD. Courtesy photo.
Albert L. Brooks MD. Courtesy photo.

By Albert L. Brooks MD
Special to The Post

Presidential administrations significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities.

Through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the agencies within it, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the National Institutes of Health, this new administration will decide how financial resources are allocated, dictate the focus of federal research, and determine how our public health care insurance systems are managed, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children program, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The decisions made over the next four years will impact all Americans but will be felt more acutely by those most underserved and vulnerable.

As physicians, we are greatly concerned by the nominations announced by President Trump to critical healthcare related positions. Many of their previous statements and positions are rooted in misinformation.

Coupled with their lack of government and healthcare-related experience, we are concerned these nominees will significantly undermine public health, increase the number of uninsured people, worsen health outcomes, and exacerbate health disparities. Physicians observe Hippocrates’ maxim to “First Do No Harm,”, and we urge Trump administration officials to do the same.

It is critical that the leadership of HHS and its agencies make decisions based on facts, evidence, and science. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies. Spreading these falsehoods also erodes trust in our public institutions.

Vaccines, in particular, have been a target of disinformation by some HHS nominees. In fact, research continues to confirm that vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines go through multiple rounds of clinical trials prior to being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for administration to the public.

Vaccines protect against life-threateningdiseasessuch as measles, polio, tetanus, and meningococcal disease and, when used effectively, have beenshowntoeliminateorsubstantiallyreducediseaseprevalenceand/orseverity.

Because of vaccine mis- and disinformation, there has been a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, endangering those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.

Several nominees have spread disinformation alleging that fluoride in public drinking water is harmful. In fact, fluoride in drinking water at the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million, like we have in our EBMUD water, is safe and keeps teeth strong. Because of public health interventions dating back to the 1960s that have resulted in 72.3% of the U.S. population now having access to fluoridated water, there has been a reduction in cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.

We also encourage the next administration to invest in our public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of public health agencies in preventing and responding to health crises in our communities.

Health departments at the state and local levels rely on federal funding support and technical assistance to develop public health response plans, implement public health strategies, and work with on the ground organizations to serve hard to reach communities. Public health agencies are critical for protecting everyone in our communities, regardless of income-level, insurance status, or housing status.

Health officials should also work to protect the significant improvements in insurance coverage that have occurred since the passage of theACAin 2010.According to HHS, the numberofuninsuredAmericansfellfrom48millionin2010to25.6millionin2023.

California has led the way by investing in Medi-Cal and expanding eligibility for enrollment. In fact, it reached its lowest uninsured rate ever in 2022 at 6.2%. Voters affirmed this commitment to expanding and protecting access to care in November by passing Proposition 35, which significantly expanded funding for California’s Medi-Cal program. The administration should advance policies that strengthen the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare and improve access to affordable health care.

Regardless of the president in power, physicians will always put the best interests of our patients and communities at the forefront. We will continue to be a resource to our patients, providing evidence-based and scientifically proven information and striving to better their lives and our community’s health. We urge the new Trump administration to do the same.

Albert L. Brooks MD is the immediate past president of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, which represents 6,000 East Bay physicians.

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Oakland Post: Week of January 29 – February 4, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 29 – February 4, 2025

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