Nigerian doctor wins discrimination damages

Ruling in his favour in the Equality Court, Judge Jeremy Pickering ordered the Cubana Cocktail Bar and Cigar Lounge pay Anyikwa the amount 'for the impairment of his dignity and emotional and psychological suffering'. Pickering also ordered representatives of the eatery to apologise personally to Anyikwa as well as to publish a public apology. Cubana has also been ordered to pay Anyikwa's costs from the proceedings. The report notes while Anyikwa had maintained he was refused entry due to his N igerian nationality, staff at Cubana had testified he had been turned away because he had not been suitably dressed. 'In my view the probabilities are overwhelmingly in favour of the complainant's version,' Pickering said. He added that if the doctor's clothing was neat and suitable then the 'only plausible inference' was that he was refused entry on the basis that he was Nigerian. Full Weekend Post report (subscription needed)