The first two weeks of the tour have produced little sleep, but have caused a great wave of momentum in bringing Change for Burma! During 19th - 21st January, we met with John Bercow MP, David Drew MP and Lord Alton. All members entertained us hospitibly and took a great interest in the message we had to share. We used this time to explain the need for cross border aid to some of the most vulnerable people inside Eastern Burma. Earlier in the week we also shared this need with the Department of International and Foreign Development (DFID). A Partners programme was introduced to them and we were later informed that the proposal was sent to the charge office in Rangoon and was given to the Secretaruy of State for International Development. We will continue to be a voice stressing this great need.
After our meeting in the offices of Parliament we took a plane to the beautiful island of Jersey. Th
ere we were greeted so warmly we nearly didn't want to leave! We lodged in the lovely Chateau Vermont where we later presented to a large group of people in partnership with Side by Side charity and the Jersey Action 4 Burma group. The people were incredibly generously giving a number of cheques on behalf of the people of Jersey. Whilst in Jersey we spoke to classes at Victoria College and De La Salle College. A young student around the age of 13 asked towards the end of the presentation, "How do we let this happen?" I was somewhat taken aback by the question, perhaps this may be the greatest question humanity ever asks. In the end it will be our decision as to what we tolerate, how we let people treat each other and ultimately how we stop what we find so dreadful. If this young man will continue to ask how and why, he may ultimately turn his question into a statement, "We don't HAVE to let this happen".
Wes Robinson