27 April 2007
Turning up for the trade justice rally
Young campaigner Jade describes her inspiring day on the recent rally for trade justice.
I decided to take part in the trade justice action on Thursday 19 April because I believe it is so important that the governments of the EU know how many people are strongly against the Economic Partnership Agreements being pushed onto the poorer countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. These deals will put jobs and economies at risk in developing countries, and leave less money to be spent on health care and education for poor people.
On arriving in Belgrave Square I was assigned to the team, which was to deliver the message to the Italian embassy, lead by Serena and David. The rally outside the German embassy began and that included uplifting music from a choir and enthusiastic and inspirational speakers. I felt so encouraged by everyone’s high spirits, cheering and clapping. This positive attitude and optimism continued throughout the afternoon.
Our team got to the Italian embassy at about 2.30 pm, and started by taking lots of symbolic photographs outside using flags and keys. I was really excited to get the opportunity to go inside the Italian embassy with three other members of our group to share our concerns with the ambassador. He was really friendly and listened to our views; we were assured that our message would be taken seriously and passed onto the Italian government. The Italian ambassador was cooperative and we all had photos taken with him outside the embassy.
I felt that the day was really successful in passing on our demands and enthusing everyone into taking action.
This experience has moved me to continue campaigning and to inform others of this extremely important issue. I just hope that the EU will listen to us and stop its unfair trade deals. A thought from the day that has stayed with me and I believe to be so true. It's something one of the speakers said, "The world is changed by the people who turn up".
|
|
