Sunday, October 02, 2005

Writers and Readers for Peace

My heart goes out to all those in Bali affected by the latest round of terrorist bombings.

Glad I am too that the the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2005 will still go ahead as planned.

This is the media statement from the organisers:

Dear Friends

We are once again deeply saddened by last night’s terrorist attacks in Kuta. We also extend our sympathies to the lives lost over this senseless act of violence.

Our Festival was born out of the first bombing in Kuta. It was an attempt to lift the depleted spirit of the people of Ubud and use the power of the written word to heal and strengthen.

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival will go ahead as planned. We will not allow the terrorists to stop an event that we believe ultimately will benefit all layers of the Ubud community.

High security at all venues will be guaranteed. This will include uniformed and plain-clothed police, bomb detectors, sniffer dogs and security checks. All venues are distant from the road and parking in front of these venues will not be allowed.

Our theme “Between Worlds” now reflects a life between peace and violence and how we survive in a changing world. We hope you will support us at a time when we need your help more than ever before.

Janet De Neefe
Some of our writers including Jerome and Dina were supposed to go, but I guess that now their participation remains in doubt ...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

i still plan to go but am monitoring news. cnn and co said more attacks, i.e. Ramadhan Offensive, so I'm waiting til Wednesday.

bibliobibuli said...

Having thought it up and down and put myself in your shoes ... I hope you do go ... But yes, you're right to wait and see ...

Pyewacket said...

Three cheers for the organisers of Ubud, but I am not sure I would have the nerve to risk it. I agree in principle; don't let the cretins tear down and trample into the dirt what is beautiful and precious. But I still doubt I would have to the courage to go....

Anonymous said...

Yes, we'll all sit here and hope every else goes :)