STOP PRESS: G8: Stand Up & Be Counted (July 2005)Dave Pearce, a Greater Manchester Trade Justice Movement activist pictured right on an anti-GATS demo in Manchester in March, was in France during the G8 weekend, campaigning for trade and debt. Dave drove the 800 miles from Manchester to Annemmasse, the nearest town to Evian, where the Summit was held amongst the tightest security. It was also where the "Summit for Another World" took place - an event for non-governmental organisations to push their messages to the world's media.
Dave reports that the demonstrations at Evian for the G8 were terrific, hundreds of thousands of people from every walk of life, demonstrating for a better world. A carnival atmosphere, everyone enjoying themselves; lots of little children, flags waving, banners and chanting. "Best of all, unlike in Genoa, no violence and I never saw any police! I know there was violence, but it was nowhere near the march."
The whole event was well organised. The two day "Summit for Another World" had good speakers in several large halls. On the night before the march there was a "debt Concert" which created a great atmosphere.
Dave concluded, "After the reactions to Genoa, it was very rewarding to see the French allow a demonstration on this scale and I bet many of those who had been disappointed in Genoa would have really enjoyed this event."
Adapted from Manchester's Trade Justice Movement newsletter
Greater Manchester Trade Justice Movement (0161 273 3647, news@tjm-manchester.org.uk)
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