Courage
This week is Refugee week in Scotland and the theme of the
week is courage. What is courage? Is it the ability to be
strong in the face of adversity? Is it the need to conquer?
Or is it the strength to stand up for your rights or the
rights of others? I believe it is all of the latter. I
believe that when faced with difficult situations we can
find a reserve of strength that carries us through, I
believe it is having the strength to conquer fear and I
believe its having the strength to stand up for yourself and
others when put down or discriminated against.
I hosted the
Scottish Refugee Council reception in parliament last night
to remember people seeking sanctuary and to celebrate the
fantastic contribution to our culture and economy, of those
who have chosen to make Scotland their home.
We heard from
Ahlam Souidi who had worked with children from Oakgrove
primary school junior writers group. They had written a book
called 'The Right to Dream' and two of the girls read out
their contributions. To say they were inspiring would be an
understatement, they talked about a peaceful and kind nation
and they expect to make that happen in Scotland. Now that's
what I call courage. Watch the video on this link and tell
me you don't believe the people in the video have courage.
http://www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/news_and_events/refugee_week_scotland
We also had
poetry and music from Carlos Arredondo. Carlos had to flee
Chile in the 80's to escape the human rights abuses of the
Pinochet government. Carlo has made Scotland his home and he
is a great poet but also a lovely singer too. Check Carlos
out on
www.carlosarredondo.com He gave me a copy of his book
'From where we, the refugees have come' Its a very powerful
read.
Last week i chaired my first Europe and External Relations
Committee, I was elected as convener and I am delighted to
have this very fine honour. I think the committee will be a
force for good and with a focus on policy and not process I
am sure we will have a positive impact. Scotland needs to
reassert herself in the world and I hope that our committee
will have taken some of that forward with joint working and
a clear plan for talking up Scotland every opportunity we
get.
Thursday night last I was at the AGM and awards ceremony for
Hamilton Citizens advice service. Again the stories of
courage were very heartening. The group of young men and
women who have progressed with their training as advisors
were an inspiration to us all. I wish them all well and here
is a photos of me with the group after I had presented them
with their well deserved certificates.
I also had a
wee part in a debate about broadcasting you can watch it
here.
http://www.holyrood.tv/popup.asp?stream=http://vr-sp-archive.lbwa.verio.net/archive/160611_plenary_afternoon.wmv
I was at
a lovely event in Stonehouse where people got together
had a tea party and picnic with the folk band to raise
money for the 'Make a Wish foundation' I believe they
raised well over £200 a brilliant effort and fantastic
music too.
I
attended an event at South Lanarkshire council on Monday
to remember armed forces day where a flag was raised to
the lament of the Piper Davie. It was very poignant and
it is right that we remember our armed forces even if we
do not agree with the wars they are in.
I had a
day in Inverclyde campaigning with Anne Mclaughlin in
the by-election. it rained the whole day but it did not
dampen our spirits and I believe Anne has a real chance
of winning this seat. How good would that be? On the
campaign trail we were joined by a very special person
not just to me but to the SNP as a whole. Yes we had the
formidable and wonderful Dr Winifred Ewing. Winnie was
in fine form and she has never lost that campaigning
spirit. Her stories are not only inspiring but full of
yes you guessed it, courage,. Winnie had the courage to
stand for Parliament in 1967, win that seat and take
Scotland's fight for freedom to Westminster, Europe and
the Scottish parliament. Her first words to me where
when can I visit Hamilton. Well Winnie that will be as
soon as you want.
See for
yourself how good she looks here's a photo.
See you
all next week....
Christina
McKelvie MSP
