WTO NCRLC Update Sept. 10 0913 hrs.

There was a perfect moon over the bay here in Cancun last night after a busy day of meetings, finding our way, catching up with friends from the various food, farm, faith networks. Bob Gronski and I (Brother Dave) managed to catch up with Father Randy (Redemptorist from Maine) and Quenton (excuse my lack of
last names) an African American farmer from Macon, Georgia. Both are here with the Rural Coalition/Coalition Rural...an organization that works for justice, especially well represents minority farmers in the US and Mexico.

Also we had dinner with Andrew Bartlett of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Rural Coalition, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and NCRLC are all members of Agricultural Missions...which is an ecumenical organization that provides grants to small farmers around the world in community development programs, they also arrange tours of third world farmers in the developed world. We at NCRLC have assisted on several occasions. Our conversation was an opportunity to find out where "ad hoc" meetings are taking place on food sovereignty, environmental issues, and the like in Cancun. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy is having a fair trade fair here in Cancun and we agreed to meet each other there for a reception this evening (Wednesday, 10th) We also shared the numbers of the hotels where we knew other activists were staying...so that we can all connect regularly.

The evening ended for us around 9 pm, when Bob and I returned to our hotel in town. The day started with our registration at the official NGO hotel to get our credentials as accredited by the WTO. That turned out to be a very smooth process with a rather short line, much shorter than I expected. Unlike in Seattle, we only received one entry card for the official meetings, in Seattle we got one for each member of the delegation (two then, two now). So, Bob and I will have to decide who will go to what official meeting, we don't plan to attend the ceremonial parts. We both can get into the US briefings and the WTO briefings.

We did attend the briefing by the US government representatives yesterday afternoon (Tuesday)...we were told that trade cures poverty and environmental degradation. That is an article of "faith" of the US government...it also is one of the wonderful blessings of liberty. These are not exact quotes, but pretty close.

During the day after meeting Father Jim Hug, SJ, from the Center of Concern, Kathleen McNeeley from the Maryknoll DC office, we agreed to ask questions during this session with the US government. Jim Hug got off three good questions, unfortunately, it was late in the day and the presentation from the US representative was not so compelling. With all the heat, I fell asleep, Jim reached over and grasped my hand, awaking me, asking, how can you ask questions while sleeping...reminded me of Jesus in the Garden with his disciples. I think I'll have another chance. But, given the attitude of the US, I was sorry to have missed this opportunity.

It is hot here in Cancun, so walking the streets from hotel to hotel for various meetings is enervating. But, the seriousness of these days is well appreciated. So, Tuesday was a day of getting acclimated, finding our way around, going to a few meetings, and catching up with friends and colleagues. Today, Wednesday, the level of security is much higher...police, troops, security check points all along the way. We had no trouble getting through though...and plan to attend a full day of presentations from the NGO community on food sovereignty, food security, agricultural trade. Hope to catch up today with some friends from Maryknoll in Mexico, from the National Family Farm Coalition, and from other farm organizations.

Will keep you posted. Don't forget to say a prayer for fair and just trade.

Best wishes, Brother Dave Andrews, CSC