Peaceful Protest at Refinery Site in Mayo
A Shell to Sea day of action has been called for Friday November 10th at Beal an Átha Buí (Ballinaboy in English), Erris County Mayo.
Activists and supporters from around the country will assemble at the crossroads 500 metres from gate number one at the refinery site on Friday morning at 6.30AM to join the local people in their struggle against Shell and the Irish government's plan to impose a dangerous polluting refinery and an experimental pipeline scheme on them.
Friday November 10th is the anniversary of the execution of nine Ogoni activists who had been campaigning against Shell's destruction of their community. Ken Saro Wiwa and eight others were hanged at Port Harcourt Prison Nigeria, after a show trial. The international community and the British Commonwealth censured the Nigerian dictatorship, but Shell made no comment and still denies culpability, although it is widely accepted that the company was responsible.
People around the world will commemorate Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight on November 10th.
A bus will be leaving from Dublin at 6PM on Thursday November 9th. The bus will be returning to Dublin on Friday afternoon/evening. The price for the return trip is €30.
To book a place please call 086 853 7281.
Independent travellers are of course welcome, but please call one of these numbers to let the people in Mayo know you are coming: 086 358 8890, or 087 654 3425 or 097 209 44.
People will be able to stay at the solidarity camp and local folks will also provide sofa and spare bed space.
It is essential to bring:
A Sleeping bag
Warm clothing and waterproofs.
A torch.
A packed lunch/ food for Friday morning. Because of the nature of the protest (blockading a convoy of industrial vehicles) Hi-Visibility jackets are advisable.
There is a local hostel for journalists and those who want a little more comfort- to book call 09784621- or see www.kilcommonlodge.net for info.
Spending time outdoors in north west Mayo at the end of autumn is a serious prospect. Please bring sensible footwear and warm and waterproof clothing.
The protest on Friday morning will be entirely peaceful, and in support of the local community and in commemoration Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight. There is likely to be provocation from the police and Shell contractors, however no displays of aggression from our side will be tolerated by Shell to Sea.
Remember- bring a sleeping bag, food for yourself, warm and waterproof clothes, comfortable waterproof shoes, and a torch.