Year: 2014
A year of descending darkness
As the world emerges from last year’s twilight, it has entered into darkness, a darkness that could engulf the whole world, if some get their way. The period between twilight and the breaking of a new dawn can seem forever.
In search of peace
(Picture -Attending a Press Conference with Ukrainian Afghanistan War Veterans) This year is the centenary of the war that was supposed to end all wars, yet it appears it was only the precursor of what was to come. It seems that humans have been at war since they first became aware of differences that are […]
Who will shed a tear?
(Picture – Taken with little Nyima) When one considers the turmoil in the world, the wars taking place, the displaced families and the trauma they experience; it is the children who suffer the most. When one witnesses the growing world of impoverishment and the stark results of people trying to escape to a better life, […]
Glimpses of My Early Work in Quebec
(Picture-with Professor Chris Bryant and REDOs) I moved to Quebec from Scotland, where I was living at the time, to help develop province wide Community Economic Development and Employment Committees (CEDEC). There was a Community Table representing the CEDECs and a Government Table representing the Federal Government of Canada.
A Few of Many Fond Ukrainian Memories
(Picture-in a Ukrainian Hot Tub with friends Ruslan and Roman) During my four years in Ukraine there were many serious moments, much work, but also many warm and happy moments. In this post I would like to share a few of those warm, some funny moments that will remain with me for ever.
Election Observing
(Picture-with Election Partner Lorena) My work in Ukraine has led to opportunities to participate in election observation missions in that country. The first picture is with my observation partner Lorena Fernandez Alvarez who lives in Spain. This was during the 2014 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Presidential election mission.
Working and living in The Gambia
(Picture-with some of my Gambian Family) It has my good fortune to have spent time in The Gambia, first in 2011 when I spent the year there as a United Nations Volunteer working with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs developing a National Economic Plan called the Program for Accelerated Growth and Employment (The […]
Legality without morality
The world today worships the rule of law. Everyone espouses it as a necessity for democratic governance and civilized society. Yet, laws without a moral foundation are but words on paper and meaningless jargon to people suffering from those who interpret their actions based on such laws.
A world of dislocation
Recent statistics from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees relating to the dislocation of people gives one cause to ponder. What kind of world have we created? What have we done to our somewhat developed and civilized society?