[RPCV news] Seeking reliable transport in Guinea

RPCV Adam Dowling is trying to secure in advance reliable transportation for an eyeglass mission to Tougue. See information below.

If you have any suggestions, please contact him directly at:

adimal32 @ hotmail.com


He writes:

I wanted to let the FOG community know that Sharing Resources Worldwide (SRW) will be conducting a second (first was in 2006) eyeglass mission to Tougue this coming June.

Many of the required elements are falling into place with the help of many, including PC Guinea who graciously assisted in getting some of the eyeglasses to Guinea and is storing the boxes until our arrival. Hassan from Doucki has made contact with Sightsavers in Labe, which will be providing an eyecare professional to assist. Hassan will also help translate, as he did in 2006. There will be two opticians from the US going, my beautiful wife Hadja and one of her co-workers and an American ophthalmologist who is practicing in Tel Aviv.

The remaining element is the ever precarious transportation of people, equipment and supplies. In 2006 we received assistance from Helen Keller International and a contact with the DPSP.

However, this year we're having trouble securing transport ahead of time. I'm wondering if anyone out there is aware of a reliable and safe chauffeur with a good vehicle. Perhaps an ex-PC driver or even a company that's a step above the gare-routiere de Conakry. Any ideas or contacts from the FOG community would be much appreciated.

Peace,

Adam Dowling
Matakaou 99-01
Labe 01-03

[FOG news] Friends of Guinea announces new leadership

Following the recent election, FOG is pleased to announce its new board of directors for the upcoming year...

Projects director: Donald Parker

Secretary: Katalina Estrada

Communications director: Rosemarie Rose

Financial officer: Shad Engkilterra

Membership director: Brian Clappier

**

We'd also like to welcome the following new volunteers who've offered to help out as members-at-large

Web admin: Karen Star & Jessamyn Miller

Guinea Parent Support (GPS): Diane Carlson & Meghan Greeley

**

Please join us in thanking the following outgoing board members and members-at-large for their service to the organization...

Stephanie Chasteen (secretary)

Claire Lea (projects)

Brian Farenell (communications)

Nathan Shepherd (web)

Sharon Buehler (GPS)

[Guinean news] Gold mine collapses; junta won't stand in elections, wants to reform army; rioters fired upon

At least 13 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed last week, according to the Guinean government. The gold mine was in Touletoni, in the Siguiri prefecture.

The country's military leader Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara told journalists that no members of the ruling junta are going to run in legislative and presidential elections scheduled for late this year.

Dadis also said he wants to reform the armed forces before the end of his tenure. The army is widely seen a major source of instability in the country. Human rights groups have repeatedly shed light on soldier impunity.

At least two people were wounded on Saturday when Guinean security forces fired on rioters. A police station and several police vehicles were attacked in the riot which was sparked by an armed robbery on a local shop by thieves dressed in military uniform, reported TVNZ.

[Guinean news] ICG, HRW reports on Guinea

Though this is a few months old, the International Crisis Group has a still relevant report on the transition in Guinea.

This week, Human Rights Watch issued a report of its own detailing the impunity of ordinary soldiers, which was already bad but seems to have worsened under the new junta.