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EUROPEAN REGIONAL AFRIKAN FAMILY GATHERING:
3RD TO 5TH OCTOBER, 2003 IN ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND.
PRESS RELEASE: OCTOBER 5, 2003

On Friday October 3RD, 2003 the Global Afrikan Congress Europe (GAC) commenced its first regional family gathering. This historical event, the first of this kind in Europe, was a three-day intensive multi-pronged critical analysis of the diverse challenges faced by Afrikans and Afrikan descendants in Europe to improve their fortunes and present social conditions. The gathering achieved its aims objectives to increase the levels of organisation, and implement decisions reached in gatherings held in Durban (2001) and Bridgetown (Barbados) (2002). Another accomplishment was the fulfilment of the aim to devise new, and improve existing strategies, as well as deepen the commitment of GAC members and delegates.

Held in Rotterdam (Netherlands), the conference was well attended with over 100 attendees. The organisers were very pleased with the overall turnout and support received, especially with the significant youth presence. There were representatives from GAC chapters, regions and country delegates from Europe, specifically Belgium, Norway, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. There were representatives from GAC structures in Canada, United States of America, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica, St. Maarten, Guyana, Surinam, (Dutch) Antilles, Uganda, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Southern Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Congo and Nigeria.

With the focus of the Global Afrikan Congress on the discourse on Reparations, plenaries explored the history of GAC and the importance of the European region in this discourse. Whilst numerous resolutions presented helped shape the future of the GAC Europe region, the Haitian resolution, (recently accepted at the assembly of Caribbean people in Haiti), was revisited. Several working groups ran concurrently to deal with a number of historical and contemporary themes within the Afrikan & Afrikan descendants' community: the effects of enslavement and colonisation, youth development, research methodology and documentation, education.

The delegates actively participate in all aspects of the event. From resolutions proposed to continuous updates and debates within working groups and during report back sessions, delegates were instrumental in the success achieved in this event.

The gathering was truly a community event that surpassed expectations. Having organised committees, yielded action plans and fostered a sense of renewal, empowerment and cultural dignity, these results speak to the success achieved and the promise held by the GAC, especially the European region.

For further information contact: 0031 618213802
GAC-EUROPEAN WEBSITE

Resolutions

Signed:

BARRYL A. BIEKMAN
GAC Europe

ESTHER STANFORD
GAC Europe

CIKIAH THOMAS
GAC International Chair

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