Biggest Ever Bournemouth Hands Off Venezuela Meeting
- 29 June 2006
On Tuesday 20th June Hands off Venezuela activists held a UNISON conference fringe meeting, with Rob Sewell and John McDonnell MP speaking. The activists spent two days campaigning for the meeting, handing out leaflets for the event as well as selling the new magazine.
As so often seems to be the case in recent years, there was a noticeable increase in interest in our organization and goals; this was displayed by a record HoV fringe meeting attendance of roughly 70-80 people, strong sales of literature and a lively, positive and encouraging question and answer session after the opening speeches.
Rob Sewell outlined to the delegates attending the fringe meeting the significance of Venezuela in the world, while emphasising its democratic credentials and the fact that it is indeed a genuine revolution, with millions mobilising and actively taking part in public life for the first time ever. He also gave a brief history of the country since Chavez was elected in 1998.
John McDonnell then added his comments and thoughts on the immense significance the Venezuelan revolution plays for activists throughout the world. He said it reinvigorated activists in Europe. Both speeches were received well, with several delegates pledging to get their UNISON branch to affiliate to the campaign.