Comments on: Humanitarian Vultures Circle Again http://www.arugam.info/2008/05/21/humanitarian-vultures-circle-again/ Sri Lanka’s hidden pearl Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:48:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.4 by: Fred http://www.arugam.info/2008/05/21/humanitarian-vultures-circle-again/#comment-125074 Thu, 22 May 2008 07:36:34 +0000 http://www.arugam.info/2008/05/21/humanitarian-vultures-circle-again/#comment-125074 Even aid workers deserve a break, a holiday and time off! (The few, who actually produce some decent work that is) Some establishments in <strong>AbaY</strong> are happy to be graced with their presence. Others, which are somewhat outspoken and critical are being boycotted, obstructed. <strong>Arugam.info</strong> has first hand, reliable information that one old, long existing hotel, which is run by professional expats received also threats from one of the largest orgas, the Red Brigade. Instead of supporting highly efficient, non profit local self-help groups they are seen as another competitor in the PR race for more donor's cash. There is no interaction with the Community. <strong> ENJOYs</strong> plans are made overseas and their will is simply imposed on the native population. Like it or not. <strong> Arugam Bay</strong> is lucky to have some very capable, potent people as long term residents: None of the <strong>NGO </strong>ever consulted them. No <strong>NGO </strong>ever followed their advice, drawn on their deep local knowledge, experiences and connections. Instead they supported some locally well known time wasters, junkies and alcoholics. Because it was a safe bet; as there is little danger of being questioned by a more educated, perhaps critical flood victim. A lot, lot more could have been achieved if proven (business) survivors would have supported rather than trying to make the village idiot into an entrepreneur. For myself, I have been connected with Sri Lanka and <strong>Arugam Bay </strong>since 1977. And I am not afraid to admit that I am still learning....... The GREAT E.N.J.O's came and of course they always know everything. And much better than old guys like us for sure..... One of their main action was to 'poach' staff and offer them 2 or 3 times the usual salary. Enjoy's got all the money (=power) - we survivors have nothing. The NGO's know how to use their power - not their brains or conscience it seems. Our establishment has been reduced to 2 staff (36 lost their jobs) , no vehicles (7 up to end 2004) This is the kind of impact organizations had locally, and on us, the SVH. Example: One special US 'charity' is locally only known for 1.) Their big vans & jeeps, flags & posters 2.) For their explicit erotic sex CD movies. Produced locally. Ask any young kid on the East Coast to confirm! Little wonder that Burma is reluctant to allow all those clowns into their domain. Sad as it may seem. <strong>Enjoy</strong> the life - is what locals say! Even aid workers deserve a break, a holiday and time off!
(The few, who actually produce some decent work that is)
Some establishments in AbaY are happy to be graced with their presence.
Others, which are somewhat outspoken and critical are being boycotted, obstructed.
Arugam.info has first hand, reliable information that one old, long existing hotel, which is run by professional expats received also threats from one of the largest orgas, the Red Brigade.
Instead of supporting highly efficient, non profit local self-help groups they are seen as another competitor in the PR race for more donor’s cash.
There is no interaction with the Community.
ENJOYs plans are made overseas and their will is simply imposed on the native population. Like it or not.
Arugam Bay is lucky to have some very capable, potent people as long term residents:
None of the NGO ever consulted them. No NGO ever followed their advice, drawn on their deep local knowledge, experiences and connections.
Instead they supported some locally well known time wasters, junkies and alcoholics.
Because it was a safe bet; as there is little danger of being questioned by a more educated, perhaps critical flood victim.
A lot, lot more could have been achieved if proven (business) survivors would have supported rather than trying to make the village idiot into an entrepreneur.

For myself, I have been connected with Sri Lanka and Arugam Bay since 1977.
And I am not afraid to admit that I am still learning…….

The GREAT E.N.J.O’s came and of course they always know everything.
And much better than old guys like us for sure…..

One of their main action was to ‘poach’ staff and offer them 2 or 3 times the usual salary.

Enjoy’s got all the money (=power) - we survivors have nothing.

The NGO’s know how to use their power - not their brains or conscience it seems.
Our establishment has been reduced to 2 staff (36 lost their jobs) , no vehicles (7 up to end 2004)
This is the kind of impact organizations had locally, and on us, the SVH.

Example: One special US ‘charity’ is locally only known for

1.) Their big vans & jeeps, flags & posters
2.) For their explicit erotic sex CD movies. Produced locally.

Ask any young kid on the East Coast to confirm!

Little wonder that Burma is reluctant to allow all those clowns into their domain.
Sad as it may seem.
Enjoy the life - is what locals say!

]]> by: LongintheTooth http://www.arugam.info/2008/05/21/humanitarian-vultures-circle-again/#comment-125060 Thu, 22 May 2008 04:47:54 +0000 http://www.arugam.info/2008/05/21/humanitarian-vultures-circle-again/#comment-125060 oh yes! the joys of having to observe the clicky "enjoys"as they roll into town with their gas guzzling chelsea tractors emblazoned with freshly washed and neatly ironed flags! the 'pre madonnas' who appear too high and mighty to communicate and engage with the local people. Working! and socializing as a select group, turning their noses up at the independent voluntary aid worker, dismissing the local people and their businesses, preferring to stay in accommodation where they can party! And party is what they appear to save their energy for. Perhaps it would be better saved for getting involved and understanding the community they are supposed to be helping!! But i cannot tar them all with the same brush. There are a few with a conscience, a few that cannot get their heads around the corruption and bureaucracy. Oh why do they not listen to the people they are supposedly so desperate to help! It is a case that, even before they venture into the community, they have decided what they are going to do, or not! They refuse to listen to the villagers, and what they honestly need. The luxury of their air-con offices with internet connection is far more appealing than the heat and dust of the dry season or the heavy rains of the monsoon season with the risk of talking to members of the community, and hearing their concerns over the ridiculous waste of rupees being spent. The 'enjoys' believe they know best, that they don't have to live within, or talk to the community to find out what it honestly needs. 'Find a conscience, find a heart and remove yourselves from the pedestal from which you have put yourselves'. oh yes! the joys of having to observe the clicky “enjoys”as they roll into town with their gas guzzling chelsea tractors emblazoned with freshly washed and neatly ironed flags! the ‘pre madonnas’ who appear too high and mighty to communicate and engage with the local people. Working! and socializing as a select group, turning their noses up at the independent voluntary aid worker, dismissing the local people and their businesses, preferring to stay in accommodation where they can party! And party is what they appear to save their energy for. Perhaps it would be better saved for getting involved and understanding the community they are supposed to be helping!! But i cannot tar them all with the same brush. There are a few with a conscience, a few that cannot get their heads around the corruption and bureaucracy. Oh why do they not listen to the people they are supposedly so desperate to help! It is a case that, even before they venture into the community, they have decided what they are going to do, or not! They refuse to listen to the villagers, and what they honestly need. The luxury of their air-con offices with internet connection is far more appealing than the heat and dust of the dry season or the heavy rains of the monsoon season with the risk of talking to members of the community, and hearing their concerns over the ridiculous waste of rupees being spent. The ‘enjoys’ believe they know best, that they don’t have to live within, or talk to the community to find out what it honestly needs. ‘Find a conscience, find a heart and remove yourselves from the pedestal from which you have put yourselves’.

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