This is a picture of three of the Filipino seamen in front of the Canadian Court building, accompanied by a member of the Concern for Seafarer Witnesses Society. The one on the left is Rodolfo Miguel
When the seamen's story was brought to the attention of the churches, in july 1996, a society was formed to provide all possible help to them and their families. With the cooperation of the Division of World Outreach of the United Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and other voluntary associations, arrangements were made for their protection.
During the fall, the Society was registered under the Nova Scotia Societies Act.
Prior to the Extradition Hearing in March, 1997, the Society joined with Lee Cohen, a lawyer, in trying to persuade the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to allow the men's families to enter Canada on visitor's Visas to testify to the threats and harassment they had suffered. This would have meant that they were out of harm's way for the period in Canada. The request was not granted.
The United Church Division of World Outreach has paid the rent for the family members in sanctuary to the end of January 1998. The Society has raised just over $30.000, nearly all of which has been sent to the families, as the men are not earning enough to support their loved ones and the women have not been free to pursue their own vocations.
The Secretary of the Concern for Seafarers Witnesses Society is:
Rev. Flemming Holm
21 Oakwood Ave.
Dartmouth, NS, B2W 3C8 , Canada
The Society is approaching churches in the area to pay the expenses of moving the families to Canada, should permission be given. Please support this approach in your church and encourage your church to write us, stating your support,. Funds may be held in trust, until permission is granted and the funds are needed.
Your personal and/or group contributions to the Society would be greatly appreciated.
Rev. Gordon K. Stewart, Retired United Church Minister.
