Topic: Her Experiences in South East Asia – Laos.
Kay and her husband were imprisoned on fabricated charges. She originally worked in the welfare side of the Department of Defence prior to working as Security Manager for Jardine Securicor. The Australian Ambassador believed in their innocence.
Court had already decided their fate. 317 pages of evidence was not opened and Judges still tried to get a confession.
4 months later they were released – smuggled a letter from another prisoner outlining the cruelty of his confinement – Michael, an African.
Met 58 political prisoners (out of 98 in prison). Continually overcoming odds and staying positive – encouraged to smile. Never thought to give up. Kay suffered from post traumatic stress and chronic fatigue. Therapy was keeping a promise to other prisoners to write her book – Phonthong Prison – Hell on Earth. Prisoners shared the little that they had. Most important thing was protecting her clients from ending up in that prison. Existing Laos Government is an illegal government – they don't follow the Geneva Convention or any other agreements yet we continue to pour millions of dollars into the country – M$22 p.a. "to target foreigners" – 10% to the region is "acceptable loss".
Since their release over 12 foreigners have been released. Smuggled letters out to give to prisoners' families. The book is filled with people who are now a family. – Title "Deliver us From Evil". She has set up Foreign Prisoners Support Bureau – to enlist our aid to give hope. The lesson in determination is within all of us if we only have the courage to overcome our fears.
Rotary Club of Hamilton Inc.
District 9600 / Club No. 17800 / Chartered 1956
Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations, with some 29,500 clubs in more than 160 countries.
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