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Diverse Briefings
19th August 2010
A diverse range of groups and individuals were briefed on interface and other issues by the Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface Group throughout June and July.
SLIG’s origins, operation and philosophy were highlighted in what is an ongoing information process. A group of young people from counties Tyrone and Donegal received a comprehensive briefing on the complexities of Belfast’s interfaces prior to leaving on a 10 week stint in Boston, USA. In addition to receiving information on SLIG, a detailed presentation: Residential segregation and defensive use of public space in Belfast was delivered by Chris O’ Halloran of the Belfast Interface Group.
SLIG Management Committee members Renee Crawford and Jean Brown hosted a visit by a group from “the Protestant community” in Leitrim (one of the six border counties in the Republic). Together Renee and Jean did their joint presentation on the “SLIG model.”
During the same period, there was also a significant international dimension with visitors from Cyprus and the United States (US) coming though SLIG’s doors.
A group of Cypriot students received a briefing from Intercultural Worker, Joe Hamill on 6 July. Youth Advocacy Worker, Ciaran Mc Laughlin was drafted in to inform the young Cypriots about SLIG’s youth activity. The Cypriot students’ are in N. Ireland under the auspices of the Spirit of Eniskillen organisation.
Cyprus is particularly relevant to N. Ireland as it is an island divided into two jurisdictions. The north of the island looks to Turkey. While the southern part has strong ties to Greece and has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
Management Committee member, Ewan Suttie facilitated various individuals regarding the Suffolk aspect of their visit to SLIG, including American art expert Professor Tom Anderson of FSU. Nick Garbutt of Asitis Consulting and his colleague, Brendan Murphy visited SLIG on 8 July and got out and about in Suffolk and Lenadoon. Community activists, housing officials and PSNI officers also met with Ewan Suttie to discuss bonfire management.