Benny Wenda’s Solidarity message after Cyclone Pam

March 15, 2015

To my fellow Pacific Islanders, who have suffered and are bravely enduring the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam:

Dear brothers and sisters,

My heart is full of pain to learn of the tragic loss of life and the destruction caused by the terrible event of Cyclone Pam that has affected so many of our people in Vanuatu and many other nations in the Pacific. On behalf of the people of West Papua I give my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of all those who have suffered and died during this natural disaster.

I want to assure you all that however powerful and destructive the natural disaster is, we the people of West Papua will always be with you in spirit and solidarity. However much damage comes to your home islands, know that you always have a home in our New Guinea island and that on our island and our country you are always welcome to come and always welcome to seek refuge. We are always your family.

We never forget the incredible love, support and solidarity from our brothers and sisters in the Pacific as we too are suffering and we will always be there for you too, through rough seas or calm seas or whatever you are facing. We will always be there.

I am calling for the people of West Papua to help and pray for our brothers and sisters who have suffered and are suffering the effects of Cyclone Pam. This is very important to us. We know that you our fellow Pacific people always show such strong support and prayer for us in West Papua and we want to show you the same spirit also.

Currently the people of West Papua are holding a time of national mourning and prayer for all those who have died and suffered during the cyclone in Vanuatu and anywhere else in the Pacific. We pray that our brothers and sisters will be delivered from this terrible suffering as soon as possible and that you will all be kept safe from any further disaster.

Our full solidarity and support is always with you our Pacific brothers and sisters. Keep safe.

May God protect you and bless you all.

Benny Wenda

West Papua independence leader

Spokesperson for the United Liberation Movement of West Papua

www.bennywenda.org

www.freewestpapua.org