e-mail
Continued from here.
Lest you think there is any blanket thrilled-to-the-gills glee about all that’s about to descend on this poor City-State with all the IMF/World Bank-is-coming-to-town-fiesta-feeling, keep in mind that there are those who are less than impressed with the overall goodness, rightness, correctness … whatever … of these organizations that are meeting in Singapore this month.
Some not only notice that the money going out for Annual Meetings … and I’m betting that a lot of First Class airline seats, Five Star hotel rooms and limos go along with … could perhaps be better spent on more action and less talk … just a thought, as they have much bigger issues:
Mobilization for Global Justice (MGJ) has endorsed the following call, written and distributed by Jubilee South, a coalition of social movements throughout the Global South who are resisting illegitimate debts and IMF/World Bank policies. The statement calls on people worldwide to take action in their own communities against the IMF/World Bank the week of September 14-20, while the institutions meet in Singapore.
Not that much in the way of protest will be brooked by the Singapore government. Under national law, permits are required for any outdoor gathering of more than four people, Singaporean or foreigner, amounting to an effective ban on protests and demonstrations.
There will, however, be an attempt at giving the impression that people other than those actually involved in ruling the world can give a bit of a squeak:
Singapore will not allow outdoor demonstrations during the upcoming annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank, but will set up an indoor venue for registered civil groups, the police chief of staff announced Friday.
Soh Wai Wah told a news conference that outdoor protests during the Sept. 11-20 meetings would compromise security, could be exploited by terrorists, and disrupt the day-to-day activities of the area, making things “unpleasant” for residents.
“In the current security climate, the priority is to ensure the safety and security of our residents, visitors and delegates to the meetings,” Soh said.
But in recognition of the IMF/WB’s tradition of “constructive engagement” with accredited civil society organizations, Singapore will set up a private area in the lobby of the conference venue for these groups to gather and engage with delegates.
Gee.
Those that step too far out of line, though, could be in for a spanking … a really painful public spanking:
Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said earlier this year that Singapore could use severe punishments _ such as caning _ against protesters who commit violent acts such as vandalism, arson or causing harm during the IMF meetings.
Ouch! Okay, you guys … let’s all play nice, heh?
Actually, it’ll be hard ball … capital HARD, capital BALL.
