Tobacco Growers Meeting in Malawi-appeal for urgent support

International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA) Regional meeting will be held in Malawi from the 3rd to 6th May, 2009 at Salima,. in Central Malawi.

ITGA Chief Executive is expected to attend from Portugal.

YASED which is in the process of launching the Smoke-Free Malawi (fromerly Tobacco Free Malawi) is mobilising Civil Society, Tobacco Estate workers and Cancer groups to hold a peaceful demonstration during the duration of the meeting.

The full programme is as follows:

1. May 1, 2009- Labour Day: Press conference highlighting the harmful tobacco effects on the economy including the poverty it exerbates on the poorest of the poor.

2. Poster demonstration- posters at Kamuzu International Airport and along the route to Salima for ITGA delegates to see as they travel to the venues.

3. May 4, 2009- Delivery of petition to the delegates as they start the meeting. Countries with participants would greatly assist us by sending the pertinent issues related to tobacco in their own countries.

4. May 4- Public Debate on tobacco in Malawi to be aired live on two radio stations from Salima.

YASED-Smoke Free Malawi project is therefore requesting for urgent support and invite activist to join the campaign which represents one of the major grouping of tobacco growers in the region.

We require posters, fuel, vehicles and funds for air time to publicise the event. YASED will provide all the logistical staff for the programme and coordinate the event as part of its normal programmes.

Contact;

Kondwani Munthali
Acting Coordinator
YASED-Smoke Free Malawi project
Mobile: 265 999 957331/ 265 888 957331
Phone; 265 1 797 367
email: kmunthali@nationmw.net
www.tobaccofreemalawi.blogspot.com