Burma Update - May 9, 2008

Many concerned Pandaw guests have contacted us following the devastation of large areas of Burma by Cyclone Nargis. We have a strong connection to Burma and her people through our partners at Pandaw Cruises and associated travel companies in Burma.

We were relieved to find out that none of the 90 staff at Pandaw were injured although the welfare of their extended families remains unclear. Nearly all of the Yangon-based staff suffered damage to their homes. Pandaw IV, lying at Prome north of Yangon sustained minor damage, while Pandaw II, lying on the Irrawaddy at Mandalay was untouched. Sadly, we learned that Pandaw I - the original Pandaw - sustained significant damage whilst in dry dock in Yangon. Pandaw Cruises ceased operations of this historic vessel in 2003 and we hope her new owners can salvage the ship.

Many international NGO’s are preparing to assist and await government approval to activate programmes in Burma. Late last night, Australian time (08 May) we learned that Pandaw IV would be making its way to the Irrawaddy Delta to deliver aid to the region, in conjunction with Merlin, a UK-based emergency response NGO. Merlin released a statement, which you can read here. Pandaw having offices in Burma, is in a position to transfer money direct to the NGO offices thus bypassing potential infrastructure hurdles.  
 
Active Travel, as representatives of Pandaw in Australia and New Zealand, is co-ordinating Australian donations through our Canberra and Sydney offices. Any donation will be receipted and forwarded to Pandaw office in Burma for transfer to their appointed NGO. Please contact me for details on how you can send donations. In less than 48 hours, we have collected over $6,000 from concerned past Pandaw passengers, clients and friends of Active Travel and for this, we are very grateful. We are also organising a fund raising dinner in Canberra, in conjunction with members of the local Burmese community. Contact us for details.

It is thought that it will be at least a month before full services are reconnected to Yangon, let alone to the outer regions within the Irrawaddy Delta. As news filters through I am sure the situation will be seen to be worse than expected. Your assistance, through our channel of communication and direct contact will ensure maximum return for your donation.

Again, tourism to Burma is a useful tool to assist people directly and we encourage your consideration to visit this beautiful country.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Fletcher and Christine Pearson
Proprietors and Directors