The 76th Skal International Congress, due to be held along the Diani coastline south of Mombasa from October 18-23, appears to be hanging by a mere thread now, according to information obtained just before leaving Kenya for the Seychelles.
Skal International Past President Tony Clegg Butt only minutes ago put out a Facebook message which reads as follows:
โOn my way to Amsterdam to try and save the Skal World Congress scheduled for October this year. 1,000+ pax. Armed to the teeth with re-assurance and determination. Wish me luck, this is a stacked deckโ to which Jake Grieves Cook, former Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation and of the Kenya Tourism Board was swift to add: โGood luck – this is an important mission! Tourist arrivals are at an all time low and having this Congress in Kenya will send a positive message, especially after the Obama visit.โ
With President Obama due in Kenya for a visit in July this year and no indication of a change of plans, in itself a sign of solidarity and confidence by his handlers and Secret Service team, some of whom are already in place it is understood, a decision by Skal International to move the congress, something Kenya and East Africa have been waiting for decades to bring to its shores, would be a white flag of surrender to fear. It would be a surrender to those who have, on a local and on a global scene, vowed to destroy our way of life, take our freedom and liberties, and behead us should we dare to stand up against them and make the mistake of facing them singing Kumbaya instead of coming for them with overwhelming force, shock, and awe.
Be sure that this emerging and breaking story will be followed up and the outcome published here so that readers can share their own sentiments via the feedback column and through social media.
Authorโs message to the Skal powers that be: Do not kick a man in the head when he is on his knees, but extend a hand to help him up. The consequences to pull the congress would be stark, for both Kenya and for Skal.