To mark the 121stPhilippine Independence Day, Filipino Association of Cavan held the first cross-border Brexit conference called “Mind the Brexit Gap: Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion in the Border” in rural Lakeland County Cavan. High-profile speakers from the Philippine government as well as UN speakers, local politicians and public representatives from border region in Northern Ireland and Ireland attended the event on the 1stof June 2019 at Cavan Crystal Hotel.
The conference was featured in the following news media (click links):
- the Cavan local paper Anglo Celt,
- an established radio programme in rural Ireland Northern Sound,
- the Philippine Embassy in London News, and
- the Northern Ireland Assembly
FAC Founder Vanda Brady spoke to Cavan TV about the event:
Philippine Labour Attaché Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Philippine Embassy in the UK and Raymond Garrett, Philippine Honorary Consul to Ireland first spoke about the Philippines and Filipino migrants to a diverse multicultural and multi-sectoral audience.
Victor Cosingan, Couples for Christ Mission Head in Ireland spoke about how his religious community of couples and families, leave the uncertainties of Brexit to God, whom he trusts and believes will guide and protect everyone.
Full speeches of renowned speakers can be found in the links below:
Welcome Speech of Event Organiser and Filipino Association of Cavan Founder Vanda Brady
“Today, it is hoped that attendees will get some sense of understanding or some semblance of order of what Brexit is and its possible effects on our communities. Or since Brexit is still very unclear and uncertain even to the Brits, I hope we will, at the very least, know the different communities around us, know the support networks available for us during this time of uncertainty, become empowered during this unsettling time, and be stronger together with the much needed supportive energy in order to allay fears and anxiety, and prevent communities to be polarised further.”
Speech of Philippine Honorary Consul to Ireland Raymond Garrett
“The border region is a wonderful mixing pot of diversity and inclusion. As we all know Brexit creates potential for major disruptions in our lives. I hope today’s forum will give us all a better inside and leave us more prepared for Brexit.
Welcome Speech of UN Expert Anastasia Crickley
“We are facing a toxic global discourse. There is a way, I believe, that you and all of us can actually get this Brexit discussion beyond a political argument.
Speech of UN Expert Bronagh Hinds
“The Good Friday Agreement foresaw greater harmonisation between North and South and we must all work towards the continuing evolution of relationships between both parts of Ireland as seen in that Agreement.”
Speech of Disability Activist Bridget Boyle
“Disability crosses all nationalities, all races and all religions. People with disability face discrimination daily, whether it is lack of education, lack of training, employment, or basically lack of access to their own environment.”
Speech of Transgender Advocate Frances Shiels
“I don’t want to be merely “tolerated.” I expect my allies and friends to challenge every instance of Transphobia in all its guises to help me and every transgender and intersex individual achieve the acceptance and respect we deserve.”
Speech of Cavan Public Participation Network Resource Worker Daniel Downey Mcatackney
“The world speaks in many languages and one voice. The language is not Irish or English, German or Japanese. It speaks the language of hope and the language of trust.”
Speech of Uruwemu Adejinmi, Longford African Network Founder & Social Inclusion Advocate
“Migrants whose rights are protected can live in dignity and security. In turn, they contribute to society both economically and socially than those who are exploited, marginalised and excluded.”
Speech of Zimbabwean Global Citizen Entrepreneur Lori Gatsi-Barnet-Barnet
“Brexit – as challenging as that is, I hope that our members of Parliament, individuals in positions of decision-making will continue to value and uphold the strength and the positiveness that comes together when you have people working together.”
Speech of Polish Student Malwina Lukaszewicz
“Holding on to my Polish roots is very important to me. Even though I Love my life in Ireland, my heart will always be in Poland with the rest of my family. “
Speech of Cavan Polish School Principal Agnieszka Adamska
“Difficulties, problems, worriers and anxieties, that, initially seemed insurmountable were overcome through contact, communication, dialogue and exchange, and so, it is likely to be the case with Brexit!”
Speech of Cavan Lithuanian School Principal Donata Simonaitiene
“Being an optimist, I see Brexit as an opportunity for us to accept and embrace change with a positive attitude.”
Speech of Valentina Kackiuka – Latvian Migrant, Sheelin Mushrooms Picker/Packer
“If there is a hard border, the mushroom business will be hit and we might be out of a job. ”
Closing Speech of Cavan Monaghan TD Brendan Smith
“Brexit is not just about the economy. It’s not just about trade. Brexit is about people. It’s about how Brexit would impact on people’s daily lives.”
Other Speakers include Migrant Rights Centre Cavan Development Worker and Cavan Cross Cultural Community Chairman Stanley Nwaneri and Ping Cao, Chinese Migrant & Lecturer/Researcher at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Performers from different countries graced the event starting with Rodelle Borja, 2019 Ireland’s Got Talent Filipino Semi-Finalist who sang the Philippine National Anthem, and Polish Student Malwina Łukaszewicz who sang the Irish National Anthem. Latvian Dancers of the Cavan Community who will represent Ireland at the Latvian Festival in Toronto, Canada in July performed two dances. Indian boys Cris Nidhin danced to a song from the famous Indian movie “Lakshmi” and Neeraj Shanmugha whistled to pop-song Shotgun. 
Representatives from local organisations and projects as well as individual non-affiliated members from Northern Ireland and Ireland were present including Glencree Intercultural Programme, Future in Perspective & The Rural Hub, Cavan County Council Peace IV Project and Migrant Rights Centre Ireland. Other countries represented were Argentina, China, Nigeria, Congo, South Africa, Sudan, Lithuania, and Sudan.
Apart from featuring Philippine delicacies, attendees brought home Brexit information brochures and tourism materials featuring the Philippines and County Cavan provided by the Philippine Department of Tourism in London and the Tourism Development & Cavan Tourism Office.