Sitting next to a representative of the poorest nation on earth

Just over a decade ago I was a member of the parliamentary assembly established under the Lome Convention to bring together parliamentarians from the African, Carribean and Pacific nations with those of the European Parliament.

The ACP nations sat in the aphabetical order of their nations. The EP members sat in alphabetical order of their surnames. I therefore sat between the representives of Jamaica and Haiti.

I had noticed on my first sitting that the hospitality was extensive - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then I found out why: many of these nations were so poor that their representatives had been booked into the very cheapest hotels available in Brussels. The apparently lavish hospitality was provided to ensure they could eat.

I spoke at length with the delegates from Jamaica and Haiti. I was inspired by their commitmet, humbled by their optimism and ashamed at the grotesque wealth I saw every day in Europe.

So I am saddened by the news of the earthquake in Haiti. A poor nation now even poorer.

The Methodist Church is mobilising to help. We have already sent £20,000 in cash. If you would like to join in helping the reconstruction please donate here.