Deportation of Sakchai Makao (Mark II) - ** News Thread **

[montfield man]

I am so pleased that Sakchai has won his case and hope that the Home Office won't appeal the decision.

 

Being out of Shetland at the moment and travelling, I couldn't access a telly or computer, so was absolutely "chuffed to bits" when a text message came through intimating the outcome in two words "we won".

 

Shetland you have been fantastic and I am so proud to call you "home" and am so pleased that Sakchai will be able to go on doing the same.

 

It seems to me that Sakchai's name is made up of those that have been probably most involved in the campaign.

 

S - Supporters in Shetland and beyond (including "Polarbear", Tavish, Sandra Jamieson & Richard W)

A - A-Team (Alistair Carmichael & Alexandra Bartrope)

K - Kids of all ages (like his smimming club)

C - Clickimin (his workmates, his employer and James)

H - His mates (the T/Shirt boys)

A - Action Man (Davie Gardner) who sent the ball rolling and kept it going

I - Irvine Joe

 

(apologies if I've omitted anyone)

[haydoll4u]

For when Sakchai get's back today is there going to be like a welcome thing, or will that just be anyone that makes it up to sumburgh?

 

Also, i think us as a community have been great! we've pulled together and managed to win this and lets be honest, 8,000 signatures on a petition is pretty good for only having a month or less to get them! Especially since a large amount was collected in the 1st 2 weeks of this situation when everything was running wild!

 

But since there's been such a great outcome with the amount of people trying to help and the amount of money raised, do you think there should be like a fund set up? For anything that happens like this again in Shetland? Or it doesn't have to necesseraly (sp?) be for Shetland.

 

Ah well, i think i should wheesht and just get back to celebrating Sakchai coming home!!

[DavieG]

Hi everybody just got back from the digital wilderness although Tasmania is fantastic in every other way imaginable. Did not have long enought to see it but worth the flying visit for sure.

 

WELCOME HOME SAKCHAI AND NOW WE CAN REALLY SAY, ONCE AND HOPEFULLY FOR ALL, THIS IS YOUR REAL HOME FOR SURE.

 

Of course this is the news we were all waiting and hoping for. FANTASTIC just doesn't begin to cover it. Shetland you have been amazing each and every one of you (well almost anyway)

 

Last night at midnight in Australia was one of the great and most emotional moments in my life. Not simply because we had achieved what we set out to do and that real justice was eventually done as se hoped would happen, but more the realisation of the enormity of what had been achieved in such a relatively short time and HOW it was achieved - with the most unpresidented show of support from a small and politically insignificant community, totally committed and totally united - utterly amazing the more I think of it.

 

They said we would never get the issue south of the border - but wow did you guys make them sit up and take notice. I did so many interviews over the phone last night and almost ALL from national stations and newspapers - again amazing!!!! Great to be able to speak to Radio Shetland and Hans as well of course.

 

A few weeks ago we set out to move mountains not really believing that we could - or so we were told by those genuinely and usually in the know. But we did it and without the petitons, the Shetlink forum, the political muscle both north and south of the border, the expert help from all corners (even from people we didn't know at the outset) his employers support, his terrific circle of friends, his family and of course the thousands and thousands of you both at home and away, we could not have done it. But we did and so be massively proud of yourselves Shetland (and all our new found friends) wether at home or away.

 

I for one have been proud to be part of it and to have hopefully played a part. But without your response, ideas, commitment etc etc I would have been a pretty lone and ineffective voice - so can i just say a MASSIVE thank you to you all. It has made me proud to be part of this terrific little community that has proved to be massive in so many other ways and of course so many great great poeple.

 

OK the main fight is possibly not over yet, but lets face it given what I've heard to date it would seem crazy for the HO to appeal but you never know so lets not drop our guard just yet. Still have that party for Satch we've all been promising ourselves anyway - you all, and of course he, deserves it. I will catch up later you can be sure of that.

 

In the meantime I am sitting in Melbourne with about three different drinks and having our own small celebration. And yes Polar Bear we do have Highland Park and so I will raise a glass and have one with you, that would be an honour. You are a gentleman. Your help and kindness have been immesurably important to us. You did not have to take on this fight and give your time and expertise to it but you did and that speaks volumes about you as a person in my opinion. Just one of many amazing people we have met over the past few weeks.

 

The fight to ensure Sakchai does indeed stay and to make those accountable for the pain and incredible uncertainty they have caused him over the past month or so will go on, but for now relax for a wee while anyway and enjoy this incredible victory.

 

To hear Satch speaking last night showed my why we did this and how important it was to win. Whatever anyone says I for one believe he was worth fighting for and to hear what he said last night confirms it was worth every sleepless night and stressful / emotional moment and that he is indeed a great credit and asset to our community.

 

Of course there are others to fight for now. Its easy to say that we should do it, but not so easy to actually do - especially when we dont know who we are fighting for. Sure we have one or two names but there must be many many more and no doubt will be more in the future. Do we therefore fight single cases or go for a more widespread approach. Alistair Carmichael certainly seems to be hinting at this and i tend to agree.

 

How we also go about this from a distance (at least we could solicit local rallies, media mail shots etc etc in Sakchai's case) and from lack of definitive knowledge of who they are and where they are is also difficult. Sure we can use modern technology to lobby where this is known but for many of those in similar situations it this enough? I feel we would be chasing shadows in many cases at least. Perhaps we should use this success in a more general and generic sense and seriously lobby to get the Home Office to put an end to this current practise and if necessary the law that drives or it. Or at least seek to get it ammended to ensure that cases such as Sakchai can never happen again or at least less often - wishful thinking I know but perhaps that's where we can use our new found influence rather than seek to fight individual battles that we might not have much clout with.

 

Your thoughts would of course be appreciated.

 

Just before I go for now can I say a few thank you's

 

First to Sakchai himself for showing us just how mature and resourceful he is, especially under such pressure as he has faced over the past few weeks

 

To his family for being amazing at all times.

 

To Alistair Carmichael for his amazing a dedicated work and genuine commitment and downright friendly and caring approach - way and above the normal call of duty. You are a gentleman Alistair and I / we can only thank you from the bottom of our hearts. More to come but that will be for a future 'get-together'.

 

To Alexandra and his legal team. You were incredible and went way beyond our expectations for support of this kind.

 

To James, Joe, Shona and all at Clikckimin and SRT for their amazing contribution as employers and all round great human beings. You are a blueprint for what should be in this all too often corporate and uncaring world.

 

To Tavish for all his hard work and taking so many political risks to support Sakchai and this campaign.

 

To the SfS team especially Sakchai's pals. You are a credit to yourselves, your families, to young people in general and of course your community - Shetland. Be proud of yourselves - everyone else is. You have been totally dedicated and committed throughout and I know he is proud to call you his friends. You are an incredibly special bunch of folk and it is my pleasure to know you and to have worked alongside you all to achieve this result. You are the best for sure.

 

To Caroline, Sandra, Sam Leckie and all the others who have worked on the campaign team - you are amazing and it will not be fogotten by any of us - my round for sure.

 

To the guys at Shetlink for offering us an invaluable service and amazing support. You are somthing again and I dont know where we would be without you. My round again.

 

To the press for their unflagging interest and taking this thing so far for us. Especially Hans and his team, Radio Shetland and John Johnston, Jonathan and his team at the Shetland Times and Malcolm Younger and his team at Shetland Televison - thanks cannot begin to cover it. If it were not for you we would never have gone national or international in the first instance.

 

To all the national media - too many to mention but can I just single out Ken Banks at the BBC for his amazing contribution and Zoe and her team at GMTV for breaking the story nationally in the first instance, Rory (I know that's not how he spells it but he knows who I mean) at the Guardian and to all of you for your interest and, although only doing your jobs, given us the oxygen of publicity that this campaign so desperately needed.

 

The SIC for their support so crucial for community credibility.

 

To Chris and everyone sooth who gave up so much of their time to gather signatures and support the campaign in a national sense. Once a Shetlander always a Shetlander and you proved this - you were all amazing. Another round of drinks I owe. Cheap price to pay.

 

And of course to the other thousands of you who have made this such an overwhelming and unprecedented campaign. You were everything. If not for you its certain it bandwagon would not have rolled the way it did. We will probably never be able to thank you all individually but be proud of yourselves from Unst to Fair Isle and all points in between. You moved the mountains and they were massive indeed. Thank you - I simply dont know what else to say. You have been inspirational in every sense of the word. You have put the name Shetland on the international map for sure and in the most positive fashion.

 

Well I dont suppose you expected a short message so there we go. I make no apologies as usual.

 

In the meantime why not make your way to Sumburgh for 4.30 today and welcome Sakchai etc back and kick things off from there. Have a dram or two into the bargain you more than deserve it and are well worth it one and all.

 

I would of course love to be there but will do my own personal bit of liver damage at this end (drams flying at the moment anyway)

 

Cheers to you all. As I say still work to be done for Sakchai and others as promised but for now just go for it and enjoy this just result.

 

CHEERS!!!!!

[Styles]

Sakchai's made the front of today's Independent!!

 

http://members.lycos.co.uk/anonymouse1/indie.jpg

 

The Independent has 2 articles - one about the case and one in the political section about all the other Sakchais out there...

 

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/legal/article1166532.ece

 

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article1166619.ece

 

Its good he can stay, but I would not describe him as a local hero.

[RuthF]

Styles: I think the headline is playing with the title of the film by that name, more than anything. I think it's trying to highlight the power of a small community etc

 

Plus, I think that everyone who has been involved with this campaign has acted heroically; they have fought against injustice, and surely that's heroic?

[Styles]

Styles: I think the headline is playing with the title of the film by that name, more than anything. I think it's trying to highlight the power of a small community etc

 

Plus, I think that everyone who has been involved with this campaign has acted heroically; they have fought against injustice, and surely that's heroic?

 

I agree that everyone has acted heroically but it imply to me that he is a local hero with that headline, when he is not.

[breeksy]

I agree that everyone has acted heroically but it imply to me that he is a local hero with that headline, when he is not.

 

It's just what newspapers do. Don't worry about it. I think Sakchai will find (and chances are, hope that) his five minutes is over soon enough.

[aWordinyourEar]

The heartiest of Congratulations to all involved in the Sakchai Makao campaign to address Home Office injustice.

 

I'm over in Aberdeenshire and have followed the case keenly. Tears have been welling as I've read news reports about how hard your community has worked to achieve yesterday's triumph.

 

I've always had a bit of a fantasy image of the Shetlands, and you've just confirmed I was right. There's no excuse for me now not to visit and see how real superheroes make people feel welcome.

 

WELL DONE!!!!!http://www.grampianlife.co.uk/Forum/images/smiles/clapping3.gif

[derick]

Suggestions

 

Assumin HMG haes da guid sense no t'appeal, and

if dey ir ta be a pairty, mass triple jimp or whitever randan or idder mad celebration (DEFINITELY no fire festivals tho) ta celebrate.

how's aboot invitin

 

1 journalists wha ir run honest stories on dis cese?

and

2 MPs wha signed da EDM?

 

Dey wid laekly hae ta pey der owin fares, though

oh, and

3. stop

3a wait for it

3a(1) Ben Fogle

 

soary, joost kiddin aboot 3a(1).

1 an 2 wis serious though.

Derick

[DavieG]

Suggestions

 

Assumin HMG haes da guid sense no t'appeal, and

if dey ir ta be a pairty, mass triple jimp or whitever randan or idder mad celebration (DEFINITELY no fire festivals tho) ta celebrate.

how's aboot invitin

 

1 journalists wha ir run honest stories on dis cese?

and

2 MPs wha signed da EDM?

 

Dey wid laekly hae ta pey der owin fares, though

oh, and

3. stop

3a wait for it

3a(1) Ben Fogle

 

soary, joost kiddin aboot 3a(1).

1 an 2 wis serious though.

Derick

 

Couldn't agree more Derik. Journalists both local and national played an invaluable role in this result. They will of course say they were only doing their job but in truth I think it went beyond that and we saw the good side of the press throughout this campaign, from all sides.

 

Thanks especially to the local media, and indeed the national BBC, who kept the story boiling till the other nationals came on board.

 

This of course then had a knock on effect in terms of the political support, again an invaluable asset.

 

I think for me it reached it nadir when I got a call for a live interview with Peter Sissons no less at three in the morning this morning Australia time. Think it went ok but unfortunately they called on the back of a rather 'lively' celebration at my sisters house in Melbourne. Dont think he noticed though.

 

Then of course there were all those like Polar Bear who helped keep us on the right track in terms of how to conduct the political aspects of the campaign for maximum effect. Amazing too!!!!

 

They will not be forgotten when the time comes I can assure you and them.

 

Davie

[peeriebryan]

Email sent to Shetlink

 

Just a quick note to register my respect for all those people on Shetland who supported Sakchai Makao. Yes, he deserved to be jailed for what he did, but he also deserved to be received back into his community when his subject was over.

 

Raising fires is, after all, a serious matter that can lead to people being harmed. But I cannot understand how a man, a human being, who has lived in this country almost his entire life can find that he is subject to deportation.

 

The words 'easy' and 'target' spring to mind.

 

Your islands are a credit to Britain.

[derick]

 

Do we therefore fight single cases or go for a more widespread approach. Alistair Carmichael certainly seems to be hinting at this and i tend to agree.

 

 

Maybe a peerie bit o both, as another single case, chosen carefully, could help a wider approach.

 

Leaving the wider/political approach to others:

 

Publicising even one or two more cases like Sakchai's - where people who have lived in the UK since childhood, and committed a single out of character offence, would reinforce the folly of the "Government" approach.

 

The Ernesto Leal case is the only one I am aware of - maybe the SFS team know of others, though? Leal has the support of his MP, Diane Abbot, which is a big help.

 

Presume that once Sakchai's legal costs etc are paid there will not be a lot of money, if any, left over from that raised for SFS. Obviously this is for the trustees to decide, but how about using a little of that for a public donation to the Leal campaign (or a.n. other)??

 

It would be a bit like hammering in a nail - the hammer is not that heavy, but if you keep hitting it in the same place, it goes in.

 

Derick

[Fifi]

Sakchai's made the front of today's Independent!!

Hmm, when I said that I didn't realise I'd made page 2! 8O I saw a bold headline - 'Shetland's shown world it is made of strong stuff' - and stupidly thought, ooh that's a coincidence. I said similar on Shetlink recently... doh! Then spotted two quoted posts from Shetlink, one from Radar-man and one from myself.

 

I've remarked before on the pivotal role that Shetlink and the Shetlink guys have played in disseminating information and galvanising support, etc but this is what Maxine Frith of the Independent said:

 

"... Within minutes, the news had begun to spread through the island's community of 22,000, more than a third of whom had signed the petition protesting about his deportation. Email messages flooded into the Shetlink website which, alongside more traditional subject matters such as the demise of the Lerwick carnival and rants about anti-social motorists, had kept a running log of the case."

 

So when it was said that the eyes of the world were on us and journalists were reading this forum, they weren't wrong!

 

Congratulations again to Bryan and all the Shetlink guys. You probably never realised on conception what an important role your baby was going to have in such an important issue, and now it's being talked about in the national media.

 

Also, email from Allison Milligan in Edinburgh whose son went to school with Sakchai:

 

"Well Done to everyone in Shetland and beyond! To Sakchai we are so happy! Andrew is thrilled for him! We have just come back from holiday in Italy so the news is great!"

[vailron]

now that you have won this battle, you will of course be campaining for all the others in the same situation

[Sam]

I agree, without Shetlink and our MP the outcome and support may not have been so well covered.

 

Shetlink have been wonderfull by letting their webpage being 'taken over' by the subject. The good thing is that people from all over the world have been watching how Shetland works and the things we do and say have been read by all.

 

I'm sure the people looking have read all the diffrent subjects too, giving them the feel on how we all act.

 

Well done Shetlink!