Suu Kyi

WESTERN BUREAU:

Hungry for freedom, democracy and harmony in their homeland, Burmese parents across the island placed Father's Day on the back burner yesterday, instead paying tribute to 'Mother of Burma,' imprisoned Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Suu Kyi won the general election in Myanmar in 1979, but has been under house arrest on and off for more than 19 years. She is currently under prison guard awaiting the verdict of a court case in which she was alleged to have broken the terms of her house arrest.

However, her supporters, many of whom are refugees, donned red 'Free Burma' T-shirts in solidarity, marking her 64th birthday celebration, while condemning the junta at a brunch in Montego Bay, St James.

Under the military dictatorship, some 2,000 people have been placed in prison.

"We strongly urge the junta to release DASSK (Suu Kyi) and all the political prisoners immediately and unconditionally. We want the military junta of Burma to honour the results of the 1990 general elections and seriously organise to form a new democratic government along with a sincere reconciliation process," said Dr Soe Naung on behalf of the group.

Although the Nobel Prize winner is holed up in jail thousands of miles away, photos displayed at the luncheon showcased a woman of strength and determination.

Leaders joined the call

Burmese fathers on Father's Day pay tribute to the Mother of Burma, imprisoned Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi. From left are Drs Pe Than Maung, Win Aung, Hla Tun OO and son Arthur K OO, Soe Naung and student Aye Paw Tun at Montego Freeport, St James, yesterday. - Photo by Janet Silvera

Burmese fathers joined the calls made by leaders all across the world, including former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actors and actresses, musicians and Nobel Peace laureates worldwide, for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

One of the first Burmese refugees to land on Jamaican soil, Dr Pe Than Maung, yesterday appealed for Jamaica and other Caribbean Community member states to have nothing to do with the dictatorship.

"These are people who took over our country to enrich themselves," he said. "We are occupied by our own security forces, the same people who swore to defend our country."

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com