Today, PPI Fellow Rory O’Neil updates us on the first day of the PPI-Cyprus’ teams training visit to Belfast. Click here for more information.
The PPI-CY and PPI-NI teams pose with Northern Ireland MLA Basil McCrea (center) outside the Stormont Parliament Buildings in Belfast.
Day #1 was an action-packed, information-filled, discussion-dominated day for PPI-CY in their coaches’ training trip to Belfast. For some, the day started with an all-nighter watching the Super Bowl in a hotel room in London’s Heathrow Airport, while for others it began with a pleasant Belfast morning at the Holiday Inn Express on University Street.
PPI-NI MD Gareth Harper holds court at the PeacePlayers offices in Belfast.
An exchange of gifts – Agros-made Zinvania (a traditional beverage) and home-made olive-oil from Cyprus – began the day, followed by a discussion with the PPI – NI team of common challenges, successes, and strategies. After a quick lunch at the Belfast Empire on Botanic Avenue, just around the corner from PPI-NI’s offices, the entire traveling party of 14 made it’s way to the Parliament Buildings at Stormont for a tour of the premises, meetings with numerous PPI-CY acquaintances, and a 10 minute sit-in on the live-action of the Northern Ireland Assembly as bills and measures were debated on the floor.
Gareth Harper, PPI-NI’s Managing Director, impressed his Mediterranean visitors by showcasing PPI – NI’s Board Members, stakeholders, and other “friends of the program” as they roamed the halls of Stormont. The evening was finished off by a lively dinner at the restaraunt “Made in Belfast” with the entire group, including some members of PPI-NI’s Board of Directors. Toasts were made, laughs were had, stories and perspectives exchanged, and Day #1 of PPI-CY’s visist to Northern Ireland came to a wonderful end.
Sinn Fein MLF Barry McElduff Addresses the PeacePlayers contingent during their visit to Stormont.
The contingent was greated by a blast from the past, former PPI-CY Fellow Chris Sumner (in the blue hat), who made a suprise visit to join the group for lunch.
Coach Tsolakis standing under the statue of Lord Carson, in front of Stormont.
PPI-NI Board Chairman, Jim Magowan brings the day to a close by toasting the Cypriot visitors. I think we heard the words "You're very welcome" about 10 times.
Click here to read about PPI-CY’s next day in Northern Ireland.
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