A striking photograph across two pages of the magazine as a convoy of long lorries and white ambulances drives along against a bleak background of leafless trees. The caption informs us that this is the largest convoy of hope wending its way over the plains of Belarus. The pictures and article, both by Airman Colm Douglas of the Air Corps Transport Section, Baldonnel, tell of the errand of mercy to the children of Belarus which started from Dublin last April. He had been involved in Adi Roche's wonderful scheme before, but this was his first trip.
He reminds us that the reactor in Chernobyl is still emitting radiation; the concrete casing put around it is leaking. Belarus, the country most affected, was their destination; 30 vehicles in all. Some delays on the way, but at the borders of Belarus the convoy was put into a compound until all customs clearance had been given. "After a few hours, spirits rose, the music started, and we drank, ate and generally enjoyed ourselves." They caused some astonishment by holding a Mass right beside the customs post, and then had a football match with some Russian truck drivers.
There was stalemate, and the convoy nearly turned for home; but on the third day they got through to the Novinki Institute housing mentally and physically handicapped children. Conditions, he writes, were unbelievable. That day was the 11th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Many of the Irish party joined in a commemoration march being held in Minsk. There is a great deal more in this article which appeared in the August issue of An Cosantoir, The Defence Forces Magazine, which regularly covers the international peace-keeping role our men and women in green carry out.
Airman Douglas was on his own, in this case, and in spite of all the incidents says he would not hesitate to go again. The smiles on the faces of the children when they see that someone cares and that they are not forgotten, makes it all worthwhile. Chernobyl Children's Project, P.O. Box Z11, Cork; or phone 021-506411, fax 021-5511544. There is an editorial note at the bottom of the article, saying that a large number of the photographs were found too distressful to publish... "children wasting away from various radiation-related illnesses", other deformities caused by genetic damage.