A global initiative for fundraising by the resettled Bhutanese in the US has come forth to assist the earthquake victims for building shelters in most affected districts. In a statement of global call to the Nepali and Bhutanese diaspora, the initiative has urged to contribute whatever amount through Relief international(RI), an organization working to make permanent shelters for the victims to protect from the monsoon rain.
Relief international at work/Photo RI
According to the Initiative’s statement sent to BNS, Relief International works in five districts-Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Lamjung, Dolokha and Gorkha to expand the existing program of building shelters to those needy. So evey penny contributed to this relief work through RI shall be used to program activities.
The shelter recovery program is expected to provide sheltering solutions to 25000 families of those program areas.
According to Tika Sapkota, one of the initiators, the Bhutanese Diaspora can contribute significantly towards this humanitarian cause, as we too received same hospitality and care during our need for shelter in refugee camps. Relief International works in Nepal in partnership with other bigger donor and development partners like USAID, DFID and EU.
The appeal statement on behalf of this initiative also mentions about the transparency and accountability by RI in using the funds. Situation report of the ground work shall be published as the program continues, says the statement.
Flier of Initiative
The shelter recovery program can be further read here. A brochure for the funding need by RI’s recovery program details the critical level of recovery activities.
The statement concludes with this appeal:
We the resettled Bhutanese in the Diaspora appeal to all fellow Bhutanese as well as the Nepalese-Nepali inside and outside US to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Nepal by providing $5 per family monetary donations through Relief International (RI). Currently we the Bhutanese Americans are actively coordinating with Bhutanese and Nepalese communities inside and outside US under REWARD NEPAL GLOBAL INITIATIVE to help collect the donations to provide sustainable shelter to the victim families. Relief International staff members are currently providing training to the families to build durable shelters that can last through the ongoing monsoon and over the next few years.
Map showing the affected area with epicenter/Photo USGS.GOV
Earthquake measuring 5.6 on Ritcher scale hit Bhutan and Assam, with epicenter lying about 23km north of Basugaon in Assam according to US Geological survey. The earthquake was felt in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, and border towns of Phuntsholing, Gelephu and Samdrupjongkhar 7:05am Sunday. A resident in Gelephu told BNS over the phone that it was quite strong, stronger than felt in April this year.
A resident in Thimphu also reported the tremor to be stronger than last time that was very damaging in Nepal. “It could be a warning for another disaster in the Himalayan belt”, he said.
No any human casualties or property damage is reported yet.
Fort Worth Texas has won the fifth inter-state soccer securing a victory of 5-3 goals against Rochester in penalty shootouts during the final battle held on June 21, Sunday, in Nashville, TN.
Organizing committee hands over award to Fort Worth, TX team (Picture courtesy: Buddha)
The winner received a gold cup and cash prize of US $3500, while the first runner up was awarded with a silver cup and US $2500, according to one of the organizing committee members and US certified referee, Jitu Basnet.
Meanwhile, Prakash Magar from Texas received “man of the series award”. Manoj Basnet was declared the “best goalkeeper” and Keshav Bhattarai as the “highest scorer”. Likewise, Nebraska became the “fair team of the tournament”.
The Organization for Bhutanese Communities in America (OBCA) said it also sponsored various awards. “OBCA has proudly sponsored man of the series award, highest scorer award, best goalkeeper award and fair team of the tournament award in the fifth Bhutanese interstate soccer tournament at Nashville, TN,” newly elected OBCA’s vice-president, Dilip Dahal, wrote in his Facebook.
Various 40 teams from different states participated in the three-day tournament hosted by the Bhutanese Youths and Volunteers of Nashville, and coordinated by the Bhutanese American Sports Council.
A group of former Bhutanese soccer players from Atlanta, Georgia initiated the scheme of organizing interstate soccer tournament on annual basis in 2011 by organizing the first game in Atlanta, Georgia. The second and third tournaments were held in California and Texas respectively, while the fourth tournament was held in Erie, PA, last year.
The 8th Annual Convention of Association of Bhutanese in America, ABA- USA is going be held in Des Moines, Iowa, July 25-26, 2015.
‘The Bhutanese in Des Moines, Iowa has decided to host 2015, convention’, ABA has said in the press statement sent to the Bhutan News Service.
‘Community leaders and volunteers from various states including Canada are attending training cum workshop sessions on- suicide prevention and mental health, capacity building and Organizational Management; Project and Community Development methods’, states the statement.
‘One of the sessions of greater importance during this 8th Convention is going to be-sharing of successes, developments and activities from different city based Bhutanese communities. This forum discussion is intended to educate and build relationship between all the community organizations’, statement further reads.
The statement has stressed that the issue based interactive convention will also introduce new talented young local artists through cultural songs and dances. The organizing committee has extended the open invitation to every fellow Bhutanese residing in U.S. and Canada.
Nabin Khadka [email protected]( 515-681-0511),
Kishor Pradhan at [email protected](724-602-6283) and www.aba-usa.org are mentioned as point of contact and for information.
Vice-president of the Druk National Congress –Democratic (DNC-D), Karma Chhoejay, has resigned quitting his position and even not sustaining his general membership.
“After a lengthy verbal explanation in DNC-D exile office in Kakarvitta, I came to my own conclusion to tender resignation on June 5, 2015,” Chhoejay said in a press statement sent to the Bhutan News Service.
“Upon the trust and faith bestowed in me, I have served the party not only in the capacity of a common member, but also as the party’s vice president.”
According to him, during his tenure with the party, he has neither made any remarkable achievements nor defamed the party, but served sincerely and to the best of his ability.
He further said, “I am confident that I have not performed any of such acts that would have hurt the sentiments of all or any central committee members of the party. However, if there had been such incidents that had caused to misunderstanding or hurting the sentiments of our honorable members, I would like to beg for due apology for the human error.”
Chhoejay hasn’t said anything as regards to what he will be doing after quitting DNC-D.
The Druk National Congress (DNC) observed the party’s 21st foundation day in Kathmandu on June 16.
One minute silence was observed at the foundation day event to mourn the victims of recent earthquakes in Nepal.
“Butter lamps were lit in the memory of the earthquake victims. The party expressed its heartfelt condolence to the government and the people of Nepal, at the terrible loss of life,” Kesang Lhendup, DNC president, said in a statement.
DNC executives and members light candles on the occasion of party’s 21st foundation day in Kathmandu. Picture courtesy: DNC
On the occasion, Lhendup is learnt to have urged the political parties inside Bhutan and democrats to show more courage and resolve in consolidating the democratic gains thus far, and further assert the sovereign rights of people by engaging in legal campaign and political activism.
“The irony of Bhutanese ‘democracy’ is that pioneers and distinguish forebears of the democratic struggle were legally denied democratic rights, and excluded from participation in the political process,” added he. “The existence of political parties in exile is testimony to the level of political and civil freedoms in Bhutan.”
The party, which was founded on June 16, 1994 by late RK Dorji with the support from Bhutanese both inside and outside Bhutan, also demanded unconditional released on all political prisoners from Bhutan’s jails.
An official party Facebook page was also unveiled on the occasion
According to a press statement issued by Karna Gurung, press and publicity coordinator of the organization, representatives from 15 different States participated in the three-day convention. Craig Sanders, the UNHCR Representative in Nepal, Deep Raj Uprety, Senior External Relations Associate, UNHCR Sub-Office Damak and Dr. Shaligram Bhattarai, Program Coordinator from the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization, Nepal also participated in the convention.
Responding to a BNS query, newly elected chairperson said that OBCA would establish itself as a self-sufficient entity in five years from now.
DB Rai handing letter of appreciation to Craig Sanders, UNHCR representative in Nepal. Photo courtesy/Padam Bharati.
“The OBCA will work continuously in betterment of the Bhutanese communities in the United States creating the network, identifying the resources for refugees by partnering with the local organizations,” said Rai, adding – “OBCA is ready to work together with other Bhutanese organizations in the United States.”
The statement also quoted Sanders as saying, “More than 96 thousand of refugees have already started their new lives in eight different resettlement countries, with majority of 82 thousand refugees in USA.”
According to Sanders, UNHCR is expecting that the resettlement process is coming to an end by mid-2017 and around 12-13,000 refugees will remain in the camps waiting for other durable solutions.
“These remaining populations will be more vulnerable. The UNHCR is looking forward to opt a unique way to provide the humanitarian assistance to these population in the camps”, said Sanders, “Time has now come to work together with the resettled refugees to give solidarity and establish the support mechanisms to the remaining population in the camps as the UNHCR is globally facing financial constraints.”
According to the statement, Sanders also appreciated the efforts and the solidarity that has existed among the Bhutanese communities in the United States.
“The primary purpose of UNHCR is to see how Bhutanese community in US is doing, to let these people know the ongoing situation in the camps, and see the possibility of making a systematic communication channel between resettled refugee and remaining refugee in the camps back by UNHCR,” said Uprety while responding to a BNS query.
During the convention, Chairperson Rai handed over the appreciation letter to the UNHCR officials for supporting Bhutanese refugees for more than two decades and providing the third country resettlement opportunity for over 96 thousand refugees.
Meantime, the delegates updated activities from respective States in two years since the fourth convention in 2013. Various artists from different States also performed numerous cultural activities, dance, song, and poetry recitation in the program.
Parangkush Subedi shared the status of the mental and psychosocial health activities for the resettled refugees in America.
The UNHCR officials also screened the video messages from remaining refugee in the camps along with photos. In response, OBCA also presented the success stories of the resettled refugees in the United States, and later DJ Khaling, former Chairperson of the organization handed over the copy of the video to the UNHCR country representative, Sanders.
Other newly formed executive committees included Dillip Dahal – Vice-chairperson, Padam Bharati – Secretary, Aita Rai – Treasurer, Karna Gurung – Press & Publicity, Deepak Gajmeer – Cultural Secretary, Jitu Basnet – Sports & Youths.
Parangkush Subedi and BM Khaling served as election commissioner.
According to the statement, the first meeting of the executive committee will fill the other officer bearers.
Bhutanese Legacy Youth Club (BLYC) hosted the convention with help from other organizations, including the Beginners Community Support Groups (BCSC), Bhutanese American Sport Council (BASC), Bhutanese American Association of Houston (BAAH) Bhutanese Community of Abilene (BCA), Global Bhutanese Literary Organization (GBLO), and Bhutanese Creative Connection (BCC). The convention concluded with the screening of the movie, “Suruwat”, produced by OBCA.
OBCA was formed in Georgia, Atlanta in 2010 with the motive of supporting and settling the new arriving Bhutanese refugee in the United States.
Sherab (name changed) after passing 12th grade in Bhutan could not make it for higher education in the college and, willy-nilly, dropped his dream. Government’s requirement of aggregate in average of 63% for free education played on him.
Due to minimal annual income source from the agricultural harvests, his family could not try for his luck in India or some expensive private colleges in Thimphu. For Sherab nothing looked glittering in the town. He knocked doors of many private companies for some sort of employment. His resume did not get turn in the pile of applications from others like him.
Enthusiastic youths before the departure Paro Airport . Faces of migrant workers have been covered up based on their request.
By the end of the current 11th five year plan ending 2017, Bhutan will see about 120,000 jobseekers and government will have to create 82,000 jobs to maintain a full employment status, according to the Labor and Human Resources ministry, Thimphu.
Happiness-for him-the real Gross National Happiness- showered upon him when the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources decided to send Bhutanese workers to Qatar too. Sherab, called his parents in the village and shared the bliss and asked for their blessings. His parents sought loans and sold valuable commodities they possessed to make Nu.75,000 for the arrangement of foreign job. Finally he made it to Doha, Qatar in November 2014.
A country with around 650,000 population has sent about 720 Bhutanese for foreign employments mostly in the Middle East to work as physical laborers in construction sites and some other factories. About 18 in Thailand as teachers, according to the statement given by the Labor minister during Question Hour Session in May.
A report from the Kuensel that shows further flow of Bhutanese migrant workers
On 27th May 2015, Sherab who works for one of the facilities of Quality Retail Group of Companies got to read a news report carried by Kuensel, the national daily, ‘Govt. to send 400 more Bhutanese to Kuwait this year’. He could not believe Lynpo (Minister) Ngeema Sangay Tshempo conveying unexpected message during the Question Hour Session of the National Assembly, as carried by Kuensel, on the same day –
It reads, “Job seekers were sent to only those countries where there were Bhutanese embassies and missions. Ambassadors, where Bhutanese are working, have been asked constantly visit and update the status of our people. People have been recruited in hotel and renowned companies, where they don’t face problems”.
Fatigue Sherab, rolled eyes welled up with tears. He tried to remember if anyone from embassy, as said by the minister Ngeema, visited or called asking about the real fate of the Bhutanese workers in Doha. No. He looked towards the place where he and his friends are compelled to work for the companies owned by Indian Nationals.
Sherab says, ‘‘during the interview in Thimphu, I was assured better position. But on reaching here I was recruited as loader and unloader of the heavy loads. I am shocked to see we are being misinformed. Our skills are over exploited. Had there been proper documentation from the ministry of Labor and Human Resources, I would not have been perspiring outside in soaring temperature, 40 to 45 degree Celsius in average daily. Unfortunately we were not provided with any paper regarding job description but instead, assured my position verbally.”
His dissatisfaction doesn’t end here, and he further adds, “Minister cannot misinform public in Bhutan without actually evaluating our state and condition. During the process of interview we were told that we need to work 8 hours daily for six days. Any single hour worked over that would be paid separately as over-time (OT).”
Pointing at one of his friends sitting with him, Sherab says, “Norbu (name changed) is no less crying around the clock. There is no single day when we are made to work not less than 10hours a day. Forget about the over-time payment, we are not getting even the agreed basic pay on time. We were assured the medical treatment from the company’s side. That too is denied once we landed here. Forget, about changing the company or complaining about the way how we are being treated- they snatch our Pass Port and suspend from the job.”
When asked about all Bhutanese workers, he said; “I am bound to work and some of my friends do. Three friends, who came with us, already returned home. On this week of June 14th other two friends are following them. The company where around 57 Bhutanese workers are employed has poor living arrangement. The workers are living under the subhuman condition and in worsening health situation. We owe loan back home. Parents have sold what ever we had. We were here with a big hope. But, our own government’s insufficient research and misinformation withered our hope”.
It is learnt that one of their female co-workers bid adieu and went back on June 15th. Working continuously 10 hours per day for 6 days a week made her physically ill and could not continue the job. She did not receive the payment for one month and twelve days. She could not afford even for the air ticket to Paro. She is to land at Kolkata, West Bengal, and navigate bus route to Bhutan. Around two dozen Bhutanese women work in the Middle East.
“Had there been a contact center or a person to inform, her fate would not been so. Another friend is in the same state and preparing to leave. Housing has added another problem on to us. Our voice goes unheard. We are dealt harsh and labelled derogatorily. We were told a room for two. You know how we live? Six of us share a room!! Imagine the temperature. This has become the routine of our foreign job. Thanks contractors inside and outside the country”, says Sherab.
Sherab further reads the Kuensel and finds Minister Ngeema quoted as saying-“Even within Bhutan, private employees faced problems, such as not getting paid on time, and not being able to avail leave. We need not be surprised”.
Unemployment rate. Courtesy: Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan
“I am not only the one from Bhutan suffering such harsh work condition arranged by the government in the foreign land. I am sure everyone has same fate. I wish, this fact be untrue. I suspect someone from the Ministry of Labor and Human Resources made sinster agreement with the company we work with. And that, government is all receiving wrong updates and information about our condition here. Otherwise, who is letting our government in Thimphu know that we are being contacted by embassy or mission office and we are problem free?”
Sherab conveys message: “Sad to learn that, a country with small population of about 650,000 doesn’t have laws to regulate private companies and provide appropriate work compensations to the people. The honorable minister accepts private companies mistreating employees in Bhutan, per minister’s statement in the Kuensel, I may be wrong to expect any better treatment in the foreign soil. But, this is not the end of the Earth. Some better days with better opportunities are always expected”.
He feels proud of being a Bhutanese and says- “When I hear people saying -Bhutan being the Country of the Gross National Happiness I hold my head high even on the foreign land. My happy parents do not know how their son earns working in the foreign country. My words to those 400 aspiring Bhutanese youths, expecting green pasture here- you always think twice. Distance between ‘Expectation and Reality’ is infinity while working abroad.
जून १४,वाशिंगटन । भूटानी समाजलाई निस्स्वार्थ भावले सेवा प्रदान गर्ने उद्देश्यले स्थापना गरिएको समाजिक संस्था भूटानी समाज स्रोत केन्द्र (BCRC) वाशिंगटनको पाँचौ निर्वाचन सम्पन्न भएकोछ ।
फोस्टर लाईब्रेरी हलमा आयोजित निर्वाचन कार्यक्रम धनपति न्यौपानेको अध्यक्षतामा सम्पन्न भएको थियो । उक्त कार्यक्रममा समाजका अग्रहज व्यक्तित्व, बुद्धिजीवी र युवाहरूको उल्लेख्य उपस्थिति रहेको थियो ।
निर्वाचन कार्यक्रमका अध्यक्ष धनपति न्यौपानेका अनुसार २०१५-२०१७ का लागि पदाधिकारीहरू निर्विरोध निर्वाचित भएका छन् ।
यसरी निर्वाचित हुने पदाधिकारीहरुमा अध्यक्ष प्रल्हाद गुरुङ, उपाध्यक्ष धनलक्षी राई, सचिव दावा तामांग, कोषाध्यक्ष सागर होमगार्ड तथा बोड सदस्यहरू ज्ञनेन्द्र सुब्बा, टेक सुब्बा, गोपाल राई, तुल्सी दबाढी, शान्ता प्रधान र खड्क थापा रहेका छन् ।
निर्वाचित पदाधिकारीहरूले आफ्नो मनतव्यमा समाजप्रति बफादार भएर स्वंसेवकको भूमिका निर्वाह गर्ने प्रतिबद्धता जनाएका छन् ।
भूटानी समाज स्रोत केन्द्र (BCRC) वाशिंगटनका पूर्व अध्यक्ष युग दबाढीले आफ्नो कार्यकालमा भएको सफलताको विवरण प्रस्तुत गरे । केन्द्रका कमी कम्जोरीहरूमाथि पनि प्रकाश पर्दै उनले नवनिर्वाचित पदाधिकारीहरूलाई बधाई तथा कार्य सफलताको शुभकामना दिए ।
बिहान ११ बजेदेखि बेलुकी ३ बजेसम्म सन्चालित निर्वाचन कार्यक्रम सफलतापूर्वक सम्पन्न भएको जानकारी दिँदै निर्वाचन कार्यक्रमका अध्यक्ष न्यौपानेले कार्यक्रम समापन भएको घोषणा गरे ।
Chandra Rizal, 24, who was popularly known as Altine Chhetri among his friends, died of a car crash on June 7, Sunday in Clarkston, Georgia.
Chandra Rizal (Picture courtesy: Durga Khatri)
According to local police, Rizal’s high speed car crashed into a wooded area before it clipped the tops of many trees.
The family reported that they were notified five days after they filed the missing person report. Clarkston police also acknowledged that it failed to notify family on time, and called the family on Friday to apologize.
Rizal, who was an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Engineering, was last seen by his friends at Kathmandu Kitchen, a local restaurant owned and operated by Bhutanese, on June 6 just a few hours before he reportedly went missing.
Dozens of resettled Bhutanese, local community representatives and his friends attend the funeral ceremony on Friday, Durga Khatrai, his brother-in-law informed.
Rizal, who previously hailed from Bhutanese Refugee Camp, Beldangi-II, arrived in the United States through the federally funded third country resettlement program in 2008.
He was living with his father, a sister and a nephew.
