Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

Dear Friends
We often put our head in the sand when it comes to hearing bad news. It's human nature. We get overloaded with it and just don't want to hear the "bad stuff" anymore. I overheard a group of women yesterday saying how they just couldn't face listening to the news or reading the newspapers anymore. It was just too depressing.

The political unrest in Kenya has gone on for over a month now and people are fed up with not being able to live their normal lives. Many people are frightened and confused, so they have a tendency to "switch off."

However, when you are living in areas of conflict where situations can arise at anytime, it is crucial that you keep informed at all times. You should listen to all news bulletins put out by the local media, read the newspapers, watch the news, call your regional security officer at your local embassy, contact your security company for updates and sign up for security news bulletins. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself caught up in a dangerous situation.

Kenya is Crying

Kenya is Crying is the title of the picture on the left, sent to me via e-mail today. I think it summarizes how the majority of people feel concerning the ongoing violence and deaths that are occurring unnecessarily. It is truly heartbreaking to see our country and our people suffering so much.

All of the staff at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School send their condolences to all of those that have lost loved ones and friends during this time. We send prayers for those that are displaced and have lost their homes.

We plead to all those that live within the borders of Kenya, to reach out to their fellow Kenyans, no matter what their tribe is or who they voted for. We are all Kenyans and are one family. Violence is never the answer. Peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. Please pull together and pray for Amani (Peace).

Dakar Rally Countdown to Cancellation

Dear Friends

We were recently sent the above time line published in Jan 10, 2008 version of Autosport Magazine, pertaining to the events leading up to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. Glen Edmunds is waiting to hear from the ASO, the French organizing committee, regarding the future of the Dakar Rally event as well as repatriation of funds lost due to the cancellation. He and his team "Kenya Kwanza" are trying to figure out exactly what to do next that will suit the car, the team as well as fit into our busy schedule at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School. Some of the event options for "Kenya Kwanza" are competing in races in the following countries:

1. St Petersburg, Russia to Bejing, China
2. Aregentina
3. Morocco

Keep reading the blog and our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com to see what the future holds for Glen Edmunds and his "Kenya Kwanza" team! Let us hear from you! We'd love to hear your views.

Glen Edmunds Offers New Security Driving Course!

Like everyone, we are deeply saddened by the recent events in Kenya. We can only hope and pray that the violence and destruction will end and peace & unity will be restored very soon. Meanwhile, it's critical to be informed of security issues at all times. If you are traveling, contact your local embassy or police hotline for current information before your departure.

In order to help everyone during these troubled times, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has developed a new course that is specifically designed for those people that want to learn how to stay safe in hostile and unexpected crisis situations. Topics include: understanding mob mentality, what to do if you are caught up in a riot, dealing with illegal road blocks, driving through fire/tear gas, vehicle control under threat and much more. Contact us for further information, price and course schedule.

DAKAR RALLY CANCELLED

Glen Edmunds and Dez Page-Morris were bitterly disappointed about the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. There had been so much work and effort in the preparation for the last 12 months and they had already passed the difficult part of scrutineering. The car was parked in parc ferme and all was in place to start the race. The cancellation was received 12 hours prior to the start. The French governing body of the event (the ASO) blamed the cancellation on terrorist threats from Al-Quaida cells in Mauritania. To read the full report log onto http://www.glenedmunds.com/diary.html