A MESSAGE FROM JEAN MacCOLL

18 April 2004

Dear Friends

You will now have read how our visit to Cozumel and México City went. We could not have anticipated so much understanding and support from the Méxican authorities. Most ministers were unaware of the tragedy and horrified at subsequent events.

Before going we had great difficulties in getting visas. John (Dalby), who has been my support from the first dreadful night I heard of the accident, and I went out on March 5th not knowing if our tourist visas were adequate or whether anyone would be following us on the March 8th. However, flights had already been booked and we could not afford not to go. We went out on a wing and a prayer so to see the rest of our party and the BBC crew turn up a few days later was a cause for celebration.

Fred (Shortland) who has been coordinating the campaign strategy and legal affairs told me that if we could place new evidence with the Federal Prosecutor before leaving Cozumel, we would have accomplished our immediate task. Well, we did, although the prosecutor rejected it at first. Our lawyer was persistent and finally the prosecutor agreed to accept it. Later we heard that the local Chief of Police was interested and wanted a copy of the document. I also had a phone call from the Secretary of State of Quintana Roo offering his condolences and regret that no one had contacted me in three years. He offered help in anyway he could. So that evening, for the first time in over three years, I felt that we were making progress. We all had an evening meal together and John played a slightly out of tune keyboard piano.

Now we had to go México City. Fred warned me that, despite his efforts and weeks of preparation, no actual meetings had been confirmed despite persistent and on going requests to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British Embassy in México and the President of México's office. The BBC crew had to leave us regretfully because their budget did not cover a longer stay. By this time, they were very much part of the justice for Kirsty campaign. Then the meetings came up on a daily basis as the office of the President had taken our meeting requests on board and deputed a Minister from the Government to organise and coordinate our meetings. The months of high profile and persistent lobbying and support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had finally paid off and we secured every one of our requested meetings at the highest level, a significant achievement.

The overriding impression was one of deep sympathy. The Méxican authorities were appalled at the way the case had been dealt with. Most, if not all, had not heard of the accident. It only became news when we all started our campaign. Positive results from the Minister of Tourism who thanked us for coming and asked what he could do to make diving safer throughout México. Our final meetings were with the Attorney General, the President's representative Dr Laura Carrera Lugo at the Presidents official Residence and the British Embassy.

John and I were anxious to come back with the rest of the team the next day and not to wait four days. Ever conscious of the expense, we were dependent on willing friends trying to change our flights. Again, after many non-productive calls, we were able to travel with everyone else at the very last minute.

The Méxicans have asked us to make the Justice for Kirsty Campaign a registered charity/ foundation, which will
broaden and strengthen our campaign in México and throughout the world. We intend to do this.

None of this could have been achieved without your help. Every single one of you has played their part. We have been noticed, the Méxican and British media has covered our campaign, the judiciary will re-examine he evidence, the laws protecting divers will be implemented and there will be stricter laws for power boats.

After more than three years we have succeeded together in bringing new evidence to the Federal Prosecutor. The end of part one has been successfully accomplished. But we cannot rest on our laurels, as the Federal Prosecutors office now have to decide to open a new case.

Whilst we accomplished a great deal in México one key objective was not realised, and that was a personal meeting with Guillermo Gonzalez Nova the Capitan of the boat that killed Kirsty who was on board that fatal day. Despite repeated requests to meet me on a one to one without lawyers present he chose to ignore me!

Not to be deterred I wrote him a personal letter which has been hand delivered to him in person and to date I regret to advise I have not had the courtesy of an acknowledgement or reply.

Part two; the final part is just beginning. This is what we have been waiting for. Recognition of our case and justice. In the meantime we must continue to lobby and campaign until justice is finally achieved.

As always, I need to raise more funds to continue the campaign, leaflets still need to be sent, more campaign letters must be written to maintain and increase the momentum and pressure.

We are not letting up in our endeavours until those responsible for Kristy's death are brought to justice.

Will you remain with us so that we can have a final celebration that we achieved justice for Kirsty?

It is difficult for me to ask you to do more when you have already done so much but whilst I do what I can I cannot do it alone and I need your ongoing support.

With thanks

Jean MacColl