Newsbrief: Indians given a helping hand

A group of Amazonian Indians from Equador who travelled to London to raise funds for a reforestation project have had their passports and return plane tickets returned.

The Shuar tribespeople had their travel documents confiscated after they failed to meet a pounds 300 hotel bill. Victoria Paterson of Buckinghamshire learned of their situation after it was featured in Independent London, and has paid pounds 100 towards the debt.

The group are seeking an import licence to allow them to sell their handicrafts, and are staging a performance of traditional music and dance on 23 July to raise awareness about their work.

The Indians have received offers of help but have been unable to reply to all callers due to an administrative error. Anyone wishing to assist them should contact Bobby Armstrong on 071-813 1378.