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By Humphrey Carter THOUSANDS of people across the Balearics yesterday held three minute's silence in memory of the tens of thousands of victims of the South East Asia seaquake.

The mid-day memorial was called by the European Union and from Palma to Ibiza, Minorca and across Europe millions stopped what they were doing to spare a thought for those who perished in the disaster.

MINISTERS
A number of Balearic ministers gathered outside the Consulat del Mar government building in Palma, civil servants and staff joined the Balearic governor general in silence as did staff and councillors at the Majorca Council offices.

At the British Consulate, where the Union Flag if flying at half mast, staff joined the Consul in three minutes' silence.
In an official statement on behalf of the Balearic people, the local government said “the government, along with all the entire population, wants to do what if it can to help the countries affected.” Balearic vice-president Rosa Estaras joined local councillors and staff at Manacor Town Hall for the memorial.
In Inca, the Mayor was joined by councillors and staff - as they at town halls did across Majorca, Ibiza and Minorca where the flags are flying at half mast.

More and more fund raising events are being organised and money is continuing to poor into the charities and non governmental organisations like the Spanish Red Cross Balearic branch and Unicef.

Efforts to hold the charity cricket match on January 22 at the Mallorca Cricket Club are being stepped up while at least one golf tournament at the Alcanada club on February 5 is being held to raise funds.

There are still a number of Majorca residents, most of them British, Swiss and German, in the disaster zones, but fortunately the majority are safe and sound and expected to return to the island within the next week.

Many of those coming back are urging people to go to Thailand for example, on holiday to spend money and help the re-building operation.