Manchester Arena, 22nd of May. What had to be a remarkable and joyful evening and highlight in the lives of so many, turned out in a tremendous tragedy.  How cowardly, how barbaric, how heartless to aim at those adolescents and children, loving parents, innocent people who just wanted to enjoy an evening of music, of pleasure, of being together.

I want to express my sincere condolences and support to the families and friends of those affected.  For those who have lost a loved one, for those who are injured and traumatised by the attack: our thoughts are with you. May all the children and youngsters who witnessed this horror, have the strength and positivism as well as a supportive and caring environment to overcome and this tragic experience.  Their lives should be carefree, their minds eager and curious to explore the world and all it has to offer.

Our solidarity goes out to the British people, to the people of Manchester.  
 
Let us also spread the heart-warming stories of families opening their houses for stranded people, of people helping each other out, of all those heroic aid workers and police men, of taxi drivers offering free rides to help out… We need to hear these stories: they show that they cannot ruin our solidarity, our strength.    

Cathy Berx
Governor of the Province of Antwerp