'Accepting refugees should be choice of individuals'
FAMILIES should be allowed to open their homes to Syrian refugees, the organiser of an equality march said yesterday, as around 20 people united to show Guernsey was a 'welcoming and inclusive' island.
Yesterday's Guernsey for Equality walk attracted people of all ages and backgrounds, who wanted to demonstrate the island's tolerance, following the national and international media storm caused by comments by Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq.
Gayla Wright, who was behind the march, said she wanted to send the message that anyone was welcome, if they wanted to make Guernsey their home.
'We believe Guernsey to be an inclusive and welcoming place to anybody regardless of religion or beliefs,' she said.
'If they want to call Guernsey their home, they will be welcome.'
Miss Wright said she understood the reasons behind the decision why Guernsey was not participating in the UK Government's Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, but she believed it was down to the lack of supporting infrastructure, rather than the recent comments, which were taken 'out of context'.
She still believed some people should be able to open up their homes to refugees if they wished.
