Guernsey digs deep to help tsunami victims

ISLANDERS' donations for victims of the Asian tsunami are expected to reach the '100,000 mark. The appeal, which has been open for only a few days, has seen money flood in from Guernsey people, many of whom were said to have foregone their New Year celebrations in order to give more.

Bailiff Sir de Vic Carey said that by New Year's Eve afternoon, islanders had already given in excess of '70,000.

'I am overwhelmed,' said Sir de Vic.

'The cheques have been pouring in. Logistics make it impossible for me to write to every member of the public who has given, so I thank you all.

'I am very touched by the Guernsey response yet again which I am sure will turn out to be way above average. Treasury staff have done a wonderful job and I am pleased that people have taken the effort to collect the money together.

'I think we can say with a degree of confidence that it will reach '100,000.'

The Bailiff said that the appeal would stay open for as long as necessary.

'I think it will be long term. I don't feel able to run more than one appeal at a time but this is for the people of Guernsey to put a label on their giving.

'We have had a lot of money given in and also to the banks; on Friday there were 84 envelopes in the post alone and I know that people were queuing at the banks.'

Deputy chief minister Bernard Flouquet said the tragedy had been brought closer to home with the knowledge that Deputies Peter Roffey and Jean Pritchard had been caught up in the tsunami.

'They will be receiving letters on behalf of all States members and I hope they will recover from the trauma.'

Deputy Brian Gabriel paid tribute to islanders for their instant reaction to the appeal.

'Well done to the public who raised '40,000 in two days. I heard of many people who did not go out on New Year's Eve and put the money that they saved towards the appeal.'

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Canon Paul Mellor, the Catholic Dean, the Very Rev. Canon Gerard Hetherington, Methodist Superintendent the Rev. Ian Suttie, Pastor Jonathon Le Tocq of the Free Church Council, the Rev. Graham Beebee of the Church of Scotland and Captain Christopher Herbert from the Salvation Army issued a joint statement calling for support for countries devastated by the tidal wave.

'We would like all to know that this provision will be available for church and non-church people to use if they wish,' said Canon Mellor.

'Many churches will send donations via the Bailiff's Emergency Fund, while others with agencies working in the area, such as Cafod for the Catholic Church, the Salvation Army through its officers in the field and the Methodist churches through Action by Churches Together, will use their organisations to speed donations through.

'The united message of all the church leaders is 'be generous in helping our suffering neighbours'.'

Guernsey Post is informing customers that a 999 PO box has been set up by Royal Mail to speed donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for those affected by the tsunami.

Cheques made payable to the DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal should be mailed to the appeal at PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA.

Cash donations can also be made at all Guernsey Post offices but the company cannot accept cheques for the appeal.

DEPUTIES Peter Roffey and Jean Pritchard returned home to an emotional welcome yesterday.

Since being injured in the tsunami a week ago, they and Deputy Pritchard's daughter Azy have been in Sri Lanka.

'It's been a pretty scary week but it's good to be home,' said Deputy Pritchard.

Her daughter Abi and boyfriend Alex, son Sam and his wife Tracey, Deputy Roffey's mother, Pam, and friends Carol Steere, and Deputy Eric Walters were among those at the airport.

'We are just so lucky to have them all back, I just can't believe it,' said Mrs Roffey as she waited.

Deputy Pritchard was taken into the terminal by wheelchair but Deputy Roffey walked unaided.

He was hugged gently by his mother because of injuries to his chest and shoulder and also had dressings on his right hand.

They arrived from Gatwick on an Aurigny flight just after 12.30pm. They had flown in from Sri Lanka to Heathrow late on Saturday evening but needed medical treatment before the final leg of their journey.

Deputy Roffey thanked Azy who, he said, had looked after them marvellously.

'We're all just happy to be home,' he said.