WATCH: 'From people collecting our bins and rubbish to pharmacists and our carers in all health settings, this is for them'
GUERNSEY'S emergency frontline staff joined in tonight's [Thursday] show of appreciation with a resounding round of applause for the islands' carers.
Guernsey Police, Guernsey Border Agency, Guernsey Fire & Rescue and St John Ambulance came together outside the Princess Elizabeth Hospital at 8pm to say thank you to local health staff and other key workers by clapping for two minutes as part of the Clap for Carers initiative that has swept the world during the Covid-19 crisis.
Fire engines were using their aerial ladder, the police cars had their flashing blue lights on and the ambulance arrived donning a newly rainbow printed 'Guernsey together, together stronger', with about 30 officers, firemen and paramedics using social distancing measures to take part.
Chief fire officer Jon Le Page said clapping was a great way for all islanders, including themselves, to show their support.
'It's a such good thing to do,' he said.
'When we've been out, we've noticed people clapping on their doorsteps and we wanted to show them that as well as being grateful to see their support for what we are doing, that also we appreciate everything that frontline staff are doing too.
'We're on duty at the moment and luckily we've had no call-outs to be able to come here and do this.'
Chief ambulance officer at St John Ambulance Guernsey Mark Mapp said he had joined in to show support for both his staff and everyone who was on the frontline.
'Coming here and clapping is for everyone,' he said.
'From people collecting our bins and rubbish to pharmacists and our carers in all health settings, this is for them, it's a way of showing what Guernsey together means.'
Head of Bailiwick law enforcement Ruari Hardy agreed.
'It's right to support our frontline,' he said.
'Being able to display what we think of them in some way, such as clapping here tonight, is a show of solidarity.'
For three weeks on the run, thousands of people in the island have been clapping, cheering, whooping and honking their horns, with some even playing musical instruments, to say thanks to carers
