Protest organisers urged not to undo good work
THE organisers of a protest on Saturday to support the Black Lives Matter movement have been urged by the States to liaise with Law Enforcement to ensure it does not breach public health guidelines.
More than 500 islanders have indicated on social media they could attend.
Under the regulations of phase four of the easing of lockdown, no more than 30 people can meet for a social gathering.
The event page does recommend that people socially distance during the protest and take other precautions.
The solidarity protest is listed on social media as taking place at North Beach at noon on Saturday. Around 200 people have said they are going, with more than 300 interested in doing so.
The Guernsey Press made contact with the organiser of the event and the founder of the Guernsey Black Lives Matter page. One responded, stating they were getting in contact with Guernsey Police.
The States spokesman said given what was happening in the world, it was completely understandable that islanders would want to show support and solidarity with the global community on the issue.
‘It is very much in the spirit of #GuernseyTogether to stand by those who have experienced racism and inequality – overt or casual,’ he said.
‘But our community has also worked incredibly hard to reach the stage we’re at in our response to the Covid-19 pandemic and while we’ve made tremendous progress we’re at a crucial point and the next few days will be decisive for if and when we move to phase five.
‘We would ask organisers to liaise closely with Law Enforcement to ensure those taking part comply with public health requirements and minimise any risk of spreading the virus. Provided this can be achieved, we wish the event every success.’
The Guernsey Black Lives Matter page lists the reason for the event.
‘We are holding a peaceful protest against anti-black racism and police brutality within the United States and worldwide,’ it said.
‘We want to remember and honour the black people who have lost their lives to police violence in shockingly disproportionate numbers, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Tamir Rice, Ramarley Graham, and so many others.
‘This is a peaceful, static protest that will not involve a march. The purpose of the protest is to raise awareness of the issues of racist police violence and show solidarity with black people in our local community and globally. We need to show the black community that they are not alone and encourage white people to question their racial privilege and history.’
The event includes health and safety information, advising everyone to socially distance themselves from individuals outside their bubble and to wear a face mask or similar to cover their face during the protest, as there will be chanting.
Over the weekend protests have taken place across the UK, connected with the Black Lives Matter campaign. There have been concerns about such large gatherings taking place during the pandemic and police in Northern Ireland have handed out a significant number of fines to people taking part in protests due to the pandemic rules.
