Anti-racist protest 'will be safe if we follow the rules'

More than 200 people have said they plan to attend the event on Saturday, and hundreds more have said they are interested.

The organiser, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted a recent local incident as proof that the protest was relevant in Guernsey.

‘I think it’s important to show the rest of the world and Guernsey itself that we as a community do not tolerate racism in any form,’ he said.

‘Recently a video went around on social media that highlighted this, which was a man calling one of my friends horrible names, telling him to “go home” etc. and the entirety of the responses to the video were hugely supportive of my friend.

‘I’m proud that our community can show support of people under fire by racists.’

He said he was not surprised by the level of support they had received.

‘I knew I could count on Guernsey as an island to show that we will not tolerate the racists who perform these horrific acts of violence upon the black community,’ he said.

Protests have erupted in the US and the UK in response to the death of George Floyd, who died after a law enforcement officer knelt on his neck almost nine minutes.

The large gatherings have led to concern about the spread of Covid-19. Under phase four, social gatherings in Guernsey must not exceed 30 people.

However, in Jersey this weekend more than 1,000 people knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in Jersey’s People’s Park in memory of Mr Floyd. They did so while social distancing

The organiser of the North Beach protest said precautions had been put in place to keep everyone involved safe.

‘We have recommendations on the Facebook event that state you must bring a face mask of some kind and it is essential to social distance with members of the public outside of your household,’ he said.

‘For this reason I’m not concerned at all about the effect of this protest on our current situation as long as people follow the rules that are set in place.’

The organiser said they have been liaising with the police.

Last week, Guernsey Police tweeted that it would allow protests that followed guidelines to go ahead.

‘We are here to serve all sections of our community and keep everyone safe and secure. Bailiwick Law Enforcement supports a right to peaceful protest but these must take place within public health guidelines,’ it said.

Bailiwick Law Enforcement said a statement issued by the National Police Chiefs Council reflected its position.

‘We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life.

‘Justice and accountability should follow,’ the statement said.

‘We are also appalled to see the violence and damage that has happened in so many US cities since then.

‘Our hearts go out to all those affected by these terrible events and hope that peace and order will soon be restored.’

The statement highlighted the importance of law enforcement using force proportionately and tackling racism, bias and discrimination.

The protest is due to take place on Saturday at noon on North Beach.