Police chief praises organisers of Black Lives Matter protest

Until 20 June Guernsey is still in phase four, which means that gatherings cannot exceed 30 people, unless they are for weddings and funerals.

But more than 300 people had said they were going to the protest, which had been due to take place this Saturday.

However, with Guernsey moving to phase five next week and the removal of restrictions on gatherings, the group has agreed to move the protest to 20 June.

Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby said she understood the local desire to support the Black Lives Matter movement. But she also highlighted that if the event had gone ahead tomorrow, it would have been an illegal gathering.

She said some people had contacted the States, concerned about the plans.

‘However, I am very pleased to say that the organisers, having been given advanced notice of our decision yesterday, have agreed to move the event to the following Saturday,’ she said.

‘We are very grateful to them for doing this and showing their commitment to #GuernseyTogether. It epitomises what I have seen over the last few months.’

A spokesman for the Guernsey Black Lives Matter movement said it was important to spread the message, but also keep everyone safe.

‘I’m glad that the protest was mentioned in the briefing today as it also brings more publicity to the protest that wouldn’t have been reached from just Facebook alone,’ he said.

Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy said the force stood alongside those who were appalled and horrified by how George Floyd lost his life in the USA.

‘We all wish to see justice and accountability to follow,’ he said.

‘We fully understand that people within the Bailiwick are wishing to show their support for this global movement.’

He thanked the local protest organisers how they had listened and engaged with the authorities. He said Law Enforcement would now be working with the organisers to make sure the event was successful and safe.

‘Now it’s open to far more people, should they wish to join it,’ he said.

‘We are very, very pleased that we’ve managed to keep our local restrictions intact and that this demonstration did not take place in an unlawful way.’

He reminded islanders that any gathering of more than 30 people before 20 June would still be unlawful.

• The protest will be held at noon on Saturday 20 June, on the Quay between the Albert and Crown piers.