The national day today has been marked in St Peter Port by Ukrainian flags flying from the Constables’ Office and from the Weighbridge roundabout.
The flag in Lefebvre Street was hoisted by Anna Konstantynova, alongside her mother Alla Vasyleha.
Mrs Konstantynova has been in Guernsey since April 2022 on the family visa scheme, with her mother joining her the following year.
‘I really wanted to do this because I never had the opportunity while I was in Ukraine,’ said Mrs Konstantynova.
‘We usually celebrate independence day in our traditional dress and have a big concert and we will just raise a flag from our balcony. It’s nice to have the opportunity to spread the word and raise awareness in Guernsey.’
Mrs Konstantynova said she had found community among fellow Ukrainians in the island, some of whom arrived 20 years ago, and others more recently.
She said that while her first year in the island had its challenges, she had volunteered with Humanitarian Aid Guernsey and as a translator to meet other Ukrainians and help them settle into the island.
Mrs Konstantynova and Ms Vasyleha still have family members living in Ukraine. ‘Some of them are of pension age and they don’t want to move anywhere because that is their home. It’s the only place they’ve ever lived and they don’t know any other language,’ said Mrs Konstantynova. She checks the news each morning to make sure her family and friends are OK.
‘I want to thank the Guernsey people for taking part in the visa sponsorship scheme, inviting Ukrainians into their homes where many still live today,’ said Mrs Konstantynova. ‘It’s such a big impact from such a small island.’
The flag raising was organised by St Peter Port douzenier Evita Bormane, who is originally from Latvia.
‘Community is really, really precious. It’s such a simple thing that can make such a big difference for somebody else and if I can do it then it’s my honour to do so,’ said Ms Bormane.
Ms Bormane said she felt a kinship with those from continental Europe living locally.
‘When you see or hear that somebody is from Europe, straight away you go “that’s my brother” or “that’s my sister”. Even if they’re not from my country, there’s a closeness that’s always been there,’ she said.
Mrs Konstantynova said it was heartening to see the Ukrainian flag flown in various parts of the island.
‘When we first came and saw the flag at Swoffers, it was such a good feeling. It makes us feel like we are integrated in the community and that we are accepted here,’ she said.
Ms Bormane has arranged the hoisting of the Ukrainian flag since the war broke out in 2022 and she says there is no end date for the annual act. ‘I felt I needed to do something and thought this was the least I could do.’
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