Racism is everybody’s struggle

One has validity. One does not.

The first is on the grounds of public health and the coronavirus. The instructions in phase 4 are clear: no gatherings of more than 30 people.

The island has done well out of following the lockdown rules to the letter. We have cantered out of lockdown and can only feel sorry for friends and relatives in the UK who are still a long way from getting their old lives back.

Organisers of the Black Lives Matter protest are keen to ensure that Saturday’s gathering is as safe as possible. Masks must be worn and social distancing rules observed.

However, all risk cannot be eliminated and those attending should acknowledge that. The rules are there for a reason.

The second argument set against the rally is that its cause has no relevance for Guernsey.

Critics argue that the killing of a black American, George Floyd, in Minneapolis has nothing to do with an island with no established record of police brutality against minorities.

Some take it further and say that, given the islands’ overwhelmingly white population, there is little opportunity for racism and no need to stir up unnecessary divisions.

This ‘head in the sand’ attitude has echoes of the climate change debate and claims that it was not Guernsey’s fight.

Critics of the anti-racist rally are equally wrong-headed. Racism is everybody’s struggle. And only when it is seen as a universal issue will it be resolved.

It may not have been a Guernsey officer who knelt on George Floyd’s neck for 8 mins and 46 seconds. But by showing revulsion for the action and the casual and systemic racism that lies behind it, islanders are part of a worldwide message that not only supports black people in this community but elsewhere.

#GuernseyTogether and the fight against Covid-19 has shown the power of a unified message. Using that power in a peaceful gathering to insist that racism in any form, and in any place, is unacceptable is always valid.