Migrants not refugees
SURELY in the past weeks many Guernsey residents will have been disgusted just as I have been by the violent behaviour exhibited by refugees from several countries who are all intent on getting their own way, regardless of the costs incurred by their actions to other countries' residents and the behaviour, particularly in Calais, is particularly deplorable and should not and must not be allowed to continue.
Their actions are such that the main charity, The Human Relief Foundation, visited Calais and found that the people there were not refugees at all, but economic migrants. They weren't starving and desperate at all. They were well off and had even made bonfires of the stuff donated by well-intentioned British donors. Needless to say the charity concerned has, I understand, withdrawn their help. Also, on BBC Question Time (15 October 2015) it was mentioned that a Muslim charity had also withdrawn aid to Calais because of the despicable actions of the camps occupants – need I mention more?
(Sarah Griffith and Martin Gavet please note.) On reading again the statement made by Mr Gavet when being interviewed by Paul Ainsworth, details of which were printed in the Guernsey Press on 13 October 2015, he states concerning the present refugee crisis, and I quote, 'People have various fears, all based on ignorance at the end of the day'. Can I suggest that after reading the information I have written which concerned the findings made by The Human Relief Foundation after visiting Calais, that there is more than a possibility that both he and Sarah Griffith could be the ignorant ones and not the general public like myself? May I suggest that the proposed convoy of 10 GuernseyBridge2Calais vans (9 and 16 November) be redirected to the legal camps in Jordan or Lebanon where they would be received by the true legal refugees who abided by the law in going there.
On 18 September 2015 a letter from Mons. Jean Joulan was printed with a request from this person that the people of Calais don't want the camps or the illegal migrants there and certainly not permanently. The writer also asked what permission Ms Griffith has from the French government to continue supplying sustenance to people who as we are aware commit criminal acts daily. As the lady gave the answer, and I quote. 'I don't think one has to ask for permission to try and help people in trouble'. Have the public in Guernsey to assume that if they are awarded an MBE they can travel anywhere in the world they wish, also doing as they wish?
What really saddens me is the undeniable fact that previous GuernseyBridge2 has helped people and especially children in many places and I have previously stated my admiration for what Sarah Griffith and her team of helpers have done in the past, but pandering to illegal criminals is not her forte. Many Guernsey residents may not have seen or read the Guernsey Press 'Your Shout' section available via the internet. There you would have read the following (from The Smiths) 21 October 2015: 'What about the thousands of women and children? Your attitude is typical of modern day Guernsey. Selfish.' To all the Gurns, remember The Smiths think we are all selfish. Makes me feel like I should stop giving the 20 or so donations I make to charities every year.
E. MAUGER,
Address withheld.
Editor's footnote: Sarah Griffith, founder of Bridge2, responds: 'Perhaps the author of this letter would be interested in this link? http://www.hrf.org.uk/clarification-on-calais/ taken from HRF's own website.'
