Islanders not 'selfish' in having reasons for opposing refugee intake
ON READING the letter written by Jeanne Langford (Guernsey Press, 15 February 2016) who accused our island and therefore its residents of being selfish by saying no to allowing refugees coming to live in Guernsey, as a Guernsey born and bred person I wish to contest her remarks, which are completely inaccurate.
Firstly, can I point out that the people on Guernsey who are against refugees coming here far outnumber the minority who would accept them on our island. Let's have an island-wide democratic vote on the subject to see who wins. Why we do not want them here is easily explained. This crisis started mainly in Syria, but expanded into an exodus from many countries by people who were in no danger but decided to get involved simply to gain financially and in other ways in other countries, owing to many criminals, undesirables and terrorists who have infiltrated with genuine refugees.
We would be stupid to gamble on the wrong persons living here. It would be too late should any loss of life occur through either criminal or terrorism acts being committed, plus the fact that should they manage to get onto our island the UK is only a short distance away.
Then there is also the question of who foots the bill accumulated by these refugees. While both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church religions have had a great deal to say on the subject, it is noticeable that any mention of them helping by contributing money and they conveniently disappear.
Race, colour or religion has no bearing on my decision on this matter and I can honestly state I am certainly not racist. I am not against any religion coming to Guernsey but I am against religions that come here to scrounge money from the local public to send to the UK, particularly as in Guernsey the Church of England whom at present annually relieve our island of over one million pounds.
The writer mentioned, while lying in her comfortable bed, she was troubled by the plight that the refugees in Calais were having to contend with concerning the bad weather there. Can I inform this lady that by far the majority of the inhabitants are illegal migrants and should not even be in France, especially as the residents do not want them there. The deplorable fact is that against the will of the French people living in that area, so-called aid workers dictatorially pander to what are undoubtedly hordes of illegal criminal migrants whose sole aim is to get to the UK by any means possible including violence. I am sorry to write that by giving aid to these people this only gives a signal that encourages more and more illegal migrants to come there to increase the number of riots they have been participating in over the past many months.
If Jeanne Langford or any other interested party who can face facts cares to go on to the internet site that contains a recording of the BBC Guernsey Sunday Phone-in, they will hear a local lady who gave her name as Jan telling of the fear she has of repercussions that could possibly arise from the dangerous remarks made by our chief minister who, of course, tried but failed dismally on air to defuse the matter.
I would add that it was evident Jan was close to tears and in all probability crying. Religion was not even mentioned by this lady, who truthfully spoke true facts. Well done Jan.
While writing this letter I heard on the radio that at long last the French people have issued orders to the residents of the 'Jungle Camp' in Calais that they will be made to leave, with force being used if necessary as they are and have never been wanted there.
This proves beyond doubt what I have been stating in my previous letters, which have been accurate and truthful in their content. Some of these criminals are even now on their way to a port in Belgium where they intend to try to reach the UK.
Do we want or need people like this in Guernsey?
This does not mean we should forget the Syrian people who have acted legally and are at present living in camps designated for them.
We not only should but must financially help them rebuild their country when the opportunity arises and for the present supply them with anything they need in their camps.
E. MAUGER,
Address withheld.