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The organisers of a Black Lives Matter solidarity protest have agreed to postpone the event until next Saturday so that people can attend without any fear of breaking the current laws over mass gatherings.
The States have announced that they have come to a mutual agreement with the protest's organisers to hold the event on Saturday 20 June, instead of this Saturday, as Phase 5 will begin next weekend and people will be allowed to gather without any restrictions.
Head of Bailiwick Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy said the local police force, like many others across the globe, was "appalled" by the events that led to George Floyd's death at the hands of US Police.
Pictured: Ruari Hardy said it was important to find a way that the demonstration could happen without flouting lockdown restrictions, which will still be in place this weekend.
"We fully understand people wanting to show their support for this global movement," he said. I would also like to express my thanks to those who are putting the event together [for agreeing to postpone it] and the role of Law Enforcement is to work with them to ensure that it is a safe and successful event."
"We are very pleased that we can keep our local restrictions intact and that this demonstration can take place in a lawful way. Any gathering over 30 people before the 20th would still be unlawful."
Deputy Gavin St Pier said that discrimination is not just an issue overseas, but in Guernsey as well.
"I know from my own engagement with the local victims of discrimination in the last 10 days or so that it is sadly very real and very present in our own community," he said. "But it is an issue that is not going to be resolved in a week and I would like to commend the organisers for their decision, it is a very sensible one and it is deeply respectful of the community and the Guernsey Together spirit that has so far these last few months.
"And I know that, like me, there are many others who would like to attend a lawful event and will be pleased that we can now do so."
As global attention focuses on ending racial discrimination, the Committee for Employment & Social Security says it’s time for change in Guernsey.
— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) June 5, 2020
Read more here: https://t.co/snAtQxrdP9 pic.twitter.com/Ybh1amBVZP
Above: Employment & Social Security is set to bring discrimination legislation to the States for approval.
The organisers of the Black Lives Matter Guernsey Solidarity Protest said it will be a peaceful demonstration that all islanders are welcome to join in with.
“We’ve taken the decision to delay to make sure as many people as possible can attend the event and feel safe in doing so.," they said in a statement. "We’re confident that there are many islanders who will want to join us in standing against racial violence and racism in all its forms at a peaceful protest. It’s important we make sure as many people as possible get that opportunity and can join together to speak out.
"Given that phase 5 will commence next Saturday, 20 June, we think our supporters will agree it makes sense to hold off just one week so we can make sure our demonstration has as big an impact as possible.”
Pictured top: A Black Lives matter protest.
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