In solidarity with Ukrainians...

Sunday 27 February 2022

Ukrainians were among around 200 people at a candlelit vigil in Town on Saturday night.

They gathered at the Town Church and later walked to the Liberation Monument to express solidarity with people suffering in Ukraine and in support of peace in Europe.

Some people carried Ukrainian flags and organisers handed out car ribbons and lapel ribbons in the colours of the flag – yellow and blue.

A young Ukrainian woman living in Guernsey tearfully told Express that she was fearful for her family in Kyiv, the capital, which has been under assault by Russian forces since the early hours of Thursday.

“All I know is that they were alive earlier today because we were messaging. After that, I don’t know,” she said.

Pictured: Some Ukrainians living in Guernsey joined the vigil and walk on Saturday evening.

Some of Guernsey’s Latvian community joined the vigil, including the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Guernsey, Lilita Kruze.   

Like Ukraine and Russia, Latvia was part of the same country – the Soviet Union – until its dissolution in the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

“I have deep sorrow in my heart,” said Ms Kruze. “It is inconceivable that we are facing the danger of war here in Europe in the 21st Century.

“Like many others, we, the Latvian community, gathered at the Town Church vigil procession in support of the Ukrainian nation.

“It was nice to see people of all ages, but especially families with children. Many held homemade posters in the colours of the blue-yellow Ukrainian flag.

“We stood shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends living in Guernsey. It was painful to see tears roll over a woman’s cheeks as she recounted the horrors of war experienced by her family in Ukraine.”

Pictured: The Latvian community in Guernsey is extending its support to Ukrainians. The two countries were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

Guernseyman Lt.-Col. (Retd.) Colin Vaudin was at the vigil.

“My first posting in the Army 30 years ago was in Germany facing what then was called the Warsaw Pact at the end of the Cold War. I truthfully thought that, despite the other challenges we might face, the risk of full-scale war in Europe could not happen again. I regret that it seems I was wrong,” he said.

“We now have a full-scale invasion of a democratic country and NATO, including British troops, deploying to what could be the next front line.

“I have a son the same age as I was then. I don’t want war to become his life as it was, by choice, mine. At the vigil, I prayed for peace but, equally, detected a determination to defeat this new aggression whatever the cost may be.”

Pictured: People gathered inside and outside the Town Church and then walked to the Liberation Monument. 

Rob Jones, who was also there, said he thought the vigil was well attended given the speed at which it had to be organised. 

“My thoughts go out to all those directly impacted by the unfolding events in Ukraine,” said Mr Jones.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to stand in solidarity with those in Guernsey with friends and family in the country.”

Pictured: Organisers handed out candles which were then lit in the Town Church and ribbons which they are encouraging people in Guernsey to tie to their cars or wear. 

Ms Kruze said the government and people of Latvia were supporting Ukraine, including welcoming Ukrainians fleeing their country and making donations.

“Right now, our Ukrainian friends need all kinds of help. I call on all the people of Guernsey to show solidarity and help.

“We, both the Latvian people and the Latvian government, strongly condemn Russia's invasion in Ukraine, while calling on the international community to put a stop to it.

“Latvia does and will continue supporting Ukraine both politically and practically in its efforts to safeguard the state within its internationally recognized borders. Latvia is safe, not under a direct military threat. Latvia is welcoming Ukrainian citizens leaving Ukraine due to military conflict. Information about arrival and stay in Latvia can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia website.

“In the last two days alone, people in Latvia have donated one million euros to support Ukraine. Last night, Latvian musicians gathered for a special concert ‘For the Freedom of Ukraine’ in the Latvian capital city, Riga.

“Our Ukrainian friends, we want you to know that we, the Latvian nation, are with you. God bless Ukraine.”

Pictured: The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, invited those gathered outside the Town Church to go into the Church.

The vigil was organised by Serena Child.

She said she wanted “to encourage people to come together to show support to Ukraine and extend a message of hope”.

“As an island once occupied by invading forces, we must stand with Ukraine,” said Miss Child.

"I am so grateful that so many people within the community attended and that the event was well received.

"I think that during this time it is important to show that our community supports the people of Ukraine, and our own Ukrainian community, during what must be an unimaginably difficult time."

Pictured: The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, was at the vigil on Saturday. 

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, speaking after the vigil which he also attended, said: "When there is a disaster or a crisis that has an impact on our common life, it is natural to come together in solidarity, whether to work out a solution or simply to comfort each other.

"The invasion of Ukraine, orchestrated by President Vladimir Putin, is an act of war and an affront to our common humanity. We cannot simply sit back and let it happen.

"We in Guernsey cannot solve the great problems facing the people of Ukraine. But, as we see their great distress, we can offer our solidarity, we can support each other, and we can show our care and concern for the people from Ukraine and other countries in eastern Europe who live in Guernsey.

"They are clearly deeply affected by what is happening in their country. They are our neighbours, and we have a responsibility for them.

"Coming together, as we did on Saturday night and...on Sunday afternoon [at a service at the Town Church], is a sign that the people of Guernsey care about the people of Ukraine; that we are angered by the unprovoked attacks on their country; and that, from this island’s experience of invasion and occupation, we commit ourselves to live in peace and harmony."

Pictured: Around 200 people took part in the event and some used the Town Church to light a candle and pray for people suffering in Ukraine and for peace in Europe.