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Islanders are invited to a candlelit vigil this evening to show their support for people in Ukraine and to promote a message of peace in Europe.
Anyone wishing to take part should gather outside the Town Church at 19:00. The intention is then to walk to the Liberation Monument.
Serena Child said she was inspired to organise the event after Russia began an invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.
“I have been watching the news coverage of the atrocious actions against Ukraine and was shocked and horrified,” said Miss Child.
“I felt extremely helpless and I felt like there wasn’t much I could do as an individual. But I want 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.”
Pictured: People wanting to show solidarity with Ukraine are asked to meet outside the Town Church at 19:00 tonight. The weather forecast for this evening is clear with no rain and only moderate winds.
Miss Child said she had attended similar vigils in the past and that they allow people to come together in solidarity with others.
“I attended vigils while I was a student at university after the terrorist attacks in Paris [in 2015]," she said.
"There was a real sense of resilience and support. I think it’s important for people to come together in the face of these awful circumstances.”
Thousands of Russian civilians are protesting against their country's unprovoked invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. They are doing so at great personal risk to their safety. On Thursday night alone, Russian police arrested nearly 2,000 protesters at anti-war rallies.
Pictured: Fighting has now reached the streets of Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.
Miss Child said it was important to recognise that millions of ordinary Russian people do not support the actions of their President, Vladimir Putin.
“Russian people are protesting the actions of their government and against violence and war," she said.
"They are brave enough to voice their opinion in the face of imprisonment to support Ukraine.
“If people can bring their own candles that would be great, but you don’t need one to attend.
"It’s much more important to all stand together and show support to Ukraine."
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