"The time for change is, and has got to be, now!"

Saturday 28 September 2019

Hundreds, if not thousands, of school children marched to the area outside Guernsey's Royal Court on Friday to demand the island takes more action against climate change.

They, like other students from around the world, took the opportunity to down their pens and school books so they could march to the States to show that they want to see Guernsey doing something about the climate crisis.

Pictured: The march took students down the Grange and to the top of Smith Street. 

Starting from the Grammar School, the students marched all the way in to Town, escorted by Guernsey Police and teachers, chanting that they wanted to see change, and that the 'power of the people' would make that happen.

"When leaders start to act like children, and children start to act like leaders, then you know it is time for change." - the protestors. 

After gathering at the top of Smith Street, where they were met by many of the island's deputies and many supporters, the huge crowd took a moment out from making sure their voice was heard to be addressed by Deputy Gavin St Pier.

Pictured: The protestors gathered on the steps of the States. 

Deputy St Pier told the crowd that they had not declared a climate crisis earlier in the year because they did not want to commit to empty words.

"Instead, we sent the Environment & Infrastructure Committee away to develop an action plan. That will be put before the States of Guernsey over the next few months," he said. 

"There is more that can be done. Thank you to everyone for coming out and expressing your concerns to us." 

Pictured: Guernsey Police accompanied the march. 

After Deputy St Pier had spoken, one of the ring leaders of the protest march took a moment to thank everyone for joining them as well.

"As you probably know," he said, "we have been inspired by 6,000 other marches from around the world. 

"When leaders start to act like children, and children start to act like leaders, then you know it is time for change.

"You cannot underestimate how huge a difference you make by being here. We have proved today that young people do care. The time for change is and has got to be now." 

Pictured top: The protestors.