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A PR rep for Visit Guernsey has publicly announced her intention to quit after disagreeing with the States’ approach to commenting on the Israel/ Gaza war.
Ellen Groves has been representing the Bailiwick of Guernsey in France since January 2023, but said it is now “unconscionable” to represent the island in France.
“[Islands] whose government has stated that Guernsey ‘stands with Israel unequivocally’ as its current extremist government perpetrates genocide against the people of Palestine, not only a refugee population but also a child population where every other person is under 15,” she said.
In a statement to the media she said that it is no longer possible for her to continue in “my role of defending Guernsey’s culture in France”.
It’s the second time the States’ position on a ceasefire has been questioned.
A letter was sent to deputies earlier this week [14 November] calling for States support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
It comes as the UK government voted against the SNP’s motion to call an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has consistently said his party wouldn’t support a ceasefire.
Ms Groves said “France has now joined the global call for a ceasefire. I, in my small role and limited scope as the PR representative for Visit Guernsey in France, strongly recommended Guernsey do the same.
“Yet as of writing, more than a month after the States of Guernsey's statement of ‘unequivocal’ standing by Israel, the government of Guernsey has still made no call for a ceasefire and solidarity also with the people of Palestine. Despite repeated email requests to all deputies from Guernsey residents to do so.”
The States of Guernsey have been given the opportunity to respond to Ms Groves' resignation or her concerns about a States’ stance on a ceasefire.
Letter sent to deputies calling for support of Gaza ceasefire
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