ISLANDERS have stood ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in support of the Ukrainian people during a vigil in the Royal Square, as the Bailiff condemned Russian aggression which ‘has no place in the modern world’.
Timothy Le Cocq said that through living memory of the Occupation, Islanders understood the Ukrainian people’s loss of liberty and stood in solidarity with them.
Delivering his speech, he added: ‘They are fighting now to defend their homeland, their families, their homes and their freedoms.
‘As I have said, they are fighting for their very existence and they are doing so with a courage and determination and humanity that we can only admire from afar.
‘We stand here to make it clear that our hearts and minds and support are with the people of Ukraine. Jersey is doing what it can to support those who have been dispossessed and have fled to other countries, and to provide essential supplies such as medicines, clothing and basic necessities as well as – through the appeal that we have set up – vital financial aid.
‘As usual, the Jersey response at the parish halls and elsewhere has been and will be great and generous.’
The vigil was led in prayer by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle.
Jersey’s States building in blue and yellow as crowds of islanders listen to a Ukrainian resident tell them of the horrors of war. A very moving vigil in our tiny island supporting the brave people of Ukraine #stopthewar #ukraine pic.twitter.com/L7v54kEiTP
— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) March 4, 2022
It began with a live performance from the Musical Originals choir, who sang The Prayer of the Children – a song originally written by Kurt Bestor in honour of children affected by past conflict in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.
Members of the local Ukrainian and Russian communities gave heartfelt speeches condemning the conflict before the Town Church bells rang and a minute’s silence was held as the Royal Court and States Building were lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
The public were then invited to place candles on the steps outside the buildings.
