AS the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches, a proposal to twin St Helier with the Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv is due to be put to parishioners on Wednesday.
The proposal – which came after Ukrainians living locally expressed interest in such an initiative, saying it would be a ‘valuable expression of support for one particular community during a time of extreme hardship’ – is due to voted on at this week’s Parish Assembly.
The mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Syenkevych, has welcomed the proposal, with St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft and the town’s Procureurs du Bien Public recommending the twinning memorandum.
Mr Crowcroft said: ‘I am delighted to be proposing the twinning of St Helier and the Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv.
‘Parishioners have shown such incredible support for those impacted by the devastating conflict in Ukraine and this twinning would symbolise our ongoing connection and commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine and, in particular, the residents of Mykolaiv.’
Mykolaiv is a major shipbuilding port in the south of the country, with a pre-war population of 470,000. It is also part of Ukraine’s agricultural region. The town’s digital sector was flourishing before the invasion, and Mykolaiv has a range of educational and cultural institutions as well as a zoo.
The twinning will be voted on at the St Helier Parish Assembly, which starts at 7pm on Wednesday.
Jersey continues to support the humanitarian response in Ukraine. This month, Jersey Overseas Aid has committed a further £400,000 to help address the worsening humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.
As a further show of support for its proposed twinning town, St Helier is hosting the Concert for Mykolaiv on Friday. This starts at 6pm in the Town Church. Tickets for this free event can be booked at Eventbrite.
