04 December 2023
Public servants will stop work to observe silences as the Government of Jersey marks the anniversaries of the sinking of the L'Ecume II and the explosion at Haut du Mont this week.
Ahead of the memorial service to mark the two tragedies at the Town Church on Thursday (7 December), the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore said her thoughts and prayers were with the families of those who lost loved ones or lost their homes.
The Chief Minister also outlined how public servants will stop work at noon to mark both the first anniversary of the L'Ecume II sinking on Friday (8 December) and that of the Haut du Mont tragedy on Sunday (10 December).
The Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said: "A year ago our Island was devastated by two terrible tragedies that occurred within 48 hours of each other, in which 13 people lost their lives and that none of us will forget.
"My thoughts and prayers remain first and foremost with the families of those who died last December and the dozens more who lost their homes. While they will forever remember and miss those they lost, those feelings will be particularly acute as we approach the anniversaries. My heart goes out to them.
"As well as those directly impacted by the disasters, the anniversaries will be something the whole Island will want to mark, reflect on and remember – whether that's by attending the service, observing the silences or in their own, personal way.
"While those terrible tragedies were among the very worst things that have happened to our Island since the occupation, the reaction to them also demonstrated the very best of us in terms of the community spirit, resilience and unity that has characterised the last 12 months and will, I'm sure, be on display throughout the events of this week and beyond."
Anticipating what will be a very difficult time for many Islanders, the Government will also be using social media channels to signpost the health and wellbeing support which is available.
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