As the members of a small and close-knit Island community, it is especially hard for us to imagine the scale of pain and loss felt by the people of Christchurch, New Zealand following the senseless attack that took place a week ago.
It is equally incomprehensible to us that the victims of this tragedy were targeted at a time of prayer, when they were celebrating their own faith and surrounded by their own community - in a place in which they should have been safest.
In the face of such unmitigated hate and extremism, it can be difficult to find a trace of hope.
We must look for it in the worldwide outpouring of love and support for members of New Zealand’s Muslim community. We must look for it in the dedication and courage of the emergency and security services, who treated the injured and tended the dying. And we must look for it within own community, who are here tonight to honour the loss of families half a world away, but whose pain we feel acutely.
I want to thank all the members of the Muslim community who have joined us today, and to all Islanders who have given their time to join this vigil. I know you share my belief that there is no place in our community for extremism and prejudice. We are lucky to live in an Island that values and teaches tolerance and diversity. But we must be ever mindful to preserve those values
Hate can start with a single word. And it can start at a young age. As a government, and as an Island, we have made a commitment to create a better future for all of our children.
We should honour that commitment by sharing with them a renewed message of respect and understanding for every member of our community – regardless of their background. We are united this evening with the people of Christchurch and of all New Zealand. We are united by our grief at their loss and condemnation of the violence they have endured. We are united by hope for a better world in which the innocent are not struck down by needless acts of hate and terror. And, we are united in our respect for our friends, our neighbours, our colleagues and our community.
On behalf of the Government of Jersey, I offer my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and I pray that they receive the comfort and support they will need in the coming days and weeks. Thank you all.
gov.je