Saturday’s planned Black Lives Matter due to take place in Ennis has been cancelled.
Organisers of the demonstration have confirmed to The Clare Echo that a decision has been made “for the best interest of everyone” to postpone until it is deemed safe for the protest to take place.
A spokesperson for BLM Ennis said with “new information and clearer guidance of civil liberties and our rights to protest during the time of pandemic” to hand, they have decided to postpone Saturday’s demonstration.
Representatives of the Black Lives Matter Ennis are engaging with An Garda Síochána, Clare County Council and the HSE to determine a way in which the demonstrations can be held safely and in accordance with current guidelines issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). “Our voices must be heard and we cannot continue to be silenced”.
“It is vital that people are aware of the systemic and institutional racism that is present not only in America but also in Ireland, racism is present in Ireland many have experienced it and it’s not an issue unique to America this is why we feel strongly about protesting to bring awareness to the issue and strive for change,” a spokesperson outlined.
Concern had been expressed locally that the holding of such a demonstration could lead to a spike in transmission of COVID-19. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan had appealed to organisers and individuals contemplating attending not to do so. “It is still very clear, mass gatherings whether indoor and outdoor, they are not appropriate”.
