Local Fall's Road area stands firm against Racism

antrim | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis

Wednesday November 03, 2004 11:06

by Davy Carlin - ARN and Ind Socialist

Dear friends, last night saw a magnificent response by the local residents who came out at the corner of Violet Street, Falls Road, against attacks on Filipino Nurses. Three to four hundred people came out in a united stand against the attacks

Dear friends, last night saw a magnificent response by the local residents who came out at the corner of Violet Street, Falls Road, against attacks on Filipino Nurses. Three to four hundred people came out in a united stand against the attacks. Within a very short time of the attacks local residents had drawn up their own leaflet and where going to their neighbours homes to distribute them, seeing many of them coming out also and lending a hand. Last night’s turnout and atmosphere of solidarity I, and I presume all who attended, left one feeling inspired. While we gathered against the attacks carried out by a mindless minority, the community though in their hundreds responded as one in an untied stand and voice.

At the rally, when a member of the Filipino community had finished speaking, amongst the loud applause some one shouted out, 'you are very welcome' this to more loud cheers and applause. Another speaker, who is Chair of THE SCA, a fifty plus year resident of the local area, and a WARN supporter and activist, spoke of how the Filipino people were the community, that 'they are our community', he said, 'and deserve our protection as a community'. It was also raised that accommodation has been sought for the victims of the attack as so to be re - housed back into the community. Amongst the hundreds in attendance were also many members of the Filipino community - the West Belfast community.

The Chair finished of by thanking all in attendance and for persons to get involved in the local West Belfast ARN group.

This was a wonderful response which seen a local community and local residents from the onset pro active in dealing with the issue. A clear message was sent out that Racism will not be tolerated in the local area and that the community not only stands shoulder to shoulder with the Filipino people who are part of the community, but the community will also protect and defend them. D