An Open Letter to Employees of Belcross, Shell Subcontractors

mayo | rights, freedoms and repression | news report

Thursday June 11, 2009 21:36

by Jen Debender - Rossport Solidarity Camp

0851141170

This letter was hand delivered to the workers of the 'safety boats' owned and operated by Belcross Enterprise Ltd who have been subcontracted by Shell to impose 'health and safety' in the area in Broadhaven Bay where dredging work is underway in preparation for the controversial Corrib gas pipeline.

To employees of Belcross:

As you may be aware, early this morning at 2am two local men, Pat O'Donnell and Martin McDonnell, were at sea on Pat's fishing boat the 'Iona Isle' when it was boarded by four masked men and sunk. Pat and Martin were held at gunpoint for one and a half hours while two of the men went below deck and proceeded to sink the boat. They left the sinking ship with the two men on it.

Both men were hospitalised after having to be rescued from Broadhaven Bay. Pat and Martin are respected members of the Erris community, neither of whom is able to swim. This mercenary style attack on these local men is a grave escalation of the situation and should not be taken lightly. The private security firm IRMS is an outside force hired not to protect current building works but to suppress, intimidate, and hospitalise the local community.

Employees of Belcross Enterprise Ltd have repeatedly claimed that their only role is to oversee health and safety in the area where Shell is currently working. However it is well known that Belcross is facilitating the security force's menacing tactics, acting well outside of its stated 'safety' role. Please consider if this is the type of shameful business yourself and your coworkers signed up for. We know that Belcross is a local company, largely employing local residents. By cooperating with IRMS you are supporting the terrorisation of your local community.

We understand that jobs are scarce in this recession, and yours is a difficult position to be in. However this is no longer just a job. People opposing the project have every reason to fear for their lives. Do not doubt the willingness of Shell and its mercenaries to resort to murder for the sake of profit.

We ask you to seriously consider your participation in this operation, and to look farther ahead then the next paycheck. Additionally, if you noticed any IRMS activity around 2am near Ballyglass pier, please let us know, and do not let the truth be concealed when lives are at risk.

Urgently Yours,
The Rossport Solidarity Camp
085 114 1170
rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com

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Comments (5 of 5)

Address

by solidarity now

Thu Jun 11, 2009 22:05

It's just mad that this is happening...Could RSC send an address where the general public could also write letters to express their disgust at this situation?

Genuine question...

by Catlady

Fri Jun 12, 2009 01:21

"The private security firm IRMS is an outside force hired not to protect current building works but to suppress, intimidate, and hospitalise the local community. "

Is there any evidence to show that this company was behind the sinking of the boat? RTE news didn't provide any so am asking here for further information....?

RTE...

by Mick

Fri Jun 12, 2009 02:36

You don't really believe that RTE report the news do you? sure remember those paintings of biffo on the bog a while back, did RTE not apologise for reporting it?

Balkan pirates

by old codger - pensioner

Sat Jun 13, 2009 14:31

Nobody should be of any doubt That Jim Farrell has been hired by shell in the same way that they hired the Nigerian military to murder Ken sarawiwa and 8 other protestors.
Jim and his partner Terry Downes are both ex Irish Ranger military and have hired East European mercenary fascists some of which have been involved in the balkan wars.
Jim Farrell claims that his company have vetted these people for any known criminal records. We have no way of checking this of course.
How come the government have not vetted these thugs?
He also admits that they have been training them for action at sea.
As he claims to have had nothing to do with the assault on Willie Corduff he will likewise claim no knowledge of the sinking of Pats boat. THIS MAN IS A LIAR AND A TRAITOR AS ARE THE GARDAI THAT APROVE OF HIM AND HIS ARMY.
THE TRUTH IS THAT HE HAS A PRIVATE MILITARY ARMY AND THE POLITICIANS BY THEIR SILENCE ON THE ISSUE ARE CONDONING THIS.
THE IRA ARE TERRORISTS BUT THESE SCUM ARE NOT IN THEIR EYES.
He should be made responsible to the government and the people of Ireland for every thug in his company.

An hour and a half??????

by A10

Mon Jun 15, 2009 00:43

To sink a lobster boat??A glorified rowing boat??
They must have been really taking their time these"commandos".Or came badly prepared without an axe or sledge hammer !! After all they came prepped with handguns,wet suits ,zodiacs etc.And forget an axe???Would be typically Irish that!!

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An Open Letter to Employees of Belcross, Shell Subcontractors

Comments (5 of 5)