Wednesday 02 March 2022
The Policy & Resources Committee is making an immediate commitment of £500,000 to support the people of Ukraine.
This is one of the largest single donations the Government of Guernsey has made in its recent history reflecting the strength of local feeling and solidarity for Ukraine and its people who are having their sovereignty and safety threatened by Russia waging an unjust war in their country.
This commitment will be separate and in addition to any other donations which may be made from other public or private bodies.
Further work has also been undertaken over the last week to ensure the Bailiwick does all it can to support the response by the UK Government, including making various Regulations to impose additional sanction measures on named Russians and interests; through financial sanctions, export restriction and a ban on access to the airspace and ports.
In addition, the Policy & Resources Committee has been considering any additional measures which can be taken, an example of which was set out earlier today by Deputy Helyar who announced the States of Guernsey had instructed the newly formed States Investment Board to begin divesting from any holdings linked to Russia.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Deputy Chief Minister, said:
'It is heart-breaking to watch what the people of Ukraine are going through. But it is inspiring also to see how the country has united to resist the invasion and to defend their freedom. Our community still remembers the horrors of war and it reminds us of the importance of free, democratic societies standing together to oppose tyranny wherever possible.
'We will continue to watch the situation in Ukraine closely, but my message to the Ukrainian people is that we in Guernsey are with you.'
