Organisers left ‘frustrated’ by cancellation vigil

ONE of the organisers behind a planned ‘Black Lives Matter’ vigil has spoken of their “frustration” that the event was cancelled after police threatened to fine those taking part.

Dozens of people were expected to attend the Omagh protest – prompted by the killing of George Floyd in America – before organisers were informed by the PSNI last Friday afternoon that the vigil could not go ahead as planned.

Around 15 people subsequently attended regardless of the cancellation. Orlagh Duncan said the organisers were “bitterly disappointed” at police intervention as they had made stringent preparations to ensure social distancing.
regulations

These included squares stretching from Omagh Courthouse to the junction at Bridge Street for people to stand in and ensure that regulations were adhered to.

“It was frustrating because on the Thursday evening we were told that it was alright to proceed,” Orlagh Duncan told the UH.

“There was so much support for the cause and of course we understand the safety of others is paramount – that’s why we had made very careful plans for social distancing.  However, we didn’t want to put people in the position were they could be fined by the police.”

The Socialist Party criticised the PSNI for threatening legal proceedings against the young activists.

Amy Ferguson, secretary of Fermanagh & Omagh Socialist Party, said, “The organisers publicly cancelled the vigil because they didn’t want to be responsible for others facing fines and police harassment. Nonetheless, a dignified, distanced and safe gathering went ahead in memory of George Floyd and in opposition to racism, which is not just an issue in the US, but here as well. The organisers are to be congratulated.”

The Assistant Chief Constable, Alan Todd, said gatherings such as that planned in Omagh had presented a ‘risk to public health.’

The current regulations prohibit gatherings of more than six people outside.