In January 2017, after Donald Trump became US President the first time around, protests took place in Orkney, held by islanders appalled by the racist policies he had announced. Here’s an account of those extraordinary scenes as covered by The Orkney News at the time.
Over 120 people stood on the steps of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall on Monday night to show their anger at President Donald Trump’s Muslim ban. The event, organised the day before by local man George Vickers through a Face Book page brought together people of all ages.
In Stromness people gathered around the statue to the famous Arctic explorer John Rae and events were held on some of the other islands of Orkney.
At 6pm across Orkney, Scotland and throughout the world people joined together to stand up against Trump’s racism.
Local man, George Vickers, had decided to organise the protest having watched with growing unease the news of the past 2 weeks. After President Trump signed the order banning all refugees and Muslims from 7 countries from entering the US George thought ,” what would it be like waiting for someone coming into Kirkwall airport, only for them not to arrive.”
With less than 24 hours to organise the demonstration George said the amazing turnout was a very positive message from Orkney.
Mr Vickers sentiments were shared by all those present. Helen, concerned about the rise in right wing bigotry, hatred and prejudice around the world said that “Orkney was part of the world and even small communities care.”
Zoe, who had grown up with Muslim friends commented “what Trump is doing is horrible”.
Hayley Green who had organised the event with George Vickers said that the turnout was phenomenal.
Many in the crowd carried homemade banners and candles. Some came forward to speak to the crowd about why it was important for them to be there. Singing ‘we shall overcome’ the crowd slowly dispersed all, however, resolved to continue to resist Trump’s racist policies.
Fiona Grahame
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