It wasn’t the usual buzz around Jamestown at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 23rd July. Instead, it was a damp morning with a light drizzle of rain. However, that wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of a small group of protesters making their way down the main street toward the Castle gate, carrying a petition with 1,301 signatures.
The protest group consisted of residents from various districts across the island. They were joined by backbenchers Councillor Dr. Corinda Essex and Councillor Ronald Coleman.
The main reason for the protest was to express public frustration over the Island Executive Council’s decision to lift all quarantine restrictions from Monday, 8th August 2022.
The original petition read: “We call on our Ministers to review their decision of 21st June 2022, that with effect from Monday, 8 August 2022, quarantine will no longer be a legal requirement on St Helena.”
At the front of the procession, a large banner stood out with the message: “Different rules for you and me we want our Island COVID-free.” Other banners among the crowd displayed messages and slogans expressing dissatisfaction with the decision.
Peter Young, a well-known figure from the Briars recognized for his creative flair during parades, made a sign on his pickup truck that read: “Remember, remember, that December twenty-twenty,” along with images of current ministers who were previously against home quarantine in 2020.
Peter also held a sign that read: “Test for lice, test for fleas, test for COVID, I beg you please.”
Upon arrival at the Castle entrance, ministers and several backbenchers, including the Chief Secretary, met with the protesters.
Councillor Ronald Coleman, who had joined the protest, began his speech by thanking the crowd for their overwhelming support. He said, “People are not happy with the decision the ministers made to open up the island, and I am here today because I was asked to support this protest by its organisers.” He also addressed several topics that had been submitted prior but were not included in the protest’s original reason.
Summary of the concerns raised:
- Disappointment with the ministerial system, which was promised to be open and transparent, but has proven otherwise.
- Concerns about public health preparedness, especially regarding the availability and long-term planning for nursing staff.
- Questions about the number of working ventilators — how many are available, how many are functional, and how they would be maintained.
- Inquiries about whether the oxygen plant at Bradley’s is fully operational and whether it can produce sufficient oxygen in a worst-case scenario.
- Worries over the recent shortage of medicines and what steps are being taken to ensure a steady supply, including antiviral and COVID treatments.
- Requests for clarification on whether ministers have considered global health warnings, including the rapid spread of new COVID variants, IMF forecasts, and the broader impacts of the war in Eastern Europe.
Ronald concluded his speech by stating, “Those wishing to come to the island are very welcome, but should be prepared to spend five days in lockdown everything comes with a price.” This remark was met with agreement from the crowd.
Ronald then invited others to speak before the petition was handed over to Chief Minister Julie Thomas.
During the Chief Minister’s response, she was frequently interrupted by dissatisfied protesters, who accused her of simply repeating information already made public.
One woman called out, “All we’re asking is one small thing — to test people on arrival to St Helena!” The crowd supported her with a resounding “Yes!”
Several other strong opinions were voiced regarding the island’s reopening, and although the Chief Minister did her best to respond, she was often interrupted before she could provide complete answers.
Another woman shouted, “We’re down here like fools. Nothing’s going to change because you’ll be on that side for everything. Did you come and ask us first?” The Chief Minister attempted to respond, but was once again interrupted by frustrated protesters chanting “No!”
Tensions continued to rise. When the Chief Minister asked whether they wanted her to continue, she was told to “Throw it in the bin.”
Another voice from the crowd said, “You need to listen to the St Helena people as well.” The Chief Minister responded, “Remember, this is a good crowd here and I thank you for coming but it’s not everybody in St Helena.”
Mrs. Olive Brown then presented the petition to the Chief Minister. It is believed to contain over 1,300 signatures representing more than 25% of the island’s population.
As the Chief Minister tried to conclude the event by thanking those in attendance, she was asked, “When can the community expect a reply?” She responded, “I’ll send you what I was going to say — and what I started to say.” Some protesters, still dissatisfied, shouted, “The best thing you’ll do is resign.”
Ministers and councillors returned to the Castle shortly afterward.