Liberation 75 events scaled-back due to coronavirus

Following advice in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) from Jersey’s Public Health Agency and the Government of Jersey, large Liberation 75 events are to be scaled-back, and celebrations will follow a different configuration. Revised plans are being discussed and further details will be shared in due course. The status of smaller events will also be announced in due course.

 In over 80% of cases, infection with the virus is mild. However, the decision has been made to trim Liberation 75 events for the following reasons: 

• To relieve pressure on public services, such as the health sector and the police force, under unprecedented circumstances. Large-scale public events require support from such services 
• Social distancing is advised for the over-65s who aren’t necessary for the running of the Island’s services. This means you can still go out but should limit unnecessary close contact with people outside of your household unless absolutely essential. This is different to self-isolation, which requires you to remain in a physically isolated space so that you can’t transmit infection to others 
• To prevent carriers of the virus from coming into close contact with others at Liberation 75 events 
• To assist in the effort to minimise the peak and push the virus into the spring and summer months when the disease may be less able to spread in warmer weather
• Liberation Day, by its very nature, attracts the largest gathering of senior citizens in Jersey. Those most susceptible to catching the virus are the over-70s, those with underlying health issues, and those with weak immune systems 

The following events are to be cancelled: 

• • Operation Outreach 
• • Liberation Live 
• • VE75 Festival 
• • Liberation Day Ceremony in Liberation Square 
• • Liberation Village 
• • Jersey Week 
• • Lib75 Film Festival 
• • All Liberation 75 parish events 

The following events will be announced in due course: 

• Slave Workers’ Memorial wreath laying service 
• Liberated by Force 135 book launch 
• North Coast War Tour Seafari 
• South Coast Liberation Seafari 
• Living with the Enemy screening 
• Liberation 75 Anniversary Jersey Guineas 
• Channel Islands Military Museum 
• Liberation Steam and Motor Fayre 
• 75 Words Exhibition 
• Armed Forces Day 
• Bunker Archaeology 2020 Conference 
• Bunker Archaeology Exhibition 
• HSBC Through Time 
• Jersey International Boat Show 
• Liberation 75 Rugby Sevens 
• Liberation 75: A Day to Remember 

The following projects will continue: 

• Face of Liberation 
• The People’s Gallery 
• Liberation 75 Exhibition 
• What’s your street’s occupation story? 
• Liberation vs Occupation 
• 50 Objects 
• Liberation Route Europe 
• Occupation and Liberation Archives 
• Occupation Tapestry Guide Book (3rd edition) 

The Bailiff, Mr Timothy Le Cocq, says, “Our first concern must always be the health and wellbeing of the people of Jersey. The advice from Government is clear and it is in the best interests of the people of Jersey to cancel Liberation 75 events. It is sad and disappointing for such a milestone anniversary however, public health must be, and is, the priority. We hope to put together an appropriate, but more limited, programme and will keep everyone informed about this.” 

Constable Deidre Mezbourian is Chair of the Comité des Connétable which brings together the Constables of the Island’s 12 parishes. She also sat on the Liberation 75 ‘working group’, and says, “I know I speak on behalf of all parish Constables when I say we announce the cancellation of our respective Liberation 75 events with a heavy heart. Parish events offer a vital opportunity for senior citizens to see other people and socialise – in many circumstances, it is their only opportunity to do so. I know it will be particularly upsetting for those Islanders who experienced occupation, however, given current official Government and health advice, we believe it is in everyone’s best interests to cancel the parish events this year.” 

Find the list of cancelled events here – this will be updated over the coming days and weeks. Further details about scaled-back plans will follow over the next 10 days.