‘Community Defence Committees’ to be formed in response to Covid-19 crisis – Lasair Dhearg
Belfast Republicans have today announced plans for the formation of ‘Community Defence Committees’. Spanning West Belfast, it is hoped that the structures can expand to cover the whole of the city, should it be abandoned by critical services during the Covid-19 crisis.
Committees spokesperson Pól Torbóid said, “Huge efforts are being made to put in place as much support for our communities should the ever changing situation we face get much worse.”
“It is clear that large swathes of the workforce are now being discarded by employers and profiteers as they seek to protect their financial interests. We expect an unprecedented amount of families with no income or adequate community support.”
“Alongside this, certain businesses are taking the opportunity to put up prices, as already anxious shoppers try to obtain critical goods.”
“We fully expect that a significant proportion of the population are going to experience massive income reduction, food distribution issues and increased risk of eviction.”
“As a response, we feel that we must take the required risk, and start organising the community. Our immediate focus will be goods provision, preventing evictions and price reduction of critical goods. If Stormont cannot ensure adequate protections at a time of crisis, then we will.”
“Expecting this situation to worsen, we are now securing supplies of critical goods into the city. Initially, we hope this will include hand sanitiser, wipes and sanitary products; and we are exploring options for critical food supplies.”
“Efforts are being made to identify space that the Community Defence Committees will be headquartered from, and where goods can be stored and distributed at cost price to those most in need.”
“In order to provide effective support we need to identify more supply lines for those goods, particularly non-perishable foodstuffs, tinned food, pasta, packaged rice, toilet roll, wipes, sanitary products and more. If you can help with acquiring these goods so that we can distribute at cost price please get in touch. If you are able and willing please support our fundraising drive at our GoFundMe page here.
“We ask any one of like mind who supports this initiative to get in touch to get involved. If there is space in your area for such an initiative, please give it serious consideration.”
“To landlords and businesses in West Belfast we say this, if you seek to capitalise out of this crisis, you will see a response from the Community Defence Committees, and we will utilise all means at our disposal.”
ENDS
