A PEMBROKESHIRE County Councillor has criticised his local authority’s plans to illuminate its headquarters in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.
The council said that County Hall in Haverfordwest will be bathed in a purple light tonight (Tuesday, Jun 9) in memory of George Floyd and in solidarity with the protests his death sparked around the world.
Council Leader, David Simpson, said: “The Authority is keen to show its support for the anti-racism movement and purple is the colour synonymous with the struggle against oppression.”
Local authorities in both England and Wales have arranged, or are arranging, similar gestures for their offices.
But controversial Pembroke Dock Councillor, Paul Dowson is not convinced that the local authority is doing the right thing.
He suggests that the light show will be seen by few during lockdown and is a waste of funds when money is tight due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Writing on Facebook, Cllr Dowson posted:” So county hall will be bathed in purple light to show our support for “black lives matter”
“Why?
“We all agree that black lives matter. As do white lives.
“Are we supporting the actions of BLM protesters stoning police officers in the UK over something that took place in the USA.
“Are we supporting those activists who are putting our lives at risk by not giving a shit about social distancing.
“Who is footing the bill for these purple lights and the power required to run them, particularly given that money is in short supply during this pandemic. It could be better spent propping up our key workers.
“Yes, black lives matter we do not need to waste money flood lighting county hall to say this. I do not support this crazy idea and will make my feelings known with those who gave it the go ahead.
“As a footnote …who is going to see this light show? We are in lockdown!
Facebook page Pembrokeshire Musings has posted a mock-up of Councillor Dowson in a scene from the cult film The Life of Brian, jokingly suggesting he supports slavery.
