Indian restaurant to help send Liga home to Latvia

Friday 26th August 2011, 1:00PM BST.

Altaf Ahmed and Fatima Andrade of King Balti Indian restaurant decided to act when they read the story of how Liga Verse’s family could not afford to get her body home. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 1173791)

Altaf Ahmed and Fatima Andrade of King Balti Indian restaurant decided to act when they read the story of how Liga Verse’s family could not afford to get her body home. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 1173791)

AN INDIAN takeaway will hold a fund-raising dinner party to help pay for the repatriation of Liga Verse’s body to Latvia.

King Balti will donate 60% of its takings from Tuesday evening to Miss Verse’s family so that they can take her home.

The 24-year-old’s body was found above Noodle Box in the Bordage on Saturday night. Her death is being treated as suspicious and unexplained.

Guernsey Police asked the local Latvian Association if it could help raise money for the repatriation of Miss Verse’s body because her family could not afford it. After learning about Miss Verse’s death and the family’s plight, King Balti manager Altaf Ahmed felt he had to do something.

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  1. 1
    john

    She stole from the church and numerious other places, sorry I will not be supporting this/

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  2. 2
    Paul

    No matter how sad this is, I would like to know how she was able to live in Guernsey for ‘several’ years. The Opem Market is under scrutiny for it’s value to Guernsey yet this potential abuse of the rules around casual staff remains unchecked. Deputy Jones and/or housing like to comment?

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  3. 3
    Anna Lewis

    John no on here has any idea what you’re going on about. Stealing from a church and numerous other places? well if that’s true then it hardly matters now does it?

    It’s a tragic turn of events and I for one will support this fundraiser to help her family at this difficult time.

    John, grow up.

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  4. 4
    Paul Le Page

    John – you’ll notice that the church forgave her for that. If the wronged party can forgive what right have you to judge?

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  5. 5
    Observant

    John
    People that have nothing decent to say should keep comments to themselves at a time like this.

    It would be nice if This Is Guernsey could offer a tipjar or a paypal address for people to make donations towards repatriation. Her family are dealing with emotions none of us would wish to imagine.

    The last thing they need is small minded people focusing on the few mistakes she made in her short life. That is what justice is for.

    It is clear from the many comments she was a well liked and respected member of our community.

    R.I.P Liga.

    I hope islanders pull together so her family don’t have financial worries to concern themselves with along with all the other horrible emotions.

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  6. 7
    Sapphire

    Anna, both men have valid points although i feel it’s a bit early to discuss. I feel the press could have waited a bit longer too before bringing up Ligas alcohol/drug problems and criminal past, but whatever she did in her life she did NOT deserve to die. Btw. What’s happened to her poor Son? Is the father around?

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  7. 8
    pbfalla

    Paul

    You get a local boy freind and live with him,you would think the police or the states of guernsey would set up a appeal with various options to pay in eg bank account,paypal,moneybookers

    John

    Not everyone is perfect,we all make mistakes in life.Good to see the church making a positive response.

    R.I.P

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  8. 9
    john

    get her boyfreind to pay for it????

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  9. 10
    Steve

    It is a sad fact here in Guernsey, there is a mindless lot who like to feel good about themselves by throwing stones at others and judgng those who have done wrong. None of us have any right to throw stones. None of us are perfect, not one!

    Jesus said let them without sin cast the first stone….

    To all those throwing the stones at Liga, stop throwing stones, stop judging, leave the girl alone, she is now gone and cannot any longer defend herself, let her rest in peace.

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  10. 11
    kev

    on the subject of when a non local commits a crime , why are they sometimes deported and not allowed back for 3 years and sometimes not??

    Maybe the crime levels would drop and Guernsey can get back to the trusting island it once was.

    In this case she should have been deported.

    Maybe the Latvian community , of which there are thousands over here , could donate a £1 each as like the north show?

    I for one will not be donating.

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  11. 12
    pbfalla

    Another example of a ever caring caring guernsey person.

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  12. 13
    j jones

    John, no-on is asking you to put your hand in your pocket, so how about letting those who wish to donate do so without being challenged? No one is questioning what you spend you money on. If you really want to criticise ill-advised money spending, look no further than PSD – and that is your taxes.

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  13. 14
    David

    Do you think that if I died whilst on holiday..that country would pay to send me home ? I think not.. let the bf pay for a cremation and then take her ashes home ? that will be so much cheaper then! And another thing… why wasnt she deported back to Latvia when she was released from prison too ?

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  14. 15
    David

    or would guernsey pay to bring me back too ?

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  15. 16
    Marie

    I lost my daughter 2 weeks away from her 21st birthday so i know what her parents are going through. No one would want to be under this amount of emotional trauma.What ever this poor girl has done certainly does not matter, we have all made mistakes and no one knows what pressure’s she was under herself. It would be fare to say that putting your selves in these shoes would you want people to talk about you in this way and not be able to defend yourself.Let bygones be bygones and focus on the help needed for her son to be with the right family to have a future with out his mother.
    God Bless You Liga

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  16. 17
    Matti

    I’m afraid if you get into drugs then you get into all kinds of trouble. When will they ever learn?

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  17. 18
    kevin

    How do some of you lot sleep at night?

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  18. 19
    kev

    @ kevin

    i dont sleep to well cos i am always worried who is walking the streets looking to burgle my house , damage my car and basically destroying anything i might have worked hard for.

    Time for the some hardline policies on dealing with people who dont toe the line.

    3 strikes and your out maybe??

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  19. 20
    kev

    @ pb falla

    I am not a local

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  20. 21
    Froggy

    Sorry but I find it difficult to feel the same compassion as you other guys, but this young lady was clearly not an upstanding pillar in our society. She was caught and went to jail, but with a habit as she had what else has gone undetected to pay for the drug and drink habit. Yes you can feel for her family left behind, did they know of her problems, did they try and help her in any way, did they try and get her to go home, I agree in it should be ashes sent back and that it should not be up to us to send her body back after all we the tax payers have been paying for her time in jail. Any foreign workers here should be deported if any crimes have been committed. I also agree with the other write with regard to the housing aspect, I do know having spoken with a eating establishment owner in Guernsey who has a number of outlets, he has the system sewn up, and is well verced on the scams. So housing ministers sort it out you are having rings run round you by the blow ins.

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  21. 22
    Rex

    This article and the comments is like something straight of out Guernsey Futu, Hilarious.

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  22. 23
    nocon

    Isn`t it amazing how Father Luff has forgiven this Liga lady now that she`s dead (how very magnanimous and patronising of him). If the church was that forgiving for “the childish prank” (his words), how come charges were brought when the incident occured? Why wasn`t she forgiven then and all charges dropped? Not in such a forgiving mood then were you Father Luff?

    SHAME ON YOU FATHER LUFF.

    I also think it`s a bit much when a business all of a sudden comes out and offers a meal for anyone who wants to pay him in the name of being charitable towards Liga`s parents.

    It`s good publicity and a very good way of getting bums on seats in his establishment, but to use someone`s death as a reason?

    SHAME ON YOU MR AHMED.

    The lady was a wrong-un and sadly, whatever the cause of death, has paid the ultimate price.

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  23. 24
    jsimpson

    If some of these comments are seen as a reflection of “Guernsey” then it is indeed a sad day. Leave the girl alone and if people want to help it is their choice. If you have a problem with it….do us all a favour and shut up!

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  24. 25
    Terry Langlois

    nocon – it would not have been Father Luff, or the church, who brought charges. It would have been the Law Officers. Father Luff would have had no power to drop the charges. How do you know that he did not forgive her a long time ago? His statement in the GP said that he did.

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  25. 26
    Emelianeko Fedor

    Wow

    Well done Guernsey, no really, well done.

    Only you could turn a story about a charitable act to help a family in need into the type of pathetic “kick ‘em when their dead” rant fest above.

    Liga’s death is a tragic event, every young death is a tragic event regardless of the circumstances of her life, which by the sounds of it was filled with pain. So for some of you to judge her in the way you have above is quite frankly sick and I’d bet some of you are the most weasly pathetic types that will happily talk all big from behind the safety of your screen but in front of others would not have the courage to stand by your convictions.

    More than that, its also, sadly, an unsurprising indictment of the type of community spirit that only good old Guernsey can show.

    I wonder if your opinions of this girl would be so disgusting if she was Olivia from St Peters as opposed to Liga from Latvia.

    Also, the fact that its a “non-local” committing the act of charity is not lost on me either.

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  26. 27
    Sarah

    It’s very sad that this pretty young mother has lost her life. It’s great that Father Luff has forgiven her. I may get other comments about this but this is how I feel. Liga came over to Guernsey for a fresh start which is great then took to drink and drugs (that’s what the paper iaid)stole a few things spent time in prison.Stole from the Church ok times may be tight but they are for a lot of others but we do not go out steling Ok she worked which like most of us have too to pay our way to pay the bills. Then Liga dies and her family can not afford to pay for her body to be sent back home which is sad dont get me wrong but then they ask us to pay????

    Why should we I don’t mind as give to Charity allot but in this case. I don’t mind giving a few pounds because of the child but that’s all
    sorry but Liga never gave anything to Guernsey apart from us keeping her in prison so I agree with John here.
    I hope her family all the bestand a great future and I hope the pain goes away and liga RIP.

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  27. 28
    Sarah

    Emelianeko Fedor

    I have nothing against Latvia’s or any others we are all humans at the end of the day it’s just what some of us feel. No one is not saying that what has happened is not very sad and what her friend and family must be going through must be heart brakeing but we can have our own say just like you too. Rip liga

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  28. 29
    Maz

    I have to agree with Emelianeko, shame on you negative posters.

    This lady obviously had some problems, but who’s to say that if she had lived longer that she would not have turned her life around. Are you all saints? Never done anything wrong? Never been given a second change?

    Forget all the past, a young girl has lost her life and a small boy has lost his mother, that is the tragedy and I hope her family will understand that there are some Guernsey people that want to send their sincere condolances at this sad time.

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  29. 30
    Me!!

    Why should we as locals support this family with the coast of getting her back to where she belongs….. I have learnt from the last few years how expensive a funeral can be and believe me i was shocked!! Us as locals dont get any help!! any crime committed by non locals should be shipped back to there original country!! I have to pay enough taxes to support local young people who are to lazy to get off there backsides and get a job with having to support non locals to thanks!!

    What is this island coming to!!

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  30. 31
    Tony

    To all you do-gooders posting on here.WOULD YOU be so forgiving if she had stolen from you or burgled your home-I think not.Like one poster said, how many other crimes went undetected.She should have been deported after her second offence, as there was a pattern emerging.If you people think I am horrible saying this, Tough.I have been burgled twice this year and I can tell you it is a horrible feeling knowing some scumbag has been in your home stealing your hard earned possessions and looking through your personal stuff.

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  31. 32
    Donkey

    Guernsey donkeys always gonna be Guernsey donkeys some people here has no respect for other people where ever they from i my opinion 90% Guernsey are racists ,now what the point of making this comment here about here wrong doing ?she dead now! and u racists get a life because today as her tomorrow may be u …

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  32. 33
    Sarah

    How can you say that we are racists? we are allowed to say what we feel,that does not make up racists does it?? I said before it’s a sad thing that what has happened with this young mother and yes she did do some things wrong on our Island and she was sent to prison but not wanting to put our hands in our pockets to pay for someone else to be sent back home is that not up to us? we all have bills to pay and lives to live as best as we can.
    I work along different cultures and I have allways said as long as they noone hurts me or my family then they could be purple for all I care. so dont say we are racists you do not know me?

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  33. 34
    Dave Haslam

    Tony

    So are you saying that because she had committed criminal offences that she deserves no respect now that she is dead??

    Me

    This story isnt about where your tax money goes, this story is about a kind businessman who helped out a needy family.

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  34. 35
    Emelianeko Fedor

    Me

    I beleive I succinctly detailed “what this island is coming to” in my last comment.

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  35. 36
    Emelianeko Fedor

    Sarah

    Yes, everyone is entitled to their say, but there is a difference between an opinion and needlessly speaking ill of a dead girl.

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  36. 37
    Tony

    Dave Haslam,
    Read my post!

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  37. 38
    Neil

    I wish I led such a perfect blameless life like the many of these righteous, pious, almost saint like posters.

    Is there a course I can do?

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  38. 39
    St Marcouf

    I can’t help feeling that the Indian restaurant’s intentions are not purely benevolent when it has used the opportunity as a publicity exercise. It could donate 60% of its takings from any day of the week and keep quiet about it.

    Also, pople frequently cry racism incorrectly without ever knowing what it really means, as they have done here. Xenophobic might be a more appropriate term and there is nothing wrong with xenophobia.

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  39. 40
    Paul

    It is unfortunate that this forum is getting confused between a charitable request and the genuine concern that guernsey people have about how a non local can spend several years here which is against the law as we understand it. If someone would like to explain how many hundreds are able to bypass the law then perhaps we would all feel more comfortable about the future. At the risk of being unkind may I suggest that if Guernsey had taken a tougher stance and sent this poor girl back to her family then perhaps, just perhaps they may have been able to bring her back on to the straight and narrow.

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  40. 41
    Jnar

    I’ve put some money in the pot for her. I haven’t got a lot but I am happy to put my hand in my pocket, my own hard-earned cash to help her family. Why? Cos poor Liga is someone’s daughter, a little boy’s mum, a loved one by others. People who I have never met nor probably will ever meet, but whatever has happened, let the poor girl R.I.P. The bible says “love suffers long and is patient, love keeps no record of wrongs…….” I cor 13. So maybe now is the time to put that love into action.

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  41. 42
    Dave Haslam

    Yeah Tony, that was the problem, I did read it, thats why I asked the question, because it appears to be your stance.

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  42. 43
    Guernsey Fairy

    With regards to some of the comments.

    If a ‘non local’ goes to Prison in Guernsey they are no longer deported on being released from prison. This is apparently against their human rights. Please bear in mind that she had a local boyfriend and therefore she may have been living under his licence and as they had a child together maybe that is how she managed to remain on the Island.

    I for one don’t think we should pay to have her body sent back to Latvia but if people want to give then why shouldn’t they?

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  43. 44
    donkeys

    Oi Sarah and other who don’t want to donate its up to u i been there a few years ago and i know what i ve seen there if was not for the foreigners Guernsey was in the sxxt use ti call us names anyway its a waste of time writing here anything else c ya

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  44. 45
    pbfalla

    The modern day guernsey person are really showing their true colours in this thread.

    ——————-

    Emelianeko Fedor

    Total Respect

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  45. 46
    Tony

    Dave Haslam,
    I do not respect any HABITUAL THIEF dead or alive. That is my choice, as it is your choice to have your views.

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  46. 47
    Sarah

    Emelianeko fedor

    No way am I speacking ill of the dead like I said before it’s a very sad that she has lost her life and yes she did do wrong things in guernsey and ended up in prison but that has nothing to do with me. But not everyone wishes to give money. When you go shopping and there are charities outside collecting for different charties it’s up to us as a person to give. That’s all I was saying

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  47. 48
    nocon

    donkeys,

    If you are not happy with how life treats you here then why are you here? Is your home country such a better place to make you leave it?

    There is a very good air and sea ferry service that will take you far away from us heathens.

    I`ll tell you what, if you let me know your country of origin and your details I will book, and pay, for your repatriation.

    Now, don`t you think that`s very charitable of me? Certainly not racist because I`d do the same for any Non Local.

    I am not publicity seeking like Father Luff and Mr Ahmed just to make themselves look good. I`m saying this because I`m fed up with non locals arriving here and complaining about how they are treated.

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  48. 49
    Kittycat

    It doesn’t matter to me what this poor girl did when she was alive. Apart from anything else, it’s her family who are suffering the most now, unable to bring the body of their beloved girl home and put her to rest.

    Those of you who don’t approve of her lifestyle, or of her being here in the first place – nobody is forcing you to put any money towards this. The nature of charity is that it is done voluntarily and out of kindness. Thankfully there are enough people in Guernsey willing to keep their opinions to themselves and help Liga’s family, no matter what Liga herself may have done. She lost her life. What more do you want from the poor girl?

    And about the restaurant owner… yes he’s getting some publicity out of this, but this means he’s likely to raise a lot more money for the cause, which is no bad thing. At least he’s doing something positive.

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  49. 50
    Emelianeko Fedor

    Sarah

    You misunderstand I never accused you of doing that, I made that point because others in this thread clearly are happy to do that, Tony for example.

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  50. 51
    Emelianeko Fedor

    Nocon

    I find its usually the Guern that moans the most about Guernsey.

    I’ve always found most expats very positive about the island.

    But then you hear what you want to hear I suppose, I’ve seen a conversation where 4 or 5 locals were slagging of road closures, and their brummie co-worker chimed in with “its not that bad” only to be told in no uncertain terms to erm “leave”. Shortly followed by, “its always the bloody foreigners complaining, we Guerns never do”. You couldnt make it up.

    Xenophobia is not a bad trait I suppose in your head at least, you clearly practice it very well. Maybe the island could close to immigrants and seasonal workers who shamelessly flirt with (eager) locals, but then you’ve tried that, and I beleive it got the island a bit of a reputation for being a puddle rather than a pool if you get my drift.

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  51. 52
    Sarah

    Nocon

    Well said :o)

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  52. 53
    Steve-O

    Great there are more of the unibrow “it happens in west virginia too” contingent out in force on this story.

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  53. 54
    OK

    I find it rather disgusting why some people bash others for going out of their way and choosing to do something good in life selflessly for others.

    Those that spend time on here bashing others for their good deeds might want to consider how much spare time they have on their hands and choose to do something better with it other than putting others down with their never ending conspiracy theories due to guilt of doing nothing worthwhile themselves.

    Some people truly need to take a look in the mirror.

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  54. 55
    jsimpson

    Xenophobia is defined as “an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange”….if you find nothing wrong with this attitude then I am sorry to say you are deluded. I cannot understand these non-local rants that keep popping up. Please do not believe that these outdated and prejudiced views are shared by all who live on this Island. If you contribute…feel welcome to stay. I am sure that a few of these moaners do not!

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  55. 56
    No Way

    I’m only xzenophobic towards “foreigners” who are disrespectful towards locals, their properties and who want to change the Island the moment they set foot on it. In fact I hate ANYONE who act and talk as though they are better than anyone (and that even applies to some locals)! I am one who will give the same attitude back as what is dished out and many other locals i know would do the same that does not constitute a cry of “racism” i will not donate because my taxes have supported her already.

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  56. 57
    Twinkler

    It’s seems that it is MOSTLY the same people that comment on articles….USUALLY to have a dig or judge someone they don’t even know.

    Looking at the times of the posts most of you obviously don’t go out to work…….just an observation.

    Not nice to be judged by someone who doesn’t know you though is it?

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  57. 58
    notsostoopid

    @jsimpson
    Got it in one, I quote ‘If you stay and contribute..feel welcome to stay’ ….. and if you come here to do wrong then leave or get thrown out ??? If you are foreign then abide by the rules like we have to, if not, why should non locals be aloud to stay???? and before you crank up, my wife is non-local, but is law abiding and works hard. This island needs to get tough!!

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  58. 59
    Sanguine

    ME!! – bit of a racist tool aren’t you?

    But lets be honest, most people from other countries working over here earn more money than you do, don’t they?

    I think this is why you are upset.

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  59. 60
    donkeys

    oi nocon i m not there in Guernsey i said i been there but i left coz of stupid people like u and sarah its a nice place but some people are shxt i wish that all non local left Guernsey coz o would like to see who would do the crap jobs and other jobs that u lazy moppets dont wanna do just wanna be at home receiving benefits …nacon by the way i am in my home country,if you wanna pay me my holidays i would be happy c ya

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  60. 61
    St Marcouf

    The above definition of xenophobia seems to have been taken from a notoriously unreliable source, i.e. Wikipedia, which in this case has wrongly added in the ingredient of unreasonableness to the definition.

    Xenophobic sentiments are perfectly natural and understandable, and they also assist in the battle to preserve cultural identity and heritage in this increasingly multicultural and PC world.

    Just look at how the Canadian province of Quebec has managed successfully to maintain its culture and French language against all the odds through unabashed xenophobia.

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  61. 62
    nocon

    Donkeys,

    Now, if only there was some way of either stopping you posting rubbish or at least teaching you how to write proper English you might become more bearable.

    At least you`ve saved me some money by leaving of your own accord. If we Guernsey people have driven you away then I only hope it works for all the others who have come here and find reason to complain. We don`t need you, We don`t want you and we couldn`t care less if you don`t return.

    Enjoy your homeland or wherever you`ve gone to, no doubt to complain about that place too, I`m sure you`ll be driven out of there too.

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  62. 63
    Ray

    nocon

    2nd para… capital W after a comma !

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  63. 64
    Manuel

    I think guernsey is racist
    Just read the press or spend a morning in the magistrates court non working locals get smaller fines and time to pay
    Hardworking tax paying non locals same offence higher fines paid immeadiatly or prison
    lets have the same for all

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  64. 65
    Laura

    @Nocon – nicely said, however Ray does have a point, that capital W really contradicts your comment.

    Report abuse

  65. 66
    Sarah

    donkeys I would like to know why you think I am stupid? please tell me and Twinkler Im not judging anybody Im just say what I feel but feel free to judge me I don’t care Im too busy working to care thank you and donkey c ya.

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  66. 67
    Sarah

    Manuel what are you saying that Guernsey people are racists??????? why would you say that do you know all of us? do you know me? No you don’t but think what you like and stop moaning.

    Report abuse

  67. 68
    Dave Haslam

    Tony

    At least you are happy to show your rather nasty side in all its glory and arent ashamed to show off your hateful views, good for you.

    Sarah

    You back up Nocon and his Xenophobic rants against a someones who’s clearly a WUM (intelligent eh!). Yet then you say “do you know me”? as if you are disgusted that someone questions your integrity as to your views on non-locals.

    Well now, Manuel clearly doesnt know you, but if you say “well said” to comments from a person advocating Xenophobia, we could pretty safely say somewhere in your psyche you have those feeling too, otherwise why would you say that??

    Nocon

    Classic Xenphobia, good for you, good job you didnt chase all the nasty foreigners away. I wouldnt have my cushy finance job had you lot had your way, I may be forced to work in a greenhouse picking tomatoes with my 264 cousins.

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  68. 69
    Sanguine

    Manuel

    There are HARD working tax paying locals?

    You are joking right?

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  69. 70
    nocon

    One typo error? Did you read donkey`s submission?

    Nit picking a bit aren`t you?

    I`ll see how good you are in future.

    My point still stands, typo or Not.

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  70. 71
    chris

    A foreign national that is convicted of a crime and sentenced to time in Les Nicolles should be deported. No ifs and buts.
    Maybe if they swear not to return they could be deported without serving time. If they did return then double their sentence.
    If you can’t cope with our justice then don’t do the crime or come here. Lilly livered liberals please note.

    Report abuse

  71. 72
    becks

    u lot bare discracefull leave m sister to rest in peice will u and for our info yes er son is ok being looked after and es the dad is around not that is an of your buisness!!!

    Report abuse

  72. 73
    becks

    itis me again but not real,so not reali liga sister or broter.

    a good tri a?

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