Black Lives Matter protesters attend town centre demo
MORE than 100 people attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Carmarthen at the weekend.
Crowds gathered at Nott Square in the town centre shortly before 10am on Saturday.
The protest was in response to the death of American George Floyd in the US state of Minnesota on May 25.
Floyd died after an incident involving four police officers - all of which have since been sacked and subsequently charged in connection with his death.
The incident has sparked protests across the US in the past two weeks, protests which have spread to cities and towns across the UK.
People brought placards and stood in solidarity.
Those in attendance called for an end to “systemic racism” across the UK, and called on politicians and police forces to do more to tackle racism.
Police were also in attendance at the protest, which passed largely without incident.
Officers did, however, speak to one man who is thought to have responded to chants of ‘black lives matter’ by chanting ‘all lives matter’.
Despite the large gathering, the vast majority of protesters were seen to be social distancing, and many were wearing personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks.
The organiser of the protest, Billie Handley, said: “We had a turnout of more than a 100 people, which was good.
“I think we got our message across and it was encouraging to see people support the protest.
“I know people had concerns about our protest while we are still in lockdown but there’s never a right time to protest and everyone maintained social distancing and those who came along are now self isolating for 14 days.”
On Friday, ahead of the protest, Carmarthenshire Council said racism had no place in Carmarthenshire.
Council leader councillor Emlyn Dole said: “Tonight (Friday), and throughout the weekend, County Hall in Carmarthen will be illuminated purple as a public display of our solidarity with all those that continue to challenge racism, discrimination and inequality.”