‘Together we can deliver a fully inclusive society’: McGuinness tells Derry’s Polish community

Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness has visited the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) North West in Derry to listen to members of the the city’s Polish community on how to tackle race hate crimes and promote racial equality.

Mr McGuinness (pictured) met with Agnieszka Marusarz, vice-chair of Polish Abroad and Slawomir Zajac, co-ordinator of Polish Anglers NI club.

Speaking during a visit to the group’s offices on Clarendon Street, Martin McGuinness said: “Too often we are hearing about hate crimes and intimidation. I utterly condemn these acts which are senseless, mindless and, I believe, borne out of sheer ignorance.

“The vast majority of people have welcomed our minority ethnic communities for the skills, new ideas, and fresh perspectives they bring to life here.

“But more importantly they bring a willingness and readiness to make friends and be friends.

“We acknowledge the continuing positive contribution of minority ethnic people not just to our economic life but to all aspects of life here including public, political, social and cultural life too.

“Our revised Racial Equality Strategy will establish a framework to tackle racial inequalities and to open up opportunity for all, to eradicate racism and hate crime, and to promote good race relations and social cohesion.

“We want to make sure that people’s ambitions are not limited because of their background or colour but they have every opportunity to make the most of their talents and potential.

“I am pleased OFMDFM’s Minority Ethnic Development Fund has recognised the important work being done in Derry and will be supporting a number of groups in the area. I am determined that both the Strategy and the Fund will help build a future based on mutual respect and tolerance for all people in our community.”

Mr McGuinness added: “To achieve this it is important to take everyone’s opinions into account, so I have found it really useful to listen to Polish Abroad, people and groups from the Derry area. Only by working together can we deliver a fully inclusive society.”