Charity to lead slave labour memorial service

A charity will be in charge of organising an annual memorial service for people forced to work as slaves during the German occupation of Jersey.

Jersey Heritage said it had been "entrusted" with the Slave Workers' Memorial Ceremony, which is held every year on Liberation Day in honour of those who were held as slave workers by the Nazis.

After several years as an informal event, the ceremony was eventually recognised in 1971, and has since been held annually with more than 100 people showing up to pay their respects by laying wreaths.

The charity described the opportunity to organise the 9 May event as "a privilege".

The first person to organise the ceremony was Francisco Font, a Spanish Republican who was forced to work as a slave.

In 2001, his son Gary took over the work and has now handed the reins over to Jersey Heritage.

"It is a privilege to be asked to organise this important annual memorial ceremony and we feel honoured that Gary Font has entrusted it to us," said Chris Addy, from Jersey Heritage.

"Gary has demonstrated incredible devotion and commitment over the years and we are committed to ensuring the ceremony continues in the same manner and spirit that he has maintained for the past 25 years."

Gary Font said: "On behalf of myself, the founders and families of those who attend the Slave Workers' Memorial Ceremony each year, it is with great pleasure I pass on the guardianship to the safe hands of Jersey Heritage.

"I know with their experience, understanding and empathy they will ensure the ceremony always remains a valued part of our island's history."

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