An Open Letter to Employees of Belcross, Shell Subcontractors

mayo | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Thursday June 11, 2009 21:36 by Jen Debender - Rossport Solidarity Camp 0851141170

This letter was hand delivered to the workers of the 'safety boats' owned and operated by Belcross Enterprise Ltd who have been subcontracted by Shell to impose 'health and safety' in the area in Broadhaven Bay where dredging work is underway in preparation for the controversial Corrib gas pipeline.

To employees of Belcross:

As you may be aware, early this morning at 2am two local men, Pat O'Donnell and Martin McDonnell, were at sea on Pat's fishing boat the 'Iona Isle' when it was boarded by four masked men and sunk. Pat and Martin were held at gunpoint for one and a half hours while two of the men went below deck and proceeded to sink the boat. They left the sinking ship with the two men on it.

Both men were hospitalised after having to be rescued from Broadhaven Bay. Pat and Martin are respected members of the Erris community, neither of whom is able to swim. This mercenary style attack on these local men is a grave escalation of the situation and should not be taken lightly. The private security firm IRMS is an outside force hired not to protect current building works but to suppress, intimidate, and hospitalise the local community.

Employees of Belcross Enterprise Ltd have repeatedly claimed that their only role is to oversee health and safety in the area where Shell is currently working. However it is well known that Belcross is facilitating the security force's menacing tactics, acting well outside of its stated 'safety' role. Please consider if this is the type of shameful business yourself and your coworkers signed up for. We know that Belcross is a local company, largely employing local residents. By cooperating with IRMS you are supporting the terrorisation of your local community.

We understand that jobs are scarce in this recession, and yours is a difficult position to be in. However this is no longer just a job. People opposing the project have every reason to fear for their lives. Do not doubt the willingness of Shell and its mercenaries to resort to murder for the sake of profit.

We ask you to seriously consider your participation in this operation, and to look farther ahead then the next paycheck. Additionally, if you noticed any IRMS activity around 2am near Ballyglass pier, please let us know, and do not let the truth be concealed when lives are at risk.

Urgently Yours,
The Rossport Solidarity Camp
085 114 1170
[email protected]