Minute silences will be observed this week for the first anniversaries of two separate disasters that claimed the lives of thirteen islanders.

Ahead of a memorial service, the Chief Minister says her thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones or lost their homes.

Deputy Kristina Moore says a year ago our island was devastated by two terrible tragedies that occurred within 48 hours of each other that none of us will forget:

“My thoughts and prayers remain first and foremost with the families of those who died last December and the dozens more who lost their homes. While they will forever remember and miss those they lost, those feelings will be particularly acute as we approach the anniversaries. My heart goes out to them.

As well as those directly impacted by the disasters, the anniversaries will be something the whole Island will want to mark, reflect on and remember – whether that’s by attending the service, observing the silences or in their own, personal way.

While those terrible tragedies were among the very worst things that have happened to our Island since the occupation, the reaction to them also demonstrated the very best of us in terms of the community spirit, resilience and unity that has characterised the last 12 months and will, I’m sure, be on display throughout the events of this week and beyond.”

Three fishermen died when the L'Ecume II sank following a collision at sea on  8 December.  Ten lives were lost in an explosion at Haut de Mont on December 10th.

At midday on both anniversaries, the community is asked to pause in remembrance. 

A Town Church service on Thursday evening will be livestreamed.

The government says it will be using social media channels to direct people to wellbeing support services.