Be My Voice

Two cases are currently under deliberation concerning the establishment of abortion services in Northern Ireland after the vote in Westminster during the suspension of Stormont. One, heard in May, was taken by the NI Human Rights Commission in support of services (BBC), and the other, heard last week, was brought by SPUC (web) alleges that the NI Secretary lacks the authority to direct Stormont to establish services (BBC).

The pro-life stencil shown here is on the Antrim Road, below the Fortwilliam shops.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07166 X07167

Lockdown

The bilingual sign says “temporary enclosure” but neither the Irish News or the Belfast Telegraph has been able to get a comment from the Chinese Consulate in Malone Road about the “ring of steel” erected around (what is currently known as) MacNeice house. Local residents have complained that the fence, which replaces a hedge, is an eyesore, not fitting for Malone Conservation Area.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07163 X07165 X07162 [X07164]

Stay Apart, Stay In Touch

“Social distancing” during the coronavirus epidemic means maintaining a physical distance in social situations rather than not having any communication with society. On the contrary, communities are working together perhaps more closely than normal in order to assist those who are in need of support. The Sınn Féın board, above, on the railings of the Duncairn Centre (web) (formerly Duncairn Presbyterian). Identical signs at the Waterworks and Cherryvale drew comment from Alliance as being party-political in shared spaces (BelTel).

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07119 X07120 Antrim Rd ag obaır ar do shon covid-19 north belfast community support advice elderly vulnerable foodbank

The Staff Are Social Distancing

Businesses across the north (and across the world) struggle to function during the coronavirus pandemic with measures such as limiting the number of customers on site, shifting to kerb-side pick-up, frequent sanitising of surfaces, requiring the wearing of masks, and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from customers. This images from ‘USA Hand Car Wash & Valet’ in Larne, describes the measures being taken: “Staff are social distancing. Wash & dry only. Door sills not dried to avoid contact. No contact payments. Money to be left on passenger seat. Thank you for your co-operation.”

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07115c

Raising The Flag On Covid-19

Three of the six Marines who raised an American flag on Iwo Jima in February 1945 – made famous by a photograph Joe Rosenthal – were killed in the battle. The soldiers in this new Glynn mural are planting the flag (a real flag) into a mass of coronavirus molecules, hopefully protected by their surgical masks and gloves. “NHS heroes. Sending a <heart> to all our key workers.”

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07106 [X07105] [X07107]

No One Left Behind

“In this together. No one left behind. Ireland thanks you.” Essential workers – “NHS – Store Workers – Call Centre Workers – Transport Workers – Factory Workers” – have carried on working for the last seven weeks despite the lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Next to The Great Hunger.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle (web | Fb)
X07099 X07100 [X07042] [X07096] [X07319]

Prepared For Work, Ready For Coronavirus

Coronavirus places ordinary people such as health-care workers and employees of essential businesses in extraordinary times. This new Mount Vernon mural thanks NHS staff by depicting them as supermen and -women in disguise.

In the background is Prepared For Peace, Ready For War.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X07112 X07103 X07102 X07101

West Belfast Supports The Essential Frontline Workers

Public Health England last Friday issued guidelines for reusing personal protective equipment (PPE) when stocks of fresh gowns, goggles, gloves, and masks run out. In response to concerns from local health workers, First Minister Arlene Foster has given assurances that the policy will not be adopted here (iTV | BelTel) but the on-going coronavirus pandemic means that the search for PPE continues. A quarter million gowns were transferred from Northern Ireland to England this week without any firm date for their being returned in kind (BelTel). The Orange Order, on the other hand, was able to make a contribution of masks and aprons via lodges both north and south (NewsLetter | Irish News). The mural is perhaps based on this banner.

The image below shows the mural at the time of its official launch on April 18th; it was added to the following week.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2020 Sabine Troendle
X07071 [X07072] X07024 [X07025] Divis St National Health Service ML MD