Wellington County Warden Kelly Linton says he shares the frustration, anger, and sadness over the senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
He said the top priority from the county's 2019 Strategic Action Plan is that “People Are Our Main Priority,” which is an opportunity to build diversity, openness, and acceptance.
He says the county stands against racism and discrimination and supports the right of people to gather in protest. However, he adds the seriousness of COVID-19 presents a difficult dilemma between balancing the right to protest with public health concerns. He says the provincial state of emergency is an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the right of people to peaceably assemble is a fundamental part of a free and democratic society. He urged those who do intend to peacefully protest, to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
Wellington County is fortunate to have a strong and culturally diverse history. This includes the powerful story of Richard Pierpoint who was kidnapped from West Africa and sold into slavery in the 1700s. Pierpoint fought with the British in exchange for his freedom and ended up settling in Fergus. The Wellington County Museum and Archives will continue to share his story and other stories of those in our county who have been marginalized and discriminated against.
