Rushen MHK Dr Michelle Haywood says she feels ashamed about the number of racist and anti-immigrant comments she sees on social media.
Dr Haywood used her post to defend the role immigrants play on our island and criticised politicians such as Nigel Farage MP.
She said: “I have watched events of the past few weeks in neighbouring jurisdictions with alarm. And at the same time I have seen the growing racist narrative on our Island, and I feel ashamed for every racist and anti-immigrant comment that I read.
“Immigrants to our island are on average better qualified than the population they join. Immigrants bring vital skills that support our economy, health and social care and hospitality sectors (among others).
“In the UK millionaires like Nigel Farage cultivate an anti-immigrant narrative as a way of distracting people from realising what a grifter he is, and how he spends his time ensuring the poverty gap gets wider as the rich get richer.”
Criticism
Dr Haywood’s post attracted criticism for saying immigrants “are on average better qualified” which a comment asking “what are you going to do about raising the standards of education on the island?”
She responded: “The point is not that education here is lacking, but that evidence shows we mostly recruit highly qualified and experienced professionals to provide the best support to the island’s economy and services.”
The MHK added: “People who want to live and work in our beautiful Island, people who want to contribute to our society and people seeking to enjoy our culture and heritage are welcome.
“And anyone who tries to make them feel less welcome and accepted should be ashamed. Anyone trying to import the ‘culture wars’ narrative into the island should be ashamed.”