Join CARA: Community Against Racist Attacks
              and support your neighbours
As a small holiday resort, Portballintrae has had a long tradition of
welcoming visitors and throughout the political conflict of the past thirty
years, the village remained free from sectarian violence and provided a
haven for those seeking respite from the troubles elsewhere in the
Province. But in the wee hours of the 11th of May the normally peaceful
village was shocked awake by a vicious racist attack.  This is the fourth
such attack in less than a year. There has been unanimous condemnation
of these incidents and it was felt that the time had come for the community
to take a stand against any kind of hate crime in the area as well as to show
solidarity with and support for the victims.

Thus was born CARA: Community Against Racist Attacks.  At a press event
on Thursday 15 May 2008, the Portballintrae ResidentsÕ Association, the
Mayor of Coleraine, DUP Councillor Maurice Bradley as well as
representatives of the Police Advisory Committee, the Rural Development
Council, Bushmills Peace Group, local clergy and the Coleraine ChurchesÕ
Forum, and many members of the community stated categorically that there
was no place in Portballintrae for violence and hatred of any sort.

The Association recently put a flyer through every mail slot in the village.
Please put it in your window and help to keep Portballintrae a welcoming
place for everyone regardless of race, creed or colour. Look for upcoming
public events that are designed to encourage understanding and harmony.

Residents are urged to report any information they might have that could
assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.