We can't be bought

Greenlanders' stark message as US president eyes up their island

- BY MARK McGIVERN

GREENLANDERS have said they will defend their freedom in the face of threats from US President Donald Trump.

As the US leader vows to take over the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark in the North Atlantic, proud residents in the capital Nuuk have declared their home is not up for grabs.

Drinking in Daddy's bar, Morten Meller, 60, beat his chest and said: "No. He cannot do this. We must have our freedom! Donald Trump thinks he can buy us, pay money for us, but we are human beings. We cannot be bought."

As we trudged around snow-covered streets and the icy harbour to ask what Greenlanders think of Trump's plans, most people shared Morten's views.

Last week, the US President said: "I would like to make a deal the easy way but if we don't do it the easy way, we're going to do it the hard way."

Scallop fisherman Peter Hessner pointed at ravens when asked about what seems to be an explicit threat of force. He said: "He's nuts. Everyone knows it, even the birds know it."

Peter, who has a Danish father and Greenlandic mother, wants independence from Denmark, a view shared by 84% of residents, a poll found last year.

MINERALS

But many believe now is not the right time economically to break free, and almost every person we spoke to said a US takeover would be a disaster.