Islanders are invited to the Royal Square
tomorrow morning (Sunday) at 11am to mark the 7th Anniversary of the
Time4Change rally which was held on 8th March 2008 to remember the
victims and survivors of Jersey child abuse, past and present.
Much has happened since that date, and with the help of
campaigners, bloggers and former States Members, we were able to secure a
Committee of Inquiry to look independently into these serious matters; to shine
a light into one of the darkest chapters in Jersey’s recent history, and to
seek to bring redress, justice and healing.
This brief memorial will allow the focus to be put back where it belongs. On the victims and survivors of abuse and there will be a minute's silence as a sign of respect.
Recent Events:
I am very concerned at recent developments to sabotage the
Committee of Inquiry, made by some elements that have never wanted the Inquiry
to happen – individuals who themselves have questions to answer under the
Committee’s Terms of Reference.
‘The Committee is just about to look at some of its key terms
of reference, including [No 13. to]
Establish the process by which files were submitted by the States of Jersey
Police to the prosecuting authorities for consideration, and establish –
Whether those responsible for deciding on which cases
to prosecute took a professional approach;
Whether the
process was free from political or other interference at any level.'
It is to be expected
that some people may not want this to happen and will try anything to obstruct
the Committee from being able to do its job.
But, for my part, I will resolutely
oppose any suggestion that the Committee not be allowed to do its job.
Anyone wishing to attend is
invite to bring a daffodil as a sign of respect.
