Deputy Tadier's Blog

Scrutiny: Children's Services in Jersey - But where are the Media?

2012-01-30T00:01:00.001Z

The Scrutiny Panel that deals with Health and Social Services in Jersey met this Friday for their first public hearing with the Minister and her team to discuss the recent finding of the independent review carried out by the Care Inspectorate into the island's children's services. The panel did a pretty proficient job, considering it was their first ever public hearing, even if the Minister and her entourage were less impressive.

One member who did impress was the former Education Minister, Deputy James Reed, who demanded to know why, more than 3 years after the Williamson recommendations, the new Inspectorate found that 'children were still not being listened to.'

What was perhaps most surprising (well, not for Jersey) was that none of the media bothered to turn up to hear what the Minister had to say, particularly as they had been covering the very issues that were on the agenda for that meeting. For example, just two days earlier the Jersey Evening Post led with the headline: 'Foster System "Failing Thousands"' , while the BBC lead with 'Jersey Children's Care Service "Needs Improvement"'. Yet the JEP and the BBC decided not to send any their reporters down to hear what was going on.
Thankfully, Citizen's media was there to take notes and do interviews. These videos are brought to you courtesy of Tom Gruchy.

Good Conflict. Bad Conflict

2012-01-23T02:30:00.004Z

A man with many hats:
Attorney General, Tim Le Cocq

Minister for TTS, Deputy Kevin Lewis

You may have read in Friday's Jersey Evening Post that the 'Transport and Technical Services could (here is the operative word) face prosecution over beach polution.' Could, would, might, may... Indeed.

Now when I read this headline, two questions immediately flashed up in my mind. One inquisitive and one rhetorical: (1) 'Who exactly is going to do the prosecuting?' and (2) What is the actual likelihood of them getting [sucessfully] prosecuted?

As I read on, I found the answer to my first question (I'll leave you make up your own minds re: the second one) 'Environmental protection officers have now submitted a file of evidence about breaches of the plant’s discharge permit to the Attorney General, who is considering whether to bring the matter to court.'

From what I know of the current Attorney General, he seems like a genuinely nice guy, polite, genial, but more important intelligent and a great asset to have in the Assembly when legal questions arise that most non-legally trained members easily struggle with.

But in this post, I am not concerned with the person of the Attorney General, rather the rôle itself. Or rather, I should say 'rôles', for his jobs are multiple.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR HM ATTORNEY GENERAL

1) The Attorney General gives legal advice to Ministers and Scrutiny Panels.

2)He is also the head of Jersey's prosecution service and,

3) as 'Titular head' of the Honorary Police, carries out the duties that arise from that position.

4)His department also assists overseas law enforcement agencies and carries out conveyancing work for the States. The Solicitor General deputises for the Attorney General.

It is the first two, primary rôles of the Attorney General which are of interest to us in this case.

(1) The Attorney General gives legal advice to Ministers (and their departments).
(2) The Attorney General Decides whether to prosecute (Ministers)

So, he gives legal advice to the Environment Department (who have submitted evidence to him regarding the alleged negligence of TTS). He gives legal advice to TTS, who may be facing charges from ... from the Attorney General. (Presumably, he gives legal advice to himself too).

A veritable one stop shop, is our Attorney General.

Now, for the conspiracy theorists amongst you, the alarm bells will be going off in your head. 'Surely this is a conflict of interest!' How can the AG possibly be considered impartial, when he has to balance so many potentially conflicts of interest!'. Shame on you. How dare you cast aspersions or Her Majesty's esteemed Attorney General to be able to balance the near impossible demands of each aspect of his job. The AG is a Crown Officer and therefore well experienced in dealing with conflicts of interests.

BAD CONFLICT

St Helier Deputy, Mike Higgins

When it comes to Elected States Members, however, or at least those outside the cosy inner circle, the rules are somewhat different. Last Year, Deputy Mike Higgins was prevented from carrying out a Scrutiny Review looking at the management of the Airport and Harbours and, in particular, its shadow board (one of the non-executive directors is former Chief Minister, Frank Walker). Deputy Higgins was probably the only States Member of carry out this review, but he was stopped because certain members saw his rôle as 'organiser of the Battle of Britain Air display as a conflict of interest.' Deputy Higgins gave assurances he would not be looking at areas that affected the Air Display, but this did not satisfy other members. The review never did happen and Deputy Higgins resigned from Scrutiny all together as a result

Deputy Trevor Pitman

A similar thing happened to another St Helier Deputy, Trevor Pitman, when he decided to chair a scrutiny into the handling of a review of Operation Rectangle, very much linked to Haut de la Garenne Abuse inquiry. The review was set to find out some damning revelations about how the review was handled and, in the end, succeeded in being carried out, but this was not without Deputy Pitman being dragged over the coals. Apparently, because he had 'asked questions' in the States on the issue and written a blog, he was 'conflicted' and therefore an inappropriate person to now lead a review. That is, considered inappropriate by The Home Affairs Minister, Senator Le Marquand (who was conflicted) and by Senator Ferguson (head of scrutiny at the time).

So you see, in Jersey, it is OK for Crown Officers to be able to be expected to balance their rôles, to over-ride their human nature and to always act in a clinical and impartial way, whether they are advising States Members, telling them when they can speak (some of which with whom they may get on very well, others not so well) or deciding whether to prosecute them. But for those outside the political establishment, even the most contrived suggestion of conflict can be sufficient to scupper valid democratic checks and balances from taking place.

Conclusion

Now, the matter of nitrates going into the sea is one thing. It is no doubt serious, but much more serious is the matter of Historic* Child Abuse (*for those still hoping for justice in our island, there is nothing 'historic' about it). The potential conflict of interest, from the Attorney General (not necessarily Tim Le Cocq), who is one the one hand advising the Council of Ministers legally, and even politically, whilst also being the one deciding which child abuse cases to prosecute is immense.

This is why I was so keen to make sure that long awaited Committee of Inquiry in Child Abuse also had the following as one of its terms of reference:

'Was a consistent and impartial approach taken when deciding on which cases to prosecute; and was the process free from political influence or interference on any level?'

This amendment was adopted as part of the Terms of Reference by the States Assembly, but it is already under threat, which figures like the former Chief Minister suggesting to me that it would be 'too costly' to include, and Senator Bailhache, who has said he thinks the CoI is a 'waste of money' altogether.

The minor battle this year will be fighting to secure an Independent Electoral Commission - which Senator Bailhache wants to derail.

The major battle is fighting for the rights of abuse survivors and making sure that the same Senator and his authoritarian sympathisers are not allowed to derail Child Abuse Inquiry.

Making Sense of the Economic Crisis ... with the help of Rap

2011-12-12T18:05:00.003Z

I was shown this rather clever video yesterday which combines the musical and poetic talent of Rap with heavyweight political and socio-economic discourse - thrown in with a bit of comedy - to make for a very thought provoking and accessible commentary on topical issues.

This Video is called: 'Termination of Economy'

'TheJuiceMedia Rap News – the news source for the discerning viewer, delivering a bulletin to restore your faith in the fourth estate, make you nod your head to the beat even as you shake it in disbelief. An off-beat musical, current-affairs programme, ‘Rap News’ is responsible for turning bollocks-news into socio-poetic/comedic analyses which everyone can relate to and understand. Join your host, Robert Foster, for the latest broadcast of Rap News.

~TheJuiceMedia: Rap News is written and created by Hugo Farrant and Giordano Nanni in a home-studio/suburban backyard in Melbourne, Australia.

Hugo Farrant fills the role of the amiable Rap News anchorman, Robert Foster – as well as all the guests who appear on the show. Hailing from Branksome in the UK, Hugo is a prolific rhymer and orator, MC and spoken-word poet who regularly graces the stages and festivals of Melbourne. Having spent seven years rhyming and rapping, he now co-rhymes/writes ~TheJuiceMedia: Rap News.

Giordano Nanni is Rap News’s writer, director and editor, whose rants and ruminations on history, politics and current affairs are channeled into rhyme by Robert Foster. Hailing from Italy and South Africa, Giordano’s background is in history, music, and media; he is the instigator of a number of original projects spanning theatre, print and the internets – including ~TheJuiceMedia, which he established in 2008.

Robert Foster - Rap New’s affable anchorman, whose retro outfits and biting critiques of current affairs have earned him respect in the whisical world of news satire. Specialising in the ancient art of independent-broadcasting with rhyme-and-reason, Robert is the personified embodiment of the collaborative duo, Hugo and Giordano. (Although he would never admit it if questioned directly).

With thanks to Juice Media

Liberal Democrats in Jersey? Interview with Dr Mark Forskitt

2011-12-11T21:02:00.002Z

When you first think of Jersey Politics, the words liberal and democratic do not immediately spring to mind, however, last Wednesday, a meeting was held at Hautlieu School to discuss the idea of forming a branch of the UK Liberal Democrat party in Jersey.

I attended the meeting, which was a modest affair. Notable in her absence was Advocate Rose Colley, who I am sure had a good reason for not attending; however, the meeting was essentially called by students whose idea it was in the first place. It was refreshing to hear 4 young people who were intelligently and articulately commenting on politics in the island. Maureen Lakeman was one of those students. Here she talks with Tom Gruchy about politics in Jersey.

Footage Courtesy of Tom Gruchy

Nun The Wiser - Some Christmas Cheer Courtesy of Jersey Tourism

2011-12-09T01:26:00.001Z

As we enter the yuletide period, I am taking this opportunity to provide a bit of festive cheer courtesy of the ingenious and hard working folk at Jersey Tourism. What we see here is a bit of Jersey street theatre of the finest quality. It is a credit to the team at Tourism who provide events and street theatre to liven up our streets all year round to the benefit of visitors and locals alike.

Enjoy

Should there be a Media Watchdog for Jersey?

2011-12-05T21:13:00.003Z

Deputy Trevor Pitman will be asking a question
about media in the States this week

Following on from the Theme of Media in Jersey, I am pleased to publish here part 2 of my interview with Team Voice. Part one can be seen here

Tomorrow Deputy Pitman will ask the following Question of Deputy Tracey Vallois, who is the President of the Chairman's (Scrutiny) Panel: 'Will the President clarify whether she intends to pursue the recommendation of the [previous] Education and Home Affair's Scrutiny Panel to include scrutiny of the media under the remit of the Scrutiny panels?"

More on this after tomorrow's response.

But for now, here is part two. Enjoy

JEP - Not Fit for Purpose: Part 2

2011-11-30T18:07:00.006Z

The second part of this blog on the Jersey Evening Post co-incides quite appropriately with the latest post of Team Voice, which features an interview I did with them earlier this week. Later on in this blog, I want to focus on the astonishing media bias that all three of the main Jersey media outlets displayed during last month's Senatorial (General) Elections. However, first of all, I want to follow on from and contextualise the recent 'spat' I have had with Lucy Mason and particularly Chris Bright from the Jersey Evening Post.

One of my respected friends, and political supporters, had suggested I was a little harsh. Following Lucy's misreporting that I had spoilt my paper, when I had not, I responded with a twitter message saying: 'Lucy Mason is either incompetent or telling deliberate malicious lies.' True, the lying part was probably a little harsh, which is why I qualified the statement with the option that she was simply being incompetent.

My esteemed friend wrote,'I'm not sure one mistake deserved the phrase "incompetent". I've made a mistake today at work, which was picked up, and I corrected, but it doesn't happen often, and I'd had to be called incompetent because of that.'

I quite agree. We all make mistakes including (especially) politicians. I responded to my friend saying:

'I agree that we all make mistakes, but a) this was not a one off and (b) it was the 'process' that was at fault. Lucy said that she did not hear what I said as my microphone was switched off. Rather than come to me ans ask what I said, she then went to colleagues who also misinterpreted my words as an admission. I told her on the phone that (i) she should not be reporting stuff if she did not hear it and (ii) if she wanted clarification, she should have come to me in the first instance.'

Jersey Evening Post Reporter
Lucy Mason

My main concern here is to do with process and 'good/best practice'. Lucy quite openly admits to not hearing what I said (which was a response to Constable John Refault's comments about how awful it was that any States member should see fit to spoil their paper - I responded that any member was quite within their rights to spoil their paper if they could not bring themselves to vote for an individual on ideological or personal grounds. This was taken as an addmission by some, although it most certainly was not). In such a circumstance one should (a) either not report anything which is not clear or (b) ascertain the facts before reporting something. Lucy did attempt to establish what had happened - by talking to other members, at least one of who had misunderstood. What Lucy should have done was to come directly to me, ask if I had spoiled my paper and proceeded from there. This is usually what happens when good practice is operating - and other journalists normally do that. (Harry McRandle made the same error of practice when he misreported my comments at a Jersey Finance meeting earlier in the year. When confronted with the mistake he apologised and said, 'He was momentarily distracted' and so did not catch what I actually said... If in doubt, make it up)

But it is not simply me who has been affected. Deputy Shona Pitman has also fallen foul to the paper's sub-standard reporting when they reported on the closure of the Market Post Office, against which Shona was fighting. One 'mischevious' shop-owner did not agree with Shona and told the JEP reporter that the market stall holders did not support Deputy Pitman. This single view, which was not representative, then became a story.

Historically, the J.E.P. has a record of getting it wrong: and I can think of 5 occasions off the top of my head where apparently innocent mistakes were made in reporting either my manifesto or my words which all had the effect of portraying me in a bad light. This is without mentioning the 'fake' letters that they have attempted and do still publish from time to time.

Editor, Chris Bright

And now, we turn our attention to the Editor, Chris Bright. The following is the email that Chris sent me following the letter I sent to him (which can be seen on my previous blog). Note its tone and how rather than simply apologising or giving an undertaking to brief his staff to take more care in future, he prefers to go on the defensive - even threatening me. I have published my response to him below:

From: Chris Bright [mailto:CBright@jerseyeveningpost.com]

Sent: 24 November 2011 12:34

To: Montfort TadierSubject: Spoilt papers

Dear Montfort,

In response to your email of yesterday, we have published a correction to the report mistakenly stating that you had admitted spoiling your ballot paper in the States.

Please note that the operative word here is ‘mistakenly’. The error was not intentional and it is you who owes Lucy Mason an apology for publicly calling her a liar on your Twitter feed, a nasty piece of juvenile name-calling which is simultaneously untrue, offensive and defamatory. Kindly remove the tweet and note that, should you continue personally insulting or maligning Lucy or, indeed, any other member of this newspaper’s staff in similar fashion, I will have no hesitation in complaining about your conduct to the Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Chris Bright.

---------------

From: Montfort Tadier
Sent: 24 November 2011 15:11
To: 'Chris Bright'
Subject: RE: Spoilt papers

Dear Chris,

I regret the antagonistic tone of your email and that you did not see fit to call me in person. If you had taken time to read my twitter post you would be aware that I said 'Lucy Mason at the JEP is either incompetent or telling deliberate malicious lies.' The operative words here are 'either' and 'or'.

With this in mind, I will not be apologising to Lucy nor removing my post. If you see fit to refer this to PPC, that is your decision. But I will not be lectured on moral standards by the editor of a newpaper which constantly falls below reasonable standards of balanced, fair and competent journalism - something which was demonstrated very clearly in the recent general elections.

I will be sending a full complaint in to you and the press complaints body, and I will be encouraging my colleagues and members of the public to do the same where they have grievances.

Warmest regards,

Montfort Tadier

JEP - Not fit for Purpose: Part 1. Letter of Complaint to the JEP

2011-11-25T00:20:00.002Z

Chris Bright
Editor of the Jersey Evening Post

JEP 'Journo', Harry McRandle

The Royal British Legion Poppy

which 'Mr Fly' thought was a 'Sheriff's badge'

This blog will be the first part in a look at Jersey's only paper, the Jersey Evening Post. I will not be looking at the obvious biased coverage that the paper gave to its preferred candidate, Sir Philip Bailhache during the whole of the Senatorial Elections, last month, nor the lack of balanced reporting (not yet).
Today, I am simply doing in this post is putting up a copy of the letter I sent to the editor, Chris Bright, yesterday complaining about repeated inaccurate reporting from his paper, which is either down to staff incompetence or institutional bias. I am compelled to publish it here as I doubt it will see the light of day in his paper.

I will expand more on the circumstances and Mr Bright's attempt to threaten me in the next post, but for now, here is the letter.

------------

States Chambers

Royal Square

St Helier

23^rd November 2011

Dear Sirs,

I am obliged to write to you to correct an inaccuracy in yesterday’s JEP by your political correspondent Lucy Mason. Your reporter stated incorrectly that I had ‘admitted spoiling [my] paper in the third round [for the election of Privileges and Procedures Chairman].’ This is untrue. Firstly, I admitted no such thing and secondly, I did not spoil my paper (I am happy to confirm that I voted for the winner).

This is by no means the first time that your political correspondents have misrepresented me. Only three weeks ago (2^nd November), I was given a written apology by another of your political correspondents, Toby Chiang, following a curious report in the fly which said I was wearing a ‘badge’ that was either a Sheriff’s badge or some left over from a Halloween costume. It was in fact the Royal British Legion enamel poppy, which was also being worn as a sign of respect by a number of my colleagues. Why I was singled out for misreporting, I have no idea.

Again, earlier in the year, I was given a written apology by Harry McRandle, who had misreported comments I made during a Jersey Finance forum. An apology was printed and Mr McRandle said in his email to me on 2^nd February 2011 that ‘this happened inadvertently because he was distracted and missed some of what you said.’

I would ask that in future, such errors are avoided, as intentional or not, they have the effect of conveying a false impression which is all too easily picked up upon by those who would seek to disparage the valid work which any political representative legitimately seeks to undertake.

Moreover, I would like to take this opportunity to register my disappointment at the coverage which the Ministerial and Chairmen’s elections have received in your paper. Apart from the Chief Minister’s election, no coverage was given other candidates who did not manage to secure positions, even though their speeches and the questions which followed were equally relevant and sometimes better than those of the successful candidates.

It seems to me that rather than making up words and attributing them falsely to States Members, your reporters would do better to actually report on what was said, or else get out of the business of journalism altogether.

Sincerely,

Deputy Montfort Tadier

---------

Next time: Chris Bright's defensive and threatening response

Housing Minister Speech

2011-11-17T19:16:00.001Z

Below is the extended version of the speech I gave today. It is unedited.
--------
Why I’m standing for the position

I know the difficulties of young people and families who face the prospect of never being able to afford their own homes in Jersey.

Very much Catch-22

They are paying rents which are higher than what the monthly mortgage repayments would be, but who cannot get a loan either due to a lack of a deposit and/or because the banks are not lending sufficiently.

(Point about student debts – no point in going to university and coming back with £30k in debt.)

This is why it is imperative that we take a joined up approach to the dual issues of providing truly affordable homes for those who might be able to purchase; and reasonable rental prices for those who cannot or don’t want to buy.
Before that, I want to talk about the Department itself.

The housing department manage 4, 500 homes and provide housing for some 13, 000 islanders.
It’s a very challenging and diverse portfolio – not just in terms of property, but also in terms of the individuals they serve.
The first thing to say, is that we are fortunate to have good staff. I have met with the Chief Officer. He is an individual who is clearly committed to tackling the pressing issues at housing; we are on the same wave length when it come making progress.
And the positive side is that the department is relatively successful.
Economically - It more than washes its own face – it generates an income of £36m annually

It also provides a social function, housing the most vulnerable and least well off in society.

Therefore, social housing is something we should be proud of; it is something we should do more of: - it makes economic and social sense.

However, the department has been hampered with making progress and, as a consequence has under-delivered.
Fundamentally this is due to political failings and poor decision making by past assemblies and past presidents; more fundamentally, there is a structural failing in the way the department has been allowed (or not allowed to work).

There is an £48m maintenance Backlog

Some of the properties are substandard. – Recent Whitehead report stated that 27% of States owned social rented homes would fail the UK Government’s ‘Decent Homes Standard.’

Of the £36m income, the majority (£24m, I think) is returned to the Treasury – leaving insufficient funds for maintenance – let alone new building or property acquisition.

As a result waiting lists for social housing have been increasing year on year. (see second hand out)
There are currently 425 applicants on the waiting list – and this does not include those who are considered ineligible by the department. This figure has increased steadily from the 2005 figure of 192.

Positive steps have been taken more recently, and the recent draft residential tenancy law was generally positive. Security of tenure is something that is lacking for many in both the private and state sector.

For private tenants, the notice period will be increased to 3 months. I would look to increase this for long term tenants.
The Whitehead Report noted that it was also very unusual that social tenants in Jersey have no security of tenure. This is a consequence of the lack of adequate housing stock available to the department.
I am unhappy about the provision made for those in the non-qualified sector.

1) they will not be covered by the deposit protection scheme. A way must be found to include them.

2) Substandard accommodation is also a problem. Lodging houses are inspected regularly, there are no such checks for other landlords – in either A – H or non-quals.

This is why I favour the extension of the landlord registration scheme, administered independently, so that ALL units of accommodation can be regularly checked to make sure they meet the required standards. It would also have the advantage of separating the roles of the department as regulator and landlord.

I am supportive of the social housing gateway, it makes sense to consolidate all providers of social housing under one roof.

We also need to consider radical schemes such as ‘buy as you rent’, where part of the monthly rental can be ring-fenced and after a certain time, the property can be offered to the tenant with the accrued money acting as a deposit. This will assist the transition from renting to buying.

Steps such as the reduction in stamp duty and a potential loan scheme are useful but do not address the fundamental issue of high cost property.

Indeed, an unintended consequence may be that it keeps prices high.

Homebuy

Uncertainty over the homebuy scheme needs to be resolved very quickly. It has been divisive and families have been let down. However, we need to make sure that any given scheme is viable and more important, legally enforceable.

I may be unpopular for saying this, but I have my reservations about shared equity, for various reasons. People who buy want to own their own homes, not 2/3 of it.

It is much better if we can build property on land owned already by the States or recently acquired, sell the properties without the profit motive, so long as those homes remain ring fenced for adherents to the scheme.

Similarly, first time buyer homes must remain so if they are sold on.

Tackling the affordability of housing prices in a system where those prices are dictated by market forces is not an easy one – and there are all sorts of contradictions (and potential unintended consequences – for example the creation of a two teir housing market, negative equity) – however, just because it is a complex area, does not mean it not something the States should shy away from. States policy can and does influence the market.

Here are some steps we can take:

The rental component of Income support must be phased out. It is completely unsatisfactory, particularly in a time of austerity, that we should be giving £7.0m of tax payers money to private landlords. This simply maintains up prices and is a perverse form of economic redistribution in which the tax payer is subsidising – probably wealthy – lanlords. There are even cases where speculative landlords are having their mortgages paid for by the tax-payer. This phasing out will be achieved by the building of and acquisition of more social rented housing. I think we can all agree that that £7m of taxpayers money is better of in the pockets of Housing than in that of private landlords

The loophole which allows foreign landlords, who do not have housing qualifications, to purchase local properties and rent them to those who do must be closed. This may not be such a common practice as it was in the past, but even if these buy-to-lets only represent 5% of such purchases, it still needs tackling.

Similarly, if prices are to come down, both for rents and buyers, buy-to-lets should be discouraged in general. I propose a sliding scale tax on homes which are not a person’s primary place of residence, small taxes for second homes, going up for 3rd, 4th and 5th. This won’t be popular with rentiers or some estate agents, but frankly, I can live with that. My main concern is bringing prices down for ordinary islanders.

We should also consider capital gains on homes which are ‘flipped’, as is the case in France. So that if you sell a home within 1 – 5 years of purchasing, which is clearly for speculation purposes, any uplift is taxed – again on a sliding scale.

Empty Property taxes.

Of course these are ultimately matters that would need to be taken up by the new treasury minister and approved by the assembly, but it is still important that any housing minister is central when it comes to bringing ideas to the table to tackle the very pressing issues of affordable housing.

Savings

One of the key suggestions of the Whitehead Report, which I think needs to be critiqued somewhat (will do shortly if I have time) was the creation of a Housing Association. This has pros and cons, and would very much depend on the detail, but one consequence of this would be a reduction in revenue for the Treasury, at a time when we seem to have more black holes than the entire milky way.

Some of the revenue raising measures above could go towards meeting this shortfall.

Talking of Savings, there are other common sense steps we can take to make savings.

One very simple example is working more closely to avoid duplication of work.

Give examples of Property Holdings vs Housing in Le Clos des Sables

Sharing of resources makes sense – genuine efficiency savings. I can deliver genuine savings if necessary.

‘Piece of grass across the road is not mowed because it belongs to a different department. This is nonsense.

Other positive steps I would take

In terms of new builds, I would seek to gradually increase the % of houses that developers are required to allocate to first time buyers AND social housing.

I would make sure that local contractors are given priority, that we use as much local labour as possible; and that companies whose shareholders do not pay tax locally should be avoid where possible.

We should also use a carrot and a stick (depending on which way you look at it) to prioritise the companies with apprenticeship schemes.

Critique of the Whitehead Report

The Whitehead report was a long overdue piece of work. It would not have been necessary if we had been managing our portfolio property properly in the past

It has pointed out very clearly challenges facing the department and the urgent need for its relationship with Treasury to be review.

Two areas I am concerned with are:

Whether a the creation of an ‘association’ is in fact needed to resolve the problem. There are pros and cons – clearly, it would be easy for the roles of regulator, policy maker and landlord to be separated under an association or similar. However, I have grave concerns that the association should not be allowed to become a mechanism for privatisation. The condition should be that it remain always in public ownership, but managed at arms length.

I acknowledge Prof. Whitehead’s analysis that social housing ranges from 60% - 90% of market rates, however, I do not agree that it follows that rents should be put up automatically.

Nor is it correct to talk of social housing being subsidised. It is only so if viewed in relation to private sector prices – which are highly inflated. The rents themselves more than cover the costs, so that they make money.

However, there is no reason why housing – either as a department or as an association – could not be extended their portfolios to the higher end of the market. There is no reason in the future that housing – once it has met the demands of urgent housing needs, that it could not look to cater for J cats, non-quals and luxury accommodation, if it were cost effective. This is of course a long way off, but blue sky thinking has its place and it does pay to think outside the box.

Conclusion

With that in mind, I am asking for your support today as Housing Minister. In this new (false) spirit of inclusivity, I believe I would bring much needed dynamism and energy to the council of Ministers, as well as a young perspective, from someone who knows the issues by experience.

Moreover, I have no property of my own and I am not conflicted in anyway about wanting the value of my property to increase or hoping that my green field will be rezoned. My priority is and will remain housing the population in all sectors in a satisfactory and affordable way, so that all can lead a fruitful and contented life in our beautiful island.

I thank members for their attention and ask for their support.

The Bland leading the Bland...

2011-11-16T11:59:00.001Z

Chief Minister Designate, Ian Gorst

The Chief Minister (designate) this morning announced his 'slate' for the Ministerial Cabinet. They are as follows:

Treasury and Resources	Senator Bryan Ian Le Marquand
Social Security	Senator Francis du Heaume Le Gresley
Housing	Deputy Andrew Kenneth Francis Green of St. Helier
Education, Sport and Culture	Deputy Patrick John Dennis Ryan of St. John
Economic Development	Senator Alan John Henry Maclean
Home Affairs	Senator Lyndon John Farnham
Planning and Environment	Deputy Robert Charles Duhamel of St. Saviour
Health and Social Services	Deputy Anne Enid Pryke of Trinity
Transport and Technical Services	Connétable John Martin Refault of St. Peter

Process

he Chief Minister designate has the ability under Standing Orders 117(15) and (16), to vary the list during the appointment process in respect of remaining nominees if any of the candidates nominated by him are not selected for the position indicated above. Standing Orders 117(15) and (16) read as follows -

117(15) If, during the process, the States select a candidate who was not nominated by the Chief Minister designate, the presiding officer shall invite the Chief Minister designate to make a further announcement, in the order in which he or she wishes the States to vote on them, of his or her remaining nominations and proposals for assignment to the remaining Ministerial offices.

117(16) The order, nominations and proposals in respect of the remaining appointments and assignments may differ from those previously announced by the Chief Minister designate.

---

As announced previously, I will be contesting the post of Housing Minister. I look forward to that challenge tomorrow

New Assembly - New Chief Minister

2011-11-14T17:48:00.000Z

After a short break from the blog, I am pleased to be back.

First of all, I would like to thank the 1, 428 electors of Les Quennevais and La Moye who cast their votes for me last month. In particular, my supporters; and a special thanks to my proposer Pauline Paintin and her husband Tony, who provided encouragement and help throughout the long election period.

Whilst there was a swing towards new, perhaps younger candidates, there is little doubt that there has also been a shift to the right.

From a 'progressive' (i.e. centre or left) perspective this swing to the right was evidenced by the fact that the offerings for Chief Minister Candidates were limited to a choice between a Jersey Nationalist (Bailhache) and a good old fashioned, 'One Nation Tory' (Gorst). Their policies may not be vastly different, but it was the perceived difference in approach that I suspect secured Senator Gorst the top spot. He was also the better speaker on the day, certainly in terms of content.

The results of the vote are as follows (I have highlighted some of the 'surprise' members who voted for Senator Bailhache):

ELECTION OF CHIEF MINISTER DESIGNATE – 14th NOVEMBER 2011

MEMBERS VOTING FOR SENATOR BAILHACHE (24 VOTES)

Senator P.F.C. Ozouf

Senator A. Breckon

Senator A.J.H. Maclean

Senator L.J. Farnham

Senator P.M. Bailhache

Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St Hélier

Connétable J. Le S. Gallichan of Trinity

Connétable D.J. Murphy of Grouville

Connétable L. Norman of St Clément

Connétable J.M. Refault of St Peter

Connétable P.J. Rondel of St John

Connétable M.J. Paddock of St Ouen

Connétable S.A. Rennard of St Saviour

Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy S.S.P.A. Power

Deputy E.J. Noel

Deputy P.J Ryan

Deputy J.P.G. Baker

Deputy J.H. Young

Deputy S.J. Pinel

Deputy J.M. Le Bailly

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy R.G. Bryans

Deputy K.L. Moore

MEMBERS VOTING FOR SENATOR GORST (27 VOTES)

Senator P.F. Routier

Senator S.C. Ferguson

Senator B.I. Le Marquand

Senator F. du H. Le Gresley

Senator I.J. Gorst

Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St Lawrence

Connétable J. Gallichan of St Mary

Connétable S. Pallett of St Brelade

Connétable M. Le Troquer of St Martin

Deputy R.C. Duhamel

Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier

Deputy J.A. Martin

Deputy G.P. Southern

Deputy J.G. Reed

Deputy J.A. Hilton

Deputy J.A.N. Le Fondré

Deputy A.E. Pryke

Deputy S. Pitman

Deputy K.C. Lewis

Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy T.M. Pitman

Deputy T.A. Vallois

Deputy M.R. Higgins

Deputy A.K.F. Green

Deputy J.M. Maçon

Deputy G.C.L. Baudains

Deputy R.J. Rondel

Deputy Tadier - A Manifesto in 600 Words

2011-10-05T13:26:00.004+01:00

It has been my privilege to serve as a Deputy for St Brelade for the past three years – a parish in which I was brought up and where I also live.

I also run parish surgeries and have taken up constituency matters on a whole range of issues. During that time, I have been active both in the States and the Parish. I have served on various States bodies including Scrutiny (Education and Home Affairs), Privileges and Procedures, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful and safe place to live. However, there are many issues that need urgent attention.

Presently, we do not have a government which represents the interests of ordinary people. We need an urgent change of direction if we are to address the looming problems of unaffordable housing, high cost of living, population growth, peak oil, health care and unemployment.

In the past ten years we have seen the burden of taxation shift from corporations to ordinary residents. We now have a situation where foreign companies trading in Jersey now paynothing, whilst residents face a reduction in their standard of living due to the deliberate policies of GST, 20 means 20 tax and increased fuel and food prices. The result is that the majority of workers and families have seen their value of their income decrease in real terms.

In order to remedy this, we need to elect competent and compassionate States Members who represent the interests of ordinary people, workers and families, and not simply the interests of the very wealthy, as is currently the case.

In the States, some of my recent achievements include the establishment of a working party to define a code of practice for debt collection agencies; stopping the sale of the ‘Old Library’ (donated to the public in 1737) and working with Senator Le Gresley and Deputy Bob Hill to secure the important independent committee of inquiry into Jersey’s historic child abuse to

ensure justice for victims and that we learn from past mistakes.

Recent Achievements:

I continue to press for greater equality and fairness in society and pressed for the introduction of a discrimination law.

I have remained true to my 2008 manifesto – opposing GST and its increase; fighting for FREE TV licenses for over-75s; opposing the folly of population increase and lobbying for more open government.

On parish matters, I have consistently opposed inappropriate development, including in Les Quennevais, Petit Port and St Brelade’s bay. I continue to work to address speeding, congestion and parking issues in the district.

Future projects: If re-elected, I want to address the fundamental problems of affordable housing in Jersey. As a young States Member, I am very much aware of the crippling nature of high rents and the inability of many to own their own homes. Part of the problem is that property has been allowed to become a commodity, when in essence, it is a social necessity.

There is an urgent need for sheltered housing in the parish. In order to address this, it is important that delayed developments such as Lesquende are progressed swiftly.

I will also seek for greater priority to be given to mental health issues, youth development and elderly care

Personal Details:

Age: 32

Place of Birth: Jersey

Education: Les Quennevais, Hautlieu, University of Sheffield

Employment history: Jersey Tourism, Jersey Telecom, EFL Teacher

Director of Translation Company; States Member

Languages: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese

Hobbies/Interests: Music, Theatre, Swimming, Politics.

Jersey's Mainstream Media Show Their True Colours -Again

2011-09-23T00:56:00.001+01:00

'It's getting silly now. The JEP and Channel Television are not even trying to appear impartial!'

On Monday, I attended the Hustings at St Clement. It was a fairly boring affair, with predictable performances from most candidates. Lord Philip was very fortunate to have drawn a seat which was dead centre of the table and also to be the first one to speak. This fortuitous position was bolstered by being given front page coverage in the JEP, where Lord Philip's photo appeared with the headline 'Time for Better Government' i.e. time for all of you JEP readers to elect Lord Philip. His photo also had the caption 'Former Bailiff (just in case you had forgotten) and Senatorial Candidate ... criticised States Members at last night's hustings.'

Award-winning Channel TV led in a similar vein, on the Tuesday, showing footage from Lord Philip's opening speech. No such privilege was afforded to any of the other 12 candidates. Then again, with the exception of Dr Mark Forskitt and Advocate Rose Colley, the remainder are mere serfs and should feel honoured to even share a platform with such a chivalrous individual. That they were even allowed to speak in his presence was a step too far, according to some.

During his speech, Lord Bailhache said that there were too many States Members (agreed) and that 'the devil made work for idle hands.' This is coded language for saying that opposition members who asked questions and brought propositions on valid issues, were time wasters. He went on to dismiss calls for a Discrimination Law and Freedom of Information as 'bright ideas' - not appropriate for Jersey. 'How offensive', I thought, 'they are not bright ideas, rather fundamental pieces of legislation that any civilised, 21st international jurisdiction should have enshrined at the centre of their constitution!'

The problem is that the political elite in Jersey, thoroughly conservative, both economically and culturally, want to have it both ways: they want Jersey to 'punch above its weight' ('péter plus haut que son cul' as the wonderful French expression goes) economically, whilst remaining a legislative backwater, where issues like discrimination (age, sex, race discrimination; unfair dismissal etc, etc) and access to official information are either not addressed at all (as with discrimination), or dealt with by opaque and non-statutory 'codes', as is the case for FOI. The reason they give, is that Jersey is a small island and that we do not need these cumbersome and costly laws, yet when it relates to promoting the interests of finance, we must be fully up to speed. However, the two should not be mutually exclusive.

2011 - List of Hustings

2011-09-20T14:22:00.001+01:00

The Hustings kick off tonight with the 13 senatorial candidates making speeches and answering questions in the parish of St Clement. Here is a full list of all the hustings for Senator, Deputy and Constable seats:

HUSTINGS DATES - most start at 7.30pm

Parish When Office Where

St Clement Tuesday, 20 September (Senator) St Clement's Parish Hall

St Peter Wednesday, 21 September (Senator) St Peter's Youth and Community Centre

Grouville Thursday, 22 September (Senator) Grouville Parish Hall

St Saviour Thursday, 22 September (Constable) St Saviour's Parish hall

St Martin Monday, 26 September (Senator) St Martin's Public Hall

St Ouen Wednesday, 28 September (Senator) St Ouen's Parish Hall

St Saviour Thursday, 29 September (Deputy) St Saviour's Parish Hall

St Peter Thursday, 29 September (Deputy) St Peter's Youth and Community Centre

St Mary Friday, 30 September (Deputy) St Mary's Parish Hall

St Saviour (No 3) Friday, 30 September (Deputy) Maufant Youth Centre

St Brelade Friday, 30 September (Constable) Communicare, St Brelade

St Helier (No 3) Monday 3, October (Deputy) First Tower School

St John Tuesday, 4 October (Senator) St John's Parish Hall

St Ouen Tuesday, 4 October (Constable) St Ouen's Parish Hall

St Saviour (No 2) Tuesday, 4 October (Deputy) St Saviour Parish Hall

St Brelade (No 2) Tuesday, 4 October (Deputy) Communicare, St Brelade

St Helier (No 2) Tuesday, 4 October (Deputy) Town Hall

YOUTH HUSTINGS 5th OCTOBER (Senators) YOUTH HUSTINGS
St Lawrence Wednesday, 5 October (Constable) St Lawrence' Parish Hall

Trinity Thursday, 6 October (Senator) Trinity Parish Hall

Grouville Thursday, 6 October (Deputy) Grouville Parish Hall

St Saviour (No 1) Thursday, 6 October (Deputy) Georgetown Methodist Church Hall

St Mary Friday, 7 October (Senator) St Mary's Parish Hall

St Brelade Friday, 7 October (Constable) St Brelade Parish Hall

Trinity Monday, 10 October (Senator) Countryside Hustings, RJA&HS Trinity

St Lawrence Tuesday, 11 October (Senator) St Lawrence' Parish Hall

St Clement Tuesday, 11 October (Deputy) St Clement's Parish Hall

St John Tuesday, 11 October (Deputy) St John's Parish Hall

St Brelade (No 1) Tuesday, 11 October (Deputy) St Brelade's Parish Hall

St Helier (No 3) Tuesday, 11 October at 19:45 (Deputy) La Pouquelaye Youth Centre

St Helier (No 1) Wednesday, 12 October (Deputy) Town Hall

St Saviour Thursday, 13 October (Senator) St Saviour's Parish Hall

St Martin Thursday, 13 October (Deputy) St Martin's Public Hall

St Helier (No 3) Thursday, 13 October (Deputy) Rouge Boullion School

St Brelade Friday, 14 October (Senator) Communicare, St Brelade

St Brelade (No 2) Saturday, 15 October * (Deputy) Communicare, St Brelade

(*NOTE time: 1.30pm-3.30pm)

St Helier Monday, 17 October (Senator) Town Hall

Deputy Tadier - A Manifesto in 200 words

2011-09-13T18:14:00.002+01:00

Below is a short manifesto which describes a few of the things I have done in the last 3 years as Deputy for St Brelade No. 2 and some of the priorities I hope to address if re-elected. My and other candidates profiles can be seen on the channel 103 site

-------

Presently, we have a Council of Ministers and a majority of States Members who do not represent the interests of ordinary people. We need an urgent change of direction if we are to address current and future problems such as unaffordable housing, population growth, peak oil, adequate health care and unemployment. In order to do this, we need to elect competent and compassionate States Members who represent the interests of ordinary people, workers and families, and not simply the interests of the very wealthy.

During the last 3 years I have been very active as a Deputy, both in the Parish and in the States. I have been involved on several Panels – including Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny. I have fought for greater equality and fairness in society and pressed for the introduction of a discrimination law. I have consistently opposed GST and its increase.

If re-elected, I want to address the fundamental problems of affordable housing in Jersey. As a young States Member, I am very much aware of the crippling nature of high rents and the difficulty of securing a mortgage. I will also seek for greater priority to be given to mental health issues and youth development.

10 Establishment Candidates Returned Unopposed (Political DNA - part 3)

2011-09-12T00:17:00.003+01:00

Deputies Eddie Noel and Anne Pryke were returned unopposed

Deputies Roy Le Hérissier (left) and Bob Hill face contested elections

Apologies for the delay in this final part of this series in my blog; The past two weeks has proved even busier than expected!

The nominations have now taken place and we are now know who all the candidates are who will be contesting the 26 deputies, 4 Constables and 4 Senatorial Seats. One thing that is notable is that of the 11 uncontested seats, 10 can reasonably called Establishment and/or (Jersey) right-wing candidates. Only one - Constable Simon Crowcroft can be said to be part of the loose grouping of 'progressives'.

Meanwhile, all the seats currently held by (mildly) progressive deputies (and the other marginally less reactionary Constable of St Lawrence) are being contested. And they are being contested by official and unofficial candidates of the Black and White Party.

Thus 'old school progressives', in relatively safe seats, such as Deputies Le Hérissier (St Saviour No 3) and Bob Hill, are facing contested elections, whilst deep reactionary types like Deputies Anne Pryke (Trinity) and Eddie Noel (St Lawrence) are given a 'free ride'.

So what does this tell us? The Establishment are more organised. Their success does not rely on the popularity of their policies (just as well, as they do not have any explicit ones), rather their ability to mobilize and fool those who turn out to vote for them, whilst their unrepresentative power base and policy direction only serves to alienate would be progressive voters further, leading to huge abstentionism which permits the Establishment's to secure a sufficiently large 'minority' of votes, which under the flawed 'first past the post' system, is enough to get them elected.

They put candidates up in 'safe' seats held by progressives (i) because there is nothing to lose and (ii) to 'make them work'. It is time the progressives (or what passes for them) started to do the same.

Jersey's Secret Party - Going Strong since 1948

2011-08-31T01:08:00.002+01:00

Today I was interviewed by BBC radio Jersey as one of several political commentators on the 'various groupings' in the States and those contesting the elections. The interviews are due to be broadcast tomorrow morning. I do not know if the report will be an serious journalistic critique of the Jersey system and the covert parties or if it will be a collection of trite sound bites taken out of context, however, I was keen to impress on reporter Christie Tucker the need for analysis of Jersey's historical political context, especially since 1948.

The Elections of 1948 (put very simply)

The Jersey Elections of 1948 coincided with the biggest constitutional reforms that the States had seen since the foundation of the modern legislature in 1769. The jurats (who also sat in the Royal Court) were booted out of the States and replaced by 12 Senators, elected, then, for 9 year terms. They joined the 12 parish policemen (Constables) and the remainder of deputies. In that election there were two main parties contesting the election under the guise of the Jersey Democratic Movement and the Jersey Progressive Party. The Former was a leftist grouping and the latter representing a mixture of traditional conservatives and businessmen. At those elections, the JPP won an overwhelming majority, but when they seized power, the party was eventually disbanded and they all became 'independents'.

However, the loyalty - to Capital - remained the unifying force. And it remains so to this day. (For a more in-depth and, no doubt, more accurate study of the elections see Tony's Musings)

How the Establishment Party Operate(d)

Since 1948 to the present day, the ruling elite of the island (commonly called 'the Establishment') have exploited the opaque nature of the Jersey system to their advantage. To the electorate there were two main problems with the system: (i) the fact that that not all seats were up for election at one time meant that a wholesale change of government was impossible. Unpopular politicians could stay in power and managed to secure the tops jobs for themselves, whilst other candidates were running around fighting elections. This remains a problem still today, where since 2005 both Chief Ministers have been selected from those who have not been up for election. And both were arguably at the ebb of their already questionable popularity when they were selected. This looks set to be the case again for the next elections. (ii) The absence of political parties, and the hostility towards them which was in part manufactured and fueled by a complicit media (who make their revenue from the ads placed by the business community), meant that the public were and remain unable link their vote to any tangible policy direction. This suited the covert Establishment party who did not have to openly peddle their main policies which revolved around running the island as a cosy club for the wealthy, at the expense of the working class - had they to do so they would never have succeeded. So it was that the Black and White Party were able to retain power for over six decades.

Electoral Reform - 2010

In absolute terms, the electoral reforms of last year were anything but radical. However, the modest reforms - a single election day (this year for all-but- 6 senatorial seats and for ALL seats in 2014) was highly significant in breaking one of the electoral flaws that the Black and White Party managed to exploit so ruthlessly for decades. A general election was not good news. The counter-assault came by pouncing on the unpopular decision to 'reduce' the number of Senators from 12 to 8. If this happened, Jersey's perfect democratic model would collapse. Of course, the real reason they were so adamantly opposed to the move was that it would enable a real general election for the first time ever! in Jersey politics. However, they could not say this. So these States Members (Horsfall, Farnham, Cohen and Ozouf - to name a few), past and present - all fully signed up Party members - made last ditch attempts to reinstate the Senators (after all, for the poor country dwellers of Trinity and St Ouen, these were the only elections in which they got to vote!) reopening the debate not once, but twice and even petitioning the UK to stop the decision (dangerous territory) - all in the name of democracy. All now cried for the need for an electoral commission (not their idea) which could look at all these issues in a holistic way. What did not go unnoticed was that the same individuals did nothing to promote electoral reform. But the fight for Senators was not driven by a desire for democracy, but by the realisation that a general election would loosen their grip on power and bring the inevitability of formal party politics one step closer.

NEXT TIME - What the Black and White Party will do to 'get their boys in'.

Political DNA -Part 2

2011-08-29T22:06:00.002+01:00

Former Deputy Gary Matthews calls for Jersey's working class and 'ordinary people' to mobilise and vote for those who represent their own interest.

Here is the second part of the video filmed last Saturday, with myself and former Les Quennevais Deputy, Gary Matthews.

'Those people who control the island and the finance industry are few in number. And they would not have the electoral ability to keep their majority if we could find the secret to getting the ordinary workers, ordinary people, ordinary families out to vote [for people who represent their interests].' - Gary Matthews

Political DNA

2011-08-28T15:35:00.002+01:00

Every day this week, I will be publishing a new blog as part of a series focusing on the idea of political DNA. In order for us to understand what is meant by 'political DNA' in the Jersey context, it is first necessary for us to understand the historical context of Jersey Politics and how it relates and still very much affects the set up (and struggles) we have today. Forthcoming blogs will, thus, look at the immediate post war elections; the creation and subsequent dismantling of political parties. We will also discuss the REAL reason that Ben Shenton is not standing for election and how it relates to his party allegiance, rather than anything else. And also why the Black and White Party have reverted to such desperate tactics as needing the former Bailiff to stand for election. The common theme will be - party politics DOES exist in Jersey - and the Establishment (who also very much exist) are exceptionally skilled at manipulating the Jersey public and the system to put their boys into power and keep them there. This will also involve a posting on why the machine was so against a reduction in Senators - but moreover what it entailed - a single election day, where the Chief Minister would have to face election will all other representatives.

To start the ball rolling, I am pleased to present the first part of a video kindly filmed by Tom Gruchy featuring former St Brelade No. 2 Deputy, Gary Matthews and the current Deputy (me). Gary was elected in 1993 and served one term as a deputy, elected with a small group of others from the 'Green Party.' In his short time in the States, Gary was an articulate and vocal States Member, who campaigned on many issues which were not 'popular' at the time, such as equality, anti-discrimination, women's rights, worker's rights and a whole variety of social and environmental issues, which were on few politicians' agenda at the time. Moreover, he attempted to uncover corruption and alleged malpractice relating to one senior politician who had (should I say allegedly?) used the States Chamber to bring forward unnecessary legislation, of no benefit to Jersey, which financially benefited his Law Firm and the City of London. As a result of speaking out on this an other issues, he was punished by the local media (who owned the JEP at the time?) and labelled an enemy of Jersey. All this happened at the same time that then Senator Stuart Syvret was also kicked out of the Chamber for making comments about Senator Reg Jeune's involvement in the Limited Liability Partnership fiasco . Fortunately for him, Stuart was not up for election at the time and later went on to top the poll when we was eventually kicked out.

So without further ado, I present the first video. I apologize if the quality is not great. Also have the sun in my eyes and wind in my hair, so not ideal.... Enjoy.

'It's Crisis time for Jersey' - Senator Syvret to join former Jersey 'Monarch' in Hollywood Election

2011-08-08T16:14:00.003+01:00

You just could not make it up. Several months ago, there was a rumour going around that former Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache was going to stand for election in 2011. I and several others dismissed this as 'fanciful', the kind of thing you hear in the pub, which turns out to be nonsense. It was not that those who were saying it were not trustworthy, quite the opposite, rather that it seems the stuff of fairy tales. Certainly, it is possible - and it did happen - that one can start off being a deputy (or senator or constable), become a crown officer and then onto become Bailiff (we know that Philip Bailhache started his states career as a deputy for Grouville in 1972). However, any sensible mind might tend to think that there is an unwritten rule that it does not work the other way round (like a one way membrane) - not for any constitutional reason (though there are questions that should be asked about whether former Chief Justices should be eligible for election), but simply become it is unbecoming for a feudal lord, someone who has held the most senior post in the island, as Head of the Royal Court, Head of the States Assembly and Civic Head of the Island, to 'lower himself' to the role of a humble senator(ial candidate) - I add the parenthesis, because contrary to the inference of recent JEP reports, there is nothing inevitable about the election of the former Bailiff.

However, we do not live in ordinary times. The decision of Mr P. Bailhache to seek election, is indicative of the desperation that the Establishment find themselves in (yes, there is an establishment in the island - for a good starting point look at page 6 of the phone book - and page 7 lists many of their strongest supporters). For you see, this is where the propaganda kicks in. For these, and many other reactionaries in the island, the fact that the last three years have seen 'divisions' in the States Assembly, long debates, more questions being asked (though not necessarily answered), policies being challenged, the validity of information being contested - these are all portrayed as 'bad things' by many establishment supporters, and their prime media tool, the Jersey Evening Post. Even the BBC have fallen into the trap of dismissing long debates and the concerted efforts for States Reform as politicians being 'self-indulgent', 'talking about themselves', rather than giving in depth political analysis, about what the underlying reasons are for the democratic deficit both in and out of the States.

So why is the Former Bailiff lowering himself to seek election as Senator? Clearly, there must be something at stake. 'Jersey' - in his terms and the terms of the neo-liberals, of Sen. Ozouf, Maclean, Cohen and their predecessors, Walker, Horsfall, Jeune etc - is first and foremost a business. It is a portal through which Billions of pounds worth of transactions flow every year, and some people do very well from it. For these people, it is important that the Jersey model is protected at all costs. Even if that means independence. That Jersey model is not our 'way of life' - our Jersey cow, the preservation of our coastal beauty and countryside (no, those are dispensable - look at the desecration of Portelet, in the name of Capital) - it is the ability for foreign capital and business interests to use Jersey for its own ends, whilst making a few local residents (Partners of law firms, Directors of Trust Companies, Senior Advocates, Real Estate Agents, Accountants and Property Developpers) very, very wealthy.

However, there is an inconvenience. When these 'colonialists' came to the island, they noticed there was an indigenous population that needed to be subjugated. So, a facade was created which loosely resembled democracy. You would be able to 'choose' your oppressors - the ones who make you pay more tax - direct and indirect - whilst reducing taxes to (foreign) corporations and the super-wealthy. Political parties would be discouraged, to stop any meaningful policies and their effective delivery by an organised grouping. The system itself would be difficult to understand - three types of member, elected at different times, for different periods, in different areas of differing sizes. Because you cannot vote for policy direction and you cannot vote for all seats, there would be effectively little link between your vote and what you got in government. Moreover, because the Ministers and Chief Minister are then appointed from 'in house' - you, the elector, are removed even further from the decision making process. A Minister can get elected on 'false promises', but because one is a Senator, he does not need to face election with the rest. He then goes on to stand for Chief Minister, even though many feel he has lied and cheated them. The consequence to all this? > Disillusionment > Voter apathy > Abstentionism. But it is not because the public does not care; it is because they realise that the system is against them.

Now back to the former Bailiff: when he declared, he must have thought he was a dead cert. He would not risk this, if there was a significant chance of failure. He would have been aware of the political analysis described above - where the 40% or so who vote for Senators, represent a large majority of the 'conservative, country' vote. This is surely in his favour.

But now there is another twist: what was looking like being a fairly bland Senatorial election for 4 seats in October, has just got a whole lot more interesting, with former Senator Syvret declaring just this afternoon, that he will also be standing for election. No doubt the thought of going head to head with his arch-nemisis, Sir Philip, who the former Senator no-doubt thinks is the embodiment of all that is wrong, politically, with the island, was too good an opportunity to miss.

This, combined with a 'general election' (except for 6 senators seats) could make the outcome unpleasantly uncertain. It will certainly make the 14 or so hustings a lot more interesting. There will, perhaps for the first time, be a level playing field between Mr Syvret and Mr Bailhache. In the past, the power base was always skewed - either as Bailiff of States vs naughty elected Senator (who dared answer back) or Judge/defendant (not that former necessarily ever presided over any of Mr Syvret's cases).

But the hustings are a great leveller. We know that Mr Syvret is an equal match for the former Bailiff, in terms of intellect and oratory. The 'Sir' title, will mean little when it comes to hustings in St Helier, St Saviour and St Brelade.

But before we get fixated on two candidates for 4 seats, let's put these whole elections into perspective:

1)There will of course be other candidates - all of whom may be equally or better suited to be in the States than these two. That will be for the electorate to decide.

2) And most importantly - the next Government will be made up in the vast majority by those (re)elected as deputy and constable. Whilst the media hype will no doubt focus on these 4 seats, the real battles and political gains/losses stand to made in the districts and parishes. In coming weeks, I will be working with other bloggers to highlight some of the choices that need to be made in key constituencies, and giving my take on the candidates. It is important that voters make informed choices, based on policy rather than personality or superficial factors. Moreover, it is simply important that we vote.

DJ Dino dedicates this song to the Council of Ministers

2011-07-24T00:55:00.000+01:00

So the States in now in recess until 2:30pm on 5th September, when the Autumn Session will start with the first question time since the 18th July. Members will all be busy with various things. I for one will be catching up on constituency work after the particularly intensive schedule of States sittings. I wish all my colleagues a restful summer. DJ Dino and I would like to dedicate this Jonny Nash song to all my colleagues on the Council of Ministers in anticipation of the 5th September... Enjoy.

If you want to know about Politics, ask a Pensioner

2011-07-19T17:54:00.001+01:00

If you want to know about Politics, ask a Pensioner: They are probably older and wiser than you. They have been around longer and ... they always* vote. Moreover, they know a thing or two about the cost of living in Jersey and the struggles faced by many 'ordinary' islanders on a day-to-day basis.

I am pleased to repost here a video from Nick Le Cornu's Blog, in which Nick and Tom speak to Maddy, a St Helier resident. She speaks very candidly, but empathetically, of life in Jersey, GST, Politics, the Jersey Evening Post and much more.

*(Generally!)

Latest Candidate declares for Senator

2011-07-18T03:17:00.001+01:00

This is the press release that Mark sent out on 15th July. I have left it as is for you to read:

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Mark has resigned as the chair of the Jersey Climate Action Network to stand in the election. He will be arguing for urgent action on four policy areas.

He is calling for a credible enumerated plan of action to meet our Climate Change targets. Raising public awareness alone will not get us an 80% reduction on 1990 emission levels by 2050. The States consistently failed to meet even the simplest of obligations they undertook - a report back within 6 months of the outcomes of the Copenhagen Conference in 2009.

Additionally, he wants us to have a detailed programme to reduce our oil dependency and build resilience into our economy in the face of increasing energy prices. Again the commitments made in P52.2009 to produce an annual report on the impacts of Climate Change and Peak Oil have repeatedly not been met.

Food security must be given much higher priority. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing "when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life". With GST increases, and commodity prices in foodstuffs rising rapidly, and future production falling behind demand, we must be prepared.

As a member of the Jersey Care Leaver's Association I am angry that the questions so many survivors and care leavers ask have been neglected and ignored by our States. What went so wrong over a period of forty years that recent court proven abuse went unchecked, un-actioned, unreported, un-prosecuted? Why were the child victims' voices not listened to then (or now, still)? Who knew, who turned a blind eye, who perhaps went further and actively colluded, or possibly covered up, and what was their relationship to those who should have listened, reported, prevented, and prosecuted? We must have answers.

Mark is a consultant software developer, organic smallholder and blogger. He was formerly a research engineer and briefly a Liberal Democrat county councillor in Nottinghamshire. We was on the national committee of the Liberal Ecology Group, and is a keen supporter of the Jersey Organic Association, J-CAN and Jersey In Transition groups. He and his family are happy and proud to live in St Ouen.

We believe in transparency... but not for Council of Ministers' Meetings

2011-07-15T18:42:00.000+01:00

On 9th Floor of Cyril Le Marquand House, the Jersey Council of Ministers meet fortnightly to discuss how the island should be run and how to spend your hard earned money. In the Strategic Plan, which was adopted in 2009 and runs to 2014, several references were made to openness, transparency and accountability (see previous blog). These are principles which the current Council of Ministers fully endorse.

In order to enable the Council of Ministers to demonstrate this commitment in a practical way, I lodged a proposition (which was debated on Tuesday) to ask the Council of Ministers to hold some of their meetings in public. In doing so they would amongst the first in the world to allow the public to sit in on some of their preliminary discussions, agenda setting, minute reading etc, which would help dispel some of the criticisms that decisions are made behind closed doors. Of course, the decisions would be made in secret, and this is not altogether a bad thing. In my proposition I acknowledged:

'There will be times ... when items need to be discussed in confidence. It seems appropriate that the current system of B Agenda items continue to be discussed amongst the Council of Ministers; these items might include policy in formation, and it is quite reasonable that Ministers should be able to discuss ideas.'

This idea was catered for in the wording of my proposition, which reads as follows:

'to request the Council of Ministers to hold its meetings in public, except when the Council is discussing any matter which, by virtue of any enactment or code, it is entitled to discuss in private.'

Unfortunately, the Council of Ministers were not willing to accept the proposition, and nor were most members. It is sad because this was a proposition that the Council of Ministers could easily have adopted. Doing so would have made themselves appear (and become) more transparent. It would also be a good opportunity for the members of the public, who ultimately (though very indirectly) have put these men (and one woman) in power to move one step closer to (observing) the decision making process.

Sadly, it was not to be. The proposition was rejected 28 votes to 13. Can you guess who the 13 were, in favour of openness and transparency? And the 28? Scroll down and see if you were right...

In favour: Senators Breckon and Le Gresley, Constable Crowcroft, Deputies Duhamel, Hill, Le Hérissier, Martin, Southern, Le Claire, Shona Pitman, Tadier, Trevor Pitman, De Sousa.

Against: Senators Le Sueur, Routier, Ozouf, Perchard, Ferguson, Le Marquand, Constables Vibert (St Ouen), John Gallichan (Trinity), Murphy (Grouville), Jackson (St. Brelade), Hanning (St. Saviour), Norman (St. Clement), Refault (St. Peter), Mezbourian (St. Lawrence), Juliette Gallichan (St. Mary), deputies Fox, Reed, Hilton, Pryke, Power, Lewis, Gorst, Rondel, Jeune, Dupré, Noel, Green, Maçon.

Channel TV - Civil Partnerships

2011-07-15T01:57:00.002+01:00

Above: (from left to right) Deputies Angela Jeune (St Brelade), Anne Dupré and Ian Gorst (St Clement) were the only 3 not to support the Civil Partnerships Law. The three Deputies sit together and it is believed they may have been victims of 'groupthink'

It has been pointed out to me that channel online made a fundamental error in their reporting of the Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel amendment to the law.

Their report states: 'The new regulations mean that gay couples can now get married in a church or other religious building if that establishment is happy to carry out the service.'

'The fact that gay couples can now get married in places of religious worship is a change to the original draft of the law.'

In fact the amendment did nothing of the sort. The amendment was simply a technical one meaning that if in the future the States wanted to add an 'opt-in' clause for those churches who want to perform these ceremonies (as is being proposed currently in the UK) any future changes to the article of the law could be done by regulation, rather than by a change to the law itself (which would be take much longer and need Privy Council approval).

The surprising thing is that even though this amendment was very modest, and did not change the law, which currently stops even those churches willing to perform CP services from doing so, 6 members still voted against it and 3 of those were unable to support the law in its amended form.

Debt Recovery Code - Long Overdue

2011-07-12T14:13:00.000+01:00

Today, before lunch, I was pleased to gain the unanimous support of the States Assembly for my proposition, to set up a working party to look into how debt collection agencies operate in the island and to 'consider the creation of a code of practice for such agencies to ensure that they operate to best practice.'

I was pleased in presenting my proposition to acknowledge the help and input that I had from Malcolm Ferey, of the Citizens Advice Bureau (someone who knows only too well of the issues surrounding debt and the questionable practices of some agencies in the island) and several of the lawyers at Viberts, who were very forthcoming in working with me on getting to this point. I look forward to working with them and others in the weeks and months to come.

Lastly, I was also pleased in summing up, to give credit to the channel TV reporter who I thought did a very good investigative piece on the experiences of several individuals, one of whom spoke on camera about her harrowing experience of dealing with an unscrupulous debt recovery agency. More such investigative journalism would be welcome.

Le Clos des Sables Petition Presented Today

2011-07-06T13:59:00.006+01:00

This afternoon I will be presenting the petition which was started by residents of Le Clos des Sables to ask Property Holdings not to go ahead with plans for the development of 2 green areas on the estate. The petition will be accompanied by a proposition and report which details the rationale behind the petition and details the desired action that the Minister should take. Readers can find the detail by clicking on the link above (which also includes maps of the proposals), but below is the extract from the petition itself. The petition was signed by 181 residents of the 216 (+/-) properties of the Estate and represent the vast majority of households.

Whilst the petition focuses on Le Clos des Sables soley, the Proposition does make it clear that the same concerns apply to Les Quennevais Park, both of which are adjoining, and the proposition as the Minister to 'consult fully with residents and parish representatives before any future proposals are pursued for the sale or development of public land in Le Clos des Sables or Les Quennevais Park.'

The Petition itself reads:

'The residents of Le Clos des Sables, St. Brelade are of the opinion that this estate has more than its fair share of development. The area is already very built-up;

in addition there is a large secondary school in the form of Les Quennevais School right in the middle of the estate which brings with it corresponding large traffic flows at peak hours during term time. The residents believe that those green

areas which remain provide a vital ‘breathing space’ – both physically and psychologically; they enhance the aesthetics of the estate and in some cases provide an area for recreation. In summary, the residents oppose any new development for two reasons:
(1) The open spaces are valued in their own right and would be missed if they were removed.

(2) The estate would become even more built up and busy.

We request the Minister for Treasury and Resources to instruct the Property Holdings

Department not to proceed with plans for the proposed sale of 2 plots of public land
(one adjoining 116 and 123 Le Clos des Sables and the other separating
132 and 145

Le Clos des Sables).'

Thanks goes to the residents of the estate who organised the petition and did the majority of door knocking. I will update readers of future developments.

The Saga of the Black Headstone - Final Part

2011-07-01T16:00:00.002+01:00

St Brelade Chef de Police, Steve Pallett, gives his opinion on the the handling of Mr Michel's request for a black headstone by the parish. It seems apparent that were Mr Pallett Constable, things would be run a lot different in the Parish, and the insensitive mishandling of this matter would have been avoided.

Where are the 'accredited media'?

2011-06-23T12:32:00.001+01:00

Home Affairs Minister, Senator Ian Le Marquand

On Monday, during question time, the Home Affairs Minister made a remarkable, and certainly newsworthy announcement in response to a question by Deputy Trevor Pitman. The deputy asked:

St Helier deputy, Trevor Pitman

Deputy Pitman: 'Will the Minister clarify what was the conclusion into the brief investigation into who within the Police Force leaked the interim BDO Alto report to a UK child abuse denier journalist and has anyone been suspended over the action?'

Senator Le Marquand: 'The person most likely was the former SIO (Senior Investigating Officer) who took on the Historic Abuse Inquiry and who left in August 2009 with very noisy publicity for his predecessors.'

The SIO at the time that Senator Le Marquand was talking about at that time was Mick Gradwell. Now, I don't know the rights and wrongs of the handling of the whole Jersey Child Abuse Inquiry (operation rectangle) and the ensuing 'fall out' and various inquiries. But it seems clear to me, that the leaking of a confidential report, before it had been published, is a serious offence for any States Employee. The fact that it attracted so little interest from States Members and in particularly the 'accredited' media, is quite astonishing.

A fellow blogger asked representatives from Channel TV why they had not reported the story. They told him they did not know about it. Channel do have a political correspondent and although one of their reporters was in the gallery for question time, the reporter had left by the time questions without notice had come about. To be fair, question time was moved to the afternoon and the staff would have had to be back for editing the evening programme, but one does question why they do not have a reporter 'permanently' in the States to cover all business, as the JEP and BBC do. It might help if they had their own box, of course. It will be interesting to see what coverage comes out from the latter two.

At least now they know about the story, by way of a blogger and a States-member-cum-blogger.

In a previous blog, I commented on how the mainstream media were unable to be present for the public meeting at Communicare a couple of weeks ago, for the concluding part of Mr Michel's black headstone campaign (more to follow on next blog) because they were drinking champagne with the Lt. Govenor. Thankfully, the faithful citizen's media was there to provide footage, so that the meeting could be broadcast to those who could not attend. It is unfortunate that we have to do the work of the media, however we can be grateful for presence of bloggers who come to the rescue, in matters of public interest which would otherwise not be reported.

Temps Passé

2011-06-18T01:59:00.002+01:00

'The difference between the tourism industry and the finance industry: one is driven to provide the most happiness for the greatest number; the other to create the most wealth for the fewest number.' - Anon

Tonight I saw two videos which should be a mandatory part of all Jersey history lessons. This very artistic and political video (above) sums up poignantly (and, appropriately, without words) the unspoken sadness that many islanders share for the decline of the tourism industry (for those of us who can almost remember its hey day). The second is a more nostalgic look at the Fort Regent cable cars. Back then they were an expedient way to get to a vibrant Fort Regent. Now they would be considered an attraction in their own right.

Enjoy, if that is the word...

Jackson jacks-in opposition to Black Headstone

2011-06-16T16:42:00.001+01:00

Mr Michel's battle with the parish to have a black headstone for his wife's grave has been won. Yesterday the Constable announced that the St Brelade Cemetery Committee, who met for the first time in 5 years, would be willing to change to regulations to permit the stone to be erected. In an email to the Parish deputies and Senator Ferguson, Constable Jackson wrote:

'The cemetery committee decided yesterday to agree to submitting a revised regulation to a Parish Assembly to permit black natural stone in the cemetery.'

The news came as a relief to Mr Michel, who has been fighting for this for over a year now.

The decision to change the regulation was predictable, in the face of such strong public support for Mr Michel's cause. Two questions remain, however, (i) why did it take so long for Mr Jackson to change his mind; and (ii) what damage has this done to the Constable's credibility in an election year?

These questions will be addressed in the next blog, with exclusive video footage from the Communicare meeting.

Battle Continues for Black Headstone in St Brelade

2011-06-14T14:13:00.002+01:00

Constable Jackson, who has refused Mr Michel
permissionfor a black headstone at Les Quennevais

Interview with Les Quennevais resident, Mr Danny Michel.

Footage Couertesy of Citizens Media

Although it was a Friday night, between 55- 60 people turned out at Communicare last week to show solidarity and support for Danny Michel, who is fighting (reluctantly) to be able to have a black headstone erected at Les Quennevais Cemetery, in memory of his late wife, Violet.

The response at the meeting was unanimous: Mr Michel should be allowed to have his headstone and the Constable should take the necessary steps to amend the parish regulations where necessary, to allow for others who want the same.

The Democratization of TV

2011-06-12T22:49:00.003+01:00

'TV is dead. Long live I-player (and Wimp.com)'

Yesterday, I was lucky to take some time out from States and Parish work to spend some time with friends, playing 'Risk' - a game which I have only ever played once before. Out of the 7 players (6 of them longtime, ruthless aficionados), it was perhaps no surprise that I went out first, following some questionable tactical advice from the player who then went on to win the whole game.

Fortunately, there was sufficient background entertainment, as I sat and ate my take away potato wedges.

I was introduced to a very good website, which in my opinion merits a blog in itself: wimp.com. Of course, the likes of i-player and youtube have been around for a while, and have revolutionized the way we watch television, but the beauty of wimp is that pretty much all of the videos on there are interesting: whether it is the highschool student who built and played his own instrument out of piping, the pop out painter, or the carrot clarinet, you can flick through and find fascinating, original and educational videos that both entertain and challenge boundaries. This is one of my favourites. The Parisian street dancer.

As someone who does not have time to watch a lot of television, and who does not miss it, I will be visiting wimp.com a lot more from now on.

Enjoy

Communicare Meeting Tonight, 7:30pm - to support Mr Michel in his Fight for a Blackheadstone

2011-06-10T17:20:00.000+01:00

St Brelade resident, Danny Michel

Below is a copy of the BBC Online report of Mr Michel and his 'fight' to have a black headstone erected for his wife, who passed away over a year ago. As the report says, there are already 14 similar headstone in the cemetery, and it is strange that Mr Michel is not being allowed to have his there. Supporters are most welcome to attend the meeting tonight (Friday) at Communicare. 7:30pm.

St Brelade Constable refuses black headstone for grave
A man is campaigning to be allowed to put a black headstone on his wife's grave in Jersey.
Danny Michel wants to put the stone in Les Quennevais Cemetery for his late wife Violet.
But St Brelade Constable Mike Jackson said there was a clause in the rates book that said only headstones made of local material could be used.
There is no black granite-type material available in Jersey so it would need to be imported.
Mr Michel argues there are already 14 black headstones in the cemetery.
He said: "My late wife and I always used to come to my father's grave and we often commented how beautiful the black and gold complimented each other on these headstones, so it would be nice for my wife to have one of them erected in her memory.
"My wife died on 21 May last year and this has been going on since the end of June when it was rejected.
"It has been playing a bit on my mind. I am just trying to get closure so we can get a nice monument erected for my wife."
Mr Michel is holding a public meeting on Friday at 1930 BST at Communicare in St Brelade to call for a Parish Assembly to change the rules.
His campaign is being supported by Senator Sarah Ferguson and Deputies Sean Power and Montfort Tadier.

Blogs Flourish in Jersey

2011-06-09T13:45:00.004+01:00

The last two years have seen an explosion in the number of Jersey Blogsites that have appeared in the island. This is to be welcomed: (1) Because for many reasons, the 'accredited' media, as they are sometimes euphemistically called, are unable to sufficiently cover many stories that are of public interest to those interested in Jersey politics and affairs. (2) The blogsites themselves have, in many cases, been able to 'break' new stories that the mainstream media would never have picked up on. One example of this, that I remember clearly, was the incident in January 2010, when it was revealed that the Chairman of PPC had failed to share information with the Committee about a complaint that had been made by the then Chief Officer of Police, Graham Power, against the Chief Minister. Were it not for the exposé carried out by Voice For Children, members of that panel would not have even been aware, and nor would the public. (3) It is a combination of a greater willingness to engage in a seemingly greater level of investigative journalism (in some cases) coupled with the fact that bloggers are not commercially motivated, that the types of stories that they are able and free to cover are sometimes much more in depth, controversial and rigorous.

Scrunity has its own facebook page, featuring the iconic
Corbiere Lighthouse - presumably because it know St Brelade is the best Parish

Thankfully, the appearance of such sites is having a corresponding impact on the mainstream media to 'up their game'. What were once entirely print or broadcast mediums, are increasingly expanding into electronic realms, as they fight for webspace alongside increasingly popular local blogs. Similarly, the States is, at long last, having to address the issues of Governance in the 21st Century. It still needs to do more to engage and interact with a new generation of web-literate voters, but at least the realisation of this is emerging. Scrutiny have their own facebook page.

Here is a list of some of the very good local blogs that there are to choose from. If you get tired of the usual limited and blinkered views of the mainstream media, why not visit some of these, and get the news straight from the horses mouth. You can even save them to your favourites.

And all bloggers out there: why not copy and paste this post to your facebook status?

We believe in transparency, openness and accountability... but we will not tell you anything about the £800,000* pay-off to departing Civil Servants!

2011-06-07T11:19:00.003+01:00

Questions are being asked in the States today about the 'alleged' pay-offs to two top Civil Servants, reportedly totalling £800,000. The amount of secrecy surrounding this subject is both outstanding and cannot help but raise suspicion. Just a few minutes ago, something quite bizarre happened. The Chief Minister, one of a handful of people who actually knows the full facts of these pay-offs said that these were 'alleged golden handshakes', but himself would not let us know whether they were or were not 'golden handshakes.'

Deputy Pitman is one of the States Members
asking a question about the 'Golden Handshakes' to top Civil Servants

Deputy Pitman will shortly be asking a question: 'Will the Chief Minister clarify the exact sums paid as ' golden handshakes' to two civil servants, clarify who was paid which sum and explain why such large payments were considered justified?'

Of course, none of these questions will be answered, but at least they are being asked. The Treasury Minister has already said such details would only be released in 'exceptional circumstances'.

I would argue that Jersey IS in exceptional circumstances. Public confidence in the States' ability to spend taxpayers money in an effective and accountable way is at an all time low. Add this to a vicious austerity programme that is being pushed through, with cuts to frontline services (we are even charging patients for bandages now!), I would say these ARE exceptional circumstances.

The current Strategic Plan, the document which - in the absence of party politics - sets out the underlying political philosophy to be pursued by the States until 2012 - has many references to transparency:

On page 7, we find the words –

‘By working openly and inclusively with all sectors of our community we will:

create a responsive government […] which embraces a progressive culture of openness, transparency and accountability to the public.’

On page 32 there is a similar pledge –

‘We will work to improve the public trust in government and establish a

system of greater transparency, public participation, and collaboration to

strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in

government.’

Sadly, it seems that these are simply words. When it comes to real transparency, there is little appetite for the type of open government alluded to here.

*Alleged £800,000 pay-offs

GST goes to 5% - including on bread, milk and vegetables (not to mention books and nappies)

2011-06-02T12:42:00.001+01:00

The last State's sitting saw the latest debate on whether or not the island's government should apply the 5% goods and services tax to food, drink and domestic energy. Compelling arguments were given both ways, and even those who thought they knew firmly how they were going to vote were to be found wavering when emotive arguments about the immorality of taxing life's essentials were brought out on one hand, and equally compelling keep it simple arguments were brought out on the other.

For a moment, I found myself waivering too. Was it not true that little real benefit would be derived if this tax were removed from foodstuff and domestic energy? The States was already doing there bit for looking after the poor with the GST bonus, which goes to those who are not on benefits, but who also don't earn enough to pay tax. Meanwhile, tax thresholds had been adjusted to allow more disposable income for people, to allow for the increase in GST, and for those right at the bottom of the income ladder, Income Support had been adjusted to take note of the increase in GST.

This had to make more sense than having a system of exemptions, after all, the GST earned on these commodities was being redistributed to the 'poor and needy'.

These arguments were not enough to convince 22 States Members, including myself - the only St Brelade representative to vote against putting GST on food and domestic fuel costs.

Rebranding GST

What clinched it for me was the fact that the whole 'redistribution' argument (as used here) is fundamentally flawed. There has been an attempt over recent years to rebrand GST from a 'nasty tax' that disproportionately affect those least able to pay (a 'regressive' tax) into what the Assistant Minister now calls a 'mildy progressive' tax. This is all the more remarkable considering that only a year ago, when taxation went out to 'consultation' (Jersey style), the Minister himself had labelled it 'slightly regressive.' It seems that the meaning of words can be fluid, to suit the circumstances.

So, returning to the the point, this form of redistribution is flawed, because it is not like the so-called Robin Hood tax, which targets capital and those most able to pay, rather, the GST form of re-distribution is very much from the middle/lower-middle to the 'poor'. Whilst it is true that GST does catch 'everybody', it is those with limited income - or low disposable incomes - that have to pay disproportionately. Whilst some protection is given to low earners in the form of increased support and tweaked tax thresholds, those who are above the poverty line, but still struggling in real terms, in an increasingly costly island, are the ones who really miss out. It is they who will be most affected, whilst the real wealth (the hoarded capital, the land banks of the developers, and the large property portfolios of wealthy rentiers) is not challenged.

Racism is Unacceptable - when directed at a Minister

2011-05-25T02:37:00.003+01:00

I am reposting a blog which appears on isthisjersey.com. It is written by someone else, but I feel it merits reproduction here:

Chief Minister, Terry Le Sueur, rightly denounced the racist abuse targetted towards
Planning and Environment Minister, Freddy Cohen -
but where is the Discrimination Law that had been promised?

Racism is nothing new in society. What matters is the relationship between racist sentiment and the state.

When Mikhail Gorbachev heard that the Ukraine, a Soviet Republic was separating from the union to form an independent state, his skepticism was expressed with his remark that they would probably return to their old ways, best summed up under the slogan, “Death to the Jews and the Poles”.

To listen to the Chief Minister give a sanctimonious speech about racism in the States today, showed, once again, the gall of the Jersey political elite. One of his ministers, Senator Freddy Cohen, had received racist communications, including a death threat. Interestingly, BBC Radio Jersey journalist, in her report of the day in the States, could not bring herself to call the beast by it true name. Anti-Semitism is not in the vocabulary of our Liberal minded radio station.

When one of the Ministers is subject to anti-semitic abuse, the Chief Minister makes a statement, yet for years the racism experienced by Poles, Romanians and Portuguese, never gets a mention. Not that government is going to do anything about it – like introduce laws against discrimination or racist activity.

Racism is frequently encountered at all social levels in the island. It is of course something that those with right-wing opinion hold close, and not surprisingly it is very prevalent. It is the Poles and especially the Portuguese, who somehow rank lower in the racist hierarchy, that are singled out because they form significant minorities. In the nineteenth century it was the French immigrant workers that were the subject of racist abuse. The “Mafeking Riots” of 1900, led to violence in French Lane (Hilgrove Street), necessitating the use of troops from the garrison to maintain order, as a patriotic mob attacked persons and property.

Twice a year our rulers pay lip service to memory of the victims of militarism and fascism in the form of Holocaust Day and the Liberation Day remembrance for forced workers at Mount Bingham. Many wreaths are laid by Ministers and dignitaries but none speak about the need for legislation to protect human rights and protect citizens against discrimination based on race or colour.

When is a Police Officer not a Police Officer?

2011-05-14T00:48:00.005+01:00

'The problem with constables sitting in the States is that they are police officers-there's a possible question over the fact that 12 policemen make up a quarter of the States'
-Former Bailiff, Sir Peter Crill

On 3rd November 2009, Deputy Martin of St. Helier asked the following question:

“Given that on 6th October 2009 the Chairman [of the Comité des Connétables] advised the Assembly that several of the Connétables, to his knowledge, still held warrant cards, could he state who they are, why they hold them and which of these Connétables, if any, served time in the Honorary Police in another capacity?”

At the time, Constable Vibert did not have the information to hand, but on the 17th November (2009) he gave the folowing response: 'I now wish to advise Members that at present the Connétables of St. Brelade, St. Clement, Grouville, St. John, St. Mary and St. Peter hold a warrant card. The cards were issued to these Connétables as a proof of identity, should it be required. Of these Connétables, only St. John and St. Peter have served in the Honorary Police in another capacity.'

Ken Vibert, Chairman of the Comité des Connétables,
revealed that 6 of the 12 Constables carry cards that identify them as police officers

Since this date, I emailed PPC (Privileges and Procedures Committee), the body which is responsible for States procedures, discipline et cetera and suggested that all States Members should be issued with an ID card, if they wanted one. This has subsequently be implemented.

In the light of this, I will be asking the following question at Tuesday's States sitting:

“Further to his response to a question on 17th November 2009 when the Chairman told the Assembly that the Connétables carried warrant cards for means of identification and in view of the fact that ID cards have subsequently been made available to all States members, is there now a need for Connétables to carry warrant cards? "

The underlying issue is, of course, not the card itself, but what the card implies. The only people who carry warrant cards are 'active' policemen, but the Constables claim time and time again that they are not involved in policing activities. Indeed, the dictionary definition of a warrant card is 'proof of identification and authority carried by police officers.

It is also my understanding that police officers (States Police or honorary) have to resign before they can take up the position of States Member - or indeed run for office (I have copied the SG into this for him to comment).

It is completely innappropriate, therefrore, in my mind - and hopefully that of the States Assembly, that any States Member should be in possession of any card which bestows upon them an autority that is not legitimate.

Now of course, we get in to the realms of technicalities, because as we know, Constables are police officers (remember the words of the late Sir Peter Crill and more recently by our own SG/AG). It is a historical quirk which has yet to be regularized. However, the practical reality, which we are interested in as States Members is that the Constables are not involved in active policing duties, by their own admission. It therefore seems an entirely reasonable request for the States to make to ask them to surrender their cards which bestow on them a power which is not appropriate in this day.

It will be interesting to see how long this anomaly is allowed to continue, particularly at a time when the Dual (Triple) rôles of the Bailiff and other Crown Officers are under under renewed and intense scrutiny.

McDonald's: Proud Sponsors of ... St Helier

2011-05-10T19:44:00.003+01:00

For a long time now, I have been pushing for Jersey to introduce on street, separated recycling bins I was very pleased, then, when I saw for the first time in Jersey a similar one in the High Street, here in St Helier.

It was only the next day that I realised, much to my displeasure, a big, golden 'M' on a bright red background on either end. The bin was sponsored by McDonald's!

One of the new bins outside of La Petite Baguette

Only last week in the States, I raised concerns about going down the route of having all of our public services 'sponsored', rather than paid for by public funding, be that in the form of taxes or rates. I did not see this as a real risk, but after visiting Malta for two days over Easter and noting that their road signs were sponsored by HSBC, I cautioned that I, for one, did not want to go down the route where the whole island has become 'one big advert'. Sure, corporate sponsorship has a place - but normally this is restricted to charity events (the 'round the island' walk or the Dragon Boat Race) or commercial events, such as Jersey Live.

The Constable of St Helier: In future his
wages may be paid for by corporate
sponsorship, rather than by the taxpayer

Some readers may of course welcome such initiatives: after all, the money for those bins is not coming out of the parish rates, so in that sense there is no cost to the parish. So the other consideration, is the appropriateness of the sponsor. Below is an open letter I have sent to the Constable of St Helier, expressing my concerns and asking him ten questions. Here is the e-mail. I will post his response when I get it.

OPEN LETTER TO CONSTABLE CROWCROFT

Dear Simon,

First of all, let me congratulate you on the appearance of the first 'separated' waste/recylcing bins in St Helier. I know we have spoken about introducing these in the past and I am glad that St Helier has taken the initiative (which I hope will be followed by TTS).

What I am concerned about is the issue of Sponsorship: I am concerned on two levels. (It is perhaps slightly ironic that during the Freedom of Information debate, I warned of going down the Malta route, where even their road signs are sponsored by HSBC). I would question whether it is appropriate at all to have these sponsored, but putting that concern aside, I am concerned about who the sponsor is. You will be aware that Jersey has particular problems when it comes to (childhood) obesity and diabetes. Whilst I am sure that McDonald's offer some healthy items on their menu, it seems to me that traditionally their offerings have been high in sugar, salt and fat.

I have the following questions that you might be able to answer:

1) At what level was the decision to have these bins sponsored made?
2) At what point was McDonald's chosen to sponsor this initiative?
3) Who approached whom?
4) Did any consultation occur with parishioners as to this decision?
5) Did any consultation occur with the Health Minister or the Medical Officer of Health?
6) What is the overall amount of Sponsorship received from McDonald's for these bins?
7)       How many bins are there of this nature?
8) Do you think that the new bins will encourage
   (a) greater recycling?
                                                        (b) more people to eat at McDonald's
                                                        (c) both
                                                        (d) neither?
9)      Were any homegrown/local businesses (such as Jersey Dairy or Jersey Telecom) approached to provide sponsorship?
10) Is the sponsorship permanent. If not, please provide details.

Thanks,

Montfort

Senator Perchard Makes a Funny

2011-04-12T22:16:00.003+01:00

On the 30th March 2011 at c.16:20, Senator Perchard treated us to an exclusive stand-up comedy routine, where the comedy was largely unintentional (bar for an initial observation that 'if ever [Deputy Le Fondré] looks for another profession, I suggest he becomes the voice of meditation CDs.' - this did solicit genuine mirth). Tickets were limited to roughly 53 seated(+theatre officials), and one or two lucky members of the public who had managed to sneak past security and the heavy wooden doors to gain a seat in the gallery. Perhaps 100 more were listening on their wireless radios.

Proud Jerseyman Jimmy Perchard tells us why Jersey is the best place
on the planet and why those who suggest improvements are malicious traitors

In a speech which could easily have been written by his mentor, Professor Terry Le Main at the Jersey faculty of Rhetoric and Demagoguery, Senator Perchard sang the praises of the Jersey Democratic model, with its 35-45% turnout rates for elections (20% in some elections) - 70-80% abstention rates (when considering those who are not registered) and the public's inability to elect its own Chief Minister or influence policy direction in a meaningful way. So without further ado, I welcome, Senator Jimmy Perchard [applause]

'It is a long time ago I pushed my red button. I was off in another place, particularly after Deputy Le Fondré’s speech. If ever he looks for another profession I suggest he becomes the voice of meditation CDs. [Laughter] But I thank Deputy Trevor Pitman for waking me up and, Sir, you for calling my name. The Bailiff has presided over this Legislature since it developed out of the Royal Court, over 800 years ago. In essence we have a piece of history here which we are discussing; a piece of fantastic Jersey history and any reform of the Bailiff’s role has to be taken very seriously, and I think we all agree on one thing, and I think it was my good friend, Senator Le Gresley who started this off - and Deputy Maçon and Deputy Trevor Pitman subsequently - we all agree that any recommendation should be put to the people of Jersey for their decision. This is not an easy decision; we have established that this afternoon. There are many strongly-held views and I have one. It is important that however we conclude the final recommendation from P.P.C., a referendum be held on this matter. I suspect over times of our long history the Bailiff who, as we know, has never been elected, may have politicised his role. I have no examples of such but over 800 years I suspect there are many. Until 1947 many of us were unelected and so until quite recently in the 800 year history we had unelected people acting in a political fashion; Jurats and Rectors of course. The Bailiff and the A.G. and the Dean have survived any transition and I suspect they have survived under scrutiny over the decades, more recently since certainly the 1950s, under scrutiny and they have reformed their role. The Bailiff, for example, no longer has a casting vote. The 3 positions have developed a position of neutrality and impartiality and that is why they have survived. I challenge any Member in recent times to give an example of where the Bailiff when presiding over this Assembly has displayed anything but neutrality and impartiality. If any Member can give an example - a real example; not a blog site example - a real example, let him stand up today and tell us about it. I think the proposal to remove the Bailiff from this Legislature is a proposal for change for nothing more than change for the sake of change. Change promoted by the same people who would have the Constables removed from the Assembly because they are the symbolic head of their Parish police force [Deputy Tadier stamps his foot in approval] The same people who would probably have the Dean removed from the Assembly [Deputy Tadier stamps his foot again in approval]. The malcontents who want to change Jersey for the better [Deputy Tadier stamps his foot yet again in approval]. Change for change’s sake [Deputy Tadier shakes his head in disagreement]. I am sorry, I call it malcontent and I mean it. It is people who are constantly dragging Jersey down and criticising the wonderful democracy we have. Jersey is a great example of democracy; a beacon of democracy that we should hold up high for the world to look at. Members made reference to the E.U. (European Union) and the Court of Human Rights. Well, let us look at the E.U.; an institution which allows its M.E.P.s (Members of the European Parliament) to speak for a maximum of 10 minutes and who has a group of unelected commissioners who run the European Union. What has the E.C.H.R. (European Court of Human Rights) got to say about that with the 260 million people that those unelected commissioners represent. Let us look at the House of Lords in the U.K. Members involved in U.K.’s legislative process. The House of Lords is full of unelected members. What has the E.C.H.R. got to say about that? These people are making legislation. Our Bailiff presides with immaculate neutrality and impartiality over the sittings of this States and nobody in this room will be able to get up and give an example of him doing otherwise. As I have said, Members seem to have fixed views on this subject. I suggest the only way forward is for a reasonable, well-considered question to be put to the people of Jersey on this matter. I will leave it at that, except I will throw a little side-winder into the mix for Members to ponder. Just diverting slightly; I am surprised that Carswell focused only really on the dual roles of the Bailiff and, as I look across at my good friend the Attorney General, I wonder why Lord Carswell and his eminent group of advisers and committee did not look at the role of the Attorney General and perhaps the conflict of the role of Attorney General. I know he did but did not make recommendations that perhaps the role of the Attorney General should be split into a role where we had a Chief Prosecution Service who was independent of the Legislature. I am not sure I would have supported it even if he had, but I think it is quite reasonable that he would have made a recommendation of that type. Without wanting to repeat myself, this is a change for change’s sake and I urge Members to recognise that it will not be this Assembly that agrees the way forward and it must be the people of Jersey that do it.'

To hear the audio visit: the jerseyway blog

Delayed Post

2011-04-12T08:11:00.000+01:00

This post was left a few days back, unfortunately only saw it today as it had gone to the spam folder. It was not deliberately withheld, but by way of recourse I am publishing it here for comment. It is not my own opinion, but I do think it is an interesting and considered argument and invite comment from other bloggers (and myself when I have a moment).

---------------

(From Anon)

The concept of a ‘fair’ taxation rate will always be subjective. The only objective method of taxation is to divide the cost of running the island by the number of its inhabitants, and then for everyone to make exactly the same contribution. The rational argument for this is that everyone is entitled to the same level of services and benefits provided by their taxation, so should pay exactly the same price for those entitlements.

If you are a higher earner (Which despite your rhetoric, does not necessarily exclude you from the ‘plight of being a hard working islander’), do you not think that paying an increasingly larger amount of tax for the same level of entitlements at some point begins to grate ? (Especially when a certain number of people are receiving those same, or in many cases through welfare provision, a higher level of benefits), without making any payment for those benefits themselves.

Appealing to people’s moral responsibility is not a rational argument. It is an emotional one, and ignores the inequality between payment made and benefit received. Is it fair to ask somebody to pay more simply because they can afford to pay more ? Would you gladly pay five times the price somebody else pays for every product you buy simply because you earn five times their salary ? The reality is that higher earners are already doing this in the price they pay for the ‘product’ provided by the States.

Whether you like it or not, the ‘prioritisation’ of corporate greed actually enables this island to pay for its social needs, whether the taxation is derived from the companies themselves, or from their employees via higher income tax levels because of higher profit margins. (Every profitable business pays tax, even if they don't pay it locally) If you believe that this is wrong, then please ask the States to reduce your salary by the percentage of overall income the government receives, either directly, or indirectly, from the Finance Industry, and then at least you can carry on with a clean conscience, knowing the you are not living a lie by deriving a benefit from the very target of your criticisms.

I do of course understand your concerns and the reality is that there will always be social inequality, however those people paying the larger amounts of tax also see inequality between their contribution, and the level of services they derive, and your argument appears to be that this balance should become even more inequitable.

I hope you will publish this comment as understanding the other side of the issue is often helpful in developing solutions that will work for eveybody.

Thanks

Development in Les Quennevais - Public Meeting

2011-04-11T12:08:00.002+01:00

A meeting will be held this evening at Communicare (6:30pm) to discuss the provisional plans of Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) to develop four plots of land for housing in the area: two in Le Clos des Sables (one directly opposite the Les Quennevais School library); and two in Les Quennevais Park (one on the lane running up from TSB and the other at the end of that lane).

The lane running up from TSB to
Les Quennevais Park is maintained by JPH

...which has fallen into disrepair

A petition was started two weeks ago by residents of Le Clos des Sables, the wording of which can be seen below. Part of the purpose of the meeting will be to see if the residents of Les Quennevais Park feel the same; the issues in the latter are slightly different: parking and congestion is more of an acute problem and has been for decades. There is a large secondary school in the Estate and this affects both estates at peak hours.

JPH are 'selling' the idea on more houses on two counts: (i) that the homes developped will be self-build and/or for first-time buyers, thus aiming towards the quota of affordable homes needed in the island. (ii) As pay back to the estate(s), the estate(s) could be 'tidied up' and extra parking provided and paid for with the proceeds from the sales.

There are of course other options. At a meeting last week between myself and JPH, the department made it quite clear that they would be happy to transfer all land in the estate(s) into Parish ownership and in this way the community could decide what the way forward for the area would be. This idea certainly has merit and I will discuss this further (the idea was raised previously) with Parish officials. Ultimately, of course, the matter is one for parishioners and would need to be decided at a Parish Hall Assembly.

Jersey: Run by whom for whom?

2011-04-05T02:14:00.001+01:00

The following press release was sent out yesterday to the local media. I post it here for the blogging community and its readers ahead of its publication elsewhere:

-----------------------------

The States of Jersey needs to give more priority to Social legislation including greater protection for women, who are more likely than men to be the victims of unfair dismissal by unscrupulous employers.

'My concern is that Jersey does not have the requisite social legislation to prepare us for the consequences of the economic downturn. We are already seriously behind when it comes to protection for tenants and private sector workers - especially women. It was hoped that the proposed Discrimination Law would bring Jersey up-to-date, but this has now been put on hold, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review cuts. A short chat with the JACS (Jersey Advisory and Conciliatory Society) shows that women are more likely than men to be the victims of unscrupulous employers. This is of particular concern as we are facing the possibility of job losses in both the private and public sectors. Also, there is no statutory maternity leave and no sign of paternity leave. It should be asked whether this is acceptable in a prosperous island in 2011.'

Recent years have seen a shift in the tax burden from corporate taxation to personal taxation: in 2001 44% of the total tax take came from personal tax compared to an estimated 84% this year. Company tax will only account for 12% of tax revenue.There has been a corresponding reduction in the amount of disposable income of most lower and middle earners as a consequence of GST (which is set to increase) and the reduction of personal income tax allowances;

The plight of hard working islanders is ignored by the majority of the States Assembly, which continues to prioritise policy and legislation which benefit wealthy individuals and corporations. Meanwhile, the executive's dogged adherence to its flawed zero-ten policy actually encourages companies trading in Jersey to avoid paying tax, by registering outside of the island, thus putting local tax paying businesses at a disadvantage.

The prioritisation of corporate greed above social need is nothing new in the States of Jersey, but what particularly concerns me is that we may not have seen the worst of the economic downturn. People are already suffering, but historically, there is a time delay when it comes to the impact of a recession reaching Jersey. It is quite likely that we have not seen the full impact of that on the island; add to that the impact of the Treasury Minister's cuts and an increase in GST from June and it is likely that we will see a mass increase in relative poverty, in what is already an expensive place to live.

The Name's Bond - Jane Bond

2011-03-23T00:19:00.000Z

A challenging video about equality and the continued discrimination and lack of parity that women still face in many walks of life

The Garden Explored

2011-03-17T13:35:00.001Z

It has long been a desire of mine to move towards greater self-sufficiency, in terms of living off home grown food. Whilst it might not be possible yet to live 'The Good Life' à la Barbara and Tom, I am taking the first step toward a 'better life'.

And so it was, with a little help from Kim, Basil and my Dad, that I got started on my vegetable patch last week. For best effect watch in fullscreen in a darkened room with volume turned up high.

Video courtesy of Kim Jordan Productions

Planning Applications Panel gives consent for Petit Port to be turned into a Building Site

2011-02-25T19:18:00.008Z

Panel chairman John Gallichan and Graeme Butcher (Photo: JEP)

Yesterday, the planning applications panel met to give permission for the demolition and rebuilding of two houses at Petit Port, with the accompanying drilling and excavation work into the granite cliff face that will go with it. The properties, one of which was only bought in 2008 for over £1 million, are smack bang in the middle of an 'area of outstanding beauty.' Moreover, the whole area is designated as a National Park Area in the current draft island plan. Below is the open letter which I sent to Senator Freddie Cohen, Minister for Planning and Environment.

OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Dear Freddie,

I am writing to you to express my disappointment at the planning applications panel's decision to approve the destruction or two houses at Petit Port and the rebuilding of two new properties, with accompanying excavation that will accompany it.

It is sheer folly, in my opinion, that in an area that has been designated as a national park in the 2009 draft island plan, you have given consent for the whole area to be turned into a worksite for an extended period of time, with the consequential impact that this will have on the surrounding environment and residents who already live there.

Currently, the properties themselves are in the green zone (C5), but the immediately surrounding areas are designated a zone of outstanding beauty (C4).

I did ask (twice) that an environmental impact assessment be done to see what impact there would be on the C4 zone, but this point was completely ignored by the panel.

It should be re-emphasised that not only the surrounding area, but the houses themselves, will be part of the national park area if the 2009 draft plan is approved as stands.

If the plan is passed this year, as is anticipated, it will be interesting to see how a quarry and building site will be welcomed by islanders and visitors smack bang in the middle of a national park.

Your thoughts on this would be most appreciated.

Kind regards,

Montfort

Committee of Inquiry - The Forgotten Argument

2011-02-15T11:34:00.001Z

There has been much talk about the Council of Ministers' stance on not wishing to pursue a Committee of Inquiry. I am not going to rehash the rights and wrongs of this decision, save to re-iterate my firm belief that this is not a decision for the Council of Ministers, but for the States Assembly.

I am supportive of the Committee of Inquiry, and have related some of the grounds below. To summarize, though, it is unfortunate that in all the recriminations that have been fly about regarding alleged mismanagement and mishandling of the investigation, the two things that seem to have been forgotten are (i) the (feelings of) the victims/survivors themselves and (ii) how it was that the abuse was able to occur at all.

The following statement is something I posted on my facebook wall last night in response to someone who was sceptical that the CoI would acheive anything worthwhile and not represent value for money:

'The question, for me, is why and how this abuse was allowed to happen in the first place. These were particularly vulnerable children who were entrusted into State care. When abuse did occur, the victims at the time were generally not belie...ved, punished and so the cycle continued. In order for this to have happened, there needed to be people in key positions of power who either passively or actively facilitated this culture. There were suggestion at the time that senior figures - politicians, police and civil servants were involved. If we are to learn lessons, we need to know what went on.

Much like what happened in Ireland, Belgium and other notable places, Committee of Inquiry did help to expose decades of corruptions and cover-ups (and/or general bad practises, neglect) that allowed those cowardly and sick individuals to get away with what they did.

And it is exactly to stop allegations of conspiracy theories on the one hand and exaggeration on the other that this needs to be investigated.

I will not be able to sleep at night or face future generations, having heard what I have heard, and knowing the vast amount of unanswered questions that still remain, if I do not at least give an opportunity for this Committee of Inquiry.

The message is simple though. If you do not want to incur huge costs (social and financial) as a Government, do not let children get abused in the systematic way they were allowed to be in the recent past. The blame must always rest with the abusers and political facilitators, not the victims or those who are trying to help.

Farewell to an Old Friend

2011-02-10T17:50:00.002Z

Emile addresses the crowd at the Time4Change anti-child abuse rally, March 2008

Emile Collins passed away today aged 98. Emile was a seasoned political campaigner, an enthusiastic follower -and often a critic- of Jersey politics. He was an avid contributor to the lunchtime BBC phone-in. He was both passionate and compassionate.

Emile, will be missed but not forgotten.

For a more detailed posting visit:
http://voiceforprotest.blogspot.com/2011/02/emille-collins-nest-plus.html

The Butterfield Diet

2011-02-09T17:58:00.003Z

Are the mid-winter blues getting you down? Have the best laid New Year's resolutions of mice and men gone awry and the zealously bought January pass been put on hold?

Then what you need is the Butterfield Diet plan. It is gruelling to start with, but you do get to treat yourself once a week...

Enjoy!

More development in Les Quennevais and Clos des Sables? Not if I can help it

2011-01-28T17:42:00.002Z

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. A special welcome if you are a resident of St Brelade No. 2 and are here for the first time. This weekend I will be circulating a newsletter to residents of the Les Quennevais and Le Clos des Sables, to give an update on issues on progress with some of the issues on the two estates.

Development:

The newsletter covers several issues, but one area of particular concern is that Jersey Property Holdings are in preliminary talks with a private developer to build 4 new dwellings in the area - two in Clos des Sables and 2 in Les Quennevais Park, which would involve selling off key areas of open green space, to build houses of varying sizes. My main objections are on two grounds and I should add are not motivated by Nimbyism (Not in my back yard! - although one of them would be near my front yard...): 1) The first point is that Les Quennevais already has its own fair share of development. 2) The second point, as I point out in my letter, is that parking issues have been ongoing for a long time and are only getting worse. Despite scores of emails and calls to Property Holdings to try and improve the situation, no real progress has been made. Although potential solutions have been put forward, and in many cases endorsed by the JPH (who own most of the communal land around the estates), they say they do not have the money to make improvements. They do say, however, that if they sell off these bits of land to speculators, they can then use some of that money to make improvements. I have told the department that parking issues and other improvements must take place before any development is even considered.

I will be asking the following question in the States of the Housing Minister:

“Does the Minister support the plans submitted by Jersey Property Holdings to build 4 new homes on green areas in Les Quennevais Park and Le Clos des Sables and how does he envisage this will impact on current parking issues on the estate?”

See here for the full order paper: http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/documents/orders/42588-2399-2712011.htm

Surgery Dates:

This year's surgeries will be held at the The Horse and Hound on the following Mondays from 5:30 - 7pm:

January 31st

February 14th

March 14th, 28th

April 4th

May 16th

June 6th, 20th

July 4th

September 14th

Readers may be interested to note that I will also be trialling Skype Surgeries by arrangement. I can be added on ID: Monty Tadier. Please state who you are when sending request so I can add you.

As normal, I remain available for home visits, as well as appointments in Town.

UK Tax Expert to Give Talk at Hautlieu School

2011-01-23T19:47:00.003Z

Below is the version of the leaflet that has been produced for tomorrow's talk by Richard Murphy at Hautlieu School. We hope to see you there from 7pm onwards. I've never met the man, so I'm going along simply to see if he does actually have horns or not.

“JERSEY—MAKING FINANCE WORK FOR THE FUTURE”

When? Monday 24 January

Time? 7pm

Where? Hautlieu School Assembly Hall

Admission? FREE

Are you a concerned member of the public who wants to know why prices and taxes are going up? If so come and listen to Richard and ask him any questions you like. If you work in the finance industry, or the legal or accountancy professions, this is your chance to listen to an authority on tax and to consider the suggestions being made.

IS JERSEY’S FINANCIAL FUTURE IN DANGER FROM THE ZERO- TEN TAX STRUCTURE?

IS BEING A TAX AVOIDANCE CENTRE THE ONLY WAY?

COME AND HEAR ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING EXPERTS ON TAX AND THE E.E.C

RICHARD MURPHY

Event sponsored by the Jersey Democratic Alliance (JDA), the Tax Justice Network(TJN)
and Time 4 Change. Visit www.jdajersey.co.uk for more information.