The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry - Statement from Campaigners

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF:

CAMPAIGNERS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO JERSEY CHILD ABUSE

“An end to the Jersey Way.”

A group of current and former politicians, as well as Jersey bloggers who campaigned for almost a decade on subject of Child Abuse, and who fought for the Independent Abuse Inquiry to take place have said they are awaiting with ‘great anticipation’ the publishing of tomorrow’s report into child abuse. 

Speaking on behalf of the campaigners, Deputy Montfort Tadier said, “This was a hard fought battle and the Inquiry would not have happened were it not for a handful of committed individuals in the States Assembly, careleavers and members of citizens’ media, who successfully campaigned for the Inquiry to take place.

First and foremost, we must recognise that systemic child abuse was allowed to take place in state institutions, and elsewhere, over recent decades, to some of the most vulnerable children in our society. For some survivors and those close to them, there may never be true justice or closure, but today we can stand with them in solidarity and recognise their pain and trauma.

The two important questions that we hope the Inquiry will address are: How was this able to happen in Jersey, and could it still happen today?n

During the giving of evidence, many witnesses spoke of ‘the Jersey Way’; by this they meant a culture in which reporting abuse was difficult, where they weren’t listened to, where whilstleblowing was almost impossible, where the island’s reputation came before the safeguarding of the vulnerable and where complacency was the norm. 

There are still examples of some of these failures today: some areas of public sector and institutions remain hostile to criticism. Where this culture exists, it must be replaced by an active pursuit of honesty, openness, and accountability. Where problems exist, staff, agencies and citizens must feel able to raise valid concerns knowing that effective action will be taken in a timely manner. This will, no doubt, also mean better resourcing and investment in areas such as social care, education and training. We must also be prepared to reform our institutions where they are no longer fit for purpose and tradition can no longer be an excuse for not adopting modern best practice.”

-ENDS-

NOTE- Due to the timing of the publication of the report, the Campaign Group will be making a public statement on Tuesday at 1pm , in the Blampied Room, States Bulimg, Royal Square. Members of the media may attend and ask questions. 

Contact –Deputy Montfort Tadier, 07797844358

Email: m.tadier@gov.je

Twitter: @DeputyTadier

The Death of the Jersey Way?

Former Senator Frank Walker, who was Chief Minister in 2008

"There is no hiding place in Jersey for anyone who abused children or, who in any way may have colluded with that abuse [my emphasis] and no stone will be left unturned to bring them to justice."

- Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker to the States on Tuesday 26 February 2008

Monday 3rd July 2017 is an important day for Jersey. For those of us who campaigned for the establishment of an independent care inquiry for Jersey, and more generally for abuse victims and survivors, tomorrow's publication of the Jersey Care Inquiry report into Child Abuse represents the culmination of nine years of campaigning.

Despite the words of the Chief Minister at the time, a committee of inquiry was not an inevitability. Indeed, were it not for the dogged determination of care leavers, a small handful of politicians and, crucially, bloggers such as Rico Sorda, Voice for Children to name but two, the inquiry would certainly have never happened.

Former Senator, Terry Le Sueur was Chief Minister from 2008 - 2011

Senator Walker's successor, Terry Le Sueur tried to shelve the inquiry. In an official report to the States, R.8/2011, the Chief Minister concluded:

"It is accepted that not everyone will agree with the Council’s decision and some

individuals may still have questions. It is hoped that those who may not agree will

recognise the seriousness with which the Council has considered the matter. With

the advantage of the passage of time, the Council has reviewed all the issues and

considers that a Committee of Inquiry would not be appropriate."

Thankfully that was not the end of the matter: my colleagues at the time Senator Françis Le Gresley, deputy Bob Hill and Daniel Wimberley tabled a counter-proposal and amendments, asking for an Inquiry into the Child Abuse and subsequent cover-up. Other key proponents were former Deputies Trevor and Shona Pitman, current members like Mike Higgins.

Credit should also go to Senator Ian Gorst, with whom we worked over many iterations to find acceptable and thorough terms of reference for the Inquiry.

The campaigners will be sending a joint press release out shorty, so check the TwitterSpace for #JerseyCareInquiry



Out with the Old, in with the New

It's January 1st. Again. So let me start by wishing you all Health and Happiness for 2015! 
2014 was an interesting year and busy year and it was a campaign year. Not only were there general elections in Jersey, but also two by-elections early in the year, which saw two progressive candidates elected, and one hold onto his seat in the Autumn.

For me, the 15th October 2014 marked the beginning of my third consecutive term as a States Member. However, it was the first time I had stood and been elected as a member of an official political party, namely Reform Jersey. I was particularly pleased to have had an excellent running mate in Beatriz Porée. Although she did not get elected this time around, it was the first time that electors of St Brelade no. 2 district were able to vote for two Party candidates of the left. 391 voters chose to vote for Beatriz, in a very tough field of runners and a total of 1281 were cast for Reform Jersey in our district.

Reform Jersey Candidate, Beatriz Porée

The results overall were modest. Whilst the party did not managed any gains in terms of seats, it did manage to hold on to its three existing members and their seats. At the same time, thousands of votes were cast throughout the island, for the first time, for the five female candidates: Anne Southern, Laura Millen, Shannen Kerrigan, Debbie Hardisty and Beatriz (above). But one is reminded, that it is not unusual for parliamentarians not to get in at their first attempts. 

So the challenge for us at Reform Jersey in 2015 and beyond is to keep up the hard work and build on current successes. This is a challenge which we three States Members - (Deputy Mézec, Deputy Southern and myself) relish - and in which the wider membership will also be involved.

I would like to thank all of those who have provided personal and political support throughout 2014 - you know who you are. I and we could not have done it without you.

If you would like to join us in 2015 in our efforts to bring greater accountability, transparency and fairness to Jersey and its government, then please do get in touch.

Dates for your diaries:

We will be having a social and fundraising evening at the Town Hall on Saturday 24th January, including a Pub Quiz. More info to follow.

Surgeries:

Drop-in clinics for St Brelade no.2 constituents will be held every Monday from 12-1pm at Communicare, starting on 19th January. 

Meet the 'A Team'

A campaign group called The A Team has been formed to vigorously promote “Option A” in the forthcoming referendum on constitutional reform, recommended by the Electoral Commission and endorsed by The States of Jersey last week when approving the Act establishing the Referendum.

Under Reform Option A: Parish Constables will no longer be members of the States; there will be 42 States members known as Deputies; there will be six large districts, each choosing seven Deputies.

 'Constables for the Parishes. Deputies for the States.'

“Under Option A, Constables will still be elected to lead their parish and will be able to put all their efforts into their parish role, rather than being obliged to split their time between the parish and the increasingly demanding work of a States member,” said Christine Vibert, the group’s secretary and spokesman. “It means that someone who wants to stand as Connétable to serve the parish is not forced to be a States Member if they don’t want to be. They can also stand for election as a Deputy at the General Election, but the choice is theirs.”

The campaigners believe that Option A is simple and clear. It has many benefits and in particular it:

• is the most democratic of the three options

• can increase voter participation

• can reinvigorate parish life

“We are very enthusiastic about the potential that Option A has to re-energise Jersey politics and resolve the democratic deficit that exists in our current system. We would like to hear from fellow supporters who would like to join The A Team.”

Anyone interested in joining and/or helping The A Team is asked to contact Christine Vibert christine@theATeam.org.je or telephone /text 07797 732558.

The referendum will be held on Wednesday 24th April. The last day to register for the electoral roll in your parish is noon on Wednesday 3rd April.