tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32589903324702771402024-03-13T17:25:42.147+00:00Deputy Tadier's BlogDeputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-85037387389640554612017-07-03T13:13:00.000+01:002017-07-03T13:14:20.806+01:00The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry - Statement from Campaigners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">PRESS RELEASE</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">ON BEHALF OF:</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">CAMPAIGNERS FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO JERSEY CHILD ABUSE</span></div>
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<span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">“An end to the Jersey </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">W</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">ay.</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: "calibri light"; font-size: 14px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">”</span></div>
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<span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">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 </span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Abuse</span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> Inquiry to take place have said they are </span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">a</span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">waiting with ‘great anticipation’ the publishing of tomorrow’s report into child abuse. </span></div>
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<span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Speaking on behalf of the campaigners, </span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Deputy Montfort Tadier</span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> said, “</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">This was</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> a hard fou</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ght battle and the Inquiry </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">would not have </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">happened</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> were it not for a handful of committed individuals in the States Assembly, careleavers and members of citizens’ media, who </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">successfully</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> campaigned for the Inquiry to take place.</span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">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 r</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ecognise their pain and trauma.</span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">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</span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">During the giving of evidence, many </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">witnesses</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> spoke of ‘the Jersey Way’; by this they meant a culture in which reporting a</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">buse was difficult, where they weren’t listen</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ed</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to, where</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> whilstleblowing was almost</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> impossible, where the island’s reputation came before the</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> safeguarding of the vulnerable and where comp</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">l</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">acency was the norm. </span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">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 </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">effecti</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ve </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">action </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">will be </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">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 </span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">not adopting modern best practice</span><span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">.”</span></div>
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<span class="s7" style="font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">-ENDS-</span></div>
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<span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">NOTE- Due to the timing of the publication of the report, the Campaign Group </span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">will be making a public statement on </span><span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Tuesday</span><span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">at 1</span><span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">pm</span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> , in the Blampied Room, States Bulimg, Royal Square. Members of the media may attend and ask questions. </span></div>
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<span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Contact –</span><span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Deputy Montfort Tadier, <a dir="ltr" href="tel:07797844358" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07797844358</a></span></div>
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<span class="s8" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"><a dir="ltr" href="tel:07797844358" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Email: m.tadier@gov.je</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Twitter: @DeputyTadier</b></span><br />
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-17911453504957666532017-07-02T21:44:00.000+01:002017-07-02T21:57:09.893+01:00The Death of the Jersey Way?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former Senator Frank Walker, who was Chief Minister in 2008</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<em>There is no hiding place in Jersey for anyone who abused children <strong>or, who in any way may have colluded with that abuse</strong> [my emphasis] and no stone will be left unturned to bring them to justice</em>."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- Chief Minister, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Senator</span> Frank Walker to the States on Tuesday 26 February 2008</span></div>
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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.</div>
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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<a href="http://ricosorda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Rico Sorda</a>, <a href="http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-to-look-out-for-in-abuse-inquiry.html" target="_blank">Voice for Children</a> to name but two, the inquiry would certainly have never happened. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former Senator, Terry Le Sueur was Chief Minister from 2008 - 2011</td></tr>
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Senator Walker's successor, Terry Le Sueur tried to shelve the inquiry. In an official report to the States, <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyReports/2011/12027-37051-122011.pdf">R.8/2011</a>, the Chief Minister concluded:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">"<em>It is accepted that not everyone will agree with the Council’s decision and some</em></span></span></div>
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<em>individuals may still have questions. It is hoped that those who may not agree will</em></div>
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<em>recognise the seriousness with which the Council has considered the matter. With</em></div>
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<em>the advantage of the passage of time, the Council has reviewed all the issues and</em></div>
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<em>considers that a Committee of Inquiry would not be appropriate</em>."</div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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The campaigners will be sending a joint press release out shorty, so check the TwitterSpace for #JerseyCareInquiry </div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-56621471859424397992016-01-23T23:39:00.000+00:002016-01-25T23:44:55.335+00:00The Jersey Trews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9rHBpnsBEeE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9rHBpnsBEeE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Welcome to the first Episode in what I hope may become a more regular feature on Jersey Social Media - "The Jersey Trews".<br />
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The Jersey Trews aims to bring you a more in-depth picture of the local stories of public interest that the local mainstream media are unable or unwilling to cover.<br />
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This week's episode focuses on the highly unusual event of the Jersey Assembly agreeing to release an otherwise 'confidential' transcript of a States debate of 2008, where the then-HomeAffairs Minister, Andrew Lewis, informed the Assembly of his decision to suspend the Chief of Police, Graham Power.<br />
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At the time, Deputy Lewis claimed to have read a "damning report" of the Metropolitain Police which gave his grounds to suspend the Police Chief. However, since that time, it has been asserted by many, including Napier, former Senators Le Marquand and Senators Syvret, that this could not have been the case.<br />
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I will add more to this in due course, but for the time being, do watch the attached video, which I think explains in layperson's terms some of the key points which seem to have by-passed much of the Mainstream Media (MSM) reporting.<br />
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-78331974446638991032015-10-27T09:49:00.002+00:002015-10-27T09:50:03.028+00:00Is Jersey a One Party State with its own Radio?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Political debate is common elsewhere, even in Legoland</td></tr>
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So just where is the political debate? We are often told that 'choice' is what distinguishes democracies from dictatorships, but what happens when those in power refuse to engage in political debate with those in opposition?<br />
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Again, as is usually the case for the representatives of the de facto Jersey Tory Party, when asked by the BBC to join Reform Jersey in the studio for debate, they refuse. To make matters worse, the presenters of the local BBC seemed to take personal offense, this morning, when I challenged the Ministers on their continued absence and their lack of mandate, to the point that the usually cheery and polite anchor chose to keep his head down and ignore me rather than engage in the customary civilities.<br />
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On top of that, there was an attempt to frame the debate as an 'abstract argument' which had already been dealt with in the States this month, rather than an ongoing reality, which was only now starting to afflict suffering on real people, in the real world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe_z6iSyL5cgCF5MqzOrrIkVeqAkBUGwTKNp_Q9XLmRF-swgCJysfu30MejVlOE1LzNKFaf6Cj-RN2NqH1uf5snEqEoC5krLWovo6W53JbcY7y-Qlu-Q9yHiJkrDyMEFp1ZSdJJrNwnr0/s1600/BBC+anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe_z6iSyL5cgCF5MqzOrrIkVeqAkBUGwTKNp_Q9XLmRF-swgCJysfu30MejVlOE1LzNKFaf6Cj-RN2NqH1uf5snEqEoC5krLWovo6W53JbcY7y-Qlu-Q9yHiJkrDyMEFp1ZSdJJrNwnr0/s400/BBC+anchor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBC Jersey's Ashley Tracey and Tim Pryor</td></tr>
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The BBC in Jersey must really up their game and shame politicians who consistently refuse to engage other than on their terms. They should offer truly insightful, incisive and interesting political discourse, rather than trite, lazy apologetics.<br />
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It is the job of any [indepedndent] media to act, as a check and balance on Government, as a Fourth Estate. In Jersey, they may as well be on the States payroll.<br />
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But the Government themselves must also interact.<br />
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I or Reform Jersey do not claim to have all the answers, but we can't always be wrong! Let's have meaningful debate and let people decide for themselves what to think.</div>
Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-11761526443541021762015-09-29T13:35:00.002+01:002015-09-29T13:51:53.533+01:00In Politics, Talk is Cheap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt;">‘</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman,Italic'; font-size: 11pt;"><em>These [disabled] people need to have access to public transport which is free.</em></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt;"><em>’</em> –
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 11pt;">Deputy E.J. Noel of St. Lawrence, seeking election as Minister for Transport and
Technical Services, 6th November 2014. </span><br />
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Today, I lodged an <a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyPropositions/2015/P.72-2015Amd(7)Amd.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a> to the Medium Term Financial Plan asking for the £100, 000 that was to be allocated by the Privileges and Procedures Committee to States Members Pensions to be put to the (arguably better) cause of providing free bus passes for disabled residents in Jersey. As I explain below, this sum may or may not be enough, however, it will be a start and, more importantly, it will force a States decision on the matter and keep the pressure up on the Minister to deliver on his election promise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthony Lewis receives national award presented by Australian<br />
rugby player, Michael Lynagh on behalf of the Stroke Association</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The issue of free access for disabled people to public transport came up at the very first senatorial hustings at Grouville in 2014 when well known Jersey man, Anthony Lewis, whose courage following a stroke was an inspiration to all, asked <em>'I have not been able to get a disabled bus pass; do we do enough for disabled people in Jersey?</em>' The responses were interesting; What is particularly striking is just how many established and long-serving politicians - including the Treasury Minister and a Former Social Minister - were unaware of the fact that disabled people in Jersey do not and did not (then) have free concessionary passes. Strange that.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Responses from successful candidates: <br />
</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Senator Ozouf: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"I didn’t know you couldn’t get a bus pass. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Many of us would want to fix that</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">. More money is going into healthcare spending." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><em>Dr. Cameron: </em></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><em>"We can do a lot more. I have concerns over the way the Impairment Benefit is assessed, it’s not fit for purpose. The Jersey Disability Partnership is there and we do need to listen more to people like you to inform our policy in future."</em> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Senator Routier: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"No we’re not doing enough. I am the Chair of the Service Users’ Forum and wasn’t aware of this issue of not having a bus pass. We’re having a Transport Policy Review which I’m sure will put that in there." </span></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Senator Farnham: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"I’m embarrassed to learn you couldn’t get a bus pass, </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">you should be able to; something has to be done about that</span></b></em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><em>. A lot more could be done, keep campaigning and I’m sure you’ll continue to get results."</em> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Senator Bailhache: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"I never thought about the question of bus passes. I’m sure we should be thinking about it. I’m sure there is more to be done, the question has certainly stimulated me and I’m sure others I think about the question for the future." <em>(A great answer which can be given to almost any question)</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><em>Senator Maclean: </em></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><em>"The question is why you should have had to come to a Hustings to raise this issue, you shouldn’t have had to, we should’ve known about it and been able to deal with issues to do with disabled people, if we can’t help as a government people who are in genuine need, what are we here for, if something needs to be dealt with? I might add that the system of support is sometimes too rigid, people feel almost criminalised at times with genuine needs who need genuine help and other people are abusing the system, so that needs balancing out to ensure we don’t waste money."</em> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Deputy Green: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"No we don’t do enough, not focussed on what disabled people can do we concentrate on what they can’t do… nor do we look after the carers. There’s a lot more work to be done." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><em>Senator Gorst: </em></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><em>"Should we put more money into disability? The answer is yes… so we are going to need to put more money in certain areas. We are not doing enough for the disabled. Senator Routier and I have allocated some of our budget now to start a <span style="font-size: small;">mapping process of disability. We do not know what all the conditions are, how many people there are, therefore we can’t even properly plan all the services that we need or make the changes to the buildings. So we’re starting that work and it’s got to be done in conjunction with business as well; it’s about public awareness… and what businesses are going to need to do as well to look after the people who are working for them, because it’s about ability. We’re not doing enough but </span><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">we are absolutely committed to doing more… and once we’ve done the mapping and research we’re going to have to spend a lot more money</span></span></b></em><span style="font-size: small;"><em>, is that the right thing? I believe it is."</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Clearly, there is a lot of support in the Council of Ministers for this issue. The same sentiment and commitment to action were conveyed only a few weeks later when in Deputy Noel was making his pitch to the States Assembly for the job of Minister for Transport and Technical Services – <br />
</span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"I was appalled when I heard that at the Grouville hustings and I have had another. Yes, that is going to be high on my priorities… We will find a solution and implement that in short order." <br />
</span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;">Deputy E.J. Noel <br />
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With this in mind, the Council of Ministers, and the Assembly, should welcome the amendment which I lodged today, reallocate a starting sum of £100,000 to be used for the purposes of the Minister delivering on this election promise. I shall be very disappointed not to receive unanimous support for this, although such disappointments are not uncommon.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It should be noted that the wideness or narrowness of any proposed scheme (i.e. how many people are likely to be eligible) will have an effect on the overall cost of the scheme. It will also depend on what level of subsidy/discount, if any, the current bus operator will give, but it should be noted that Liberty Bus’s own website confirms that CT Plus is committed to </span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Social Enterprise </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;">(presumably a modern phrase for </span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Social Corporate Responsibility</span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;">). It may well be that part of that Social Enterprise can be to offer free bus passes for the disabled, or at the very least, offer a discounted fair, with the rest being funded by Government. </span></div>
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People in Jersey may disagree on how much money we should spend on Income Support, who should qualify for free TV licenses, and how money should be spent generally. It seems to me, however, that in a decent, civilized society, decent provision should be made for those need assistance to do other things that many of us take for granted. It is important too, as the Health Minister Andrew Green has said, that we focus on what people can do and not what they can't, and this initiative recognizes the courage and resilience that many in our society show in the face of (sometimes hidden) physical and mental adversity. </div>
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The people I have spoken to overwhelmingly support the idea that disabled people should be given free travel on public transport (i.e. buses). I hope the States will endorse this amendment and send a strong message of solidarity to these people who play an active role in our society despite the challenges they may face. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Today, the public consultation on the possible sites of a new Les Quennevais School has begun. As a former pupil, someone who grew up in the area and, of course, in my capacity long-standing political representative for the area, I am keen to make sure we get this right. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I believe a new school is long overdue.Teachers, parents and pupils must be commended for their continuing efforts in the pursuit of excellence and the current school achieves excellent results, but it is despite the inadequate 1960s building, which is no longer fit for modern needs, and vastly undersized. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">A balance will need to be struck to mitigate any loss of green fields, and I believe the way to do that is to avoid high density housing on the current site, which will no doubt be the preferred option, given the current housing shortage. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I am calling for serious consideration to be given to moving the Parish Hall to that site, right in the heart of the Community, where the vast majority of people live - not tucked away in the village of St Aubin, far from most residents, with its parking issues. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I believe to win around public opinion from the area, people will want to know, quite rightly, what will happen with the current site and that thought has been given to a decent community space, yes, with some quality housing (preferably affordable, sheltered and social), but moreover, open green spaces, allotments and shared community facilities. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">If Education, Planning and Ministers can aspire to this, then there is no reason the new plans cannot be a win-win for everyone.</span></div>
Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-35344511489726433822015-06-15T18:43:00.002+01:002015-06-17T01:58:13.524+01:00Quango Unchained: The Death of Democracy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, I will bring my projet, p.44/2105, to the States Assembly. It should be considered a very moderate proposition asking two things: that the Treasury Minister instruct SoJDC not to proceed with any buildign work, or further binding agreements, until the Corporate Scruinty Panel have finished their review, and presented their findings to the States. This should be done in approx 6 weeks, if they are given the information they need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, it asks the Council of Ministers to subsequently bring the plans back to the States for approval. This request is more likely to succeed that asking for a referendum, which I had done previously.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below, is a short video provided courtesy of </span><a href="http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voiceforchildren</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I thank him for kindly facilitating this posting, which is really a follow up to my earlier </span><a href="http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/2015/06/jersey-international-finance-centre-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interview on 5th June</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hope it is helpful. Please take a chance to watch, share and leave a message.</span></div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-65543176546174649692015-04-28T10:38:00.000+01:002015-04-29T21:47:28.546+01:00Is Government Built Office Space the right Gamble for Jersey? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Below is a copy of the proposition lodged on the Esplanade Quarter. It is my hope that the States will reconsider its decision to build offices once the Scrutiny Panel has reported back with its findings. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">From a personal point of view, I am skeptical about the development for 3 main reasons:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1) The States do not have a good record of developing and maintaining such projects (including the Waterfront/Fort Regent).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2) Given the economic outlook, which is uncertain at best <strong>and </strong>given that other <em>private</em> developers are already building new grade A office space, it seems an overly risky entreprise for government involvement</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">3) Government should be concentrating on the areas it is duty bound to provide - affordable/social housing, a hospital and education facilities. Such a premium. public owned site could perceivably be put to much better use, with better social, cultural and even economic returns.</span></div>
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THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion −
(a) to request the Minister for Treasury and Resources to give directions
to the States of Jersey Development Company Limited in accordance
with Article 22(a) of the Articles of Association of the company that
no binding agreements should be entered into by the company for the
development of new office accommodation on the site known as the
Esplanade Quarter, St. Helier, and no preparatory building works
should be started, until the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel has
presented to the States the final report arising from its current scrutiny
review of the project; </div>
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(b) to agree that, following the presentation of the scrutiny report referred
to in paragraph (a), no agreements for development of office
accommodation on the site should be entered into, and no preparatory
building works should be started, unless the development proposals in
question have been approved by the majority of those voting in a
referendum held under the Referendum (Jersey) Law 2002, and to
request the Minister to give further directions to this effect to the
company. </div>
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<u><b>REPORT</b> </u></div>
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Land in Jersey is a scarce and valuable resource. Whilst the majority of the Public may
remain apathetic or disengaged from mainstream politics, the issues of planning and
land-use remain hot topics in terms of interest and engagement – Plémont and Port
Galôts are just 2 recent examples of this. In the last example, it was public opinion and
pressure that caused a government to rethink its plans for that development, instead of
charging ahead regardless. </div>
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I believe it is important that any significant developments, particularly when they
involve risk, need to have public buy-in. I do not believe that what is being proposed
for the office development at the so-called business quarter has that. </div>
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But aside from public opinion, there are other good reasons why we might want to
reconsider our plans for this part of the Waterfront. </div>
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When it comes to planning and building on the waterfront area, the States of Jersey
does not have a great track record. After all, we closed down a successful and popular
swimming pool only to open up a less popular, less successful – privately run, heavily subsidised
alternative. Many have commented that the buildings and brands on the
current waterfront are generic, and not the best use of the site. </div>
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Criticism, scepticism and questioning of the viability and desirability of the proposed
Esplanade Quarter (Jersey Business Centre) is understandably prevalent across Jersey
society and the spectrum of political thought, which is partly what has set alarm bells
ringing. </div>
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There are those who do not believe that government should be engaging in State
Capitalism – full stop. There are others, like myself, who are open to these kind of
socialist initiatives, but only if they can be proven to work, provide a social, cultural
need, as well as being economically viable, to bring a return to the taxpayer. </div>
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<b>There are 2 key questions to ask: is the scheme viable? Is the scheme desirable?</b> </div>
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On the first, it should be noted that there is a scrutiny review going on at the moment
which will hopefully shed some light onto this area. We should certainly await the
outcome of this, and use it to inform any debate on the merits of scheme. But it should
be noted that there is already a brand new and extensive office complex being built
now, privately, next to the Grand Hotel. This is in the vicinity of what has organically
become Jersey’s Business Quarter. It is in the advanced stages of development; it will
be ready much before our new building, and there is a suggestion that, on completion,
it may not be fully rented out. </div>
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So, the question remains: why are we competing with the private sector for the
provision of office space, especially when there already appear to be others taking care
of things on the supply side? If no-one else were building offices, maybe we would be
justified in this speculative venture, but this is not the case. </div>
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<b>Now, on the second question, is it desirable? </b></div>
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Well, it seems to me that, valid political differences aside, there are some things we
can all agree on at a basic level: it is the role of government to provide basic
infrastructure – schools, hospitals, roads, etc. There are things over and above that <span style="text-align: left;">which government is bound to have regard and/or where government is best placed to
provide for. Such things are social and affordable housing (Article 25 of the
UN declaration on Human Rights makes it clear that everyone should have the right to
a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his
family, including: housing).</span></div>
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The strategic priorities recently outlined in P.27/2015 – the Draft Strategic Plan
2015 – 2018 focus on 4 key areas: Health and Well-being, Economic Growth,
Education and St. Helier. </div>
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So to partly answer the question of desirability in the context of the government’s own
strategic goals, one has to ask the further question: could this prime site be better used
for any other function, including one that ties in with the strategic aims? </div>
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In terms of St. Helier, the aim is to ‘improve the quality of its homes … and the supply
and quality of housing.’ Jersey has a chronic shortage of affordable and social rented
homes. Could this site be better used for this purpose?</div>
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In terms of Health and Well-being, it is noted that social exclusion can itself cause
health problems. An alternative use for the site, such as good quality housing, cultural/
community amenities or a mix of the two, could be a great alternative use of such a
site, all in line with the strategic priorities. </div>
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But, moreover, could this also be a new site for the Hospital? I would certainly like to
see a viability study of this, with the possibility of regenerating the current Hospital
site for other development. </div>
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I have already touched on the suggestion of arts and cultural usage. Politics is the art
of the possible, and many of us would like to see more done in Jersey to promote the
arts, music and cultural diplomacy. Would a new Arts Centre, with integrated public
gallery, installation space, concert hall, lecture theatres, etc., be something that was
desirable for Jersey, and consistent with the image of the forward-thinking,
cosmopolitan, vibrant successful image that we are trying to foster and project?
Certainly, it is consistent with those parts of the Strategic Plan which seek to – </div>
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<i>• Promote sporting, leisure and cultural activities that enrich Islanders’ lives. </i></div>
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<i>• Promote Jersey’s positive international identity. (page 3). </i></div>
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We have heard much scaremongering about what would happen if we did not push
ahead with the Finance Quarter, that we would lose business from it. The lady doth
protest too much methinks. Jersey’s success as an offshore centre relies on good
regulation, a highly skilled and motivated workforce, good service and many other
things that do not rely on States-owned office space. </div>
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I, for one, do not want to be responsible for a costly white elephant being built on
premium, public land. This is why I think urgent, informed reconsideration is needed,
with the Public being given an opportunity to have their say via a referendum, if
necessary. </div>
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Putting the matter to a referendum will allow members to hear from a much wider
scope of informed contributors than would be the case if this matter were simply
decided in house. </div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-17707124644634432602015-04-24T17:15:00.000+01:002015-04-27T10:20:19.855+01:00Jersey's Political System Explained<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This week, the Jersey Youth Parliament was launched, with 4 political Parties. The event, held at JCG was very encouraging and a breath of fresh air, from the usual backwards, stale Jersey personality based politics. The parties (seen below) can best be described as a right-wing, centre-right - although the Rose Party might best describe themselves as centrist (akin to the Liberals), a Green Party and a Left of Centre Alliance.<br />
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The Youth Parlianement, although only just starting, has managed two things that the 'real' Jersey Assembly has not: 1) It has parties, with meaningful manifestos, differing values and thought out policies. 2) It has a fair voting system - Proportional Representation. If a party gets 30% of the vote, they get 30% of the seats.<br />
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The <em>Adult</em> <em>Parliament</em>, however, battles on with its gerrymandered system designed to keep the far-right in power. As such, we at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/ReformJersey?fref=ts" target="_blank">Reform Jersey</a> have prepared a very simply diagram for distribution in schools and to give to newcomers to the island, so they may better understand our Assembly- which also has 4 basic groupings (above). We hope that you will share this with your friends in order that they might better get to know the 4 parties/group and what they stand for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wq_q22UwR0RpavqxKGdVs3KB_ltRGKCCWT9quzCgFTgAhlN8tf8SNeaGvj9OyXVQhMUojJxcYABoK4ZmPZkhy4i-T-XKxuy2XKI_2cZ-ENcKpxxgFN53o8QXVYml2AHuSpHs6pBztOWo/s1600/youthparties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wq_q22UwR0RpavqxKGdVs3KB_ltRGKCCWT9quzCgFTgAhlN8tf8SNeaGvj9OyXVQhMUojJxcYABoK4ZmPZkhy4i-T-XKxuy2XKI_2cZ-ENcKpxxgFN53o8QXVYml2AHuSpHs6pBztOWo/s1600/youthparties.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four Parties of the Youth Parliament</td></tr>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-70818733002901705972015-04-22T14:15:00.000+01:002015-04-22T18:24:11.278+01:00Reduce Social Security Contributions and Watch the Money Pour In<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The typical cost of seeing a GP in Jersey is around £38 per visit</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">In his letter of 9 April to Jersey Evening Post, Mr John Davis of St Ouen presents a very prejudiced and, ultimately, untrue picture in relation to our Party and its policies. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">He starts of by presenting a statement of opinion, his opinion, as if it were a categorical fact: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a left-wing politician not in possession of power will 'bribe' the electorate with unfunded spending proposals.' The first question to ask is 'Is it a truth, let alone a universally acknowledged truth?' The second question to ask is: 'why only a left-wing politician?' Why not a right-wing politician, a centrist politician, a green or a nationalist? The answer is, because (1) Mr Davis clearly does not like the politics of the left, or what he perceives to be the politics of the left and he is simply having a go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Mr Davis needs to be corrected on several counts: Firstly, the idea that people's ability to see a doctor/nurse should be based on their need rather than their ability to pay is not the monopoly of left-wing thinkers or politicians; true, the NHS was conceived of by a Labour government after the second world war, but it is interesting to note that all the parties in the UK election are promising extra funding for it, as they recognise its inherent worth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">During the last election, it was the right of centre candidates who were promising all sorts from 50meter swimming pools to free disabled bus passes. We're these costed? And where are these policies now? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Secondly, the policy that everyone - rich or poor - should have free-at-the-point-of-access - is not an attempt to gain popularity; it is something that we and are members resolutely believe in. In a wealthy island such as Jersey, it is unacceptable that every year people are dying prematurely from curable illnesses because they could not afford to see, or were put off seeing a doctor, due to the high cost. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Thirdly, the idea that this kind of policy would 'sacrifice the economy' is simply scaremongering and false. Late diagnoses are very expensive to treat, compared with ones that are picked up earlier, not to mention the additional suffering for the individual and their family and friends. In such cases, the taxpayer picks up the bill. Conversely, a workforce which is able to see the doctor from time to time, as and when it is needed, will be a healthier and more productive one, ultimately benefiting the economy and community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">He talks of means-testing, but apart from the very poorest and sickest, means testing does not exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The multi-millionaire pays the same rate as the single working mum and receives the same subsidy, meanwhile the higher earner pays a lower rate of Social Security above the £47,016 threshold. Means testing is often bureaucratic, costly and a blunt tool. We say, better to have universal benefits - including the State Pension.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">But Mr Davis is right in one respect. The public should demand costed policies of all their politicians before they are elected. These should feature in manifestos in the run up to elections, however, they can only work if like-minded candidate work together on common policies, thus forming parties, to give the public real choice. Currently, this does not happen. And this is why in States Assembly after Assembly ends up sleep-walking from one election to the next, never tackling the underlying issues of Health, Housing, Education and Environment - because policy is made up on the hoof after the election, and the public never get to cast a verdict on the finer detail.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reform Jersey is the only official political party in Jersey. We want Jersey to be a fairer, better palce in which to live and work and as such, we aim to improve the life of working people & fight for the<br />
interests of the most vulnerable in society.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">However, Reform Jersey, prior to the election, did make sure it got the figures it required from the outgoing Social Security Minister so it could start to make costed policies and free up new, fairer, funding streams to fund much needed public service improvements. In September 2014 we asked the Minister to provide projections for income yield if social security contributions were set at 4%, 5% and 6%, respectively, with no Standard Earnings Limit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or Upper Earnings Limit, with employer contributions remaining unchanged? (Currently, a lower employee contribution of 2% is paid between the SEL of </span><span style="font-size: small;">£47,016 per year and the UEL of £155,568 per year, with nothing paid above this 'ceiling'.).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">The answer showed that, based on 2012 figures, it would be possible to introduce a flat rate of social security contribution at 5% (thus reducing contributions for the vast majority of workers, who currently pay 6%) whilst still increasing the contributions yield by £7.5 million. This, clearly, would be a win/win as it would allow more people (the vast majority) to reduce their contributions, thus putting more money in their pockets (a good right-wing principle - 'because they can spend their own money better than government can'), potentially stimulating the economy, as more people will have more disposable income. Yes, it would mean that the highest earners would start paying the same rate as everyone else and I am quite comfortable with that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given that in 2013, the total subsidy given over to GP visits was £8.8m, this additional sum would go a long way to reaching the goal achieving free or near-free GP visits for all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">However, we realise that social security contributions are limited in their scope as they do not capture unearned income. If Jersey is to have a truly more progressive system to fund improved an improved Health Service, we must start looking at making the tax system more progressive, so that those who have the ability to pay more do pay more. We will be looking carefully at the latest figures that have been recently released by the tax office (following an Freedom of Information Request) with a breakdown of earners in different bands. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">So Mr Davis can rest assured, that populist or not, our policies will be both costed and based on the greater social good. We only wish the same could be said for the policies of other parties, when the next elections come around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-26843266922226765982015-04-13T21:19:00.001+01:002015-04-13T21:21:04.579+01:00'Moderniser' to stand for Jurat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tim Kearsey (41) today announced his nomination for the position of Jurat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jersey Cricketer, Tim Kearsey, has been nominated for the role of Jurat. The 41 year old, who <span style="background-color: white;">was born in Bristol, has been resident in Jersey for 22 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">He graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Estate Management , then went on to gain a diploma in International Trust Management at Central Law Training, in Birmingham. He is currently studying part-time for an MBA with Exeter University, with a view to becoming a University Lecturer in the island.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">His work background is in the finance Industry having worked for UBS, Barclays and Smith & Williamson. </span></span></div>
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Mr Kearsey has served island sport for 20 years as a cricketer and hockey player, coaching and developing young persons for the majority of that time. </div>
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He has recently returned from a trip to Uganda with the Charity <i>Cricket without Boundaries</i>, where he was part of a team training teachers and coaching children in basic cricket skills, as well as spreading the word on AIDS/HIV prevention.<br />
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<i>'Service to the community is an integral part of what makes Jersey such a special place. Alongside my professional career development, I have always tried to give back to the community that has offered me such a good home. I have always been interested in the roles that Jurats play: it extends past simply work in the Royal Court, to the administration of elections as well as the Prison Board of Visitors. As such, Jurats are busy people, and the time they give is not always appreciated or understood by the wider community.'</i></div>
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But Mr Kearsey also said there was a need for the role of Jurat and the Courts to evolve if it were to stay relevant to the modern, cosmopolitan place that the island had become.<br />
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'<i>There is a perception - not completely unjustified - that Jurats come from a very narrow demographic: they tend to be older/retired and from a certain background. This is understandable, as the demands of the job requires one to have a certain amount of free time. I am unusual in that I am only 41, but I am fortunate to be in a position to have the time, energy and wherewithal to offer myself for the job.'</i></div>
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'<i>Many of the island's institutions are in need of urgent reform; we can no longer simply put Jersey's various anomalies down to a 'quaint' way of doing things. The roles of the Bailiff and - I would suggest - the Attorney General should be separated with immediate effect. We have had two reports by eminent panels - Clothier and Carswell - telling us quite clearly what needs to be done. </i><br />
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<i>We also need, I believe, an Independent Crown Prosecution, a Department for Justice, an Independent Prison Monitoring Board, which will allow lay members to serve on it, as well as a new appointments panel for all judicial appointments. This will not necessarily endear me to some of the more conservative elements of the Jersey Establishment, but change is already underway, and if elected, I would want to swim with the tide of change, not against it.</i>'</div>
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<i>'In providing justice to the island, I would give a high level of understanding to the importance of safeguarding and protecting young people. Also, the importance of ensuring the island becomes a leading jurisdiction in ensuring organisations have frameworks to ensure that vulnerable and young people are protected. This also requires recognition of rehabilitation and tougher sentencing on perpetrators of abuse within the community against all persons. In all areas of law I would endorse empathic understanding and rehabilitation through the penal system and mental health system, which requires further support and resourcing.'</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Kearsey takes time out to relax with his friends in Uganda <br />
after a hard week of Cricket coaching</td></tr>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-29995658733654930742015-03-07T10:52:00.000+00:002015-03-07T10:52:50.403+00:00Let the Independent Jersey Child Abuse Inquiry do its Job<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Islanders are invited to the Royal Square
tomorrow morning (Sunday) at 11am to mark the 7<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the
Time4Change rally which was held on 8<sup>th</sup> March 2008 to remember the
victims and survivors of Jersey child abuse, past and present.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much has happened since that date, and with the help of
campaigners, bloggers and former States Members, we were able to secure a
Committee of Inquiry to look independently into these serious matters; to shine
a light into one of the darkest chapters in Jersey’s recent history, and to
seek to bring redress, justice and healing.</span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This brief memorial will allow the focus to be put back where it belongs. On the victims and survivors of abuse and there will be a minute's silence as a sign of respect.</span></span></div>
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<strong>Recent Events:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very concerned at recent developments to sabotage the
Committee of Inquiry, made by some elements that have never wanted the Inquiry
to happen – individuals who themselves have questions to answer under the
Committee’s Terms of Reference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘The Committee is just about to look at some of its key terms
of reference, including <i>[No </i><i><span>13. to]
Establish the process by which files were submitted by the States of Jersey
Police to the prosecuting authorities for consideration, and establish – <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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to prosecute took a professional approach; <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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process was free from political or other interference at any level.'</span></i></span></div>
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</span><span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is to be expected
that some people may not want this to happen and will try anything to obstruct
the Committee from being able to do its job.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, for my part, I will resolutely
oppose any suggestion that the Committee not be allowed to do its job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone wishing to attend is
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-57927154989224625152015-01-01T18:33:00.001+00:002015-01-02T11:56:38.967+00:00Out with the Old, in with the New<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's January 1st. Again. So let me start by wishing you all Health and Happiness for 2015! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://www.reformjersey.je/" target="_blank">Reform Jersey</a>. 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.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reform Jersey Candidate, Beatriz Porée</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates for your diaries:</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drop-in clinics for St Brelade no.2 constituents will be held every Monday from 12-1pm at Communicare, starting on 19th January. </span></div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-9796724824288270182014-12-06T11:21:00.000+00:002014-12-06T15:16:28.510+00:00Unfair Dismissal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Jersey's new Social Security Minister proposes extending the 'qualifying period' for unfair dismissal from 6 months to a year, the questions surrounding workers' rights on the one hand and burdens placed on employers on the other once again come into question.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have written a letter (below) to the Minister raising my concerns. But before we go onto that, I think it is necessary to briefly ask: what is the common ground and what is the problem, if any, that we are trying to solve?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Unfair dismissal is not something that we should be encouraging</em>.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope the above statement is something that any fair minded person can sign up to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, it would seem that the decision of the Minister flies in the face of this self-evident truth.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> If the Minister's proposal is implemented unchallenged and unamended, unfair dismissal will become <em>more common</em>, as the employer will have 12 months to dismiss unfairly, not six. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Ministers rationale for the move is to 'encourage employers to take on more staff' and ' remove one of the <strong>perceived </strong>barriers to employing staff'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So my questions remain: is this the best way to do this? What is the common ground? What are we trying to acheive?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, let's start with the law: Article 61 of the <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jacs.org.je/media/77076/05.255_employmentlaw2003_revisededition_1january2013.pdf-1-.pdf" target="_blank">Employment (Jersey) Law 2003</a> states:</span></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'<span style="font-size: small;">An employee shall have the right not to be unfairly dismissed by his or her employer.'</span></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, this is pretty clear. However, currently, you cannot challenge a dismissal you feel to be unfair until you have been employed for 6 months (with some exceptions - see below). This 'right' is therefore being futher restricted if we extend the qualification period to a year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To put the other side of the argument, it is my understanding that some employers think that (1) the process which one has to go through to dismiss an employee who is (a) either not performing well enough or (b) not suited to the job is too onerous; warnings need to be given, and due process observed, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(2) There is also the perception that on occasion <em>vexatious</em> claims can be made against the employer and that the agreived party has 'nothing to lose' by making a complaint. It would be interesting to get the stats and more information on this, but it seems to me that if this is a genuine concern, there would be other ways to address this issue than by extending the qualification period. It is a blunt tool which does not differentiate between legitimate claimants and vexatious ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems to me, if a more acceptable definition of what constitutes 'unfair dismissal' could be agree and an acceptable way of ensuring fair safeguards and process for both parties, then unfair dismissal could be effectively prohibited from day one. I am certain that no reasonable employer wants to act in an unfair way.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxsfVT_6qWiIV7ptYJl0dggUY9CsYC0kU-elG1oKRG6d_1c_fxLWaVwFTT7IG42QEBxbseRzb3AI6XDDaTL2M5GEou8AEuO5whne2K1r_1Nh-fIxIWVaOepBnbWsNM4lycTZ1YK04oN0E/s1600/Susie+p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxsfVT_6qWiIV7ptYJl0dggUY9CsYC0kU-elG1oKRG6d_1c_fxLWaVwFTT7IG42QEBxbseRzb3AI6XDDaTL2M5GEou8AEuO5whne2K1r_1Nh-fIxIWVaOepBnbWsNM4lycTZ1YK04oN0E/s1600/Susie+p.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Social Security Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So without further ado, here is my open letter to the Social Security Minister:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> -------------<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Dear Minister,<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">I was concerned to learn via the press release yesterday
that the ability for an employer to dismiss someone unfairly, without challenge
from the employee, is to be made easier. And that this significant and controversial
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>decision should be made solely by
Ministerial decision and not the Assembly as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><em><span style="color: blue;"> </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">There remain sound reasons why such a decision – with the
potential for both intended and unintended consequences – should be subject to
scrutiny of the wider membership as well as, potentially, official scrutiny
from the relevant panel.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
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<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><em>Some points for consideration are as follows:</em></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><em> </em></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second, third and fourth elements of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">discrimination law</b> have not yet been
brought forward, so whilst it will still be possible for a dismissal on the
grounds of racial discrimination to be challenged as unfair (and illegal),
there will be no such possibility for a woman who is dismissed after 11 months
because she becomes pregnant. Employers will still be able to be sacked on the
basis of their gender, age, disability or sexual orientation – now for up to a
year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As such, comparisons with the Northern Ireland
and the UK (which has had discrimination legislation for 4 decades) does not
tell the whole story.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Your statement says that you are ‘confident that
a one year qualifying period will encourage employers to take on more staff.’
However, there is no real evidence has been provided to suggest that this will
be the case.</span></em> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Similarly, your press release talks about
removing one of the ‘perceived’ barriers to employing staff, without
scrutinising whether that perception is a valid one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: blue;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reality of your proposals is that it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will make it easier to dismiss an employee</b>,
without due process, for up to a year on grounds which any fair-minded
individual might term ‘unfair’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">This will not affect good employers, but it will make life
easier for less professional employers to tout best practice, without any
recourse from the worker.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">As such, I would ask you:<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to consider extending the criteria for which a
case may be taken to the Employment tribunal from day one (without a qualifying
period) to include other appropriate provisions (including those listed above).</span></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;">
<em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to
bring this proposal to the States, with a full report and proposition, for the
consideration of the Assembly as a whole.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></em></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: blue;">
</span></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #35398b; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Kind regards,<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span></div>
<em><span style="color: blue;">
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<b><span style="color: #35398b; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Montfort<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #35398b; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Deputy M. Tadier<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span></b></div>
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Press Release from the Minister - 5 December 2014 </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Embargoed until 00.01 hours on 5 December 2014 </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">5 December 2014 <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Arial; font-size: small;">Minister changes rules for unfair dismissal claims <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Minister for Social Security has decided to extend the qualifying period for unfair dismissal complaints from six months to one year. <br />
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Currently, an employee who feels that they have been unfairly dismissed may make a complaint to the Employment and Discrimination Tribunal if they have 6 months’ service with their employer. The Minister has decided that, from 1 January next year, employees must have one year’s service before they are entitled to make a complaint. <br />
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The change will only apply to new jobs that start on or after 1 January 2015. Employees who already have a job will retain the right to claim unfair dismissal after 6 months’ continuous service. <br />
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Minister for Social Security, Deputy Susie Pinel, said "I am confident that a one year qualifying period will encourage employers to take on more staff and will make a real difference to locally-based small businesses. The additional six months to assess whether a person is right for the job should increase the number of employers who are willing to give a local jobseeker a chance through one of our Back to Work initiatives. I also believe that this change has the potential to motivate employers to offer more permanent terms and conditions of employment to employees, rather than entering into casual staffing arrangements." <br />
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The change has been endorsed by the Council of Ministers. The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst commented, "During the elections, I pledged to support local businesses and I have made it clear that one of my priorities as Chief Minister is to promote growth and create employment opportunities. By extending the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims - to a period that is in line with our competitor jurisdictions - we are sending a positive signal to businesses and removing one of the perceived barriers to employing staff. We need to boost growth, and to do that we need to get more people into work. This amendment will help us achieve that priority." <br />
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Notes to Editors <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. The qualifying periods for protection against unfair dismissal in other jurisdictions are; <br />
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One year in the Isle of Man <br />
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One year in Guernsey <br />
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2. Employees will continue to be entitled to take an unfair dismissal complaint to the Tribunal from day one of employment in certain circumstances. There is no requirement for an employee to have a qualifying period of service in any the following circumstances; <br />
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dismissal for asserting a statutory right <br />
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dismissal for being or proposing to become a member of a trade union <br />
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dismissal for representing or proposing to represent an employee in a disciplinary or grievance hearing <br />
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selection for redundancy on grounds related to union membership or activity, and <br />
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where the reason for dismissal is a prohibited act of race discrimination. <br />
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-6992283441102481262014-10-24T21:38:00.000+01:002014-10-25T00:28:50.200+01:00'All Art is Political'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsy4Ek0gavLTwYWnlUvJqqt39Hjij8QGfmaS2vqdIslh1Xm5sXvviaS5LR9Bn32-1t4gTUdoU86h57kWLT4nnM6v_v03LNWuyFWwtiVhUwRLJvPWVJHsSIvKezqlVZQlRDNMwQU3VhIRE/s1600/Pablo-Picasso-1971-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsy4Ek0gavLTwYWnlUvJqqt39Hjij8QGfmaS2vqdIslh1Xm5sXvviaS5LR9Bn32-1t4gTUdoU86h57kWLT4nnM6v_v03LNWuyFWwtiVhUwRLJvPWVJHsSIvKezqlVZQlRDNMwQU3VhIRE/s1600/Pablo-Picasso-1971-014.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">“<i>What do you think an artist is? ...he is a political being, constantly aware of the heart breaking, passionate, or delightful things that happen in the world, shaping himself completely in their image. Painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war.</i>” - Pablo Picasso. </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I am pleased to post this video montage created by local artist <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KJORDANART" target="_blank">Kim Jordan</a> featuring the recent interview she did with <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiojersey" target="_blank">BBC Radio Jersey</a>'s Olivia Le Poidevin. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I hope you enjoy!</span></div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-90498447158018095732014-10-06T15:19:00.002+01:002014-10-13T16:18:19.641+01:00Vote: Ah but Yes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKxxMFaXP__UtiN8fRbEVWFOQIhfLg2gHdddhZa3zaZmIUYsWgl0C8PDGXOJJPnAC5-1yMAiNlJTbzEDbbO8DYMa-INodI0pG1ys6ifdZ9wuC__M6vw1ZoOlZGk3FAPe5vtGeMCrpcccs/s1600/patriot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKxxMFaXP__UtiN8fRbEVWFOQIhfLg2gHdddhZa3zaZmIUYsWgl0C8PDGXOJJPnAC5-1yMAiNlJTbzEDbbO8DYMa-INodI0pG1ys6ifdZ9wuC__M6vw1ZoOlZGk3FAPe5vtGeMCrpcccs/s1600/patriot.jpg" /></a></div>
I am pleased to post a guest posting from the 'Ah but yes, eh!' campaign. <br />
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Warning: contains parody. Do not get upset, it is just a bit of fun!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">All characters quoted in this post are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.</span><br />
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<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "ABeeZee","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Vote Ah But Yes, eh!</span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "ABeeZee","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br />
For Uncontested Elections, Self-Interest, Ossification and the continuation of
the Old-boys network.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: "ABeeZee","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Efficiency</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The loss of the
Constables will weaken the ability of the Council of Ministers to force through
legislation that harms lower and middle income earners. Without their guaranteed
10 or 12 votes for the Council of Minister, Jersey may turn Communist
overnight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because the
parishes control services locally, Jersey has been able to get away without
providing new-fangled ideas, such as kerbside recycling, because it is not
viable for 12 parishes to run separate schemes. If things like this were taken
out of the hands of the parishes, then we would end up being ruled by ‘hippies’,
who know the value of everything, but the cost of nothing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the
Constables are removed from the States, people will expect the parishes to be
run more competently. There is a risk that Constables will no longer be able to
blame the demands of their States work for their failings in the parish, and
their incompetence will be exposed. This must not be allowed to happen, as it
could cause embarrassment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Community</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through their
political role, the Constables can wheel and deal behind the scenes. The loss
of the Constables in the States will undoubtedly lead to a significant
weakening of the old boys network – as has been the case in Guernsey for many
years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Constables have
been identified as the future for ‘e-Government’, indeed, one Constable has
already switched from analogue cigarettes to electronic cigarettes. Constables
of the island ignite! Or not, as the case may be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the
Parish Assembly, and being available at the Parish Hall (well, of course not all
of the time, because they are also full time States Members), the Constable is
uniquely placed to be able to understand the 18 parishioners (if lucky) that
turn up to these meetings. These concerns are then ignored, and the Constables
vote the way they are told by the Treasury Minister, who will not fund parish
schemes unless they votes as he says. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
such, the Constables are able to ‘filter out’ the noise of the parishioners who
are not experts anyway, and make more sensible decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Accountability</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Constables
are continually accountable though the ballot box. It is simply not true to say
that they are undemocratic, because all Parishes have, at least once in the last
500 years, all had contested elections. Indeed, St Ouen has even had two in the
space of only 110 years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deputies do not
represent the Parishes in the States.<br />
They represent ‘humans’ who live in the Parishes. The Constables, on the other
hand, represent the concept of the Parish – how on earth would the bunny rabbits and the
trees and the stones be represented were it not for the Constables being in the
States? Because of their ancient and arcane role, the Constables
are able to communicate with animals and commune with the spirit of inanimate objects in the parish and make sure that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their</i> view on matters such as GST and human
maternity leave can be taken into account.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The removal of
the Constables has the potential to de-stabilise Jersey’s Government. The
Finance Industry requires a right wing government. The removal of Constables,
in favour of Humans who are elected <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">specifically
</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to do the job, would almost
certainly lead to a doomsday scenario where all the Banks would leave and move
to Sark. This must <b>not</b> be allowed to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a
suggestion that Constables have a “block vote”. We acknowledge this, and so as
a compromise, we have consulted with the Constables. They have agreed that only
one of them will attend each States sitting, and cast 12 votes. This will free the others to do more work in their parishes, thus
strengthening the parishes, but making sure that the States still make the
right decisions, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">every time</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Reform</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Constables have
proven they are reforming States Members. They were so adamant that they should stay in the States, that they voted to weaken the Parish system by removing their
own policing powers, which Constable Rondel described as ‘a nail in the coffin
for the honorary system.’ Such self-sacrifice proves they are progressive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The retention
of the Constables is compliant with the Venus Commission, which makes
allowances for feudal jurisdictions to do what they want.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Testimonials</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Chief
Minister Senator Jan Gorse:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“I am
supporting the Vote for YES Campaign because I need the votes of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Connétables in the States to be Chief Minister
again.’</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Businessman
Kevan Bean: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 15pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">“So long
as I am making money, I couldn’t care less about democracy”.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-43909561503782517732014-09-23T09:31:00.001+01:002014-09-23T09:42:41.825+01:002014 - A Manfiesto in 500 words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpcdOfBS_tPRsIof9yQjIUivxMMhwVngCiq6ikFjjHX4AJLVI2hbAlkhR_utAIQaEGuukrdZl-yd2ovlN5TiYDUGoOOcJjXRXi3bp-SAlPb8Yj3EeeZKKSWtjwwB8r8z_TbBELATz_Y7P/s1600/Monty+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpcdOfBS_tPRsIof9yQjIUivxMMhwVngCiq6ikFjjHX4AJLVI2hbAlkhR_utAIQaEGuukrdZl-yd2ovlN5TiYDUGoOOcJjXRXi3bp-SAlPb8Yj3EeeZKKSWtjwwB8r8z_TbBELATz_Y7P/s1600/Monty+2014.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Personal</strong><br />
In the past six years, I have worked hard to deliver my manifesto pledges, including delivering improvements in housing standards and legal aid reforms. I am currently serving on the Access to Justice review, to provide Jersey with an accessible and affordable justice system. If re-elected, I wish to continue this work as well as focusing on the areas below.<br />
<h3>
<u>Policies</u></h3>
<br />
<strong>Economy</strong><br />
A strong, sustainable and diversified economy is key for the success of Jersey and the well being of its residents. I will promote investment in tourism and cultural events, as well as supporting a transparent, ethical and sustainable finance sector as the backbone of our economy.<br />
<br />
<strong>Jobs</strong><br />
A priority for Reform Jersey is to reduce unemployment and tackle the high cost of living. We support the introduction of a ‘Living Wage’, higher than the minimum wage, so that people can live without relying on income support. We support more help for working parents and will push for a full 26 weeks statutory maternity leave, so that family life is given the support that it needs. There must be a focus on vocational training for young people. We are committed to tackling the inappropriate use of zero-hour contracts.<br />
<br />
<strong>Education</strong><br />
I wish to ensure that all children, no matter what their background or financial means, get access to a quality level of education. I am keen to promote early years learning of modern languages and improve primary school maths teaching. We must also do more to encourage life-long learning.<br />
<br />
<strong>Health</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdrmgh-aUj2h926f_37FotdkDyQkR3f2mfHjWKjbhvjGlFqnVYZgAeMZFqi_OBg-M49yMj_TFPnJ6LY8wHh48M6uBiBMAM_vxYIRdn6ui11vx8x7m8a2ZaCjvhXr9gjHhvOKRZ4ypvQx/s1600/Health.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWdrmgh-aUj2h926f_37FotdkDyQkR3f2mfHjWKjbhvjGlFqnVYZgAeMZFqi_OBg-M49yMj_TFPnJ6LY8wHh48M6uBiBMAM_vxYIRdn6ui11vx8x7m8a2ZaCjvhXr9gjHhvOKRZ4ypvQx/s1600/Health.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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Without our health, we have nothing. Many do not visit the GP when they need to because of cost. I will push for free GP visits and more affordable dentistry. It is unacceptable that our aging residents often have to wait so long for operations. This needs more investment to reduce waiting times. I will fight for improvements in mental health care and better provision for those with a disability and for their carers.<br />
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<strong>Public Services and Taxation</strong><br />
I will oppose any cuts to services that will hurt the vulnerable and those on low/fixed incomes, including pensioners. Reform Jersey candidates will oppose any increase in GST. If spending does need to increase, it is important that it does not hit ‘middle Jersey’.<br />
We must look at progressive methods of taxation, including the restructuring of social security contributions: if contributions were actually levied at a flat rate, without a cap on earnings, a lower rate of 5% could be applied, benefiting the vast majority, whilst yielding an extra £7.5 million a year.<br />
<br />
<strong>St Brelade</strong><br />
I pledge to work with the Constable and new deputies to maintain the unique beauty and community of our parish. I will oppose inappropriate development and push for a sustainable population policy for the island.<br />
<br />
<strong>Referendum</strong><br />
Constables play an important role is island life. However, the roles of municipal head and being a politician are two separate jobs and should entail two separate elections. As such, I will be voting ‘no thanks’ on 15 October.Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-71610322863502072672014-07-30T19:05:00.000+01:002014-07-30T19:06:15.415+01:00Happy Birthday 70th Birthday to a True Living Legend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, Mike Dun is 70 years old. And this blog would like to wish him many happy returns, and say a few words, if it may, to celebrate this self-effacing<i> local hero</i>.</div>
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I have known Mike for a few years now through politics, and I am pleased to also call him a friend. Later this evening I will see him for a (non political) party and I hope he is wearing his full regalia, as in the photo above!</div>
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Mike (Mr Dun) will be well known to States Members and the staff of the Greffe and scrutiny, as he is someone who keeps a tight eye on public matters, as well as policies and legislation coming out of the <i>Big House. </i>Whether or not all of the aforementioned share my affection for <i>Uncle Mike</i>, I am not sure, because he is no doubt often a thorn in the side to them, especially when processes are not followed, and social policy is slow to appear.</div>
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And this is why Mike deserves special mention, today: he has been a tireless campaigner for justice and equality during his time in the island. He often takes up individual cases that some States Members are either unwilling or unable to take on. He is a keen supporter of the under-dog, the disaffected and dejected, as can be seen from his many posts.</div>
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Like any true hero, much of his good deeds are not seen, but they are still appreciated by those he helps.</div>
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So today, I wish a happy big 70 to Uncle Mike. I know that <a href="http://tomgruchy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tom Gruchy</a> would be proud to call you one of his comrades.</div>
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I'll leave you a slightly comically aged video from 1993 of Mike talking in a programme on Human Rights in Jersey. 'Plus ça change...'</div>
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<br />Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-48062823323706795272014-07-05T00:22:00.001+01:002014-07-05T18:21:30.520+01:00Equal Marriage - the fight for civil rights goes on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0mP33_zwPl5GJe9zHUUutMLQYWBqsOGvH-KTRcZt0PfevRtyCjulYM7C5Qy1LvQzuqa8hgQBL7Qj0-Ec8JoTSbuBkwzrIsG8qAmsUTLOOjJE0jLmNRtvH6PG8Q5fnZaPOJ04NWt979s/s1600/gay-marriage-comme_2422528b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0mP33_zwPl5GJe9zHUUutMLQYWBqsOGvH-KTRcZt0PfevRtyCjulYM7C5Qy1LvQzuqa8hgQBL7Qj0-Ec8JoTSbuBkwzrIsG8qAmsUTLOOjJE0jLmNRtvH6PG8Q5fnZaPOJ04NWt979s/s1600/gay-marriage-comme_2422528b.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><br /></span><span style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://sammezec.blogspot.com/2014/07/crunch-time-for-equal-marriage-how-can.html" style="color: #444444; font: normal normal bold 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">Crunch time for Equal Marriage - How can you help?</a></span></span><span style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Reproduced courtesy of http://sammezec.blogspot.com/</span></span><span style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><br /></span><span style="border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; display: block; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0.5em; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 0.5em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
We now have a time and date for the Equal Marriage debate in the States of Jersey.</div>
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On Tuesday 8th July at 9.30am we will crack straight into the debate which could take several hours before it culminates in a vote.</div>
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Victory is by no means predetermined.</div>
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States Members have received all sorts of correspondence from all sides of the argument.</div>
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Needless to say, the opposition to it is noticeably the least articulate and logical, but we have had more against than for so far.</div>
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We have a perfect opportunity to take a huge step towards equality for a previously marginalised group. If this fails, it will be a sad day for Jersey.</div>
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<strong>So what can you do to help?</strong></div>
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The simplest thing would be to contact States Members and lobby them to vote for "the P.102/2014 proposition on same-sex marriage". I've copied their email addresses at the bottom of this post. You can</div>
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They are YOUR States Members and you have every right to email them and ask them to vote in favour of this. Believe me, the people who are asking us to vote against it have not needed prompting on this point!</div>
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Write them an email asking them to vote for it. It can be as long or as short as you want. It <em>will</em> have an effect. States Members love to reject decent propositions with the nonsensical argument of "ah, well I've not had any Parishioners contact me asking me to support this!" so don't give them that amunition.</div>
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If you are free, you are also more than entitled to come and stand in the Royal Square as members are walking into the States building (from 8.30am - 9.30am) and try and stop them for a chat to lobby them. Obviously that sort of thing requires a bit of confidence, but some people have a real knack for that and can be very persuasive, so if that's your thing, give it a try.</div>
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Finally, States proceedings are open to the public. Most weeks the public gallery is completely empty, but sometimes a specific proposition can enthuse enough people to see it packed. The presence of the public in the room does have an effect. It means members are extra careful about what they say and know that they are dealing with an important subject matter.</div>
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So if you aren't working, come down and watch it. It's sure to be an enlightening event!</div>
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You have until Tuesday morning, so get emailing!!</div>
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<strong>Senators</strong></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
p.routier@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
p.ozouf@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
a.breckon@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.ferguson@gov.je</div>
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a.maclean@gov.je</div>
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i.lemarquand@gov.je</div>
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f.legresley@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
i.gorst@gov.je</div>
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l.farnham@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
p.bailhache@gov.je</div>
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<strong>Constables</strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.crowcroft@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.lesueurgallichan@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
l.norman@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.refault@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
d.mezbourian@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
jg.gallichan@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
p.rondel@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
m.paddock@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.pallett@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
m.letroquer@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.rennard@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.lemaistre@gov.je</div>
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<strong>Deputies</strong></div>
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r.duhamel@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
r.leherissier@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
ju.martin@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
g.southern@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.reed@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
c.labey@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.hilton@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.lef@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
a.pryke@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
sp.power@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
k.lewis@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
m.tadier@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
e.noel@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
t.vallois@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
mr.higgins@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
a.green@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.macon@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
g.baudains@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
p.ryan@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.baker@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.young@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.pinel@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
j.lebailly@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.luce@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
r.bryans@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
k.moore2@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
richard.rondel@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
n.lecornu@gov.je</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
s.mezec@gov.je</div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-47134395004399376192014-01-28T14:40:00.000+00:002014-01-28T14:42:45.116+00:00Reform Candidate for District 1, St Helier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju31apVZO_sNw1X_pvzg6ur3_MNV_esebgT1ptu6SWSKyBkTJwerbxDsZ7kmKilqVH1NlXJBMxuMTmpDGCqyo-3mmU9poPz1csD2uv3wxkY-eZcCrYCRolzAMcTex5c8spJiOibaflPL0m/s1600/Nlec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju31apVZO_sNw1X_pvzg6ur3_MNV_esebgT1ptu6SWSKyBkTJwerbxDsZ7kmKilqVH1NlXJBMxuMTmpDGCqyo-3mmU9poPz1csD2uv3wxkY-eZcCrYCRolzAMcTex5c8spJiOibaflPL0m/s1600/Nlec.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Political Campaigner, Nick Le Cornu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">St Helier No.1
By-Election</span></h3>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">Social reform campaigner to stand
for Deputy</span></h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Havre des
Pas resident, Nick Le Cornu, is to stand for election for Deputy in St Helier
No 1 district.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr Le Cornu
is a qualified English Solicitor, has practiced commercial law and litigation
in the City of London. He now specialises in employment law and is currently
assisting Union members with employment issues.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is also
the Secretary of the Jersey Human Rights Group, which campaigns for greater equality
and anti-discrimination measures. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘Social and
Political reforms are now urgent,’ says Mr Le Cornu.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘In recent
years, we have seen a decline in the standard of living of ordinary islanders
as the tax burden has shifted from corporations to personal taxation. We need
to elect States Members who want to change this.’</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘My
priorities will be:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
improve the quality and affordability of private and social rented
accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
implement statutory maternity and paternity leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
oppose any suggestion of an increase in GST.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
fight for a true ‘living wage’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">End
the overuse of zero-hour contracts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Investing
in Fort Regent, with improved access from Snow Hill – this is vital.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Managing
population growth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fair
representation for St Helier.’</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr Le Cornu was also active in the Option A campaign, the option which St Helier</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">backed</span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2:1 against 'option B' - which would have left St Helier greatly under-represented.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-51503873158068150222014-01-27T12:07:00.001+00:002014-01-27T12:07:18.476+00:00Holocaust Memorial Day 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLYWPYJ8E1nKEN3EifIt2Wygi2Ttfx_Pqtb3jHQa2mT3GvcPiPxRpPWr8lVEc-riM9l-lUF5XALU0mgv_jBqfi0sFpYoRufCKcbEJnEIvjiwwuFXqH9I3a-ONH0h7tjJpTlWSBs0cpM1/s1600/holocaust-memorial-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFLYWPYJ8E1nKEN3EifIt2Wygi2Ttfx_Pqtb3jHQa2mT3GvcPiPxRpPWr8lVEc-riM9l-lUF5XALU0mgv_jBqfi0sFpYoRufCKcbEJnEIvjiwwuFXqH9I3a-ONH0h7tjJpTlWSBs0cpM1/s1600/holocaust-memorial-day.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></div>
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The events of the Second World War and all acts of Genocide and hatred will be remembered - but also those act of kindness that took place in the face of such human depravity. Wreaths will be laid in Jersey following a memorial service at the Maritime Museum, in St Helier. I am honoured to be laying a wreath on behalf of the <a href="http://jerseyhumanrights.com/" target="_blank">Jersey Human Rights Group</a> this year.<br />
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I am posting a link to the official UK HMD site. Please take a moment to visit and watch the moving video.<br />
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'Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. A day for everyone to remember the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. 27 January marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. <br />
On HMD we honour the survivors of these regimes of hatred and challenge ourselves to use the lessons of their experience to inform our lives today. <br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjourneys.hmd.org.uk%2F&h=QAQHnzERK&enc=AZO1jz3xlIRlUJkRKpPNl09nPp4bytxq0Svsvhp4NbILf2cOeFX1lRGQzTeREok--oOVDTfwR730HKSpMcSeFm_axSWpbh6QQGVjGhXlQEK9wDciiD2R_5GaIZWRu-RbxLgUexYUJitdne14M2qOvkxS&s=1&skip_shim_verification=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://journeys.hmd.org.uk/</a> to mark the day online.'</div>
Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-61022198084681997102014-01-20T17:21:00.001+00:002014-01-20T22:40:48.971+00:00Reform: Last Chance Saloon...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Below is an adapted version of an email I have sent to States Members today.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">'The gerrymandered mess, Option B+, has been put forward by
its proponents as a ‘last chance saloon’ for achieving any change for 2014.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, this is not true. Those States Members truly wanting to
improve our system, and not wishing to take two steps back, need only support
p.171/2013 - Introduction of the Single Transferable Vote and Alternative Vote - as recommended by the Electoral Commission and its advisor, Dr Alan
Renwick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">STV and AV can work with any system and was proposed when
the EC themselves were hoping suggesting multi-seat constituencies to
potentially run alongside the single seat constituencies of the Constables.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By way of example, the merits are laid out in the appendices
to the report (</span><a href="http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/AssemblyPropositions/2013/P.171-2013.pdf"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">HERE</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">), however one
simple example of why we need AV is given below:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(I ask Deputy Martin for forgiveness in advance…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2000, a by-election took place in St Helier no.1. The
results were as follows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Election date: May 2000<sup><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_by-elections,_2000#cite_note-1"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">[1]</span></span></a></sup><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Martin_(Jersey_politician)" title="Judy Martin (Jersey politician)"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Judy Martin</span></span></a></span></b><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 190 votes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harry_Cole_(Jersey_politician)&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Harry Cole (Jersey politician) (page does not exist)"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Harry Cole</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 182
votes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Pipon&action=edit&redlink=1" title="David Pipon (page does not exist)"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">David Pipon</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 165 votes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geno_Gouveia&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Geno Gouveia (page does not exist)"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Geno Gouveia</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 134 votes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chris_Whitworth&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Chris Whitworth (page does not exist)"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;"><span style="color: black; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: black;">Chris Whitworth</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 36 votes<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Total no. of valid votes cast: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">707.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The winner, Deputy Martin, was therefore elected with 26.9%
of the vote. In other words, 73% of those who voted did not vote for Deputy
Martin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Subjectively, I am very pleased that Deputy Martin won, but
there is no way of knowing whether she was the most popular candidate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">overall</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One has to question the effect on democracy and subsequent
apathy when over 70% of the electorate were not listened to, because they were
not given a choice, once their preferred candidate was out of the picture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This position is made even worse when multiple-seats are
involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I look forward to your support this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kind regards,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Montfort '<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-61316122299977671332013-12-16T23:15:00.001+00:002013-12-16T23:23:10.701+00:00Better Housing Standards now on the Agenda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I had what I hope will prove to be a productive meeting with Deputy Andrew Green, Minister of Housing, and the director of Corporate Policy to discuss what can be done to regulate private rental standards. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a curiosity that in Jersey, the only residential accommodation to be inspected [and regulated] is Lodging Houses. It is not clear why only these units have to meet basic standards, and not other housing units. It is likely a historic legacy from the heyday of Tourism, when there were a lot more seasonal workers, and therefore more lodging houses.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Law 2011 came into force in May this year. Article 9 (below) states that you do not have to pay your rent if the property is uninhabitable. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">[Extract]</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Article 9 Premises uninhabitable </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If a residential unit that is the subject of a residential tenancy agreement becomes uninhabitable through any event other than a malicious act of the tenant – </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(a) the tenant is not required to pay any rent or other amount payable under the agreement in respect of any time during which the residential unit is uninhabitable; and </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(b) the Court may, on the application of the landlord or tenant, make an order varying or terminating the agreement if in all the circumstances the Court considers it just to do so. </span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It would be interesting for someone to test this, but I suspect many tenants might be reluctant to for various reasons: they may be scared of getting kicked out, though this would be unlikely. They may know the landlords personally. Many, of course, would not be even be aware of <a href="http://www.jerseylaw.je/law/lawsinforce/htm/LawFiles/2011/L-31-2011.pdf" target="_blank">the law</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">However, it would be interesting if someone out there, with rising damp, were to inform the landlord that they would not be paying their rent until it was fixed. The ball would then be in the court of the landlord...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is clearly not the preferred option of the department. Rather, they see the need for some kind of regulation, possibly inspections, for ALL rental properties, qualified, unqualified and social rented (the latter will be provided for under the new housing unit).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I will continue to press for these reforms. Watch this space. The days of Rupert Rigsby and his sub-standard properties may be numbered.</span></span></div>
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<br />Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-19540170213013445312013-05-07T00:48:00.001+01:002014-01-26T12:54:16.720+00:00Jimmy Carr to Visit Jersey as Mr Battle?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecOdq6K13PPgA9nxuALl0rkANqjUte_fKGl6rqsTWkBeg0H8Eta3T8ALw7r9UOgteqjW83Hh045b9Oe1NszmmKu25uaMM5sfPcyqwyQpB1ViKnOTUiQSUEATgW9DdilSv3YWx1C9D3H-P/s1600/jimmy+carr+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecOdq6K13PPgA9nxuALl0rkANqjUte_fKGl6rqsTWkBeg0H8Eta3T8ALw7r9UOgteqjW83Hh045b9Oe1NszmmKu25uaMM5sfPcyqwyQpB1ViKnOTUiQSUEATgW9DdilSv3YWx1C9D3H-P/s400/jimmy+carr+head.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The 14ft replica head of Jimmy Carr awaits shipping, as Jersey Finance prepare<br />for their first ever entry in Jersey's Battle of Flowers with their K2 themed exhibit<br /> - we are told they will use a 'special purpose vehicle' to tow their float</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rumours are rife that Mr Battle is going to be revived as passengers boarding at Portsmouth spied a giant replica head of Anglo-Irish Comedian and erstwhile tax dodger, Jimmy Carr waiting to be loaded onto the Commodore Goodwill yesterday evening in Portsmouth.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is understood that the giant head was secured by Jersey Finance Ltd, who had originally wanted to buy the head last year and burn it as an effigy on Guy Fawkes night because of all the 'bad press' the island had received because of him. However, the delivery was delayed due to a localised strike from courier staff in the South-East region who thought that this might have been an intricate LVCR scheme to sell it back to the UK - minus the VAT. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jersey Finance's, Geoff Cook is tight-lipped on the identity of Mr Battle</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Unfortunately, it did not make it here in time for November, so we had an office brain-storm to think of an alternative use', said Mr Cook. 'One of our young female staff members suggested that we could use it as part of a exhibit for the Battle of Flowers. I thought this was a great idea and when one of our senior managers suggest using all the left over <i>Option B</i> posters from the referendum to make the body of the float that simply sealed the deal. We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and this was a great example of recycling Jersey style.'</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When asked about the rumour that Mr Carr himself may have been making an appearance as this year's Mr Battle, in the absence of the organisers being able to find any suitably famous tracksuit-wearing, cigar-smoking nonce, Mr Cook just gave us a cheeky smile and avoided (but did not evade) the question.</span></div>
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DISCLAIMER</div>
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The content of this post is purely comedic in purpose, not real and not intended to offend. </div>
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Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3258990332470277140.post-71308765995510376422013-05-01T16:55:00.000+01:002013-05-02T16:54:29.605+01:00Un Parisien à Jersey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTxg4wpg8FOJ6q3D3E-0mlMNneoKA_5LJ3myu1fAY5biu-A-lzBEA8F-lyJOhFErRgL5UFWaUeEpzOO7VPydvH692-yHTgI744OGmEdStagCT0mxB9yHXov3Lzls-R3oXBrD7WJ9aRlPX/s1600/parisien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTxg4wpg8FOJ6q3D3E-0mlMNneoKA_5LJ3myu1fAY5biu-A-lzBEA8F-lyJOhFErRgL5UFWaUeEpzOO7VPydvH692-yHTgI744OGmEdStagCT0mxB9yHXov3Lzls-R3oXBrD7WJ9aRlPX/s400/parisien.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Interview with French Newpaper, Le Parisien:</span></u><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Montfort Tadier est l’un des 29 députés de Jersey. Elu en 2008, réélu en 2011, il se situe à gauche. Alors que les autorités rejettent farouchement l’appellation de « paradis fiscal », il dénonce les dérives de la</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a class="invisible" href="http://actualites.leparisien.fr/finance.html" style="color: #0078b4; cursor: pointer; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">finance</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">sur l’île et l’opacité des trusts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">L’île de Jersey est-elle, oui ou non, un paradis fiscal? <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />MONTFORT TADIER. </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Bien sûr que oui! Affirmer que Jersey n’est pas un paradis fiscal mais un « centre international à fiscalité basse » relève seulement de la sémantique.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">La vérité, c’est que la plupart des autres pays nous considèrent comme un paradis fiscal. Et qu’un grand nombre de leurs ressortissants dissimulent leurs avoirs chez nous.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Est-ce parce qu’elle s’est spécialisée dans les trusts que Jersey attire les candidats à l’évasion fiscale? </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Oui. Il convient de préciser qu’en soi un</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a class="invisible" href="http://actualites.leparisien.fr/trust.html" style="color: #0078b4; cursor: pointer; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">trust</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">est un instrument tout à fait légal. Mais il existe à côté tout un système de trusts fictifs, les « sham trusts ». Ces derniers n’ont qu’une seule raison d’être : permettre aux résidents étrangers qui les mettent en place de disparaître aux yeux de leur fisc d’origine. Au sein de l’aéroport St Peter, un salon privé permet même aux voyageurs les plus pressés de constituer un trust sans mettre un pied à Saint-Hélier… Résultat : Jersey existe aujourd’hui avant tout pour permettre à des gens qui n’habitent pas ici d’échapper aux impôts qu’ils devraient acquitter dans leur propre pays.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Qui sont les victimes de ce système? </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Les Etats dont les caisses sont vides et tous les citoyens qui paient honnêtement leurs impôts. Certes, nous avons renforcé nos procédures de contrôle. En dépit de cela, les dispositifs et montages fiscaux que nous proposons ici pèsent sur vos budgets. Nos pratiques privent le fisc français de millions d’euros.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Les évadés fiscaux français sont-ils nombreux? </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Des dizaines de Français se sont établis dans l’île et y habitent à l’année</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(NDLR : exilés fiscaux)</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">. Je n’ai pas de chiffres précis sur les évadés fiscaux. Mais puisque des citoyens du monde entier viennent à Jersey utiliser les trusts pour échapper au fisc, pourquoi n’y aurait-il pas de Français? D’ailleurs, si deux grandes banques françaises, la</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a class="invisible" href="http://actualites.leparisien.fr/societe+generale.html" style="color: #0078b4; cursor: pointer; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Société générale</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">et BNP Paribas, sont présentes sur place, il y a sûrement une raison…</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Quelles sont les conséquences pour les habitants? </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Jersey a été capturée par la finance, au risque de creuser les inégalités. En 2008, le gouvernement a ainsi mis en place la Goods and Services Tax (GST), une taxe sur la consommation qui s’applique depuis à tous les produits de première nécessité, afin de compenser les pertes occasionnées par la suppression de l’impôt sur les bénéfices pour les entreprises étrangères domiciliées à Jersey.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mais Jersey pourrait-elle survivre au départ de la finance? </strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Bien sûr, et de toute façon, la finance partira tôt ou tard. Il faut préparer l’avenir dès maintenant. Pour cela, nous avons besoin d’investissements. Nous devons diversifier nos activités et développer encore davantage le tourisme.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #00283c; font-family: tahoma, arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Reproduced courtesy of <a href="http://www.leparisien.fr/espace-premium/actu/nos-pratiques-privent-le-fisc-francais-de-millions-d-euros-29-04-2013-2766607.php" target="_blank">Le Parisien</a></span>Deputy Montfort Tadierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702165660857648225noreply@blogger.com38