From Bridget Murphy.
WITH reference to Deputy Gerard Baudains’s outburst (JEP, 12 May), I can assure him that this Islander, in her 78th year, like many more Islanders who suffered five years of various deprivations during Nazi occupation, is in no way tearful about the long-overdue speeches given by the Bailiff and the Chief Minister on Liberation Day, in Liberation Square and the States Chamber respectively.
These two men have unfairly taken the brunt of a number of allegations and accusations of cover-ups, mainly fuelled by local gossip and rumour by some Islanders with their own particular political agendas, and seized upon by the national and international media, despite an ongoing criminal investigation in the Island.
Deputy Baudains criticises the Bailiff for elevating the President of Madeira, by letting him share in the Liberation celebrations. Yes, he was a guest, representing his community in the Island, but the Deputy asks what is the Liberation connection between Madeira and Jersey – he thought it was the English who liberated us. This shows a narrowness of mind, in that the English forces comprised many nationalities in their ranks fighting the Second World War, which led to the liberation of us all. We needed all the friends and help that could be mustered. Sixty-three years on, we want all to celebrate with us, wherever they come from. Even some of the former enemy came to celebrate with us!
Furthermore, many of those who took part in the re-enactment of Liberation Day this year weren’t even born when Jersey was liberated –are we to say that because they didn’t experience the Occupation they weren’t entitled to celebrate with us? I think not.
As for Senator Syvret’s aborted Christmas speech at a time when the States were at close of business for the year, and sharing their Christmas greetings, it was not the time for that particular speech, which should have been given in the New Year when business resumed.
Liberation Day celebrates our freedom from occupation, but also from dangerous and false philosophies which bring about conflict, division, unrest, and very often war. It is my belief that the Bailiff and the Chief Minister chose the appropriate time to deliver their speeches in defending Jersey and its people.
La Corbière, 5 St Clement’s Road, St Helier.
Article posted on 17th May, 2008 - 10.00am
One Article Comment
What an absolute disgrace and abuse of power the Balliff and Senator Walker administered on the day of liberation.
We have never been liberated and are still living in a culture of fear, some might say we were better off under the Nazi occupation.
Unfortunately Bridgett is either ignoring or ignorant of the real crime here and that lies at the hands of our local media.
I take it she has no access to the internet? If she had she would be aware it has been widely reported the local media are infact collaboraters for whoever is in power at the time, whether it be now or historically.
The JEP should be joining the growing number of islanders calling for the balliff and Walker to resign. At the very least they should be asking for a public apology from them both for hyjacking the liberation day for thier own political agenda.
As far as I can see, it has hugely backfired on them as once loyal supporters of them are now appaulled and outraged by yet another public display of incompedence and baffoonery (if there is such a word)
How can a man, the (Baliff) hijack this special day after gagging Syvrets christmas speech. And just as importantly why don’t you clowns at the JEP try and hold him in any way to account?
If you do have any kind of a backbone at the JEP and publish this, I would like it published unedited.