This Is Jersey

THIS is the last time that I shall have the privilege, as Bailiff, of writing a Christmas message for readers of the JEP.

Retirement looms, although I hope that it will not involve a complete withdrawal from public life.
Looking back over the last 12 months, it has been in some respects an annus horribilis for Jersey or, in plain English, a bad year.

The national and international media fastened upon some injudicious statements from the police in relation to their investigation into historic child abuse, and the Island was subjected to a torrent of wild and extravagant reports which most of us knew in our hearts to be untrue. A more sober assessment of the truth is now beginning to emerge.

All abuse of children is a shocking breach of trust, and we can but hope that any past wrongdoing will be exposed and appropriately punished. The extreme criticisms of Jersey have, however, been shown to be without foundation.

Looking forward, there are many reasons for optimism. This is still a beautiful island, and a wonderful place to live, as it always has been. On the whole people are more polite, and more aware of each other as neighbours, than in larger countries. The sense of community is strong, and efforts are made to include minorities and to care for the disadvantaged.

Huge amounts of valuable work are done on an entirely voluntary basis. Despite the credit crunch, Jersey is better placed to face the future than many other places. The imperative will be to ensure that those at the bottom end of the economic scale are protected.

During my term of office one change has been that we have begun to see ourselves much more as a small nation which is independently capable of great things.

With globalisation, and our economic success, Jersey is no longer a mere dot on the map. Like the small city states of ancient Greece which produced artists, philosophers, traders and sportsmen of lasting achievement, we can and do excel in many different ways. It may be that in the cultural sphere we fall some way short of Athens and Corinth, but there is time yet.

Our constitutional privilege of self-government has made all this possible. Jersey has had judicial independence and political autonomy for over 800 years, but in these times of global tensions such constitutional freedoms should not be taken for granted. Challenges to our freedoms and to our way of life can sometimes appear over the horizon with surprising speed.

This is, however, a time for rest and relaxation. My wife and I send all your readers our best wishes for a happy Christmas and a joyful New Year.

Article posted on 24th December, 2008 - 2.52pm