FEW States Members have so richly deserved the kind of accolades directed this week towards former Senator Ralph Vibert, who has died at the age of 97 after a life full of achievement and dedicated service to his Island.

Throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s Mr Vibert was at the heart of Island political life, bringing his very considerable intellect to bear on subjects as diverse as traffic law and the remuneration of States employees.

But it was his deft handling of the negotiations which led to Jersey’s special relationship with the European Community that will ensure his lasting status as one of our great statesmen. He can be credited with realising that the Island could enjoy the best of both worlds by remaining outside what was then called the Common Market while retaining trading privileges that would safeguard the agricultural industry. He can also be credited with ensuring that this outcome was achieved.

This was typical of a man whose training and experience as a lawyer – as well as his natural talent – allowed him to see to the heart of a problem and act decisively to resolve it.

Had circumstances been different, we might now be talking about a great former Bailiff rather than an outstanding politician. The Island’s Solicitor General before he sought election to the States in 1957, Mr Vibert would very probably have reached the pinnacle of Crown service had he not resigned on a point of principle.

But his many qualities were evident in spheres beyond politics and the law. He was a man of deep religious conviction and this, coupled with his well-developed social conscience, led to achievements at home and abroad.
Here in Jersey his name will always be linked to Communicare, the highly successful St Brelade community centre.

Further afield, he will be remembered for his association with southern Africa, and in particular his support and encouragement for those seeking a peaceful transition to self-rule when Zimbabwe won independence.

Ralph Vibert’s death has come within weeks of that of his lifelong friend and political colleague John Le Marquand. There is double sadness in contemplating the loss of two great Jerseymen so close together, but also a kind of aptness and, without doubt, immense and renewed gratitude for their contributions to public life.