From Sue Wheeler.
IT is surely a sign of a civilised society to value and preserve its heritage and to be proud of its history.

So come on Jersey and in particular Members of the States, and think about the appalling prospect of the possible closure of two of our wonderful, and award winning museums, thereby losing for ever our maritime and agricultural heritages.

If they close, they will be lost for future generations. These museums, as well as helping our important tourist industry, teach our children about what makes Jersey a special place and what this wonderful Island was all about before the finance industry became an overwhelming presence.

The Jersey Heritage Trust’s employees are not civil servants, not paid like civil servants and do not have civil servants’ pensions to look forward to. They can only run the sites with the help of a large number of voluntary staff who care deeply about the importance of preserving Jersey’s heritage.

Perhaps a rethink of our priorities is long overdue. Perhaps less waste of our money on so many grossly overpaid civil servants who cause the over government of what is a small special community would be a good start. Perhaps members of the States could find the time to visit these wonderful museums instead of holding forth in the States Chamber without having real knowledge of what they are talking about.

This Island should not be known just for wealth creation but for having the foresight to realise what values are really important.
Les Marais House,
Rue à Don,
Grouville.