From Karen Huchet, former chief officer, Family Nursing and Home Care.
FOR the information of all JEP readers, I continue to await the outcome of legal negotiations between my Jersey Unite union lawyers and my former employer, FNHC.

I am hopeful of a positive outcome ,without which my tribunal dates have been set for November 2009.

In the interim period, I have decided to travel into Egypt, for at least three months, to attempt to use the skills and knowledge I have gained in my 36 years of nursing and business administration, to help other agencies there.

As I leave Jersey I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has offered me support since my suspension in August 2008, especially my fantastic friends, the membership group led by Jo Bowers and Patricia Bennett, professional colleagues, other charities and the Jersey people who have approached me on so many occasions.

I will take with me 241/2 years of fantastic experiences and privileges, especially for a non-local person who was given the honour of leading an Island tradition.

I would like to emphasise that I have huge respect for the real Jersey, its tradition, and Islanders. The real ‘Jersey way’ I know is steeped in tradition, honour, integrity and values, and a real concern for the community.

This concern is the foundation of the charitable sector in the Island, and the hours of volunteering and fundraising commitment from so many people.

To every reader of the JEP, I would emphasise that the ‘collective conscience’ of the community can make a huge difference to civil society in the Island. Each and every one has the power to make a difference to how the community is governed and the values that exist.

Times will change, and the old values will have to return, but only through the determination of those who are committed to being true to themselves and putting Jersey first.

Once again, my sincerest thanks to everyone, including the Island’s media.