THE largest Island demonstration witnessed for many a year, which took place on Sunday along St Ouen’s Bay, was probably the most sedate in the history of protests.

Although the marshals had dutifully advised us when to assemble, where and how to stand – with our right arm on the shoulder of the person next to us – they did not signal when the overhead photography had come to an end. Were we supposed to remain in position, or was it OK for us to make a move?

Just as bizarre was the passing overhead of the aerial photographer, at 2 pm precisely, marked only with a look of puzzlement on our faces as we tried to work out which plane was the one we should be focusing on. From where I was standing, somewhere in the middle of the line of an estimated 7,000 protesters, it could have been any number of small aircraft that were buzzing around at the same time.

I must say that it would have been nice to engineer a Mexican wave or some kind of cheering that would have accompanied the distant roar of the surf, but in the end we just waved our arms about a bit and smiled a lot and jumped around to keep warm.

At times, you could have heard a sand fly spit, so quiet were we – a group of like-minded people with a message that they want those in power to hear.

Now it is up to the Planning authorities to take these sentiments on board. But can they resist the persistence of the developers? Are they courageous enough to stand up for our rights?

Clearly not, if this week’s States sitting was anything to go by. Planning Minister Freddie Cohen seemed more intent on continuing his PR waffle in aid of the More Coastal Developments Please lobby group than listening to the likes of ordinary citizens.

What is so difficult, exactly? Our message is as clear as the waves on the shore – we do not want any more building on the coast, no matter how ‘excellent’ the designs.

Perhaps there should be an annual Line in the Sand – just to remind those who once pledged to represent us of their ongoing responsibilities.

• Read more of Christine Herbert’s comment in today’s Jersey Evening Post