AMong those celebrating the new Millennium in the early hours of 2000 were Renny Gould, Nick Durbano, Karen Proper and Peter Journeaux. Picture:David Ferguson

Islanders celebrated the new Millennium in spectacular style with a thousands attending a party and fireworks display on the waterfront, and thousands more involved in private parties throughout the Island.

Other events during the year included the arrival of Polish workers in the agricultural and tourism industries; the demolition of Janvrin’s Farm; the re-opening of the Opera House after a £7 million renovation; a huge fire in Castle Street; and a visit from Members of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, and the Mounted Regiment of the Household Cavalry for a JEP Country Show and special ride through town.

Looking back to the start of the decade, these are a few of the other news stories that made the headlines in the year 2000:

• A new Human Rights Law, protecting people’s rights and freedoms, was overwhelmingly approved by the States in February

• States Members were given a 4.4 per cent increase in their pay and allowances, taking the total they could draw to almost £35,000 per year

• The Jersey Heritage Trust highlighted concerns about its future funding in the face of a declining tourism industry

• British Airways announced its decision to scrap the Jersey-Heathrow link. They said it was no longer viable

• Pontin’s decided to pull out of holiday centres at Portelet and Plémont. And in 2001, the National Trust for Jersey called on the States to acquire the former Plémont Holiday village site for the people of Jersey.

• A review of the decade, plus a look back at the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, a full entertainment guide, cartoons of the decade, a suggested walk for the holiday, a news quiz and crossword can all be found in the JEP’s special Boxing Day edition on sale all this week to raise money for the Joint Charities Christmas Appeal