Turning the Lights Off

I think, with the decision of the Housing Minister to suspend the eminently sensible change of policy, it may be time for the States to stop sitting and the last one in the chamber to turn the lights off.

Whilst certain politicians were up in arms about the situation, why can't they turn the situation on its head and see that local people who were primarily first time buyers and were now wanting to be first time sellers, had, because of the recession, no market to sell in to.

Having decided to change the rules, the Housing Minister had been sensible, this was fairer to all but not least of all to those who could get the economy moving again by themselves moving to new homes, thus stimulating the economy

It is impossible to see what economic benefit putting new drains in at Rouge Bouillon or resurfacing Victoria Avenue does to benefit the Island economically. We are told it is an economic stimulus when we are spending our money but where is it circulating in the wider economy.

No Liberation for the Workers

Why did our States members do such a disservice to the memory of Liberation day and the Island by refusing to allow the Monday as a Bank holiday. They slavishly followed the UK over the Boxing Day and created a fiasco there.

Did your local Deputy or Constable ask his voters what they wanted. I know mine certainly did not and quite frankly if he stands again it would take some persuasion for him now to receive my vote. Can they give the reason for the way they voted.

The States are clearly very out of touch with the electorate.

On top of that we have the Planning minister telling the citizens that even though world leaders couldn't agree the Copenhagen summit Jersey, the 9 x 5 Island, will go that bit further. Yes, even if its electorate does not want it to. The electorate wasn't very supportive of candidates standing on a green mandate in the last election.

Verita Report

The Verita reported, having spent 3 hours reading it yesterday, is almost damning of the management at the hospital. At last today, the local accredited media almost says as much as well.

It paints a picture also of heroic efforts in the operating theatre following what is referred to as the accident in the theatre. However what happened should never have happened. Particularly telling is the reference by one of the referees on the relevant CV which states that re-employment circumstances would occur "as a Registrar".

Reading through the report it is clear that this a telling failing of management. For too long in all walks of life we have encountered people who cover their backs and say it was not their fault. Something as simple as checking references and not following up has ultimately had terrible consequences and rather than look at themselves it appears blame has been sought to be apportioned unfairly on the one person who appears to have acted properly throughout. In addition, throughout this time, lawyers have vilified his character in Court, and people, whoever they may be, have spread rumours through the community.

Equally, accredited reporting throughout the time seems to have taken as fact situations that evidently weren't fact but reported them as such without taking a balanced view.

I am also not sure why some States members referred to the release of the report as having been to bury it because of the short notice they were given to read it. It was available on the States website last night and readable within 4 hours or so, which I did. So it cannot be beyond States members surely, to read, to understand and to be able to have questions ready - or am I missing something.