MPs Still Don't Get It

I see that erstwhile supporter of some of Jersey's politicians and an arch critic of Jersey has had an article published in the Times. It seems a sarcastic piece in defence of MPs Expenses.


One thing conveniently forgotten in respect of some of the MPs is that some are now the subject of police investigations for claiming for non-existent or repaid mortgages.

How can these people seek credibility if they seek to defend the apparently indefensible.

And of course now we're all deemed stupid by the redacted documents published yesterday.

Judging by the comments after the article not many people agree with the writer. A real parliamentarian indeed.

The JEP - Copying the Irish?

I was looking at an article in the LifeTime section of the JEP on page 17 of the edition of Wednesday 10 June 2009 under the headline "Heating Disorders". Out of interest I typed a phrase from the article into Google - the phrase with quotes was "they can include red skin that's hot to the touch".

Low and behold an amazingly similar article appeared in the Irish News online on the 2 June 2009. Isn't amazing how two people could write such similar articles almost word for word.

It shows a lack of original thought and if the article is to be published why not credit the original author or indeed tell us that it is sourced from somewhere and inform us of the source.

Maybe the JEP doesn't think the Internet exists or any one would bother to undertake such a trivial exercise.

The Google cached link to the Irish News is here (using firefox)

La Motte Street Improvements?

Now that the Parish of St. Helier through their Constable and fellow blogger Simon Crowcroft have "improved" La Motte Street it is easy to note that there is more traffic backed up because of the new parking arrangements adjacent to Hemery Row which robs one lane of traffic. As the traffic lights and arrangement into Ann Street was only redesigned a few years ago it begs the question as to whether there has been any liaison between the Parish and the Chaos Department from South Hill. Is it to be a permanent arrangement to further frustrate the motorist of Jersey? Perhaps Constable Crowcroft could enlighten us.

Being a pedestrian I am all for wider pavements but I am also a motorist and can see that some things need attention.

Starting Again

It's hard enough at the moment living in Jersey with the recession etc. As I have said before I now have to pay full whack Social Security contribution. No response to a request to pay a lower amount whilst times are hard. Clearly the Deputy in charge has no interest in this.

The other problems encountered are that in incorporating a company and business name there are endless hoops to go through thanks to the bureaucrats at the JFSC.

Then there is regulation of undertakings. Why do local people even have to bother with this nonsense. If I want to start a business and employ people why is there such hassle? Because it keeps civil servants in jobs.

The JFSC and Regulation of Undertakings are not running the businesses or trying to earn money for their families. In the case of the JFSC they would do better to think that not everyone is out to break the law and launder money - their remit is ridiculous and needs a more light touch approach to the treatment they give out to locally born people trying to run businesses. How many J category employees are there at the JFSC.

If you're local and trying to start a business one thing is certain - Jersey doesn't make it easy for you - it's a bloody hard slog and obstacles are always there. Then you have to fill in forms every quarter, you have to put in ITIS returns even when you have no employees - some States employees tell you one thing - some in the same department tell you another and no one is responsible. What a brilliant way to run an economy.

Fortunately opportunity beckons but Jersey's red tape does not encourage anyone and it is only those with perseverance that can some times get through it.

I suppose that a lot of the civil servants have never had to commence their own business.

Cut the red tape - cut back government departments - and let business run itself - Jersey does not need to copy the nanny state New Labour policies which in 12 months will be old hat.