Husting's Speech; Thursday 13th October 2011

The St Martin's Hustings was held in the Public Hall last night with most of the seats being occupied. Both candidates were permitted to address the audience for ten minutes. This was followed by 17 questions being asked on a wide range of subjects.

My address is as follows.

When preparing for tonight’s speech I looked back to my first Hustings speech to see whether the promises I had made then had been kept and whether the concerns people had about me had been addressed.

If elected, I said I would pursue policies based on Consultation, Openness and Accountability. Those three words are now seen in many candidate's manifestos.

I believe we all benefit from more Openness and Accountability in all areas of public administration. However there is more to be done and if re-elected I will continue pursue those ideals.

I also said I wanted to listen and reflect the concerns and interests of all parishioners in both parish and Island affairs and to inform and be informed.

I believe I have kept my promise, I am seen around the parish, and I rarely miss Parish Assemblies or Parish committee meetings. I am delighted that with the help of the former Connétable John Germain we introduced the Green Lanes system in St Martin. As promised I established a self funding Twinning Association, I am a regular member of our parish church congregation, President of the St Martin’s Division of St John Ambulance and with Gary Westwood we ensure that St Martin’s has sufficient footballers to compete in the annual Trinity shield competition.

I feel very much a part of the parish and with your support; I hope to continue as Deputy for another 3 years.

I said I would endeavour to ensure that our countryside and coastline was preserved. I successfully lodged a proposition to reinstate the Cliffside at Geoffrey’s Leap so that the area is preserved for future generations. As a member of the parish Conservation Committee I am ever vigilant in protecting our countryside.

I am proud of my attendance record in the States having only missed a handful of the 800 plus Sittings that have been held since being elected.

I have lodged a whole plethora of propositions and regularly asked questions I also partake in States Debates and only speak when I have something to contribute.

I believe I have made a difference to the lives of many of the Parishioners and resident’s Island wide. One is now able to enjoy a pub lunch on a Sunday and purchase a bottle of wine after 1pm on that day. Police may confiscate alcohol from persons under 18.  I also established the registered doorman’s scheme which is being incorporated into the new licensing law.

Parishes are able to retain all the revenue from speeding fines and Driving licences are now renewed from the date of expiry and not the date of renewal. Allegiance to Her Majesty and her heirs has now been retained in the police oath. Owners of share transfer properties now pay stamp duty following purchase. Unmarried parents are now able to register their child in either the father’s or mothers surname if they wish.

Following the suspension of an unacceptable number of States employees, the States has approved my proposition to establish a new States Suspension Policy and my further amendments to the States Employment Law are currently the subject of consultation with States and Private employers. 

The current State’s sitting schedule is as a result of my proposition and recently the States approved my proposition whereby Members Interests are recorded on line. At the last Hustings I said that if re-elected I would seek approval for a review of the role of the Bailiff and Crown Officers. I am pleased to say that following States approval the Review was undertaken under the chairmanship of Lord Carswell.

However I have not always been successful and was disappointed that the States recently rejected my proposal to amend the Highway’s Law which was intended to protect road users who become victims of negligence caused by the failure of the States and Parishes to maintain its roads in good condition. That is a matter I will pursue if re-elected.

As one can see, individual States Members can make a useful contribution in the States if they are prepared dig and delve and spend a great many hours researching and consulting with the public.

So much for the past but now to the future; on parish matters the issue of the ownership of the roads and footpaths in Maufant Village is coming to a head after over 30 years. The residents know how much time I have devoted attempting to resolve the long standing problem but I believe we are very close to resolving it and there will be a vital meeting which is open to all Maufant residents next month.

The issue of affordable housing for first time buyers and accommodation for the elderly is an ongoing problem but St Martin has not stood still as is evident by the developments behind the St John Ambulance Hall, Maufant and the extension to Court Clos.

Balancing parish need and protecting our countryside is difficult but this can be best achieved by keeping Parishioners fully informed and public consultation with would be developers.

I have been part of the Committee appointed to address the issue of the Rectory and the recent application to build 14 first time homes and 10 apartments for retired persons. Unfortunately that proposal was so lacking in detail and reinforces my previous comment that would be developers must work much closer with the parish before launching their proposals.

We are about to build a welcomed new school which will require oversight by elected members. The parish football team will now require a new pitch; however with the help of others I am assisting the Club in finding an alternative pitch.

Parishioners continue to be concerned about speeding motorists so I very much welcome the news that the Honorary Police have trained a number of officers who will be conducting regular speed checks throughout the parish.

It is disappointing that unlike other Parishes, St Martin does not have a community news letter that is produced freely in other parishes. If re-elected, along with our new Connétable appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter.

On Island Affairs the issue of job creation, cost of living and immigration will continue to demand attention. Much criticism and undue attention has been given to the division and behaviour of some States Members. That supposed problem is nothing new and was raised by Sir John Cheshire in his final address 5 years ago. It should be remembered that the States Chamber is a debating forum and some members do on occasions allow their passion to over run. The offenders come from both sides of the Chamber.

Due to the cherry picking of the Clothier Report the present set up is causing frustration and tension because too many States Members are denied being part of the government.

To remedy the problem, it is vital that the States elects a true leader to be its next Chief Minister, who will appoint States Members for their ability rather than their loyalty to the Council of Ministers. The current crop of Ministers has under performed much to the dissatisfaction from both inside and outside the States Chamber.

The States made a major blunder when not supporting Len Norman’s proposition to exclude GST on all food for human consumption which I supported. Had support been given we would not have got locked into expensive income support mechanisms, and any future increases in GST would NOT have affected the cost of our food. It was absolutely naïve to believe that GST would remain at 3% for any length of time despite promises from the Council of Ministers.

There are belt tightening measures in place but it is pointless making savings in one quarter and than spending it in another.

One area of concern is the cost of private education. I opposed the ill conceived attempt by the Education Minister aided by the Council of Ministers to raise schools fees. Parents know they will not be immune, but any increases must be as a result of wide consultation and staged, so that parents can make long term arrangements.

There are other Parish and Island issues which I am sure will be raised from questions which will follow, however in conclusion I would like to say that I have kept the promises I have made. I am known for never ducking issues and I attend to the concerns from everyone who raises them with me. I have a proven track record in both parish and Island affairs and it is a privilege to serve the parish.

When first proposing me, Alan Mollet said he was confident that I would not let parishioners down. Mr Connétable I believe I have fulfilled Alan’s prediction. 

Nomination Meeting and Proposer's Speech

Last night at St Martin's Public Hall I had the privilege of being proposed by Mr. Charles Strasser, OBE and Seconded by the     following; 

Alan  Mollet

Francis William Tadier

Max Hewitt

Anne Holden

Howard Le Roux

Colin Perchard CVO, OBE

Yvonne McNally

Alison Camacho

Pamela Denize

Mr. Charles Strasser's Nomination Speech.


Mr. Connétable, Ladies and Gentleman and fellow Parishioners, I have had the pleasure of addressing many audiences during my lifetime but this evening it is not only a pleasure but also a privilege because it is the first time that I am addressing Parishioners in my adopted parish of over 40 years.  I am also absolutely delighted that my maiden address is to nominate Bob Hill for the position of Parish Deputy.

Frederick John Hill, BEM, or Bob as he is known to us all, is possibly one of the best known States Members in the Island. It is not because of the time he has served St Martin’s in the States, but because of the excellent work he has done on our behalf for the Parish and Island.

Bob is Jersey born, lived in the Parish and for 9 years attended St Martin’s School just a few metres up the road. In those days it was an elementary School which taught the basic 3 “R’s,” however Bob learnt about another “R,” that of Rioting when he served as a Police officer in Brixton many years later.

Bob left the green lanes of St Martin’s as a very green 20 year old to join the Metropolitan Police. After his training at Hendon he was posted to London’s East End in the days when the Kray twins were at their peak.

Bob later served in Brixton where his outstanding work for the Community was recognised by Her Majesty in the 1991 New Years Honour List when he was made a Member of the British Empire. What a wonderful achievement for a St Martin’s schoolboy.

On returning to Jersey he became Bob the Builder when with his wife Ann they set about building a new home for themselves. Two years later Bob successfully contested the Deputy’s seat in this Parish.

In some people’s eyes Bob’s decision to stand in St Martin’s was seen as ill conceived because his new home just happens to be in Trinity and also who was this upstart who had not served his Parish in any capacity?

But those people just did not know of Bob’s enthusiasm and capacity for work and his ability to relate to both the old and new St Martinais.

I can still recall Bob first calling at my home. I was struck by his enthusiasm, energy, his openness and his abundant good sense. I sensed that here was a local man who had gone into the world, gained a great deal of experience and was bringing that knowledge back to the Island and was seeking my support to elect him.

It should be recalled that in those days States Members were not remunerated, Bob was giving freely of his time and expertise. I must confess that I had no difficulty in deciding that I was going to vote for Bob and I have continued to do so ever since.

Since we do not have a political party system in The States, it is vital to have Deputies of integrity, prepared to probe and challenge. As a backbencher, without ministerial responsibility, Bob is in a unique position to fulfil that important role and at the same time also look after the interests of all St. Martin parishioners.

Bob now has a proven track record for his hard work, his attention to detail, his friendly and approachable manner and for the many propositions he has lodged in an attempt to make life a little easier for us all.

The States has adopted a whole number of Bob’s propositions these include many amendments to the licensing Law, one of which was to allow the pubs to remain open all day on Sunday’s, quite a controversial proposal at the time but just imagine if some one today suggested that pubs should close at 1pm or people be denied the opportunity of buying a bottle of wine after 1pm on Sundays. He closed the Share Transfer loophole and made it now possible for unmarried parents to have the choice of the surname of their child when registering its birth.

Bob’s commitment has not diminished and this is evident by the fact that it is more than 10 years ago since he last missed a States Sitting. And in his past 3 year term of office he has lodged 29 propositions and tabled over 100 oral and written questions.

It is worth mentioning Bob’s last three year term, because he has worked tirelessly to expose the unlawful suspensions of senior States employee’s which has cost the Island several million pounds.

In addition to his success in addressing the suspension problems, the States also supported his propositions to extend States Question Time, the requirement for Ministers to submit Comments in good time and for Members Interests to be viewed online. He also successfully persuaded the States to conduct reviews into the role of the Crown Officers, the suspensions of the Hospital Consultant and Police Chief and the Child Abuse Investigation.

Also thanks to Bob Jersey is no longer the only place in the British Isles not to have a Police Voluntary Visitor Scheme.

We are all aware of Bob’s exploits on his bike, but it should also be recalled that he instigated the annual inter island States Member’s cricket match which he not only organises but also plays and under his captaincy Jersey has again retained the cup this year.

Mr Connétable, ladies and gentleman St Martin’s is fortunate to have an outstanding Parish Deputy with a proven track record, he is very fit and well able to continue to serve our Parish and I have the pleasure and privilege of proposing his nomination.

In accordance with Article 8 sub paragraph 2 of States of Jersey Law, I declare that Bob has no convictions, not even for speeding on his old bike.