Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto.

I am Bernie Manning, born in St. Helier where I have lived for most of my life. Some of you may know me as the Chairman of the Millennium Town Park group or from the Honorary Police. I’m also an active member of the community who regularly attends most parish assemblies.

I am committed to working towards a vibrant, safe and pleasant town for residents and visitors alike, and a fair, prosperous, caring and sustainable future.

An active member of the local community and no newcomer to politics, I feel there are many issues that need to be addressed; such as sustainable population, GST and parking in St. Helier.

I’m not in favour of the Goods and Services Tax but until we find an alternative revenue GST will probably need to stay. I would like to see GST removed from essential items such as food as soon as possible.

The lack of parking in St. Helier is causing difficulties for visitors and residents of St. Helier and needs urgent attention.

The states should help to make the dream of homeownership become a reality for as many as possible. We need greater access to affordable accommodation; this may involve developing further home ownership schemes to help get people onto the housing ladder. The problem is not only for those at the bottom of the property ladder, but also for the older population who would prefer various forms of sheltered housing, would free up much-needed housing for young families.

We should introduce work permits to help maintain a sustainable population. Past and present failures to meet policy guidelines have been the result of insufficient controls and measures. However, population control should not be exercised in a way that jeopardises the health of our economy on which the island’s social policies depend.

My politics are not about left versus right. I believe politicians need to work together for the benefit of St. Helier and the Island no matter what their political persuasion. If I’m elected, parishioners of St. Helier will have someone who has the experience and knowledge to deal with the complex issues our States members are expected to deal with.

Past and Present Community Roles:

Current roles:

  • Member – St. Helier Roads committee
  • Member – St. Helier Accounts committee
  • Chairman – Millennium Town Park group
  • Chairman – Variety Sailing Trust
  • St. Helier Youth and Community committee
  • Vice Chairman – St. Helier and Funchal Geminicao
  • Founder – Jersey Soul Club
  • Varity the Children’s Charity Committee member

Past roles:

  • Honorary Police Office
  • Chairman – St. Helier Retail Group
  • Vice President – Jersey Federation of Small Businesses
  • Chairman – Retail Training Network

This is just an outline of my policies which I cover in my manifesto and in greater detail on my website.