I am standing in the election to be one of the Deputies of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter. After 40 years in the island’s finance industry and then serving as a Senior Investigator at the Law Officers’ Department, I can bring experience and common sense into government. My reason for standing is a desire to represent those who are for the most part the silent majority.
I live with my partner Maggie and our muddy golden retriever, Loki. My two children, love Jersey’s natural beauty but say the island no longer feels as vibrant as it once did. Global events such as COVID-19 and the Ukraine war are beyond our control, but prudent government is not. Ever since the taxation shift to 0/10 and the promise that “20 means 20,” (which is really 21.5% plus GST) there has been a dramatic increase in government expenditure, without any noticeable increase in either productive output or quality.
Until government reduces the tax burden for most islanders to below 20%, many will continue to struggle. Our economy needs a boost from people being able to afford more than the basics — and that requires government to take a four year slimming course of both scope and spending.
My plan is to re‑energise Jersey by creating a Healthy Jersey, built on four pillars:
- Healthy Finances
Government must live within its means and reduce its grip on the economy. Services should be delivered efficiently and joined‑up. A cultural shift is essential: accountability, pride in public service and cross‑department cooperation. The hospital saga shows the cost of indecision. With finances stabilised, we can build the hospital with a clear conscience and reduce the tax burden.
- Healthy Economy
Regulation must be proportionate to a 9×5 island. We should “Think Local. Act Local.” and avoid importing unnecessary UK rules. Businesses need space to thrive, not more red tape. Tourism needs joined‑up thinking — transport, hospitality, heritage, natural attractions and local produce must be aligned to rebuild a compelling visitor proposition.
- Healthy Land and Water
Agriculture needs revitalising to strengthen sustainable food resilience and underpin an agri-tourism offering.
The DFDS situation must be resolved pragmatically to restore reliable freight and travel links.
On PFAS, we must continue the informed debate on acceptable levels and the cost of achieving them.
- Healthy Population
We must finally build the Acute Hospital and train nurses and medics to run it. Physical activity in schools should instil lifelong healthy habits. Sports governance must be aligned so facilities serve the many.
Across all these issues, my approach is grounded in common sense, fiscal discipline and a belief that Jersey can once again be vibrant, confident and fit for the 2030s.
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Juliette Gallichan
- Gemma Lowe
- Patricia Clare Ione Morvan
- Ian David Slack
- Karen Ann Hall
- Graeme Peter Mourant
- Nathan Paul Beddoe
- Conrad Alexander Leighton Evans
- Kenneth William Syvret
- Paul James