In 2005 I was elected as the only Deputy on Jersey’s first Council of Ministers, with a reputation for comprehensive research and straight talking.
As Minister for Transport and Technical Services (formerly Public Works) I had responsibility for the operational side of the Island’s government and I am happy to stand by my track record.
My primary brief was the commissioning of the Energy from Waste plant which – for two decades – was Jersey’s largest capital project at around £110 Million.
I orchestrated our major road resurfacing scheme, which still continues and created efficiencies in the bus (Connex) and rank taxi services. For clarification, I supervised Victoria Avenue Phase One maintenance, but I was no longer Minister for construction of the subsequent Westbound “bendy sections”.
A favourite improvement was the introduction of numerous “Beach showers” and I was the political driver behind the Heritage Holiday Lets, which allowed stays in historical structures such as Barge Aground, Corbiere Radio Tower, Fort Leicester and Seymour Tower. Heritage Lets currently makes over £150,000 per year, which helpfully contributes to my previous six years as a States Member.
Although I have an Honours degree in Law, I switched my career path to print, radio and television journalism at local, national and international level. Commencing with Channel TV, I moved to England and worked for Sky, London Radio, ITN World News, CNBC Business News and Euronews (based in Lyon, France) across all levels of production.
I recently highlighted the contamination by Perflouroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our Island’s drinking water and, after years of complacency, this matter is now being taken seriously. Sadly, our government insists on describing our tap water as “safe”, when the evidence suggests otherwise. Jersey Water’s PFAS pollution level comes in below international guidelines – which does not make our water safe, it simply renders it legal. Few people know the full extent of Jersey’s PFAS pollution, but I understand that it is in all the Island’s streams and may impact agricultural land.
I am additionally concerned over the manner in which we treat Jersey’s elderly residents having had experience as a domestic carer. It is clear that there are insufficient care homes in the Island and other provisions, such as “respite care” are under pressure. This is just one of dozens of local issues that need addressing. I intend to pursue those topics over the duration of the hustings meetings.
As a supporter of the “All Island Vote” I am delighted to offer myself as a candidate for Senator and I would ask for one of your 9 available votes if you would like to elect someone with significant experience – “who knows what they are doing”!
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Hardin Vasel
- Andrew Hollingsworth
- Tony Le Tiec
- John Antony Le Signe
- James Ling
- Terence Partick Gueno
- Adam Freeman
- Seb Oliver
- Harry James Meacham
- William King