I served as a police officer in Jersey for 29 years, followed by 15 years supporting the Scrutiny Panels. I also served as Vice President of the Civil Service trade union, Prospect Jersey. These roles have given me a strong understanding of how government works and how decisions affect everyday people.
I am standing as a candidate for St Clement because the cost of living in Jersey is clearly out of control. Household finances are under constant pressure, and even families with two incomes are struggling to make it to the next payday. For many, the idea of a secure and prosperous life now feels out of reach.
I was raised to believe that if you worked hard, you could build a future, own a home, support a family, and feel secure. That was the understanding, the covenant between the States of Jersey and its people. Today, that covenant is being broken. Too many hardworking people are finding themselves financially stretched at the end of every month, despite doing what should be considered good jobs.
A major issue is that wages have not kept pace with inflation. I support the Living Wage as a safeguard against poverty. I believe that the Living Wage should be made mandatory.
Housing is another critical challenge. Work has started on affordable housing through the work of Reform, however, there is still much work to be done. Many people cannot access mortgages, and even those who might qualify are unable to save for a deposit due to the high cost of rent, food, childcare, and other essentials.
In recent years, I have worked to support visiting workers in Jersey, particularly in hospitality. I have made presentations to Scrutiny Panels and worked with charities to help reform immigration policies that, in the past, left workers vulnerable to exploitation. Progress has been made, and more is underway, but there is still work to do to ensure fairness and dignity for all workers.
St Clement is a wonderful and vibrant parish, but it is already densely populated and heavily developed. Further large-scale development will only add pressure to our roads, services, and quality of life. It’s time to protect what we have. No more overdevelopment in St Clement.
I have lived as an ordinary working man all my life. It was not always easy when I was younger, but it was possible to get ahead. Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for many.
I believe we can improve everyday life in Jersey through cooperation and shared purpose. When politicians work together, real progress can be made. Reform Jersey stands for teamwork, accountability, and delivering results for the people.
It is time to turn the tide.
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Margaret Vuligwa Turner
- Colin George
- Max Dylan Turner
- John Andrew Searson
- Abigayle Searson
- Derek Achille Hairon
- Gertraud Maria Hairon
- Natalie Tara George
- Charlotte Louise Boyle
- Noah Alexander Jervis