CHILD ABUSE IN JERSEY.

PRESENT STATUS OF INVESTIGATION

AT HAUT DE LA GARENNE.

A Statement by the States of Jersey Police Force.

Read it below this post.

After the mildly entertaining diversions of the last blog post, we need to return to more serious matters.

As many of you will have seen, determined attempts to rubbish and undermine the present police investigation, and to undermine Lenny Harper in particular, have been made by the Jersey establishment and its allies in Whitehall and the UK press.

Newspapers like the Daily Mail – and an attendant small grouping of journalist child-abuse deniers – who appear to have carved-out a profitable little contrarian niche for themselves - have been attacking the investigation.

In Jersey itself the attacks have been remorseless.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Frank Walker delivered a speech on Liberation Day – Jersey’s national holiday – in which he attacked the investigation, abuse survivors and people like me who have supported them.

Even more extraordinarily – the head of the island’s judiciary – Jersey’s chief judge – the ‘Bailiff’ Sir Philip Bailhache – made a speech on the same day.

A speech which was even more extremist, ignorant, stupid and perverse that that delivered by Frank Walker.

You think I exaggerate?

Let’s consider a couple of quotes from Phil’s speech. He said:

“Yet many journalists continue to write about the Island’s so called child abuse
scandal.”

So the message from this man to all Jersey child abuse survivors is - that it is merely a “so-called child abuse scandal.”

He went on to say – and you couldn’t make this up - :

“All child abuse, wherever it happens, is scandalous, but it is the unjustified and remorseless denigration of Jersey and her people that is the real scandal.”

You’re a thinking, compassionate, decent person?

Ask yourself – which is the “real” scandal – child abuse – or exposing child abuse?

One really doesn’t need to be a colossus of ethics and philosophy to arrive at the correct answer to that question.

But what is – by some margin – the most horrifying feature of Phil’s speech is that this man is the chief Judge of Jersey’s judiciary – and, crucially, the person who will appoint any other judges who may be co-opted into hearing any of the cases – civil or criminal.

Tell me – just how long ago was it that most respectable, democratic societies realised – and ensured – that the judiciary had to be a completely impartial arbiter of facts and interpreter of laws?

Quite a long time ago I think you’ll find.

The judiciary – the courts – are supposed to be the crucial check and balance on executive power. Yet here in Jersey we have both a prosecution service and a judiciary so crazed with megalomania and arrogance – that they will intervene politically in a matter as profoundly disgusting as the Jersey child abuse disaster in a clear attempt to defend the Jersey oligarchy.

And this attitude – this politicisation – this naked bias – this unlawful hi-jacking of the good name of the Crown – would have been crushed in the UK a hundred years ago – had any of the judiciary – even then – had the sheer stupidity and ignorance to have conducted themselves in this way.

And in case you’re not aware of this fact – the UK authorities in London do – oh yes they do – have legal, constitutional and foreign policy locus standi and power – and are actually obliged - to directly intervene in such a breakdown in the good administration of justice – as we are seeing in well-documented form in Jersey now.

Now – what response, do you think, we’re getting from “New Labour”?

From the politician with the above-described duties and powers – Jack Straw MP?

We are getting nothing but pro-Jersey oligarchy obstructions and interferences from Straw’s minions.

It is as though they actually like our collection of shysters and spivs – and actively want to support them.

But thinking about it – what can we expect of a government that has engaged in a manifestly illegal – un-winnable – and murderous war against the people of Iraq?

Jack Straw voted in favour of that madness – so we can't really be surprised that he would want to assist and support the Jersey oligarchy in its desperate efforts to carry on concealing appalling child abuse.

It’s pretty much what we would expect from this Labour government.

Straw’s position really is literally incredible. It is not as though my constituents are seeking anything radical, revolutionary or extreme.

All they – and I on their behalf – are seeking is a completely non-conflicted, de-politicised and neutral prosecution service – and an equally objective judiciary.

One which could be relied upon to come to objective decisions – without giving a damn how those decisions may look for the government.

France and America had such effective checks and balances in place over 200 years ago – yet here in Jersey, those of us who seek similar safeguards are labelled “political extremists”.

Let us hope the Jersey victims can get support to take Straw to Court in London to seek a judicial review of his handling of the Jersey child abuse disaster.

But returning to the Jersey authorities – as though more evidence were needed of their stupidity, culpability and ignorance - what, then, are we to make of the “confidential” e-mail written by Jimmy Perchard – Assistant Minister for Health & Social Services, with direct responsibility for child protection – to Frank Walker?

The e-mail in which he makes an astonishing attack on the States of Jersey Police and Lenny Harper, and his boss, Graham Power, in particular.

Let us have a read of Jimmy – 'child-protection' – Perchard’s e-mail attack on the Police investigation into child abuse.

And remember when you’re reading this – Jimmy Perchard - and his political boss, Ben Shenton – are THE politicians with responsibility for child protection in Jersey.

And, by the way, unlike me – he had a very expensive education – and he wasn’t taught by Mike Vibert – so he can have no excuse for his illiteracy; me? I’m just a victim of my environment.

But seriously – remember as you read this – this is THE politician with responsibility for child protection. And then try – though it certainly takes an un-achievable leap of the imagination – to think of any functioning, respectable society where you would find THE politicians with responsibility for child protection – pro-actively attacking an investigation into child abuse?

I know – God, do I know – what a number of the present survivors think of it.

Christ knows what any little victims of today will think of it – when they come to know of it – as they most certainly will.


E-mail from Jersey Health & Social Services Assistant Minister – with special responsibility for child protection – Jimmy Perchard to Jersey Chief Minister Frank Walker:

From: James Perchard [mailto:jl.perchard@jerseymail.co.uk]
Sent: 26 May 2008 06:44
To: 'Frank Walker'
Cc: B.Ogley@gov.je; editorial@jerseyeveningpost.com; 'Ben Queree'; broadcast@channeltv.co.uk; news@channel103.com; newsroom@guernsey-press.com; Christie Tucker; Denzil Dudley
Subject:

Dear Frank,
I request that you immediately arrange for an INDERPENDANT investigation be held into my claim that either the States of Jersey Chief of Police or his Deputy knowingly misinformed me and others regarding the alleged find in late February at Haut de la Garenne of so called “human remains”?
Either the States of Jersey Police Chief or his Deputy knowingly lied to me and others - a fact that can be effortlessly confirmed by noting the dates and content of emails and correspondence from the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit to the States of Jersey Police and the 5th May email sent to me from the Chief of Police.
I consider it unacceptable that the Police should make wild unsubstantiated claims and peddle untruths in an effort to deceive the people of Jersey and their elected representatives.
I trust that you will be arranging that an investigation be held immediately. An investigation which I confidently predict will prove that a senior officer from the States of Jersey Police knowing deceived me and the people of Jersey and I request that appropriate action be taken thereafter.
Best
JimP
Senator James L Perchard

So there we have the prime concerns of the Social Services Assistant Minister – laid out in all their appalling and horrifying stupidity.

Should anyone think I’m being excessive in bringing a vote of no-confidence in this Council of Ministers – just reflect on the above statement to Big Frank from Jimmy Perchard.

Meanwhile – to regain touch with reality and decency – read the Police statement on their investigation which I reproduce below.
Stuart.

Statement by States of Jersey Police Force
In Respect of Current Investigation of
Historic Child Abuse at
Haut De La Garenne.

Senior Investigating Officer. Deputy Chief Officer Lenny Harper
Deputy Senior Investigating Officer. Detective Inspector Alison Fossey
Forensic Services Manager. Mrs Vicky Coupland
PolSA Inspector: Alan Guy
LGC Forensics Team Manager Miss Julie Roberts
Forensic Canine Search Consultant: Mr Martin Grime

HISTORIC ABUSE ENQUIRY - HAUT DE LA GARENNE PHASE PRESS SUMMARY

S.I.O. INTRODUCTION

In April 2006 States of Jersey Police became concerned at the number of carers who were being accused of involvement in offences concerning the abuse of children. This was particularly highlighted when the commanding officer of the Jersey Sea Cadets was arrested for downloading pornographic images including some involving sea cadets. The attitude of the Sea Cadet authorities of that time caused great concern. Accordingly, police began to examine a number of previous cases and during this review were continually referred to abuse which had allegedly taken place at Haut de La Garenne. This covert phase of the enquiry went on until November 2007 when the investigation was made public. Because of the concerns of victims about any involvement of the Jersey caring agencies it was decided to seek the assistance of the NSPCC in London. Within a week seventy victims had come forward, most detailing abuse at HDLG.

Among the victims were a few who said that children had been dragged from their beds at night screaming and had then disappeared. Two others said they had knowledge of human remains at the location but were not specific. A local advocate also came to police and said he had a client who knew there were human remains buried at the home. The collation of numerous complaints of both sexual and violent abuse of children led to the decision being made to enter the home to carry out a screening search for human remains and evidence in support of the allegations of abuse. The advice and assistance of the NPIA in the deployment of UK specialists was secured.

The abuse enquiry parameters are presently set at events that took place from the mid 1940’s to 1990.

HAUT DE LA GARENNE

Haut De La Garenne was built in 1866 as a privately run home and industrial school for destitute and orphaned children of the Jersey population.

In 1900 the name of the property was changed to the Jersey Home for Boys.
In 1953 the Education Committee took responsibility for the home renaming it Haut De La Garenne when it became a mixed home in 1960.

With the appointment of a Children’s Officer in 1970, the number of children in care gradually dropped in numbers and by 1983 HDLG ceased to be used for the purpose it was built.

The building and grounds were then administered by the Public Services Committee during which time it was used as the set for a BBC television series ‘ Bergerac’.
In 1970, Aviemore, a new two storey wing was built to the western part of the site which was used principally for staff accommodation. In recent times this building has been adapted to provide respite care for children.

In 1992 the Department of Property Services took over administration of the site from public services. Until 1999 the building was used to accommodate visiting groups requiring low cost accommodation.

In 2003 an extensive refurbishment of the building was completed and since that time has been administered by the Youth Hostel association as an accommodation and activity centre.

The building is of granite stone construction with four main wings, north, south, east and west which form a central courtyard. The grounds and building occupy an area of approximately 220 m X 130 m. Hedgerows bound the perimeter fields, playing fields and open areas.

The building was originally built on several levels. The north wing being two storeys, the south wing as two storeys with the west and east as two storeys except for the southernmost ends which were only one storey.

Several major renovations throughout its history included the addition of two further floor levels to the southern ends of the west and east wings.
In 1925 the east wing was converted to two main floors leaving the ground floor enclosed as ‘cellars’.

Archaeological excavation has revealed five stages of historical groundwork:

1. Victorian
2. Early 1900’s
3. 1940-1950 (Including German wartime occupation)
4. 1960-1980
5. 2003

These staged renovations have been identified from archive planning so as to prioritise areas of search and identify precise locations of relevant to this enquiry.

TASKING, STRATEGY AND DEPLOYMENT

On 5/2/08 a briefing was held at LGC Forensics Oxford Chaired by the SIO Deputy Chief Officer Lenny Harper, States of Jersey Police. Mrs Vicky Coupland the SOJP Forensic Services Manager was also present.

In addition to the briefing a document was distributed which had been prepared by Karl Harrison, lead scientist LGC Forensics. This document was a desk based study of the “Haut de la Garenne grounds, and identified potential areas of interest to the investigation.

Martin Grime of The Forensic Canine Search Consultancy produced a canine deployment brief encompassing the entire site to maximise assurity. The canine assets would be deployed both in a wide area screening and detailed search capacity.

On 19 February 2008 the “Haut de la Garenne” site was visited by a reconnaissance party including States of Jersey Police SIO and Forensic Services Manager, NPIA homicide search advisors, FCSC canine search advisor and LGC Forensics staff representing forensic archaeology and anthropology.

SEARCH

• The search of HDLG employed numerous complementary assets that were deployed as required. The systematic approach was adapted to produce high assurity in any possible scenario including sub-surface deposition, dismemberment and destruction by fire. It must be stressed however that there was no direct evidence of homicide at that time and the search was to include the collation of evidence of both sexual and violent abuse.
• The assets were deployed in a logical and systematic manner applying best value and best practice guidelines.
• The canine assets were deployed in the first instance in a wide area screening search to contact role prior to detail targeting.
• Geophysical and Ground Penetrating Radar assets were deployed to identify anomalous areas for further investigation by other assets.
• Gridded probing techniques of identified anomalies allowed the canine assets easier access to sub surface scent.
• Forensic and archaeological assets were deployed upon the reaction of the canine assets, GPR anomaly and/or when anecdotal witness evidence applied.
• Forensic assets were deployed to secure evidence of sexual and violent abuse within crime scenes declared upon canine reaction and anecdotal witness testimony.
• The human blood search dog was deployed in a detailed close supervision search role within declared crime scenes to locate human blood deposits that may be explained at a later date as being accidental or suspicious.

The system of deployment was recorded in the Standard Operating Procedures and policy documents. The policies and procedures were applied consistently throughout the search to conclusion.

CANINE SEARCH

The Enhanced Victim Recovery Dog (EVRD) ‘Eddie’ was deployed in a wide area screening capacity within the outer boundaries of the HDLG with no alert indications or behaviour changes evident. The search was recorded via GPS data logging equipment attached to the dog’s collar to ensure complete area coverage.

Geophysical anomalies identified by other assets, were probed and subjected to EVRD screening. No alert indications were forthcoming.

A large amount of animal bone historically deposited in the grounds of HDLG as refuse was ignored.

The EVRD was deployed tactically within the ground floor of the premises where a continuing alert indication of varying strength was given in the western aspect. The weakest being in the south-western corridor, the strongest and most significant being in the north-western stairwell.

The reactions of the dog are explained as scent travelling through ‘chimneys’ such as conduit, electric cable ducting, which transects from the north west stairwell along the western corridor in a southerly direction.

Anecdotal witness evidence was suggestive of juvenile human bones being recovered from the area of the north-western stairwell during recent building renovations in 2003.

Human remains deposited within the ground in that area would contaminate the ground, and any porous material within it. The dog’s reactions were therefore consistent with this scenario. The area was therefore subjected to intrusive archaeological excavation.

A fragment of what the forensic anthropologist describes as being possibly human juvenile skull was recovered from within a Victorian context of the excavation. The fragment was shipped to the U.K. for confirmation of substance, species, carbon dating and DNA testing. The laboratory conducting the analysis reported confused and conflicting findings therefore no conclusion is available at this time. Other burnt bone fragments were also recovered from the context within this area. The dating of the context is Victorian, outside the time spectrum of a homicide enquiry at this time.

The EVRD gave a number of alert indications in the eastern wing of the building. Holes were drilled through the 3 inch thick wooden / insulated clad flooring to allow the dog scent access to the voids below. He identified areas of interest which supported anecdotal witness evidence. This prompted the complete removal of the flooring in 2/3 of the east wing.

Removal of the flooring revealed the original ground floor of the building including a large brick and rendered bath, original sinks and toilet area. Renovations had enclosed the areas below the modern flooring which resembled ‘cellars’.

The EVRD was again deployed in a detailed search of these areas. Alert indications were forthcoming which, where appropriate, were confirmed using ‘Keela, the human blood search dog.

The EVRD alert indications were confirmed by intrusive archaeological excavation and sieving. A significant number of bone fragments and teeth have been recovered which have been corroborated as human both macroscopically and microscopically. The remains are at the present time undergoing forensic testing including carbon dating procedures. We have received various dating indicators which require clarification.

Three indications by the human blood search dog were given in cellar one which, when subjected to presumptive testing, proved positive.

Two indications by the human blood search dog were given in the cellar entrance hall which when subjected to presumptive testing proved positive.

The EVRD provided alert indications in support of the human blood search dog.

Forensic samples were recovered and conveyed to the UK for further testing.

Other deployments of the EVRD were based upon the blind screening of soil samples and other areas from which suggestive intelligence is supported:

The EVRD was deployed to screen soil samples from certain contexts of archaeological excavation. A positive reaction was forthcoming from a context where it is reported possible human remains were uncovered and removed by builders in the area of the main electric feed in the north-western wing. There is some witness evidence to suggest that these remains were also human juvenile. Although the remains were examined by a pathologist they were not positively species identified. In fact the pathologists report lists at least one bone that was ‘UNIDENTIFIED’. Measurements of the bones would tend to suggest that they would have been consistent with being juvenile human.

It is important to note that a substantial amount of animal bone has been recovered from the site as a whole. The EVRD has ignored all such material whilst alerting to confirmed human remains. This tends to support the scenario above.

Both the EVRD and Human blood search dog are presumptive screening assets. Any alert indications must be forensically corroborated to be conclusive.

FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENTIST DEPLOYMENT

A team of archaeologists and anthropologists from LGC Forensics under the supervision of Miss Julie Roberts were deployed to excavate areas of interest identified by search assets, geophysical survey or anecdotal witness evidence.

All anomalies and areas of interest were intrusively investigated to conclusion.

The spoil from contextual hand trowel excavation, cellar floors and other anomalies was sieved by hand or with the use of mechanical device. (100 tons plus).

Comprehensive records of excavation were completed including the approximate date of context and exhibits recovered. Items of interest include;

• Fragment of possibly human juvenile skull recovered from within a Victorian context of the excavation of north-western stairwell.
• Burnt bone (pending species identification) from the context at the north-western stairwell
• Burnt fabric and toys from anomalies within the grounds.
• Lime at the base of a large hole that had been dug previously and reinstated for no apparent reason.
• Human deciduous teeth from cellars three and four (sieving)
• Human burnt bone from cellar 4.
• Human bone from cellar 3
• Human deciduous tooth from water cistern (sieving)

In addition, numerous bones were discovered within the search area both through excavation of anomalies and when investigating anecdotal accounts of previous finds by witnesses. These were identified by the resident anthropologist as being of animal origin.

Detailed archaeological analysis of the building and its structure, in conjunction with archive plans, has provided time lines for historical renovations within the building.

POLICE SEARCH TEAM

Police search teams under the direct supervision of a PolSA Inspector Alan Guy were tasked to search the north and east banking of the southernmost field to HDLG (boundary to search areas 4,5&7). The search was conducted with the aid of mechanical earth moving equipment.

The banking had been identified by witness testimony concerning the deposition of bones the origin of which was not known whether to be animal or human.
A large amount of bone was recovered and examined by the on site forensic anthropologist. The bone was identified as animal.

Clothing was recovered and has been retained whilst the investigation continues.
The team was also deployed to conduct a search of the attic within the confines of the building.

FORENSIC EXAMINATION

The States of Jersey Police forensic examiners with the aid of UK based personnel provided the following services:

• Mrs Coupland, the States of Jersey Forensic Services Manager provided day to day management of the search venue and supervision of forensic scene examination.
• Provision of multiple scene management.
• Provision of multiple scene examination.
• Provision of photographic support.
• Provision of exhibit management at HDLG.

Six crime scenes were declared in relation to the abuse enquiry and identified as cellars 1-5 and the cellar entrance hall.

All scenes were subjected to meticulous examination.

• Floor joists taped to recover hair, fibre and skin cells.
• Floor joists and floor boards subjected to chemical treatment to identify and recover fingerprints.
• Walls taped to recover hair, fibre and skin cells.
• Light source search including quasar.
• Ultra violet light search.
• Floor swept using gridding system.
• Items of interest recovered and exhibited.
• Sweepings sieved.
• Human blood search dog screening.
• Chemically treated (Luminol) to highlight areas of interest for further testing.

GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY

Gradiometer and Resistivity techniques were carried out at 7 different locations within the grounds of Haut de La Garenne in order to detect likely remains indicating clandestine burials. Two areas were chosen for control purposes (Test Pits 3 and 7) to determine the underlying responses from the soils and geology of the area. These were located in the north east corner and southernmost point on the promontory respectively of the site.

The results indicated some significant anomalies possibly representing pit-like features (F1, F2, F3, and F6-8). The majority proved to be of recent origin and associated with rose bed planting immediately to the south of the house. Other anomalies indicated modern services or features of geological/natural origin.

Ground Penetrating radar was deployed on two separate occasions within the grounds and the interior of HDLG. Detachments from HOSDB and 58 Squadron Royal Engineers identified a number of anomalies both within the grounds and the interior of the building.

The anomalies were numbered and their locations plotted on building plans and site maps. Although some could be explained as pipe trenches and known features identified by witness testimony, unexplained anomalies were subjected to screening with the EVRD and intrusive investigation by forensic archaeologists.

Finds of interest from identified anomalies are:

• Burnt bone (awaiting further examination)
• Burnt clothing
• Burnt toys
• Burnt bed sheets
• Coins (provided indication of dating of anomaly)

Of particular interest were anomalies that were identified by GPR, Geophysical survey and by witness account.

Approximately 20 years ago two large holes had been dug with the use of a mechanical digger at the request of staff at HDLG. The following day the staff caused the reinstatement of the ground without any explanation or obvious reason for the ground intrusion. These holes have since been excavated by the resident forensic archaeologists who discovered at the base of the hole hardcore and lime. Lime is a well known addition to deposition to aid the reduction of decomposition scent. Its inclusion in this scenario may be suggestive of suspicious activity although no human remains were found.

FORENSIC ANALYSIS

Remains identified by the resident forensic anthropologist Miss Julie Roberts as human, and items of interest to the enquiry, have been submitted for forensic analysis.

Laboratory confirmation of origin of teeth and bone as human has prompted further testing.

We are presently awaiting various test results from carbon dating and DNA analysis etc to try and confirm identity, age of victim and date of demise.

The number of victims and cause of death are not currently known but the prevailing information would suggest that the circumstances are suspicious at this time.

SUMMARY

To date the meticulous search of Haut De La Garenne has produced supportive evidence to the abuse enquiry and suggestive evidence that the remains of at least one child are present within the structure of the building.

In the past few days there has been some controversy over the origin of one of the exhibits recovered from the north western stairwell. Despite the media suggestion to the contary, the identity of this item has not been confirmed. The item has been excluded from the enquiry as it was recovered from a Victorian context within the ground.

Several fragments of bone recovered from cellars 3 and 4 have been confirmed as being of human origin.

Other bone fragments suspected as being of human origin are yet to be examined.

Several teeth recovered from cellars 3 & 4have been confirmed as being of human origin and are in the process of forensic examination.

The SIO has stated that the results of all forensic testing will be completed prior to any release of information with regard to a homicide enquiry at this time.

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

Big Frank & Co -

You are the weakest link.

So, the people have spoken.

In my blog post of the 20th May I added a polling widget and asked the question ‘should Frank Walker face a vote of no-confidence?’ And notwithstanding several failed attempts to fiddle the poll – including by me, just in the interests of experimentation you understand – the Blogger poll seems to have been very robust.

So – what’s the verdict?

A total of 530 people voted.

There were 470 in favour of the proposition.

And there were 60 against.

Oh dear.

Doesn’t look too good for Frank & Co, does it?

And it is increasingly clear that the Jersey oligarchy know that the game is up.

Before going on to provide a snap-shot of the Jersey political situation, I’ll take a moment to examine our statistics.

88.68% of people voted in favour of the proposition against Frank.

That’s a pretty decisive margin – but how reliable is it?

Taking the 88.68% vote we can be 95% confident that the underlying population estimate – that being an extrapolation of opinion to the population as a whole – has a confidence interval between 86% and 91%.

Now – let us not make like politicians with our statistics. Readers of this blog expect honesty.

These poll figures could be utter crap.

There are several reasons why the figures might not be accurate. For example, it could be argued that the people who read my blog regularly would be heavily biased against Frank.

Questions could also be raised as to how many of the voters were based in Jersey?

Not that this point is of any consequence, as I – as I hope would most readers of this blog – regard myself as a citizen of the world. I would, for example, certainly use an opportunity to vote on a question posited in the USA to the effect: “Should Americans stop electing retards as Presidents?”

It could also be argued that the sample of opinion represented by the vote was ‘self-selecting’.

Nevertheless – it would be unwise to discount our poll. Not least because – as anyone even faintly familiar with the grass-roots opinions of Jersey people will tell you – 88% of the population wanting to be rid of Frank & Co. is about the right figure when assessed against word-of-mouth opinions.

So – a vote of no-confidence it is then.

I should get the report and proposition tabled sometime next week.

The procedures of the assembly – its standing orders – require that such a vote is tabled against the Chief Minister or the Council of Ministers as a whole.

Although this means that one must choose one target - or the other – in practice the different wording would produce the same effect. If a no-confidence vote were to succeed against Big Frank – the whole Council of Ministers falls. And, obviously, if the vote were to be carried against the Council- it falls – along with Walker.

So which wording to choose? Ah - decisions, decisions.

Actually – it isn’t a particularly taxing question.

The vote will be targeted against the Council of Ministers as a whole.

Why?

Because pretty much all of them deserve it.

And this is an important point – the no-confidence vote will not focus only on their catastrophic handling of the Jersey child abuse disaster – although, clearly, that will be an element.

It will focus upon the generality of the performance of this Council - and on the individual performances of the specific Ministers.

Pretty much all of which have been deficient – to a lesser or greater extent.

I won’t bore you with the details of these deficiencies right now – that can wait until the debate.

But what is the general diagnosis, right now, so far as the political landscape in Jersey is concerned?

Firstly – the reputation, standing and “popularity” of the political establishment of Jersey has never been lower.

Politicians in general are never popular at the best of times. But in Jersey today the political classes are beset with woes – most of them of their own making.

Let’s consider just a few.

There is, of course, the Jersey child abuse disaster – or, to quote Phil Bailhache, the “so-called child abuse scandal”.

Got that? “So-called.” And remember – this man is head of the Jersey judiciary – the judiciary which – in theory – will be dealing with all criminal and civil legal matters arising from this episode.

The vast majority of the clear and unambiguous child abuses – and gross failings of the system are historic. But not all.

And it is the handling of this issue and the response by the Jersey authorities to it which has been so catastrophically disastrous as to be beyond parody.

But as I said – it isn’t only the child abuse disaster which has finally caught up with the Jersey oligarchy.

The consequences of at least three decades of misrule are so numerous as to require a book to itemise. But just to briefly describe some of the problems.

Jersey has a cost-base at least equal to that of central London.

Over 10% of the population live in relative poverty according to EU definitions.

This is in an island which possesses the second-highest GDP per capita in Europe. A rich community then, at first glance. But one in which wealth distribution is appallingly deficient – to an extent that would make Margaret Thatcher’s Britain appear positively socialist by comparison.

Even a majority of ordinary people above that poverty threshold struggle desperately to make ends meet here.

The cost of the average family starter-home is now – astonishingly – over £500,000.

Our economy is essentially a mono-economy – with at least 80% of our GDP arising from the off-shore finance sector. We are, therefore, immensely vulnerable to economic melt-down.

Jersey’s ‘strategic reserve’ - our equivalent to a Sovereign Wealth Fund – if one could describe it as such – is not even equivalent to one year’s public sector expenditure.

We are burdened with manifestly un-payable pension scheme debts, running to hundreds of millions of pounds.

To the anger of most of the population we are still destroying the island’s environment with over-development.

And then we come to taxation. Where to begin?

The Jersey oligarchy has introduced a range of radical changes to the islands’ tax system; this as a result of EU pressure.

But – hey! Wouldn’t you know it – the changes brought in just so happen – by remarkable co-incidence – to make tax-dodging even easier for the local rich – like most States members now I come to mention it – and are even more regressive and burdensome upon ordinary people.

The flagship component of these policies being a Goods and Services Tax.

A tax not based upon the ability to pay – essentially, a kind of poll-tax which applies at full rate - even to such essentials as basic foodstuffs.

So, in pretty much every way, the anger of the public and the mood for change has never been greater.

The first round of Jersey’s general election is a mere five months away. These elections are – inevitably - going to be a night-of-the-long-knives as far as many existing members are concerned.

Any honest assessment of Jersey politics right now would have to conclude that at least two-thirds of the existing members are vulnerable to defeat.

Now, the average States member isn’t terribly bright. But as elections approach, a discernable animal survival instinct kicks-in. This is to be observed in the sudden welter of parliamentary questions, propositions and amendments from members who have been pretty somnolent for the previous two-and-a-half years.

Members who vanished days after getting elected - as inscrutably as Lord Lucan -suddenly reappear – manifested as radical and rebellious back-benchers.

But even this approach - clearly - isn’t going to save a number of them this time around, such is the public mood at present.

Now – against this already very grim backdrop – what do you think might be the worst conceivable – the most nightmarish – the most dreadful decision - the average member could be asked to make right now?

The vote in the island’s parliament that they would most hate to be confronted with?

The decision, the making of which causes them to wake at night in cold sweats?

Yep – you got it.

Who said politics isn’t fun?

The vote of no-confidence against Frank & his Council will be won by him, decisively; my proposition will be defeated.

But – Oh dear – those poor States members. For as well as already facing a metaphorical chain-sawing in the forthcoming elections in any event – they can now enter the political abattoir freighted with the terminal, crushing burden of having recently voted to keep in post the most hated political leader Jersey has ever had.

Doesn’t the prospect just give you a nice warm glow inside?

But setting aside the entertainment value – which one has to find in politics occasionally, or you’d go mad - there is a serious reason for proceeding in this way.

The condition of the polity in Jersey is even worse than one might imagine.

Even beset with a variety of profound and intractable problems as Jersey is – even having failed so publicly in something as fundamental as child protection – things are actually worse than this.

Even at times of crisis, politicians and governments strive to maintain the appearance of control; of governance; of actually having a grip on the destiny of the society they govern. Politics – especially in democratic societies – is a ‘confidence game’.

Every political leader knows that they must assume the cloak of authority, wisdom and serenity – no matter how cataclysmic the crisis erupting behind them.

The instant that façade of control is swept aside – the very moment the politicians are revealed to be thrashing around in blind panic – they’re finished.

So for all the confidence-man projections of people like Frank & Co – in reality a roiling mass of chaos underlies the veneer of good government.

And I will provide you with a striking and profound example of that at the end of this post.

I called this blog ‘Thoughts on the Microcosm’ because Jersey can be seen as just that – a microcosm of the industrialised world. And – as we all know – that world is imperilled in so many ways – just as is Jersey.

The great poet, W. B. Yeats wrote a poem ‘The Second Coming’ - from which I select a few lines here -

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,”

And –

“Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.”

And –

“And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?”

I’m not religious – but one doesn’t need to be.

The metaphor is striking.

“The centre cannot hold”.

It cannot hold in the industrialised world – and, with Jersey being ahead of the curve – it most certainly cannot hold here. Dispassionate observers might wish to watch Jersey – and take lessons from the errors, lack of wisdom, short-termism and hubris of its leaders.

Fascinatingly – even businessmen in Jersey can see this, to some extent, at least – and are profoundly worried.

Several of the people I know with serious business interests in Jersey have candidly said to me that Frank Walker is finished – that he should go – that he is an embarrassment to Jersey and a liability to its economy.

OK – the same people have also said to me they wouldn’t want me taking over in his place. But don’t worry boys – I wouldn’t touch it with the proverbial s**t house broom – now that all there is to assume responsibility for is a mangled heap of smoking wreckage.

But what is plain from these discussions is the degree of despair they feel when surveying the political landscape in Jersey – and trying to imagine who, from the conservative Right, could possibly take over?

They used to tremble in fear at the prospect of Phillip Ozouf becoming top-dog – a man who, in his rabid and juvenile market-fundamentalism could have been lifted straight from the Young Conservatives circa 1983.

But as is plain now – he has about as much chance of getting re-elected as Mike Vibert.

Which is to say – not a lot.

Terry Le Sueur, who will assume the mantel of Our Glorious Leader when Frank goes, is also seen as a profound liability. Deeply unpopular – and thus likely to foment even more political dissent amongst the usually quiescent Jersey population.

So who is left as possible candidates as Supreme Leader of the Jersey oligarchy?

There are the three up-and-coming Golden Boys of the Jersey establishment – Freddy Cohen, Ian Gorst and Alan MacLean.

Each three of these Jersey politicians comes with baggage – not least that when the next elections occur, they will have served only three years in office; not a great measure of experience or credibility, then.

Looking briefly at each:

Freddie Cohen has lost substantial amounts of popularity because of his decisions as Planning Minister – not to mention his predilection for Ozymandian over-development projects.

But being a shrewd operator, he is already laying the groundwork for his exit from Frank’s Council. During a TV interview just the other night, he said that if his master-plan for St. Helier’s Waterfront didn’t get approved by the States, he would resign as Minister.

Three birds with one stone.

He sheds the unpopular Planning portfolio – in order to attempt to rebuild some popularity; he gets out of a Council of Ministers which is manifestly in a state of utter chaos and disrepute – and he has an excuse to go - rather than being seen as a traitor to Frank.

Clever, no?

So what of Ian Gorst? A man palpably struggling to reconcile his supposed Christianity with his allegiance to the-devil-take-the-hindmost rabid materialism of Ozouf’s de facto political party – to which he is supposed to be loyal.

Then we have Alan – vote-for-me-for-GST-exemptions – MacLean; a man who made such a brazen betrayal of election promises as to be truly startling – even by Jersey standards. He is going to try his hand in the island-wide Senatorial election – in the hope that Jersey voters in general won’t notice his betrayal of his constituents in St. Helier number 2 district.

Perhaps, when writing his manifesto, he was gripped by a particularly severe form of the Orwellian parapraxia which seems to afflict Jersey politicians so frequently?

So there you have the Jersey establishment’s three Golden Boys.

Hardly confidence-inspiring is it?

So what, alas, do the money-men and oligarchs do to keep their show on the road?

You know – I’m really not sure there is anything to be done.

It had to happen sooner or later – after decades and decades of unopposed power – of greed – of shallow materialism – of naked self-interest – fate had to finally catch up with the Jersey oligarchy.

And so it has.

The Jersey establishment assert that my assessment of the present condition of politics here is exaggerated, over-blown and somehow extremist.

As I have so often in this blog, I invite readers to make their own assessment; come to their own conclusions.

I said earlier that I would supply you with a striking and profound example of the chaos – the dissolution – the “mere anarchy” - which Jersey politics has finally arrived at.

And I say – don’t take my word for it; think about this example – and judge for yourselves.

The Jersey Health & Social Services Minister, Senator Ben Shenton is the politician in Jersey with legal and political responsibly for child protection.

His assistant Minister, Senator Jimmy Perchard, has been given specific responsibility for Social Services – and its attendant child protection brief.

Both men have repeatedly – and pro-actively – and publicly - attacked the Police investigation into the Jersey child abuse disaster.

Now – ask yourselves a simple question:

In how many respectable democratic societies would you find THE politicians with political and legal responsibility for child protection – openly attacking a police investigation into child abuse?

You really just couldn’t make it up – tragically.

“Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold”.

Stuart.

THE VERDICT IS IN!

The people have spoken!

Read the analysis tomorrow.

But just to be going on with – consider:

530 votes.

470 ‘yes’.

60 ‘no’.

That’s 88.68% of those voting wanting to be rid of Big Frank.

So what happens next?

Watch this space.

Stuart.

LENNY HARPER:

CHAMPION OF ABUSE VICTIMS.

The rich and powerful try to smear him.

The Jersey police response to Daily Mail:

Read it below this post.

And give Mr. Harper your support.

Before going onto serious matters - remember Frank Walker. You can cast your vote in my poll. The question is just on the right here. It’s attracted over 300 votes so far.

Keep them coming.

Moving onto decidedly non-entertaining matters - you may have read in today’s Daily Mail – a Right-wing United Kingdom tabloid newspaper – an article which attempts to undermine and smear the Police Officer leading the Jersey child abuse enquiry, Lenny Harper.

In response to the publication of that article, the States of Jersey Police Force have issued a statement to all media.

I reproduce that statement in its entirety below this post.

It speaks for itself, so I won’t repeat its contents. Read it carefully – and compare and contrast it with the Daily Mail article.

Instead I would like us to have a think about why some individuals and organisations are clearly so indecently desperate to rubbish the investigation.

Jersey is, essentially, a single-party state. Imagine, if you will, a fiefdom – an extraordinarily wealthy place; an environment which serves extremely well as a piece of money-making apparatus for both its entrenched elites – and those who use Jersey.

Broadly, in fact, the kind of place which serves Daily Mail readers. The Mail, if not the most widely read national newspaper in Jersey, is certainly very close to being so.

The Mail has always been a Right-wing publication – indeed, at certain points in its history – extremely Right-wing – as I will explain later.

The Jersey establishment – for all that it’s a small grouping – is extraordinarily well-connected with the British establishment and the resultant levers of power. Indeed, the influence the Jersey oligarchy appears to wield seems – almost – inexplicable.

For example, the official representative of the United Kingdom authorities in Jersey is the “Lieutenant Governor” – ostensibly sent down here to represent the Crown – but in practice, reporting to the government in London.

Yet rather than do what they’re supposed to be doing – protecting the good name of the Crown by keeping a sceptical watching eye on the local oligarchs and shysters – they seem to arrive here as though their job description simply read: -

“To be immediately co-opted by the local spivs – and do all you can to enable and support them in maintaining their oppressions, exploitations and abuse of the great unwashed in Jersey.”

A former Lieutenant Governor, back in the 1990’s even infamously boasted of the fact, as he put it, that “Jersey has friends at Court at Whitehall.”

Of course - what he was actually saying was that the Jersey oligarchy “has friends at Court at Whitehall.”

Actually – the very opposite arrangement to the ordinary people of Jersey having such allies.

The present Lieutenant Governor - General Andrew Ridgway, CB, CBE – has been pro-actively supporting the Jersey establishment throughout the child abuse episode.

Even to the point of pro-actively attempting to smear me to third parties by saying words to the effect – “don’t have anything to do with Syvret; he’s merely emotionally abusing the victims for his own political ends.”

This is, of course, a brazen lie – but sadly the kind of thing I long grew used to in Jersey politics. But I wonder if Her Majesty knows what he and the Jersey Crown appointees are doing and saying in the name of the Crown?

You may recollect I wrote some time ago to Jack Straw, MP – the UK Justice Secretary - asking him to use his undoubted constitutional powers to require the good administration of justice in Jersey – it being as-plain-as-day that the entire Jersey prosecutory and judicial apparatus is hopelessly conflicted as far as the Jersey child abuse disaster is concerned.

But Ridgway & Co – and, naturally, the “Friends at Court at Whitehall” - have ridden to the rescue of the Jersey oligarchy – again – just like the 7th Cavalry. All I’ve had are absurd missives from one of Straw’s minions.

It is clear that Straw is not going to intervene – in which case the clear breakdown in the objective administration of justice in Jersey will continue unchecked.

Which is why we’re hoping to launch a legal action against him in London for a Judicial Review of his handling of the Jersey crisis. With luck we’ll get this off the ground in the next few weeks.

I don’t know – but I could hazard a pretty good guess – as to why the political authorities in the UK never dare to really get tough with the Jersey oligarchy.

No doubt more than a few senior political figures in the UK have made use of the island’s finance industry.

Let’s face it – there has to be some rational explanation as to why they would prefer to tolerate a justice system down here which is so conflicted and stagnant that a 15 year-old could point out its failings.

And of course – “New Labour” are in a little difficulty right now. And the Daily Mail has made it plain it now supports the Jersey establishment and its culture-of-concealment.

Now, the Daily Mail is not well-disposed towards the Labour party at the best of times – but with Labour in the process of crashing and burning – what chance of that party’s government taking the opposite position to such an influential newspaper?

Nil – of course.

But one has to ask – as with the Jersey Evening Post – whether the Daily Mail is worth courting – in any respectable sense?

As explained in previous posts, the JEP – or The Rag as it is colloquially known down here – spent the years of Nazi occupation during World War II churning out – extremely profitably – orders, propaganda and diktats on behalf of the Nazis.

A past it has strenuously avoided confronting.

A bit like the Daily Mail, actually.

What – we must wonder – would the approach of the Daily Mail been had Nazi forces occupied Britain?

We don’t have to wonder too hard.

The Daily ‘Heil’.

Lord Harold Rothermere, who took control of the paper when his brother died in 1922, became an enthusiastic supporter of Nazis and fascists.

Rothermere wrote an article, titled “Hurrah for the Blackshirts”, in early 1934 in support of Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists.

Mosley’s fascism – apparently – displaying a “sound, commonsense, Conservative doctrine”, according to Rothermere, who became a friend and supporter of both Hitler and Mussolini.

Rothemere even sent Hitler a telegram in October 1938 in support of Germany’s invasion of the Sudetenland in which he expressed the hope that “Adolf the Great” would become a popular figure in Britain.

The Daily Mail – or Daily ‘Heil’ as many Britains still call it – remained the only British newspaper to support Hitler and the Nazis. Quite extraordinarily – it maintained this stance right up until 1939 – only changing its allegiance when threatened with closure for treason.

These days, whilst preferring to keep silent about its embarrassing Nazi past, The Daily Heil still peddles a kind of low-grade crypto-fascism, with continuous attacks upon immigrants, gay people, gypsies and women.

Some things simply don’t require parody – the reality says it all.

In order to gauge where this paper is coming from – and just how seriously it can be taken – consider its contents.

Today’s edition of the Heil includes stories that peddle hatred against gay people who wish to reproduce, how to clone your dog – and a text-book example of the Daily Heil scare story. Did you know that women are going to simply re-produce “hybrids by the million”? And that men are to be “exterminated”?

No – I confess I hadn’t picked up on that either.

It also routinely includes a raft of undisguisedly misogynistic stories about women – including regular columns, the sole purpose of which appears to be the denigration of females – usually written by women, for appearances sake.

Turning to the article which attacks Lenny Harper, it contains a raft of inaccuracies.

Insofar as they concern Mr. Harper and the States of Jersey Police Force – I’ll let the Police statement below speak for itself.

But just to take a couple of the other inaccuracies. The article implies that people in Jersey are all pretty well-off, given that it has the second highest GDP per capita in Europe. What is not said is that distribution of this wealth is appalling, with 10% of the resident population living in relative poverty according to EU definitions.

The article goes on to say that the effect of the publicity has been “devastating” for the island’s economy. Err – no it hasn’t. There may have been some, very slight, impact on tourism – but the fact is that at least 80% of the island’s GDP comes from finance sector related activities. Not that the Jersey establishment will admit this degree of dependency.

The article, by Andrew Malone, is cleverly written. In fairness to the author – he does, at several points, emphasise that – even setting aside the possibility of murders – it is pretty clear that Jersey is, indeed, facing a child abuse scandal of profound seriousness and scale.

He correctly reports some of the details of the abuse disaster.

But there is no escaping from the fact that the over-arching purpose of the article – and certainly the manner in which it was sub-edited and headlined – was to expressly attempt to undermine Lenny Harper.

And knowing just how well-connected the Jersey establishment is – I don’t think we need wonder too long as to why the Daily Heil should have adopted this approach.

Let me explain the truth; the reason why the Jersey establishment and its UK allies have decided they have to attempt to bring down Harper.

As I have written in previous posts, I had concluded early last year – through my own investigations – that Jersey was concealing a catastrophic cultural failure in its child protection systems. No suggestions of child deaths had been made to me – but, frankly, they didn’t need to be.

It was plain, on the evidence, that the abuse disaster was horrifying enough in itself.

The ordinary people of Jersey form a very good community. It is a beautiful island, and - in the main – a good place to live. But we must not be blinded to the defects which the Jersey child abuse disaster has exposed.

I am a Jerseyman of very ancient pedigree. I know this island extremely well. I know what is good about it – but I also know what is not good about it.

What is not good is the near-total stagnation of the upper-reaches of public administration in the island; the profoundly unhealthy overlap between the legislature and the judiciary; the monopoly of power held by the local oligarchy – and the near-complete breakdown of effective checks and balances.

How bad is that breakdown?

It pains me to say this, being a Jerseyman, but the clear – and awful truth is this:

None of these investigations would be taking place if the present leadership of the Jersey police force was ‘indigenous’.

As the Mail article itself acknowledges – there have been decades of concealment of the most foul and monstrous child abuses.

Do we really need to pose the questions: “why have those atrocities been concealed for that huge period of time? Why are they being exposed only now – in the 21st century?”

If the Jersey establishment were capable of properly regulating itself – it would have done so – a long time ago.

Instead – it has taken brave men like Lenny Harper – men from outside of Jersey - to expose the truth.
The Jersey oligarchy knows this.

This is why they have to attempt to destroy him.

Anyone concerned with the welfare and protection of children – and exposing the abuses of the past – should fight back against these attacks.

Mr Harper deserves our support and gratitude.

Stuart.


Statement Issued by the States of Jersey Police Force.

“Lenny Harper, the Deputy Chief Officer of this force and the Senior Investigating Officer of the Historical Abuse Enquiry, does not want to enter into any exchange of allegations and counter allegations which would deflect attention from the investigation he is currently focused on and which involves allegations of horrific abuse against children in Jersey. It should also be emphasised that the enquiry is looking at much more that just Haut de la Garenne. However, the article by Andrew Malone in the Daily Mail of 24th May 2008 is so inaccurate, and misleading, even to the extent here it contains a number of alleged quotes which were simply never made by Mr Harper, that there is a need to respond.

The writer was given the full outline of what the police were told but has chosen not to use it. That information is summarised below and it will be for the public to make their minds up as to why the author of the report has ignored it and why he has included quotes from Mr Harper which were never made. The States of Jersey Police Press Officer made a full contemporaneous transcript of what Mr Harper said during the interview, (although not of Malone), and this is available for examination for anyone who wishes to check the accuracy of the quotes attributed to the DCO by Mr Malone.

The Anthropologist working with the enquiry team looked at the item when it was found on site and made a preliminary identification of it as a piece of a child's skull. It was then sent to the Laboratory concerned and they took possession of it on 6th March.

On 14th March they informed the SOJP of their test results, and in particular the result of their test for nitrogen. It had 0.6% they said, whereas the cut-off for dating a bone was 0.76. They then reported, "This tells us something about the potential age of the specimen of bone since if it was very recent (50 Years) we ought to see a better degree of preservation." They went on to say, "The fact that preservation is so poor leads us to conclude that there is a high probability that the bone is much older than it is suspected to be, perhaps much older than a century or two. That said, it is also possible (although the probability is much lower) that the bone is recent but simply very poorly preserved due to the depositional environment within which it has lain since interment. We cannot exclude this as a possible explanation." They went on to say that there was not enough collagen to date the bone. (Collagen is a protein only found in mammals including humans, but not in wood etc.)

As can be seen - there is absolutely no indication despite laboratory tests that they disagreed with our Anthropologist. In fact they seemed to support what we were being told by experts with us that the fragment was in a context which placed it outside our enquiry.

On 20th March the lab contacted the SOJP again. They said they had made an error and that the collagen level was actually better than originally thought. There was enough to date it - in fact there was 1.6% and only 1% was needed. Remember, this substance is found in mammals including human but not in wood etc.

On the 28th March they contacted the SOJP again and said, "Here are the details of the Jersey skull as discussed on the phone." They then described the nature of the acid wash they had given and said "The Jersey skull didn't fizz at all which suggested that preservation was poor." She went on to confirm that they had originally told us it was unlikely they could date it and that they had revised this when they found the levels of collagen described above. Now, she said, they were reverting to their original position that they could not date it because they now thought that it could not be collagen "unless it is extremely degraded." She added, "So any date we get might not be an accurate date for the skull itself." As can be seen, there was still no indication to contradict our information and indeed it corroborated what the archaeologists were telling us. As a result of the information about the Archaeological context, we had now eliminated the item from the investigation.

On 31 March they rang again. They now, for the first time, said they had some concern about what the item was "although it could well have been poorly preserved bone as I described it." Over the next few days they continued to say that "we do not think this is bone unless it is very old bone."

On Saturday 17th May they were asked if they were now saying it was definitively not bone. They said that they did not believe it to be bone but if we wanted a definitive answer then we should have it re-examined. To date, although the opinion is now less conclusive, the SOJ Police have not had a definitive contradiction of the original belief.

In respect of the article itself, there are a number of total inaccuracies, too many to contradict them all. Here however, are those which could be said to be the most significant.

The item found which is the subject of the controversy, is not “a smooth white object” as described by Mr Malone. That description could not be further from the truth.

Mr Harper has never, and all responsible media have acknowledged that he has not, said that six more bodies might be found. He described six areas of interest which had to be explored and which included the cellars now the focus of this aspect of the enquiry.

Mr Harper never moved to quell suggestions that shackles and a bath had been found in the cellar because quite simply, they had been. Furthermore, their find corroborated the evidence of a number of victims. The SOJ Police have never confirmed until now that shackles were found. We do now, and also for the first time, confirm that a second pair of what appear to be “home made” restraints were also discovered.

A number of other items were found which corroborated the stories of the victims. Again, whilst we do not want to elaborate, some of these items corroborate the fact that sexual activity took place in the area of interest. Further tests have obtained a DNA profile from one of these items, and enquiries have dated at least one of the articles as originating from the time of the enquiry.

Mr Harper has never, in spite of Mr Malone’s claims, “admitted” that he knew the fragment was a coconut shell. This is clearly because there is absolutely no scientific evidence to say that. Furthermore, the DCO never said he had made a mistake. He acknowledged that “some people think I got the decision wrong – it is something I can’t reverse now. Would my answer have been different? The honest answer is I really don’t know.”

Mr Harper has NEVER said “We don’t now think it is bone or skull.” He did not say it to Mr Malone or anyone else. As stated above, the transcript of exactly what Mr Harper said in this interview is available for anyone who would like to see it.

Mr Harper has NEVER said to Mr Malone at any time during the interview that he wanted “maximum publicity so that people here could not cover up what went on at this children’s home.” In fact, he did state that the people of Jersey had been “fantastic.” This comment by Mr Malone is a slur on all of those members of the public in Jersey who have encouraged the enquiry team and whose overwhelming support has meant so much.

The claim that Mr Harper has agreed to write a book and is actively engaged in that process is nonsense. This rumour was being spread by at least one politician in Jersey this week who stated that a deal had already been signed with publishers. This has led to one Jersey media outlet contacting what they described as a publisher this week and asking for details on the pretence that they wished to serialise the book. The position is simple. Mr Harper has been asked by a number of persons, journalists included, if he would be interested in writing a book on his career including the present. His answer has been the same to all. At this moment in time he is fully focussed and committed to the enquiry. He retires in September and will not even consider such a matter until then. He would also point out that it is not unusual for Police Officers and other public servants be approached in this fashion. Mr Harper has not instigated any contact of this type.

Mr Harper was not “forced to admit” that the fragments might be 500 years old. In any event he never said that. Examination of the media release will show that he said there was conflicting evidence from experts – some information was showing one of the fragments to be at the most recent end of the enquiry’s parameters, whilst other evidence was pointing to well before the enquiry began. We have always said we do not have evidence of murder.

From the perspective of the Enquiry Team the most disappointing aspect of this article is the total disregard for the welfare of the victims of the abuse. This week has seen them being labelled by certain politicians in Jersey as “people with criminal records.” Additionally, the article contains interesting similarities to the words used by some of those publicly trying to discredit the enquiry. The focus of the SOJ Police has always been, and will remain to be, those victims who have placed their trust in the force to try and obtain justice for them. These increasing inaccurate attacks will not deflect the investigation.

Mr Harper has drawn the attention of the editor of the Daily Mail to the inaccuracies and has mad a formal complaint to the Independent Press Complaints Commission.


States of Jersey Police
24th May 2008”

A READERS POLL!

JERSEY’S CHIEF MINISTER, FRANK WALKER:

SHOULD HE FACE A VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE?

Let your views be known by voting on my newly added poll feature.

Hate Jersey’s present government?

Here is your opportunity to say so.

Should Big Frank face a vote of no-confidence for his disastrous leadership?

Should the collection of passive non-entities who comprise most of our parliament be forced to nail their colours to the mast – with only five months to go before the first round of Jersey’s general election?

Just so the public can see whose side they’re on?

I’d really rather not be wasting my time on such exercises, when I could be working on my novel instead (expressions of interest from agents or publishers welcome) but as I explain below – it is actually a serious matter.

And someone has to do it.

There are a number of quite entertaining pros & cons in taking forward a vote of no-confidence – a few of which I will explore below.

But before going onto them – let us refresh our memory as to the seriousness of the cabinet failure we are considering.

So – Jersey - presently facing up to a child abuse disaster which has been described as unprecedented in scale for such a small geographic area.

Additionally still, at time of writing – and contrary to the impressions given by certain media reports – facing the possibility of child murders having been committed. Let us hope not – but we are still left with the abuse disaster.

The island’s oligarchy making the right noises about supporting the police – but in reality making fundamental attacks upon the investigation – as Frank Walker and Phil Bailhache did when hi-jacking Jersey’s national holiday, Liberation Day, to make partisan political speeches to attack the investigation, the national media and, by imputation, people like me who have fought for the survivors of abuse.

A Chief Minister and Council of Ministers which – last July, basically decided to have me sacked for giving an honest answer in the island’s parliament – when I said I had no faith in the child protection apparatus of Jersey. Apparently “publicly criticising” the child “protection” system in this way was - “undermining staff moral”.

And, of course, “undermining staff moral” – as we all know - is a far more profound and heinous offence than those staff exhibiting gross multi-agency failure to save a child from 18 months of appaling abuse at the hands of two paedophiles.

And publicly criticising the service - for not preventing the institutional abuse of children in custody by subjecting them to lengthy periods of punitive and coercive solitary confinement – is obviously of far greater concern than keeping a self-harming child with severe emotional difficulties in solitary confinement for two months.

Of course – the real events I describe in the above three paragraphs are all appaling, grotesque – and completely unacceptable by any civilised standard of child protection.

But – not, apparently, as far as Frank, his Council of Ministers, their carefully selected ‘expert’ advisers (advisers who are so ‘expert’ they have no grasp of the principle of ‘in loco parentis’), senior civil servants and the great majority of States members are concerned.

The evidence for a range of profound failings on the part of Jersey’s child protection apparatus was – contrary to the assertions the oligarchy made at the time – there to be seen and absorbed - ten months ago.

Yet Senator Walker and his council of Ministers and most members of the States chose to side with a clique of manifestly corrupt, incompetent, idle, dishonest and over-paid senior civil servants.

The above-described catalogue of misjudgement, stupidity, ignorance, irresponsibility – and cynical political opportunism on the part of all these clowns unfolded before they, or I, knew of the covert Police investigation.

I had reached my own – accurate – conclusions quite independently. I did this on the basis of clear evidence, and of personal testimony provided to me by whistle-blowers, witnesses and victims.

Much of this evidence was available to the Jersey establishment back then – but they simply were not interested in the facts; even to the point of “fast-tracking” a Council of Ministers’ meeting to decide to seek my dismissal - precisely to make sure I had minimal opportunity and time to accumulate further evidence.

As events have shown – I was right.

They were wrong.

But – let us be extraordinarily charitable and assume that the well-documented ignorance and stupidity of the Jersey establishment led them astray.

So – let us bring the narrative forward to late November – when the States of Jersey Police Force first publicly announced they had been conducting a covert investigation into systemic and historic child abuse.

Surely – it became clear, that instant, that the Jersey oligarchy had “backed the wrong horse”?

Surely – one would imagine – a little contrition, at least, from the Council of Ministers and from those States members who voted with them?

But, no – there has been expressed not one iota of recognition that they had, essentially, sided with a corrupted, disastrous and catastrophically failed child “protection” system.

But did they – in the coming weeks and months - at least have the common sense and decency to remain silent on the subject?

Not a bit of it.

In what was the lowest, most foul, despicable and disgusting event in the entire history of the States assembly – I was shouted down, stopped from speaking and had my microphone switched off – whilst I was attempting to give, as Father of the House, a speech of recognition and empathy to abuse survivors.

My speech being the very first occasion – ever – that a member of the States had stood to acknowledge the suffering of the victims.

But the assembly proceeded to disgrace itself – utterly.

But that episode was, in many respects, symbolic of what the States of Jersey has become. It was appalling enough – but of less concern than the practical considerations insofar as child protection is concerned.

And it is in this respect that Frank Walker and his Council of Ministers – and I include Senator Ben Shenton and his Assistant Minister, Senator Jimmy Perchard in this analyses – are still exhibiting a disastrous and dangerous incompetence.

As has been explored on this blog and elsewhere on numerous occasions – there are a variety of well-evidenced examples of dishonest, manipulative, professionally negligent and dangerous conduct on the part of a number of senior civil servants.

This evidence is well-known to Frank, Ben, Jimmy & Co.

Yet they have chosen to side with these failed – and very expensive – senior civil servants – rather than with the public interest.

Even to the point of exculpating Joe Kennedy – the boss of the Greenfields secure unit – who they have allowed to return to work.

Let us remind ourselves of what the evidence concerning Mr. Kennedy is:

He designed and ran a regime in the child secure unit which was barbaric, harmful – and clearly unlawful – no matter what Frank’s poodles, like Mr Williamson, may say.

This so-called “Grand Prix” regime included such practices as automatic strip-searches, compulsory showers, initial 24 hours in solitary confinement for all admissions – regardless of need, the use of extended periods of solitary confinement – on a punitive and coercive basis – frequently for three days – but with some victims being kept in such isolation for two months – to the point of mental breakdown.

Kennedy bullied and oppressed staff.

He lied to politicians and the media concerning his Grand Prix regime.

He quite improperly gave a post to a candidate he was having an affair with – rather than the better candidate (Kennedy being a notorious womaniser, though married).

He placed his employers – the States of Jersey – in a position in which they were hours away from taking the stand at Simon Bellwood’s employment tribunal – on the basis of a raft of perjured evidence – much of which Kennedy was responsible for. (This, incidentally, is why the management case collapsed.)

The Jersey civil service – and their poodle-politicians – set up a supposed enquiry into Mr. Kennedy’s conduct. The terms of reference – which Mr. Bellwood and I objected to at the out-set – were clearly designed to exculpate Kennedy.

They were so rigged because – if Kennedy had been found to be culpable – on similar grounds so would Phil Dennett, Linda Dodds, Marnie Baudians, Madeleine Davies, Mike Pollard, Mario Lundy and Bill Ogley himself.

This because the chain of failure in this case spread so far upwards.

So Jersey’s finest politicians – such as its Ministers – including Ben Shenton and his Assistant, Jimmy Perchard - have exhibited themselves utterly incapable of enforcing anything remotely approaching accountability on the island’s senior civil servants.

They have allowed Jersey’s so-called child “protection” apparatus to remain in the hands of a clique of defective senior officers – many of whom have been on-the-scene during the various episodes of appalling child abuse over the last couple of decades.

People who – at best – failed to stop the abuse.

Therefore – this is not a Council of Ministers which is taking child protection seriously. For all that they will assert the contrary – talk is cheap when it comes to child protection; everyone – indeed, even un-exposed paedophiles if asked – would claim to strongly support child protection.

So we cannot judge people – especially politicians – on the basis of mere assertion.

We must judge them on their actions.

And on this basis – this Council of Ministers must go.

Senator Ben Shenton has proven to be hopeless – to my great disappointment. I used to have some confidence that this man could be an effective politician – a more centrist counter-weight to the far-right market-fundamentalism of people like Walker, Ozouf and Le Sueur.

Instead – not only is he incapable of suspending a few civil servants who have demonstrably lied, schemed, manipulated and been dangerously incompetent. He has also denigrated the Police investigation – making insulting and disparaging remarks about Lenny Harper.

And this is the politician who carries legal and public responsibility for child protection in Jersey.

Christ help us.

As somebody famous once remarked – 'people never cease to disappoint me'. I plough through the festering midden that is politics for 18 years – hoping – very occasionally – I’ve met someone of the same kind of strength and integrity I attempt to exhibit.

And so rare are such encounters, one often – out of sheer desperation – takes them at face value – only to always be let down; always disappointed.

So it was with Ben Shenton.

But what of his new-found political ally, friend and boss, Senator Frank Walker?

For there is no prospect of acceptable performance from Frank Walker.

For all his, rough, tough, hard-man of financial rigour and efficiency image, Senator Frank Walker always was, ultimately, a week, spineless and pathetic little man – witness his inability to even assert enough authority to deal properly with Joe Kennedy. Walker is utterly lost – without some senior civil servant to hold his hand and steer him. I strongly suspect this dependency of his may well explain his simple inability to ever stand up to the Jersey civil service and in doing so, defend the public good.

Think I’m too harsh?

Frank Walker has played an absolutely central role in both public sector finances and employment policies and practices pretty much from the year he was first elected nearly 18 years ago.

The result?

A public sector which has a bloated, inefficient, out-of-control and wholly unaccountable senior civil service.

A public sector spend in excess of half-a-billion pounds per annum.

And terrifyingly vast public sector pension scheme debts.

This particular emperor is naked.

But what, then, are we to make of the response of the average member of the States?

Given that in any respectable democracy the Government would have fallen over such a catastrophic catalogue of misjudgements – where have our back-benchers been?

Where are the demands for the resignation of Walker & Co?

Where has been the vote of no-confidence, which would have been tabled months ago in any respectable legislature?

Nowhere – of course.

Just as there has not been so much as one, single public apology or recantation from any of those members who, effectively, chose to side with child abusers and those who would conceal child abuse.

So – all-in-all - the polity of Jersey is in its most wretched state ever.

And not only because of the Jersey child abuse disaster.

There are a variety of other woes which beset this community right now – in addition to a range of profoundly problematic issues in which this community will reap what its Glorious Leaders have sown during the last three decades.

And believe me – the prospect of that particular ‘harvest’ does not make for pleasant contemplation.

I won’t bore you now with the all these other reasons why the current regime have failed disastrously. If you want an idea of what I’m referring to – check out my post called “The Horsfall/Walker Years”, posted on the 22nd February.

But being politically realistic – let us reflect upon one or two of the pros & cons of bringing a vote of no-confidence against Frank & Co; these being pretty obvious, but you might want to consider them before casting your vote on my poll.

Actually – thinking about it – some of them are both pros & cons. For example:

The proposition has precisely zero chance of being carried. I might get five, or seven votes at a stretch – out of an assembly of 53 elected members.

So – this could be seen as a negative. This outcome will be promoted, and perceived by the more gullible - as a resounding vote of confidence in Frank & Co. Me and the other reprobate scum will be depicted as marginal and irrelevant.

But it could also be seen as a pro. For even though we know a victory for Frank is guaranteed – it forces the elected representatives of the Jersey people – all those States members - to openly align with one side or the other.

And as we approach Jersey’s general election – what better guidance could the average voter wish for – than seeing which sitting members are pro-establishment Walkerites?

Now, the forthcoming elections are going to be a ‘night of the long knives’ in any event – quite without the prospect of sitting members being seen to have supported Walker. To those familiar with Jersey politics – it’s clear and obvious that at least two thirds of the present members must be regarded as at risk of defeat anyway.

Add to this scenario members having supported the most unpopular political leader Jersey has ever had – and one could quite easily imagine only about ten or twelve of the present members being returned to office.

Turning to one of the negatives – I will be accused of political opportunism; of “using” the situation for political purposes.

To which I say three things –

Firstly – I couldn’t give a monkey's.

Secondly – the Jersey oligarchy is already pro-actively running such a smear campaign against me – and has done so from the very day the Police first went public with their investigation; so nothing new in that respect.

Thirdly – it, apparently, doesn’t occur to Frank, his Council and the average States member that they all used the situation politically – quite cynically - to get rid of me.

Back when they thought – in typical Jersey culture-of-concealment mode – “get rid of Syvret – problem solved”.

At a time when we were not aware of the Police investigation.

But – turning to another positive; such a vote has to be tabled. It would have happened months ago in any respectable legislature; and I have waited in vain for another member to take it forward. But none has.

It therefore falls – un-avoidably – to me to bring the no-confidence motion; and I say un-avoidably – because the public interest requires that there be such a vote.

So, there are just a few of the considerations relevant to the bringing a vote of no-confidence against Frank Walker and his crew.

Should we do it?

Yes or no?

And remember – the victory of Walker in the vote could be the historic catalyst for finally breaking the oligarchy’s monopoly of power.

Who knows what effect the outcome of the vote could have on Jersey politics?

Possibly a credible, organised opposition?

Perhaps.

Watch this space.

In the mean time, cast your vote in my new poll feature at the head of the blog.

I promise I will take your views just as seriously as Frank & Co and most of the rest of the States did with the 19,000 signature petition which sought a delay in the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax.

Regards.

Stuart.

A LETTER TO THE JERSEY EVENING POST:

PUBLICATION REFUSED.

OLD NAZI HABITS DIE HARD FOR THE RAG.

Just a brief post which I thought my readers might find entertaining.

A group of Jersey citizens – representing a broad-cross section of our community – recently gathered at an event organised by a new group, Time4Change. This Sunday gathering elicited some very interesting discussions; observations and ideas driven by the present unprecedented wretched state of the Jersey polity.

Naturally, the gathering attracted the predictable de minimus coverage from The Rag – you know the kind of thing – as little as they thought it could get away with.

The piece was buried in the in the paper and used a photograph of one of the organisers briefly speaking with me about the timing of contributions to the discussion – but framed and used in a way quite calculatedly to appear as though we were discussing some foul, conspiratorial plot.

You know, I remarked in a recent post how the Jersey Evening Post happily – and very profitably – churned out Nazi propaganda and diktats when the island was under Nazi occupation during World War II. I also suggested that it was during this period The Rag learnt all its Nazi-like propaganda skills.

And I wasn’t joking.

A few of my commenters have submitted pieces concerning the occupation – and the money-raking, Nazi-arse-kissing habits of the Guiton Groups finest – owners of the JEP – back in those dark days.

I’m including those submissions in this post below my refused letter which I am posting – and would invite any other such submissions; they make fascinating reading, don’t they?

I’ve read a great deal about spin, propaganda and the calculated manipulation of public opinion by the rich and powerful. So I spot the tricks quite easily.

For example – the coverage The Nazi Rag gave to the Time4Chang meeting ticked many of the boxes on the Joseph Goebbels propaganda check-list.

Minimise the relevance of the gathering?

Check.

Minimise the public exposure of the event?

Check.

Calculated use of photographs to make people look conspiratorial and evil?

Check.

Focus the article on the peripheral and irrelevant?

Check

Ignore the real issues that were being discussed?

Check.

Convey the impression, obliquely, that the organisers are some kind of dark and dangerous “enemy within”?

Check.

Indirectly and obliquely link the meeting with “the enemy without” – in this case the national media?

Check.

And refuse to print letters from the organisers, attendees and supporters?

Check.

The Jersey Evening Post uses this methodology time and time again whenever an anti-establishment story emerges. And it is the very methodology as used by the Nazis.

For example – whilst some Nazi propaganda was simply out-right crude statements of hate – people like Goebbels realised that to be really effective – propaganda had to be faintly credible; that it had to subtly massage people’s already extant prejudices.

The Rag has this approach off-to-a-T.

It doesn’t do anything so crude as to state “Syvret and Tadier Will Eat Your Grannies”.

Or, “All the International Media are in League With Syvret!”

No; what they do instead is simply imply a few subtle key “messages” – lies, in effect – deliberately designed to work with and upon peoples fears.

For example – it is hinted and imputed that people like me are simply dangerous trouble-makes whose only wish is to destroy the economy – thus implying “and all you decent people will be bankrupted if these people are not crushed.”

Or, as the coverage of the Time4Change gathering demonstrates, the message is: “these are just a tiny minority of disaffected and bitter trouble-makers. Really – 90% of people in Jersey actually love the island’s government.”

I suppose one of the things I’ve always found so puzzling is why the average Jersey Journalist should be so spineless, so devoid of ethics, so morally decayed, so week, so fearful, so ignorant and so cowardly as to just not stand up to their bosses.

I mean – you’d think there might be one or two?

But no.

For example – why – when Denzil Dudley, Roger Barra, Mathew Price and John Uphoff decided that BBC Jersey was going to calculatedly and wilfully do all it possibly could to minimise publicity for the first BBC regional documentary program on the Jersey Child Abuse Disaster, in order to support their establishment friends – did not the other staffers at BBC Jersey say: “this marginalising of the up-coming broadcast is bloody appalling – it’s disgusting pro-establishment bias – and we won’t put up with it!”?

But no – I guess as long as the pay-checks keep rolling in, it’s a case of just keeping your heads down and not upsetting the bosses.

The Jersey climate of fear – on open display amongst its journalist – in the year 2008.

Likewise at The Rag – most of the journos and sub-editors there exhibit about as much journalistic integrity – actually, about as much human decency – as a mob embarking upon a pogrom.

There are one or two honourable exceptions.

But, sadly Ben Queree isn’t one of them. He quite shamelessly does whatever is the bidding of his pay-masters; tries to entrap and stitch-up anti-establishment people – and writes the kind of crap described above in the report on the Time4Change meeting.

What is it with these people? If I worked there – or anywhere so devoid of ethics and of human decency – I’d tell them to shove their job.

I’d take my chances elsewhere – actually – as I have done with the cess-pit which is politics.

But not people like Ben. Maybe he hopes that if he plays his cards right in the service of his bosses he too will be able to settle in a retirement cottage on Sark?

You know – in a strange kind of way, I really hope these people are just being ‘bribed’ with huge ‘performance bonuses’.

It would be pretty disturbing if they were exhibiting such ethical betrayal of this community – and kissing their bosses arses - just because that’s what they wanted to do.

Anyway, returning to Queree’s article, in wring it he deliberately ignored most of what I had to say – but made a point of reporting my comment to the effect that ‘most States members were a bunch of idiots’.

So – all one can really do is just laugh at these clowns – Jersey journos and politicians alike.

Here is the letter I submitted to The Rag – which they didn’t print.

And below my letter, check out the very interesting submissions from readers of this blog on the ‘performance’ of the Jersey oligarchy and its Rag in the service of the occupying Nazis.

I know from my family some very interesting things concerning the Nazi Occupation.

Here’s just one little item: The Bailiff of Jersey during the occupation was one Alexander Coutanche – made a ‘Lord’ no-less – this in order to propagandise the angry population into thinking these Nazi-supporting and profiteering shysters were actually good leaders. The Jersey oligarchy propaganda surrounding this despicable clown is that he was some kind of towering beacon of wisdom – guiding this community through these difficult times.

Indeed – a simply vast portrait of him hangs in Jersey’s Royal Court.

This supposed heroic leader was, in fact, viewed with contempt and loathing by the average person in Jersey, especially the working-classes – to whom he was simply known as “The Ja, Ja-man."

The man who always just said ‘yes, yes’ to the Nazis.

Please keep similar submissions concerning the Occupation coming.

Enjoy.

Stuart.

Senator Stuart Syvret
6 Ralegh Court
Ralegh Avenue
St. Helier
JE2 3ZG

E-mail: st.syvret@gov.je
Tel: + 44 1534 610833

28th April 2008

Letters to the Editor
Jersey Evening Post
Five Oaks
St. Saviour.

Sir.

I note that Ben Queree in his report of the Time4Change meeting quoted me as describing the vast majority of States members as ‘idiots’.

I am disappointed he should have chosen this quote to include in the article.

Personally, I thought my description of the States as “largely a collection of gangsters and half-wits” was far more representative of my comments.

Yours sincerely,

Senator Stuart Syvret.


The Jersey Oligarchy and its Rag, the Jersey Evening Post:

In The Service of The Nazis.

From Anonymous:

Ad in Jersey Evening Post July 1941

REWARD £25

A reward of £25 will be given to the person who first gives to the inspector of Police information leading to the conviction of anyone (not already discovered) for the offence of making on any gate, wall or other place whatsoever visible to the public the letter "V" or any other sign or any word or words calculated to offend the German Authorities or soldiers.

This 8th July 1941.

Victor G Carey

Bailiff.


From Anonymous:

who will buckle first - the politicians or the JEP

I would suggest the politicians...but only at the behest of the electorate....

A number will simply not stand others will feel the electorate’s wrath

But it’s the JEP we need to sort out

One hundred years of telling people what to think and who to vote for is a hard act to give up.

We must help them look in the mirror.

Admit their failings (such as its role in the Nazi occupation, its condemnation of the resistance movement and its historical role in protecting the elite against the masses.

We are many they are few.....


From Anonymous:

What mention of the BRAVE Jersey resistance movement to the Nazi's on Liberation Day?

What mention in the JEP of its role during the occupation and its role in allowing the Collaborators to escape justice (not one person convicted)?

Yet nearly every Jewish person on the Island sent to concentration camps...many to die in the final solution?

Our resistance movement should be national heroes as in the rest of Europe

Europe got de-Nazification

Jersey still hides from the truth

Justice must come.....soon...


From TonyB.

Confronting the Past" is a good theme for liberation, if one considers (a) how brave ordinary islanders helped Russian slave workers and Jews to hide (b) how Clifford Orange, Aliens Officer, and Duret-Aubin, Attorney-General simply followed the line of least resistance in obeying the German authorities regarding the registration of Jews, and the passing on of information about radio sets. Just doing their jobs!

Perhaps Sir Philip should read "British Channel Islands Under German Occupation 1940-45" by Paul Sanders on "The Parameters of Collaboration" which detail these matters, and consider how he might have behaved. His current conduct does not appear promising as an indicator.


From Anonymous:

“All child abuse, wherever it happens, is scandalous, but it is the unjustified and remorseless denigration of Jersey and her people that is the real scandal.” so says.....Phil Bailhache

Reminds me so much of the JEP after Liberation.....

Collaboration during the occupation was scandalous but the Jersey Liberation Movement denigration of the Jersey government during the war is the real scandal

NO NO NO

The scandal was that hundreds of people died in slave labour camps on our islands, that Channel Island Jews were forced to wear the star of David (Guernsey) and sent to concentration camps, many to die and our freedoms curtailed by the Nazis

It's a scandal the JEP attacked the Liberation movement

And now it's a scandal that the JEP in 2008 still backs the elite, scared of losing its control and patronage.

It's a scandal that young children were abused.

Confronting the Past

Winning the future.


From Anonymous:

When mainland reporters tried to get onto the Island just after Liberation from the Nazi's in 1945 to investigate growing anger against the war-time leadership focused on a petition signed by thousands of islanders, the Jersey authorities delayed permission for them to land.

Below is a report by Sam Russell dated 8th April 1945 (St Helier, Jersey)

The Angry Island - Out with the States

I have arrived here two months after the liberation on the only parts of the British Isles ever occupied by Germans, to find the Island seething with discontent.

For five years the people of Jersey looked forward to the day when they would be rid of the Germans. They hoped that with the British troops would come men from Britain who would inquire closely into the actions of those who were in charge of the Government of the Island during the occupation, and particularly into the action of
the States—the Government of the Island.

Two months has gone by and nothing has happened.

The men whose slogan during the occupation was “don’t do any-thing to annoy the Germans" are still holding the same positions and high office. They are the same men who discouraged even such minor manifestations of resistance as the showing of the V sign, the cutting of telephone wires and the keeping of radio sets. They are the same men who assisted the Germans in their mobilisation of the Island's manpower and who used all their police forces to round up the English inhabitants of the Island for deportation to Germany.

Recruitment for the Germans was encouraged, I was told, by the States by methods such as these:

A man applying for employment was told, for example, that the only work available was "gardening." When he went to the job he discovered that this "gardening" consisted of cutting and relaying turf to camouflage German strong points and gun positions.

When in early 1942 the Germans ordered the Island to surrender their radio sets, one man with a few courageous companions issued a leaflet calling upon the people of Jersey to resist the order and hold on to their sets by any means.

The Germans retaliated by taking a dozen hostages. Instead of helping the men who had shown such courage or at least shielding them, the Island officials conducted a whispering campaign which finally forced the leader of the group to give himself up to Germans.

He was immediately sent to the concentration camp in Germany, where he is still recovering from the terrible effect of his imprisonment.

But this man, together with many others, will be coming back to the island. Many have already returned, although there is great indignation at the slowness of the repatriation.

The boat bringing people from the mainland regularly comes to the Island more than half empty. Jersey men who have been prisoners of war in Germany have had to wait as much as six weeks before getting a permit from the Home Office to go home.

Wherever I have gone I have found the people here determined to deal with the injustices of all sorts that abound in this Island with its out of date constitution. That is why the Jersey Democratic Movement, an organisation formed illegally during the occupation, is getting widespread support. Headed by a baker, a doctor and a teacher, this organisation is strongly supported by the working people of the Island.

In the two months since liberation it has reached a membership of nearly 2,000. Its meetings are always packed no matter in "which part of the Island they are held”. And this has been achieved in spite of the most blatant and vicious intimidation by-the-powers-that-be.

There is only one newspaper on this Island (The Jersey Evening Post) and it has refused to give any publicity at all to the movement. Not that it needs any, for wherever I go I see chalked on the walls the slogan, “Out with the States."

Before I came to Jersey the Daily Worker received a letter from a woman whose father is a member of the Jersey Democratic Movement and enclosing a letter from him. “Should his name or mine be printed," she wrote,” he would be liable to be beaten up and my sister would lose her job in the Education Office."

"I am asking for this letter to be posted in England," wrote the father. “I should not like a letter addressed to the Daily Worker to be posted here."

From what I have seen since my arrival I have no doubt that the States are using their position here to intimidate supporters of the Jersey Democratic Movement.

A young woman teacher of the Jersey Democratic Movement Committee was told that if she continues her activity she would be deprived of her post, so she resigned.

The Secretary, Mr. A. L. Robson, also a teacher, resigned before he was threatened, to devote himself entirely to the growing needs of the organisation.

The British soldiers on the Island are amongst the most indignant at what is going on.
"The great majority of us Tommies of the Liberation Army," wrote one soldier to me,” are wondering when justice is going to assert her rights, and bring to these despicable informers, collaborationists and ' Jerry-bags ' their just deserts.

“These traitors," he continued, “knew the type of bestial race they were helping. They also knew to what horrors they were sending patriotic Jersey people when their informing caused these citizens to be deported to Germany.

“There is no reason whatever why these traitors should not be brought to trial and punished now.

“After meeting the people who have done so much during the occupation to help escaped Russian prisoners and who had their own little resistance movement, it makes me wild to see the traitors enjoying the fruits of liberation and living easily on the money of their German masters.

“Can’t these traitors," he asked,” be dealt with now, in the same way as in Holland, Denmark and other countries? "

And this is the question that is being asked by the overwhelming majority of the people of Jersey.

Sam Russell 8th April 1945