The year 2014 saw global disasters and sadness closer to home. Ebola devastated areas of West Africa, Islamic State wreaked destruction in Iraq and we lost Jerseyman David Miller, who was murdered in Thailand.
And yet in the midst of tragedy, it is important to celebrate the achievements and highlights of the passing year. 2014 saw some deeply inspiring events, commemorating some of the defining moments of our history.
I was proud to represent Jersey, together with the Bailiff, at a series of official ceremonies in Normandy, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. I met many veterans and witnessed moving ceremonies to commemorate this historic event, which is an example of the shared heritage between Jersey and our French neighbours.
The Normandy landings brought hope to Channel Islanders who had endured years of occupation, and they brought the promise of liberation to France. Both our communities felt the impact of this extraordinary turning point in the Second World War.
July saw the Ceremony of Light in the Royal Square, helping us to remember the start of the First World War 100 years ago, and to reflect on its impact on ordinary people across Europe, the colossal loss of life and the hardship suffered by our community.
Many men from Jersey lost their lives while serving in the British or French Armed Forces, and I was especially moved by the moment when, at the exact time war was declared, a parish lantern parade was extinguished to leave a solitary candle burning in the Royal Square in remembrance.
I was particularly pleased to see Jersey youngsters taking part in the remembrance, and to meet some of the primary school pupils who had grown poppies to mark the event.
This year also saw us celebrating New Jersey’s 350th birthday. I joined the Connétable of St Helier, ‘virtually’, to ring church bells across the Atlantic. Jersey has strong historical links with New Jersey and I hope the connections established this year will lead to a deepening of ties with our namesake.
We have hosted a number of diplomatic delegations this year. I welcomed to the Island the High Commissioners of India, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as Lord Faulks, the Minister of State for Justice with responsibility for the relationship between the UK Government and the Crown Dependencies. I have also hosted visits by Ambassadors from Romania, Turkey, Japan and a delegation from the Arab Ambassadors’ Council.
These visits reinforce our ties with our existing partners and help to promote Jersey more widely across the globe. Direct engagement of this kind raises Jersey’s profile and helps to identify opportunities for further, mutually beneficial relations.
During ministerial visits to China and the UAE, I have worked to strengthen business and diplomatic relations. In Brussels I met members of the European Parliament, EU Ambassadors and Commission officials.
It is important that the Channel Islands are recognised as positive contributors to the EU economy, and that key decision-makers in Brussels are kept informed of our continuing support for international transparency and co-operation in tax matters.
2014 saw Jersey competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where I was inspired to see our dedicated team of athletes demonstrating unstinting commitment to their sports.
Next year we will be hosting the NatWest Island Games, where our sportsmen and women will compete against fellow Islanders and where our Waitrose Games Makers will play an essential and highly visible role as ambassadors for the Games and for Jersey.
And, of course, 2015 is the year of Liberation 70 – a time for Islanders to give thanks for liberation from occupation.
The restoration of freedom was a momentous occasion for those who lived through those years, and every year we must continue to celebrate the freedom we enjoy to determine our own future.
I am looking forward to steering our community through the turbulent winds of economic recovery over the next three and a half years. However, I am very aware of the challenges we continue to face. This festive period will be a time to reflect on how we have come through these difficult years, and to look forward with hope to the future. And we must remember that while we are celebrating with family and friends, many others are working on our behalf and deserve our thoughts and appreciation.
I would like to thank those of you who will be working – whether for the emergency services, the hospitality industry, caring for the sick, or keeping our infrastructure running.
Wherever you are this Christmas, Dionne and I would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
