Many Islanders feel a natural affinity with the sea and recognise the selfless nature of the coxswain, the crew and the shore staff, who are on standby night and day every single day of the year.
The dispute with the national RNLI highlights what one hears of in many large charities but perhaps did not understand could also occur within the RNLI. This has caused irreparable damage to the national reputation of the RNLI but not, I believe, to the Jersey branch.
It may just not be possible, but I feel that Jersey should, with donations, fund any new vessel, pay for maintenance and pay to attend RNLI courses. Jersey could be affiliated with the RNLI but separate in that the chain of command would start with Jersey Coastguard or the Harbour Office and not with the national RNLI.
Jersey has an amazing maritime history. I believe that such a scheme would attract tremendous support from Islanders. Unless Jersey makes a clean break with the national RNLI, this very sad episode will stay in the minds of Islanders for a very long time.
