MORE than 1,200 students have completed a survey asking whether Jersey should have its own national day and anthem.
Last year, the government again launched a public consultation to find out what Islanders think about the formal adoption of Liberation Day and whether Beautiful Jersey should be the Island’s national day and anthem, alongside other questions about the Island.
This forms part of a wider project about Island identity and follows recommendations from a policy development board led by International Development Minister Carolyn Labey.
More than 1,200 pupils from primary and secondary schools have completed the survey, with two students from Jersey College Prep presenting their responses to Deputy Labey at the new government offices in Union Street.
Students from St Lawrence School, Plat Douet School, JCP, Hautlieu School, Grainville School, Les Quennevais School, Le Rocquier School, Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls took part in the consultation during classes led by the Jèrriais Teaching Service. Deputy Labey said she was “extremely pleased” at the level of student interest in the consultation.
“Engaging with young Islanders on topics that matter to them is very important and I am extremely pleased that so many pupils have shown interest in our consultation,” she said. “The Island Identity project is here to promote and strengthen Jersey’s cultural values, and the involvement of groups such as the Jèrriais Teaching Service is of great value to us. It is important that we consider the views of all Islanders, and I am delighted that the opinions of young people have been reflected.
“Their thoughts, and those of everybody who has contributed to the consultation, will help guide the decision on a national day and Jersey anthem.”
Susan Parker, from the Jèrriais Teaching Service, said: “I was delighted that there is no minimum age for respondents to the survey, which enabled us to engage with young people from several schools to gather their opinions and ensure that Jèrriais is part of the Island Identity conversation.”
The consultation received over 2,000 respondents and a report will be presented to the States Assembly for debate.
Whatever the outcome of the consultation, God Save the King will remain as Jersey’s “national” anthem, although the Island itself does not have an officially recognised anthem.
