We have all been challenged, and continue to be, by the restrictions caused by Covid-19. We, in common with so many in the world, have had to undergo lockdown and experience the curtailment of our liberty that we have not experienced as a people since the Second World War. The restrictions placed on us have been difficult for many and it is not over yet. All of us are facing a Christmas very different from the Christmases that we might have hoped for. We cannot, perhaps, be with all of our loved ones in the way that we would wish; or gather in our usual numbers – a thing particularly hard for large families. Perhaps we cannot visit our elderly relatives in care homes as we would hope. Perhaps those of us who are vulnerable by reason of age or other health conditions must face a more lonely and difficult time.
My thoughts are very much with all Islanders, but particularly those for whom, because of their vulnerabilities or otherwise, this festive period is made so much harder by the constraints placed on us.
But although it is not over yet there is light ahead and cause for optimism in the form of the vaccine that is even now being administered to more vulnerable Islanders and soon, we hope, more generally as quickly as we can. I am hopeful that 2021 will be a much better year, one that will see a return to some measure of normality – a time when we can intermingle as family and friends and fellow Islanders without concern.
I know that we are all tired of hearing about restrictions and the virus but perhaps we can see this as the beginning of the end of its sway over our lives. So, as I write this, it seems to me that our job now is to follow the rules and play our parts to keep Islanders, particularly the vulnerable, as safe as we can until that freedom comes.
I know that we can do that because for the most part we have already shown that we can. Barring an irresponsible few who have not understood the bigger picture and have put their desires for entertainment and convenience first, we can all be proud of how we have faced up to the trials of 2020.
As Bailiff, I have had the opportunity to hear about how Islanders have faced up to the last few months. This year has shone a light on our community allowing the Island to see what our people are really made of. Individuals have found hidden strengths of resilience and determination which have enabled them to protect and support those in need. There have been numerous examples of selfless commitment. We have seen Islanders rally together to do food shopping for complete strangers; make and give away masks; and hold back on the natural desire to see loved ones in order to protect some of the most vulnerable in our community.
We can point to many other good things. Earlier in 2020 I set up a fund to meet financial needs caused by the response to the pandemic. That was extremely well supported and that money was and continues to be put to good use. I have also heard many heartening stories through the response to the Bailiff’s Covid-19 awards, the recipients of which are shortly to be announced.
And we all continue to owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who are looking after us. Those who work in medical services, hospitals, care homes and GPs’ surgeries; those who keep our infrastructure and services running at this time; those who are ready to help whenever called upon. Their service and yours is part of our Jersey spirit. So, if you are a nurse, a doctor, a paramedic, a GP, a States of Jersey or honorary police officer, a teacher, a nursery worker, or someone who provides utilities for us or among the many Islanders who responsibly accept these current temporary restrictions – I want to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of us all.
Last year, I spoke of the civic side of the Bailiff’s role. I said that my diary was filling with invitations from the charities, clubs and associations that add so much to the richness of Island life. So many of those events had to be cancelled or postponed and we had, of course, to reduce hugely the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Liberation.
However, Jersey people answered the call to mark it visibly with flags and bunting everywhere. The Island was a sea of red and white in the run up to, and during, the Liberation weekend. Hundreds of Islanders held their own household Liberation parties. More recently, with Liberation 75 merchandise we were able to raise over £1,500 for the Royal British Legion as part of the Poppy Appeal, which reached an impressive £200,000 following 11 November. We did not let the virus keep us down and I hope that we can look forward to enhanced Liberation day celebrations, if not in an uncertain 2021, then certainly in 2022.
As I said last year, now we are in the part of the year when since time out of mind we have recognised the Winter solstice, the longest time of darkness and the coming of new light. Now that coming of light this year is, perhaps, not only about, for many of us, the Christmas story, but is also a time to look with optimism to the year ahead. Whether this is a time for the Christmas story or whether you simply at this time take the opportunity to be still and be renewed, may I, in this my second Christmas message, wish all of the readers of the Jersey Evening Post a safe, peaceful and joyful Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a much better 2021.
