STATES Members have paid their respects to a politician who has died after serving in the Assembly for more than a quarter of his life.
At the start of yesterday’s States sitting , Bailiff Robert MacRae shared news of the recent death of Bernard Binnington at the age of 95.
Mr MacRae said that Mr Binnington had worked in his family’s business, the Chelsea Hotel in Gloucester Street, St Helier and in 1965 was appointed president of the Hotel and Guest House Association, which subsequently became the Jersey Hospitality Association.
After being elected as a Deputy to represent St Helier District 2 in 1969, he became Senator Binnington in 1975 and subsequently served for three terms before leaving the States in 1995. He served on several committees, including lengthy stints with the Harbours and Airport Committee and the Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, being awarded the OBE for his service to the community in 1994.
“In a political era known for lengthy debates, Bernard Binnington was known for his targeted communication, saying in a few words what others would labour over for a fortnight,” Mr MacRae said. “He gained a reputation as a pragmatic, straight-talking and highly influential, business-minded statesman.”
The Bailiff offered his condolences to the Binnington family and joined States Members in standing for a minute’s silence.
