The Senator said that five years earlier, former Senator Pierre Horsfall had welcomed Sir John by saying that Members would be delighted if they saw him at Tuesday States sittings from time to time.
In fact, Sir John had exceeded all expectations – and not only on Tuesdays, but on Wednesdays and Thursdays too.
‘It is entirely typical of the interest shown in all the affairs of the Island as a whole that he should have made such a commitment to his duties in this Assembly,’ said Senator Syvret.
In 2004 Jersey had celebrated the 800th anniversary of its links with the English Crown and last year, during the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, Sir John had welcomed the Queen to the Island for the second time during his tenure.
‘I believe the honour of entertaining Her Majesty at Government House twice during Sir John’s tenure is unparalleled in the 800 years of our relationship with the Crown,’ the Senator said.
The Father of the House paid tribute to Lady Cheshire, who had won the affection of so many people in the Island, not simply for providing support for the Lieut-Governor, but also for the warmth and encouragement she had given so many charities and individuals in her own right.
Senator Syvret said he hoped Sir John and Lady Cheshire would today feel the extent of the goodwill towards them that their period in Jersey had generated, and the sadness everyone felt that it had come to an end.
