All these grand States projects just don’t tie in with the facts

From Ray McCredie

TREASURY Minister Philip Ozouf has often declared his intention to erect a dozen or so office blocks with accommodation on the Esplanade.

His colleague, Senator Freddie Cohen, now proposes to construct 4,000 homes and create a national park. This will increase Jersey’s population to an estimated 115,000 to 120,000.

In addition to these plans, both men travel extensively in order to benefit the Island’s finance industry, which incidentally is the only game in town. Any success is not yet known. However, this conveys a feeling of positivity and optimism.

Unfortunately, some facts evident at the moment are clearly at odds with these projects.

A misleading headline (JEP, 24 March) read ‘Jersey top of finance centres’. In reality, Jersey dropped one place to number 23 in the competitive rankings. In the last decade Jersey’s finance industry has been reduced by 13%. Last year alone, 480 people were dismissed. This year, Investec have released 16 employees. How many elsewhere have been discreetly shown the door?

The article also said that Jersey fared well in comparison with other rankings. Using similar logic, it is fair to say that any householder compares well with the unfortunate residents in Jersey’s shelters for the homeless.

There are currently well over 1,000 houses and flats for sale, with many more under construction. If ever a buyer’s market existed in Jersey, it is now. But with interest rates certain to rise, sales will not become easier.

Unemployment figures have reached record levels, with 1,470 registered as unemployed; many others register only at recruitment agencies, so the real figure is higher.

The writing could possibly be on the wall for Jersey’s internet retail industry, having recently suffered a blow with the UK Chancellor George Osborne intent on closing it down.

The failure of this government to adopt any method of a controlled immigration policy only compounds our unemployment problems. Europe’s unemployed arrive daily. As hard-working and polite as they are, they are taken advantage of, and are expected to work for around £7 an hour, which provides only an existence. In time, many of these people will receive some form of income support.

Perhaps Senator Cohen will explain in detail, for the benefit of people like myself who see things mostly in black and white, why, with so much uncertainty in Jersey’s economy, he thinks it is a good idea to make his proposals, apart, that is, from the obvious gains for certain developers.

In spite of savage cuts in public spending, with more to follow, I presume that the Senator has contingency plans already in place to accommodate the requirements of the population explosion, schools, hospitals, etc. And will the Jersey road network cope with 4,000, at least, extra vehicles (one per home)? More importantly, in which capacity will these people find employment?

In truth, most people have had enough of this man and would appreciate it if his States employment was terminated. He has done little to enhance this Island.

If indeed, this action was taken, there is a large monument already in place to which we can remember him by. It is called the Odeon.