During States question time on Tuesday, St Saviour Constable Sadie Rennard said she thought it unfair that the Bailiff, William Bailhache, had received ‘a lot of flack’ over the plans and she called on the Chief Minister to name the other people involved.
A number of Islanders who experienced the Liberation criticised the plans when it emerged that the focus of the celebrations would be in the People’s Park rather than the traditional location in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel.
Following a meeting with community leaders last week and threats of boycotts, the Bailiff announced changes to the day’s schedule, in particular the events taking place in Liberation Square, where the programme will be extended.
During questions without notice in Tuesday’s States sitting, Mrs Rennard asked who else was involved in the decision, adding: ‘I think it is unfair that the newly elected Bailiff has been hung out to dry when he could not have been alone in making these decisions.’
Senator Gorst replied: ‘I hope that nobody has been hung out to dry,’ adding that a consultative panel, which includes himself, is working alongside the Bailiff to organise the events which will take place on 9 May.
Also on the panel is Treasury Minister Alan Maclean, Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham, Social Security Minister Susie Pinel, Grouville Deputy Carolyn Labey, St Mary Constable Juliette Gallichan, St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft, the vice-chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, St Clement Constable Leonard Norman, and the vice-chairman of the Comité des Connétables, John Refault.
Senator Gorst said: ‘It is disappointing with regard to some of the public comment.
‘The consultative panel will be meeting again to consider the programme. But the current programme is an exciting one.
‘There will be a re-enactment, there will be a slave workers’ memorial ceremony, and in the presence of the Countess of Essex there will be an extensive programme in the People’s Park.
‘It will enable more people to attend than before.’
LAST week it was announced that the Bailiff had bowed to public pressure and changed plans for this year’s Liberation Day celebrations.
Following a meeting with community leaders and threats of boycotts, changes have now been made to the day’s schedule – in particular the events taking place in Liberation Square, where the programme will be extended.
However part of the celebrations, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the Liberation, will remain at The People’s Park.
The partial u-turn follows criticism that the focus of the celebrations would be the park rather than the traditional location in front of the Pomme d’Or Hotel.
The Bailiff’s Chambers said that the basic programme at The People’s Park would be maintained but the events at Liberation Square were being reviewed, with the programme there due to be extended.
Mewnahile, a royal visitor will help Islanders celebrate this year’s Liberation Day.
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex will visit Jersey on Saturday 9 May to take part in the 70th anniversary celebrations.
During her visit the Countess, who is married to Prince Edward, will attend the community event at People’s Park.
However, Islanders will not be getting an additional bank holiday to mark the 70th anniversary of Liberation Day after Members overwhelmingly rejected a proposition brought by St Helier Deputy Sam Mézec calling for a day off on Friday 8 May.
It came about because this year 9 May – Liberation Day and the usual bank holiday – falls on a Saturday.
The proposition was defeated by 33 votes to nine.
Comment: What the JEP thinks:
IT is clear that many Islanders are upset about changes to the programme for Liberation Day celebrations this year, the 70th anniversary of one of the greatest days in Jersey’s history.
The hurt is particularly strong among some who lived through the dark days of Occupation and who feel unhappy that the annual ceremony is being moved to the People’s Park.
There are no doubt lessons to be learned for the future, not least the need to consult Islanders and communicate more effectively about why change is deemed necessary.
But it is now important that these disagreements are put aside and we focus on the greater goal of ensuring that the Island’s national day is not marred by division and acrimony.
We are where we are, and it is not now feasible to revert to the tried-and-tested running order with Liberation Square the focal point of celebrations.
Arguments can wait until after 9 May.
