JLA head calls for inquiry into RNLI dispute in letter to Queen

JLA head calls for inquiry into RNLI dispute in letter to Queen

And calls for an independent review into the long-running dispute between the RNLI and the former St Helier crew have been raised in the letter – which has also been sent to the Queen and the Chief Minister.

The RNLI became embroiled in a bitter dispute with the crew at the St Helier station last year following the sacking of coxswain Andy Hibbs. The crew subsequently broke away from the organisation and formed their own independent group – the JLA.

In a letter dated 3 July and released this week following a freedom of information request, JLA chairman Ben Shenton wrote to the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, arguing that there is no need for two lifeboat stations in St Helier and that the continued presence of the RNLI would be ‘seen by many as a victory for deceit and lies’.

The JLA is in the process of preparing its boat – the Sir Max Aitken III – and hopes to be fully operational by the end of the year.

However, concerns over the handling of Mr Hibbs’ case still remain, and Mr Shenton wants an independent investigator to review the dispute so that ‘everything is in the open’. He alleges that the States failed to deliver an inquiry because of ‘fear of self-incrimination’.

In his letter, Mr Shenton said: ‘Given the fact that Members of the Jersey government and its employees are complicit in the unethical development, is it time for Her Majesty to seek a UK independent committee of inquiry on this matter in the interest of transparency and justice?’

Mr Shenton argued that the RNLI had agreed to help transition to an independent St Helier station, but had since reneged on these promises.

Speaking to the JEP, he said: ‘We are still hopeful that the public will know exactly what happened and that the actions of those involved comes out in the open.

‘We are still pushing for an inquiry. [Chief Minister] John Le Fondré said he is minded to have an inquiry but they need to work out the logistics.

‘The RNLI promised the crew to help transition into an independent station. We are asking them to fulfil their promise.’

In the letter, Mr Shenton wrote: ‘It is our contention that if the RNLI continues to operate the St Helier station, despite promises made, that this reflects badly on the moral compasses of many tainted parties.’

Mr Shenton added that the JLA would be happy to work with the RNLI – particularly given the RNLI would still be running the St Catherine Station. However, he said the organisation had been unwilling to meet JLA volunteers.

‘When we set up in February we offered to meet the RNLI but that was refused,’ he said. ‘We need to have a discussion with them.

‘We would look forward to an independent inquiry as we don’t want to continue the in-fighting. It needs to have someone from outside looking at it and everyone accepting the results of that inquiry in order to move forward.’

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