During the sitting Members are due to discuss whether the Island should have an extra bank holiday to mark the the 1769 Corn Riots.
Deputy Montfort Tadier has lodged a proposition calling for the States to mark the date when hundreds of Islanders protested in the Royal Square against food costs, with the Lieutenant-Bailiff, Charles Lemprière, accused of exporting corn to increase the demand for, and the price of, wheat, which was a lucrative crop for landowners of the time. The event led to reforms that established Jersey’s parliament.
The Deputy is calling for 28 September to become an extra bank holiday from 2021 onwards and for up to £10,000 to be allocated each year to fund ‘entertainment and commemorations’ on the day.
Meanwhile, donations made to political parties in Jersey will need to be declared and published online if proposals from Constable Karen Shenton-Stone aimed at improving political transparency are passed.
If approved, large donations to individuals would also need to be declared within two days of their receipt, rather than within 15 days after an election, as is the case under the current law.
Deputy Inna Gardiner has lodged a proposition calling for greater transparency and scrutiny of the Chief Minister’s policy development boards through the introduction of a range of measures. Senator John Le Fondré has set up a number of groups to
inform ministers on specific policy areas.
Deputy Gardiner’s proposals, if approved, would see information concerning all boards published online in ‘a transparent and timely manner’, featuring details such as their terms of reference, consultation documents, membership, anticipated duration, budget and any reports they have produced.
A total of 41 written questions and 20 oral questions have been tabled for the sitting. Senator Le Fondré and Home Affairs Minister Len Norman are due to face questions without notice.
