The States Assembly, sitting yesterday, was the first since a demonstration at the People’s Park in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has gained momentum following the death of George Floyd in the US.
As protests have been held around the world, attention has also turned to the role of historical figures in the slave trade, specifically to those who have been commemorated with official public statues.
In Jersey, a statue of former Bailiff Sir George Carteret was targeted by protesters because of his links to the Company of Royal Adventurers in Africa, which dealt in slaves as well as gold and ivory.
During yesterday’s sitting, a number of States Members tabled questions on the topic. They included the Constable of St Martin, Karen Shenton-Stone, who asked if a working group was to be set up to improve public knowledge of Jersey’s links to slavery.
Responding, Assistant Chief Minister Carolyn Labey said: ‘In October we set up a development board to look at Island identification, to look at things that make Jersey what it is.
‘We are going to be bringing an interim report forward and one of the key recommendations in it is giving the opportunity to people to learn about Jersey’s links to slavery and colonialism.’
The Grouville Deputy said it was not known how it would work just yet, but a report would soon be available.
Chairwoman of the Constables’ Committee Deidre Mezbourian also answered a question from Senator Sam Mézec on equality and diversity training for parish employees.
She told the Assembly that it had happened at honorary police level, but she was going to discuss it at the next meeting between the Constables and report back to the Assembly. She said she was hopeful it would be possible.
Deputy Monfort Tadier also raised a similar issue with the Attorney General, asking what legislation existed to prevent racism or offensive language in public places.
He also asked if the Law Officers’ Department had been approached in 2015 about an offensive racist term on a memorial bench at Bouley Bay.
Attorney General Mark Temple said he could not discuss the specific case, but informed the Assembly that there was no specific law currently to prosecute someone for putting up a sign with a racist term on it.
He said they could be prosecuted under a charge of inciting a breach of the peace. However, he added that things were due to change.
A new hate crime law was in the pipeline and is soon to go through the relevant channels before being signed off, he said.
