Once again dismissing claims that Dr Duncan Gibaut’s departure from Statistics Jersey had followed a row over the independence of his department, Senator John Le Fondré told States Members yesterday during question time that Mr Gibaut had asked for a ‘low key’ end to his 20-year career with the government, which was why no official announcement had been made.
However, he admitted that there had been an issue relating to independence raised by the Statistics Users Group, which reviews the quality, relevance and integrity of the statistics compiled by or on behalf of the government, which was now in the process of being sorted out. He said it was not a ‘disagreement’ but a ‘discussion’, perhaps a ‘strong discussion’, and related to how two existing laws governing statistics might or might not conflict to prevent some members of staff commenting on certain areas.
‘The issue I understand from reading the minutes is that there has been some difference of opinion in law-drafting instructions. When they [the instructions] come to me I will need to make sure they are as strong as possible,’ said the Chief Minister, who added that he wrote to the users’ group in October to express his support for the independence of Statistics Jersey.
The matter had been compounded, he added, as the group had been inquorate for nearly a year and then Covid had delayed work.
‘The independence of Statistics Jersey from my perspective is absolutely guaranteed,’ the Chief Minister added.
‘And as Members who have pushed me to try to encourage and speed up work to be produced will know, I have not been able to do that because of that independence and I have absolutely resisted the urge to put any pressure on.
‘It would be a very foolish politician, particularly Chief Minister or minister, that sought to control in any way, shape or form or other means Statistics Jersey’s independence.’
Senator Le Fondré added that if ongoing discussions showed that there was ‘anything to be strengthened’ in the current arrangement he would be ‘absolutely behind it’.
Commenting on Dr Gibaut’s departure, he said: ‘It is not gardening leave. As far as I am concerned he’s using up annual leave and actually his last official day is [Wednesday].
‘Therefore we were respecting his wish for privacy.
‘We had planned to make an announcement following his departure in accordance with his wishes.’
Statistician Ian Cope had been appointed as an interim following Dr Gibaut’s departure and takes on a new role as director of analytics and statistics, which aims to make the position more senior within the civil service.
A member of staff within Statistics Jersey has been promoted and will effectively be his deputy.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said an announcement was due to be made soon about a new permanent chairman of the Statistics Users Group.
