With the Island’s next general election due to take place in 2022, the Institute of Directors Jersey has announced it would like to see firms working together to engage voters and to encourage ‘diverse and experienced’ political candidates to come forward.
The not-for-profit organisation would like to run a year-long campaign, for which they are aiming to raise £20,000.
It is calling for businesses to provide support either by spreading word of the campaign to their workforce or by offering sponsorship to help attract ‘high calibre’ people and a more representative pool of candidates to stand.
A statement released by IoD Jersey also says that it would like to see an end to the ‘toxic’ culture that it believes exists in the Island’s political scene and drives talented individuals away from standing.
‘Part of the messaging of the campaign is to encourage a move away from negative, demoralising, personal attacks and towards healthy and informed debate,’ it says.
‘Data shows that it is only a very small percentage of Jersey’s population who lead the toxic posts on social media, and IoD Jersey wishes to ensure they do not discourage good candidates from standing for election.’
Lisa Springate, chairwoman of IoD Jersey, said that she was concerned the current political environment was a risk to the Island’s future.
‘We need to change the mindset and culture and encourage people to stand for public office, for the sake of our Island and the future of its economy, young people and our lifestyles,’ she said. ‘Without good leadership, our businesses and our Island as a whole will suffer. Now more than ever with the pandemic, we need good leaders to be able to provide the right environment for our business to thrive.
‘Also, a clear long-term vision for the Island, as helpfully set out in the recent paper published by the independent Economic Council entitled
New Perspectives. This includes innovation, entrepreneurialism, technology, sustainability, education and regeneration.’
More information about the campaign and sponsorship is available from IoD Jersey branch officer Zoe Wauton via email at officer.jersey@iod.net.
lFor more on the New Perspectives report see page 26 in today’s The Business.
