THE community spirit and generosity of Islanders has been praised in this year’s Christmas messages from senior figures in Jersey, who have said the recent tragedies are a cause to reflect on what is important in life.
Messages from the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd, the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, and Chief Minister Kristina Moore all take a more sombre tone this year following the Pier Road explosion, which killed nine Islanders, and the collision at sea which claimed the lives of three fishermen.
In his message, the Dean said it was ‘important we all reassess our priorities in the light of recent events’.
‘While the majority of us enjoy our Christmas traditions, I hope we will respond to those who are in need and that we will be there for people; to love them, support them, offer our generosity of heart and wallet and open our ears, hands and hearts. In that way, we may ourselves be the very angels who proclaim: nothing is impossible with God,’ he said.
‘While we endure a cost-of-living crisis and some inconvenience because of postal and border strikes in the UK, others are hunkering down in shelters because bombs are raining down on them and it is dangerous to go outside or buy food or meet a friend. The normal customs of life lie in ruins.
‘We also know all too well in Jersey, from the two terrible tragedies that took place earlier in the month on land and at sea, that the loss of loved ones in terrible circumstances can have the same effect. Life is never quite the same again for anyone at this time of year when they have lost the people they love.’
Vice-Admiral Kyd said that Jersey had been ‘rocked by a cruel ending to a fabulous year’.
‘If there is any light that comes from such awful events, it is a reminder to us all of the fragility of life, what is important to each of us, and, most importantly, that we should enjoy and be grateful for what we have,’ he said.
‘Another Jersey constant is the incredible generosity of our community to the benefit of so many good causes and charities, both here and overseas.’
Sir Timothy also used his message to reflect on the war in Ukraine, the loss of Her Majesty the Queen and the 77th anniversary of Jersey’s Liberation.
Reflecting on the events closer to home in the last month, he said: ‘As much as we have come together as a community in hope and expectation, so we have come together to mourn and to stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones in the two tragedies that struck the community earlier in this month. We offered what we can in support and will continue to do so. And once again, although borne out of sorrow and sadness, our community has shown what it really is.’
He added: ‘I am enormously mindful at this time of year how many unsung heroes continue to provide us with the services, comfort and protection that we need while many of us are taking a break. To all of those, you are in my thoughts, and I am grateful to you for looking after us during this time.’
Deputy Moore said she hoped that no Island leader ‘has to begin a Christmas message in such sorrowful terms again’.
‘If a light is to be found during these dark times, it is in the response we have seen from across the community. We would rather not have to deal with these events, but how we respond when they happen says a lot about our island. We have seen professionalism, dedication and compassion from people in the public, private and voluntary sectors,’ she said.
‘We live in a strong and united community, and one that has previously shown itself capable of dealing with adversity. That spirit will win through again, individually and collectively, and we can be confident of looking ahead to happier times,’ she added
