THE Chief Minister has praised the Island’s response to Storm Ciarán – from the forecasters who predicted it to the emergency services, public employees, parish services, local businesses, community groups, charities and individuals who responded when it struck.
Giving a statement in the States Assembly, Deputy Kristina Moore said that her heart went out to those Islanders and families who had been impacted by the effects of the storm.
She added that the Island had showed “great resolve” and “once again, in adversity we have seen the very best of Jersey”.
She said that, at the peak of the response, 180 Islanders were being supported by the government in hotel accommodation and, as of Tuesday, that number had fallen to 50.
However, she added that many more were being supported in the homes of friends and family.
“I recognise that, in many cases, the effects of the hurricane-force winds will outlast a few days of clearing up,” she said.
“In addition to damaged properties, we have seen extensive damage to local sports facilities, schools, and our natural environment, with I expect thousands of trees lost.
“I doubt there are many Islanders who haven’t been impacted in at least some way, and the commitment to re-building will need to last beyond the past few days and the coming few weeks. It will be a long-term job.”
Deputy Moore said that a ‘Recovery Coordination Group’ was meeting for the first time on Tuesday to plan the ongoing clear-up. She added that it was too soon to say whether extra funding will be needed, on top of existing budgets and the recently launched Bailiff’s Fund.
In her statement, the Chief Minister also praised the government’s communications team for sharing key messages promptly and effectively, and echoed Members’ praise for farmers, volunteers and others who had helped to clear fallen trees and debris.
“I hope Members will join me in offering gratitude for a job well done,” she said, adding: “My final note of thanks goes to the community itself, for listening to the advice, and adhering to what was asked of us by the emergency services.
“Being asked to stay at home isn’t easy, and it brings back awful memories, but the space and time this allowed was crucial to the response and recovery efforts.
“As a democratic Island, we govern and police by consent – the existence and practice of this consent in a time of need again shows what a mature and responsible community we are fortunate to live in.
“As the police chief said at the weekend in an interview, Islanders have shown remarkable resilience.”
