A MEMORIAL garden could be created for those who suffered abuse in Jersey’s care system.
The creation of a “place to remember” was put forward by a panel of survivors in 2018, one year after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry uncovered decades of historic abuse in the Island.
Originally, a memorial was due to be created at the Weighbridge, but the idea was scrapped after concerns were raised over cost, and the potential for the site to retraumatise victims.
La Collette Gardens has now been selected as a site for an alternative memorial.
Plans were recently submitted to alter the space with a new path, pergolas, a fountain, and an arbour seat to provide “somewhere where Islanders can come and reflect in a quiet, safe and relaxing environment”.
The Grade 2 listed seaside gardens, which were created in the early 20th century, offer views across Havre des Pas, and as far as Grève d’Azette and La Mare in St Clement.
Documents submitted as part of the application said that the seating would be themed around butterflies – which were chosen as an emblem to represent child abuse survivors – and angled towards the “mid-winter sunrise”.
The application said the pergolas would be covered in “scented roses, jasmines and other fragrant plants”, and that “new vegetation comprising flowers and shrubs will be planted”, again themed around butterflies.
The “reflection pond” will be positioned so that “the first rays of sunlight” each morning hit it, which will aim to promote “a sense of hope and brightness, and a reminder that each day is a fresh start”.
