A DEBATE over whether Jersey should convert three primary schools to teach in English and French has been deferred.
Deputy Philip Bailhache’s proposition, which was due to be voted on at the States sitting beginning today, argued for the value of bilingualism and its importance to an Island whose culture has been shaped by the interplay of English and French influences.
But, Deputy Bailhache’s proposition was opposed by Education Minister Rob Ward, who feared that funds would be diverted from what the department regards as its key priorities.
In an email to States Members on Saturday, Deputy Bailhache said Deputy Ward’s comments “require some consideration in order to try to find some common ground” and indicated he would defer the debate.
It has now been confirmed that the debate has been deferred, with a date to be confirmed.
Elsewhere in today’s States sitting, Deputy Bailhache also had a hand in the first item to be debated – a change to the Statistics and Census Law limiting the liability of the chief statistician and his staff. Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham will propose an amendment to the original law change which takes account of a previous amendment by Deputy Bailhache “to make the proposed limitation of liability fairer in its application to individuals who may have been wronged”.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel will propose changes to the regulations governing agricultural loans, seeking to reduce interest from 6.5% to 3% and to reduce the size of the advisory board that gives advice to the minister on those loans from ten to five.
Meanwhile, Assistant External Relations Minister Elaine Millar will ask the Assembly to approve a law change that will allow those performing “customer due diligence” to access beneficial ownership held by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.
Among items of routine business, the Chief Minister will propose the reappointment of Robert Tinlin to the board of governance of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, and Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat will ask Members to appoint Chris Stephenson as chair of the Jersey Police Complaints Authority and Simon Burgess as a member.
Following oral questions with notice, the Economic Development Minister, Treasury Minister and Chief Minister will each face 15 minutes of questions without notice.
