THE Children’s Minister is to seek a return to the States Assembly at this summer’s election – but says he has yet to decide about whether he would wish to return to a government role.
St Peter Constable Richard Vibert has confirmed his intention to put himself forward for a third term in the role, having first been returned unopposed in May 2018.
From June 2021 until the start of 2024, including being re-elected as Constable in June 2022, Mr Vibert was as Assistant Minister for Children and Education. Since February 2024 he has been Children’s Minister, as well as holding assistant ministerial positions in both Education and Home Affairs.
At a parish level, the sitting Constable said he had a number of areas on which he would hope, if elected to continue focusing.
“We had a lot of work to do on parish finances after I was re-elected in 2022, but we’re now in a position where we can look at some positive projects for St Peter,” he said.
“I would like to press ahead with the refurbishment of the Maison Le Marquand [which comprises affordable housing units for over-60s] – and we are looking at the potential for a play area suitable for older children, possibly with accompanying sports facilities, as well as another community project that is currently being explored and would benefit some of the families in most need of help.”
Mr Vibert said he had “thoroughly enjoyed” working in his ministerial roles over the past five years.
“I was formerly a Centenier in the parish for ten years and this gave me a good understanding of working with some vulnerable young people,” he said. “I’m pleased that during the last five years we have made real progress as an Island, particularly by establishing improved packages for those leaving care, and increased availability of long-term homes to offer greater stability to young people.”
But serving in government had created a significant workload, he added.
“It has been very intense, and I think I’d have to consider very carefully whether I wanted to return to a ministerial role if I am re-elected in St Peter,” he said. “There’s lots to do in the parish, and it would be good to have the occasional weekend free – that doesn’t seem to happen, as the responsibilities of the Children’s Minister can often fall outside office hours.”
Mr Vibert said he would be preparing for a contested election should another candidate or candidates put themselves forward for the Constable’s seat, but said he had yet to hear whether others were considering putting themselves forward. Nominations for all 49 positions in the Assembly will open on 20 April and close two days later, ahead of polling day on Sunday 7 June.
