A COMMUNICATIONS professional is to round out Reform Jersey’s candidates in St Helier South.
Carla Jardim will join sitting Deputies Tom Coles and Beatriz Porée on the ballot paper on behalf of the party. Independent candidates Bernie Manning and Samantha Gleave are also set to contest the district.
A former Haute Vallée, Hautlieu and Oxford University student, Ms Jardim has 13 years’ experience in the charity, higher education and public sectors, including seven working in the UK, as well as volunteering with children and young people.
She said: “I’m pleased to be standing with Reform Jersey to represent my community and help make the Island more equitable, resilient and prosperous into the future.
“To prepare for an uncertain future we must make decisions that represent – and benefit – more of our community. My early life was shaped by the inequalities in Jersey, and that experience has guided my career so far. Unfortunately, since I moved back to Jersey in 2019, I’ve seen first-hand that these inequalities are getting wider and harder to overcome.
“More and more of us are dissatisfied with the status quo: seemingly never-ending increases to basic costs; services and infrastructure that are ailing and failing; fading hopes of having a home to call our own; and a growing feeling that things can’t change.”
She added that she was “proud” to be working alongside party colleagues who had helped introduce free GP visits for young people, expanded free nursery education for two-to-three-year-olds and improved access to social housing.
“I am standing now because I believe we can change things, and we must change things. To do that, we need a States Assembly is made up of members who represent more of the Island and make decisions on their behalf,” she added.
Endorsing her campaign to replace him in St Helier South, Party Leader Deputy Sam Mézec, who is seeking a Senatorial seat, said – “I am delighted that Carla is running for election. I have been extremely impressed at her communication skills and her ability to connect with the people she engages with.
“Living in the heart of St Helier South, I am certain she will be a powerful champion for her community and a brilliant addition to the Reform Jersey team.“
Islanders will head to the polls on Sunday 7 June.
