FOUR generations of one of Jersey’s most well-known politicians attended a ceremony to display his OBE at the government building and mark his contribution to the Island’s pension system.
Philip Le Feuvre was born in 1892 and was a farmer, Centenier and president of the Jersey Farmers’ Union, as well as serving as both a Deputy and Senator in the States Assembly.
One of his major contributions to Island politics stemmed from his belief that Jersey needed an official social insurance system to protect people in old age, sickness and in any circumstances when Islanders could no longer provide for themselves.
Despite intense political opposition, an initial lost vote and a 13,000-signature petition calling for the implementation to be postponed, the new Social Security system came into operation on 10 September 1951.
Just nine days prior, the then-Senator Le Feuvre and his political allies had to hide in the Town Hall and Police Station to stay safe from opposition. At one point, the intimidation campaign became so severe that a coffin was carried through the streets.
Senator Le Feuvre died just a few years after the system came into operation, missing its full development. The former Social Security building on La Motte Street was named after him and this year marked the 75th anniversary of Social Security.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and director for Social Security Steve Jackson hosted a ceremony to mark Mr Le Feuvre’s contribution to the Island.
Mr Le Feuvre’s OBE medal was previously displayed in the former Social Security building before being moved to the new Social Security offices on Union Street.
Reading out a speech ahead of the unveiling, Karen Le Feuvre, Senator Le Feuvre’s great-niece, said that he had “such a strong belief” that Jersey should do better for lower and middle income earners.
“Today, it is difficult to imagine that the introduction of social security was one of the most controversial political issues Jersey had ever faced.
“It is fitting that Philip’s OBE should be displayed here, in a government building serving present and future generations of Islanders. We hope it will stand as a lasting tribute to Philip and as a reminder that dedicated public service can leave a profound and enduring impact on the life of a community, proving that one individual committed to the wellbeing of others can help shape the history of our Island.”
Senator Farnham added that the government is “very proud” of the sacrifices made by Senator Le Feuvre.
“It’s never easy to make unpopular decisions as a politician, but quite often they are the decisions now that impact us today,” he said.
“The decisions that benefit future generations are some of the hardest ones to make, and we should never forget the personal and political sacrifices made by that man – we’re very proud of that.”
