ONE glance at the international news shows that the ability to resolve conflict successfully is a skill which is perhaps in rather short supply at the moment. So often now, it seems that opinions quickly migrate to the extreme ends of any spectrum, views become entrenched, and emotionally-charged exchanges generate plenty of heat, but regretfully less light. Somehow the view prevails that in such a situation, there can ever truly be a “winner”.
On a local level, we perhaps have the chance to do rather better. And it is in that vein, albeit with a liberal dose of New Year optimism, that we should approach some of the more contentious issues which have dominated the news agenda in the run-up to the festive period.
There are plenty of examples; but perhaps one which became particularly acute was the deeply unfortunate situation regarding the tender process for the new operator at the Havre des Pas lido.
Readers may remember that it resulted in the Infrastructure Minister making an apologetic statement to the States Assembly, accepting that part of that process had been poorly handled, including misleading and erroneous statements, and so it now needed to be rerun.
Tension, as a result of the worsening issue, steadily built through many weeks, resulting in multiple public protests; and that tension has continued into this year through ongoing eviction proceedings.
Meanwhile, users of this clearly important public facility are left none the wiser as to what the future will hold for the facilities which they would like to enjoy.
It would be an understatement to say that a lack of trust has developed between those involved, and it is going to take considerable effort now from all parties to try and set what has happened to one side, and then see if a satisfactory solution can be reached.
The word “satisfactory” is perhaps important in this context, as in a dispute which has become so deep-seated, it is difficult to imagine a perfect solution which will suit everyone.
Compromise is a strength rather than a weakness, and as a small community where disparate interests often collide, Jersey has had to learn that solutions are only found through good communication, working together and accepting that perfect is often the enemy of “done.”
It does seem likely that everyone will have to give a little ground, and focus dispassionately on the actual objective: which is to get the best possible facility open, as quickly as reasonably possible, for islanders who want to enjoy Havre des Pas.
