Ms Rodrigues claimed to have had a two year affair with prisoner Curtis Warren whilst she was employed at the prison and gave (possibly sold) her story to the Mail newspaper which was published HERE.
Regular readers will be aware that the response received from the Panel Chairman was dismissive, rude, and quite frankly "staggering" which can, and should, be read HERE.
Deputy Montfort Tadier submitted an Urgent Oral Question, (Below) to the discredited, and disgraced, Minister of Home Affairs at the earliest opportunity concerning the allegations made by Ms Rodrigues in the National Newspaper. The "answers" given were completely unsatisfactory and left us with more questions than answers.......Yet again.
Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade will ask the following urgent oral question of the Minister for Home Affairs –
“Would the Minister advise whether a former prison employee had an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner at HMP La Moye and, if so, what assurances can he give that correct safeguards are in place so that such alleged practice may not occur in future?”
The "answer" can be listened to HERE.
It looks as though Ms Rodrigues' revelations/allegations, in the Newspaper, has opened up a whole new can of worms and as viewers/readers will discover (from the video below) she is not the only member of the prison staff to be accused of abusing her position.
It's at this point we remember the words from Scrutiny Panel Chairman Constable Steve Pallett. "At present I do not see a role for the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel in this matter."
We acknowledge that the prison authorities, Home Affairs, and Ms Rodrigues will strenuously deny the allegations made in this Blog, and interview, which will give more reason to hold an "independent" Committee of Inquiry so we can get to the truth.
Deputy Tadier can be contacted at m.tadier@gov.je
As mentioned by Deputy Tadier in video interview.
ReplyDeleteFrom: Montfort Tadier
Sent: 20 February 2014 17:16
To: Ian Le Marquand
Cc: All Constables; All Deputies; All Senators
Subject: Prison
Dear Ian,
I am writing to you following the urgent oral question that was posed earlier in the week.
I have been listening back to the audio of the questions and the answers (which can be heard HERE), and I notice that Constable Paddock asked THE key question, which did not get fully answered.
He asked – why she left her job, and you replied – she resigned in 2010. I am not sure if you misheard the question, and thought he asked when did she leave, but it may be that you were answering that the reason she left was because she resigned.
Of course, this still leaves the question – why did she resign? I would like to pose this question, formally, now.
Can you confirm that she was the subject of a disciplinary investigation and, if so, can you please make the case file for that disciplinary investigation available to States Members?
I would also ask that you advise members how many other disciplinary cases there have been in the past 10 years at the prison, and in how many of those cases the employee was either dismissed or resigned pending or after the action.
Kind regards,
Montfort
Response to Deputy Tadier's e-mail (above) from disgraced Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand.
Delete"Dear Montfort, thank you for your e-mail and for giving me notice of some further questions which you wish to ask. My view is that you should ask these through the normal process of states questions. I am anticipating further questions in these areas and both starting to obtain information on these and also taking advice in relation to the answers.
In relation to the question which was asked by the Connetable of St. Ouen, I am sure that I was not asked, “Why did she resign?” I would not have given the answer which I gave if that had been the question. I think that the question which was asked was something like, “What happened to her?” I certainly interpreted the question asked as seeking information as to whether she was still working at the prison or had left the prison service, hence my answer. I think that we will have to wait for Hansard in order to check exactly what was asked.
I also note your interest in relation to the number of disciplinary cases or potential disciplinary cases. It may be difficult, because of the changes of Prison Governor during the period of 10 years to be sure as to whether or not an individual resigned because they were facing a disciplinary investigation or for some other reason.
Best wishes, Ian Le Marquand."
Deputy Tadier's response.
Delete"Hi Ian,
Many thanks for your response. It is, however, rather unhelpful. This is probably the first time I have been told by a Minister to lodge an official question, as the conventional wisdom is that if information is sought, why not go straight to the department in the first instance, rather than clog up the system unnecessarily (I am sure the Greffe Staff have enough to do!)?
There is a place for parliamentary questions, of course - and it is important that matters of interest are discussed publicly, but time is of the essence here.
In this case, there is a 10 day gap until the next States sitting, and this is a subject, in my opinion, and many other, of urgent public interest. Given that evidence is piling up about HISTORIC innappropriate misconduct at MH LA MOYE, I would have thought you would want to give reassurances to the public as to which of these allegations were true, what was done to rectify them and whether or not the same or similar scenarios are going on today.
I would ask for your co-operation in answering the questions that are easily answerable.
With regard to Hansard, a link to a recording of proceedings was circulated with the previous email - and I repaste it here - http://thejerseyway.blogspot.com/2014/02/questions-without-answers-180214.html.
Constable Paddock asked: 'Could the Minister advise why the female is no longer employed at the Prison?'
To which you answered, 'She resigned in 2010.'
Kind regards,
Montfort"
Just demonstrates how few options the general public have in Jersey to call "our" government to answer for its actions. As Deputy Tadier says, even the JEP published a strongly critical editorial of the official Le Marquand line but nobody is actually required to respond. Presumably we must rely upon the Daily Mail to argue on our behalf for the truth to come out or some other external body. Heaven help us if Sen Bailhache's independence for Jersey urges are allowed to bear fruit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for Dep Tadier yet again for asking the questions but where oh where are most of the rest of our so called " elected reps" in this - especially those who have already announced that they will not be seeking re-election in the autumn - what have they to fear by demanding answers on this issue? Mike Dun writes
Look out Montfort they will be doing a Syvret/Pitmans/Higgins on you soon with these questions!!!
ReplyDeleteI can assure you that reliable sources have contacted they mainstream media....Who continue to bury the story...
ReplyDeletecorrection..Look out Montford they will be doing a Power, Syvret, Higgings, Pitmans, Duhammel on you soon if you insist on seeking the truth!!
ReplyDeleteYou can add Bellwood and Harper to that list too.
DeleteThe Beano is not the Rag
Flowers and Swinson could be added also.
DeleteTrouble is - it is all becoming to embarrassingly obvious, even to the most naïve of people.
DeleteRather shows just how dense the Establishment are if they thing we don't see a pattern in all this! DOH!
It has been said somewhere that Warren denies the claims. If he does then I cannot find that denial in the article. It says that he does not want to authenticate the claims. That is not a denial. In fact it is almost an admission. And she seems to back her claims with correspondence.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be no doubt that she spent time with Warren in his cell. For what legitimate purpose? She was a "drugs counsellor" so what was the nature of the "counselling" she was supposed to be providing to an international drugs dealer? Attempting to persuade him to change his ways? Who authorised unsupervised visits to his cell? What was their official purpose? To whom was this woman reporting and how was her conduct and performance being measured?
No wonder Le Marquand is claiming the "fifth amendment" and refusing to say anything presumably to avoid self-incrimination?
Does Jersey have a criminal offence equivalent to the UK "Misconduct in Public Office?" If it does then can it be aided and abetted by, for example, prison management or even their political leadership?
Could the AG be asked to comment on this and perhaps give an indication whether, if the allegations are true, any offence would be committed under Jersey Law?
Excellent questions raised in your comment and beggars belief why NONE of them were asked (when given the opportunity by Deputy Tadier's urgent oral question) by any of the Scrutiny Panel who are tasked with "scrutinising" the Minister.
DeleteTo, once more, quote the Scrutiny Panel Chairman, Constable Steve Pallett;
"At present I do not see a role for the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel in this matter."
Absolutely priceless when one remembers the words of political expert Professor Adrian Lee who said, words to the effect. "Show me an ineffective scrutiny and I'll show you a dictatorship."
Steve Pallett should resign for his response to my e-mail alone but his continuous silence, in any normal functioning "democracy" should see him, and his two other Constables on his Panel, face a vote of no confidence.
Regarding above quote: by Anonymous21 February 2014 13:40
ReplyDelete"Does Jersey have a criminal offence equivalent to the UK "Misconduct in Public Office?" If it does then can it be aided and abetted by, for example, prison management or even their political leadership?"
I ask does Jersey have an extradition agreement with Portugal?
ahimsa
If Scrutiny really think that the story told by Rodrigues is all lies then here surely is an opportunity to humiliate the Mail on Sunday before the world and to expose their attempt to damage the reputation of the Island's government. Warren was a "Category A" prisoner and all of his movements, activities and visits will have been closely monitored and recorded. Rodrigues was an employee and as such her hours of work and duties will be in her employment records. All Scrutiny need to do to expose her falsehoods is to call the Prison Governor to give evidence and produce the relevant records which demonstrate that the events she described could not have happened. Or will it be down to some brave individual to make a freedom of information request for these documents? I say some "brave individual" on the assumption that none of the Island's paid media will have the nerve to undertake some proper journalism on these issues.
ReplyDeleteYes it could be quite easy to get to the truth if there was a will by Scrutiny, or indeed, the Minister. Unfortunately the Scrutiny Panel have shown they are not fit for purpose, the Minister only ever wants one side of a story told (The Party Line) and along with the BBC has buried the interim defence case of the former Chief Police Officer Graham Power QPM. This is after a "roadshow" of the discredited prosecution case against him.
DeleteThe local "paid" (State) media do not, as a rule, partake in "proper journalism" although there are perhaps two reporters on the Island who might want the truth to get out, unfortunately they are bound by their editors. So don't hold your breath on any of them getting the truth told.
Sorry, didn't realise I wasn't signed in. The above comment is mine.
DeleteThe Minister says:
ReplyDelete"It may be difficult, because of the changes of Prison Governor during the period of 10 years to be sure as to whether or not an individual resigned because they were facing a disciplinary investigation or for some other reason."
This is a staggering admission about record keeping in the prison. Are records not kept? Does a Governor take all the records with him as his personal papers when he leaves? Is there a bonfire at every change of Governor?
Bring back Bergerac.
When Bill Ogley destroyed his hand written notes of the suspension meeting of former Police Chief Graham Power QPM the then Chief Minister basically said this was normal practise. Official records/documents on this Island don't hang around for long.
DeleteIt was all going to plan, what with the Pitmans, now gone and Higgins they were hoping next in line, the States sittings from now, until election time would become shorter and less confrontational....
ReplyDeleteThen this Mail On Sunday article came along!?
Am I the only person who thinks that this could all be down to a clerical error, or the paperwork which accompanied Warren to La Moye being misread at his reception? We know now that he was a "Category A" prisoner. But perhaps this was accidentally read as "A List." That would explain his special treatment. It could all be innocent after all.
ReplyDeleteThe term "clerical error" brought back a known phrase used by the former Chief Minister Terry Le Sueur which makes for very informative reading and the phrase was PROCEDURAL ERRORS
DeleteIndeed in the above link the former Police Chief, Graham Power QPM, had this to say;
Delete"In some jurisdictions the destruction of evidence prior to a Court hearing may be regarded as a criminal issue. In Jersey it is a “procedural error.”
Two points if I may,
ReplyDeleteOf course there is misconduct in a public office, but Jersey has a serious problem in holding its civil servants to account. If the chief executive of the States of Jersey who blatantly lied, and was caught as was Bill Ogley, what message does it send to other high ranking civil servants when he is handed £534,000 as a golden handshake with no misconduct trial.
Extraditing Ms Rodrigues might seem the logical and correct action ( how were CW phones and pay cards sourced ) but she may bring other public employees, including managers down. It is unlikely she we will brought back, still not to worry ay, the tide is turning slowly.
http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2012/10/03/never-let-it-be-said-theres-corruption-in-the-isle-of-man-even-when-the-attorney-generals-in-the-dock/
Could Curtis be a dad?
ReplyDeleteILM is just another "Bagdad Bob," the former Information Minister of Iraq, who famously remained live on news feeds claiming all was perfectly fine and dandy even as encroaching bombs exploded in the background. It would be absolutely shocking to ever hear the disgraced Home Affairs Minister candidly answer difficult questions. He has misled or obfuscated about so much for so long, he seems to have entirely lost that ability. Given his not-even-credible responses in the face of multiple scandals, it would be no surprise if he was the first one sacrificed when the oligarchs start throwing ballast overboard.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Neil, a natural born justice seeker!
ReplyDeleteSame sentiments from me also Neil, and I know without question from my Neil too. Have a good one.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Neil - your work is much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJust tried to catch up the latest on Stuart Syvret's blog and got this:
ReplyDelete"This blog is in violation of Blogger's Terms of Service and is open to authors only"
How very dare them!
This might help EXPLAIN
Deleteif you listen to State Radio you will know who won the Grouville junior Miss Battle of Flowers and would have heard about Jamie on the voice. Nothing about by election pre poll voting, for such "trivia" concerning the democratic process one has to rely on Social Media. St Helier Districts 1 and 2 Pre poll voting is all this week at St Paul's centre from 9.am - 5pm
ReplyDeleteAfter what appeared to be a fair interview this morning with Matthew Price interviewing Assistant Home Affairs Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, and back bench politician St Brelade Deputy Montfort Tadier I sent the following e-mail to Matthew. Copied in, among others, were Senator Farnham, Deputy Tadier, Constables Pallett, Rennard and Le Troquer (Home Affairs "Scrutiny" Panel).
ReplyDelete"Matthew.
Thank you for interviewing Deputy Tadier and Assistant Home Affairs Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, this morning concerning the “historic going’s on” at La Moye Prison.
To any right minded, fair and objective, onlooker there are serious questions that need answering and a root and branch investigation into the policies and procedures followed (or not) by the prison/Home Affairs Department but here’s where we’re at.
Assistant Home Affairs Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham said;
“This is something that happened some years ago THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATING”
Constable Michel Le Troquer Member of Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Says;
“I’m sure this is the start of something that will go on for some time. If true then there are a lot of explanations to be made……..and I don’t know how anyone will be able explain away such allegations.”
Yet Chairman of Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Steve Pallet says;
“At present I do not see a role for the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel in this matter.”
So The Assistant Home Affairs Minister agrees with Deputy Tadier and believes “THIS NEEDS INVESTIGATING.” Constable Le Troquer also appears to be in agreement with Deputy Tadier and Senator Farnham. The question needs to be;
Who is going to resign first from the Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Constable Pallet or Constable Le Troquer?
Yet another Jersey debacle………………….Or cover up?"
Were there cameras in Warren or other prisoners cells? Were they recorded? Would someone ask ILM outright was Curtis warren under video or audio surveillance at the time the member of staff who made her claims was employed in the prison?
ReplyDeleteThis sex and stuff it just does not happen in jersey's prison why do you not believe Le Marquand and Curtis Warren what's wrong with you people.---- I have just seen a copy of todays (Daily Liar) jep and on page 18 there is an article re WOMEN IN PRISION. I am not very good at typing could someone copy that article and present it on this blog it may enlighten some people that anything is possible in prison. (and thank you for an excellent blog)
ReplyDeleteIf Teresa Rodrigues account is true my own opinion is that it came about from a high order rather than rouge prison officers.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of respect for the Jersey Blog´s as it is the only way we can really know what goes on in our Island, but using Blogs to make allegations like, “VFC has spoken with a number of credible sources who tell us Ms Rodrigues was making a good income on the side,....” just brings your blog to a low level of credibility.
ReplyDeleteGood post on the one before and others too because they stick to facts and keep us informed, but bringing allegations of hearsay..... come on, in a minute you will say that you have heard from reliable sources she was bringing the Queen to the prison. Of course she will be labelled of all sorts now, she became a great scapegoat, just stick to the facts otherwise what you are doing is pure defamation and slander.
I don’t see you like JEP, BBC or some politicians who censor information so I would think you will post this one
The key words there were “ a number of credible sources.” I have spoken with a number of former inmates, and prison staff, who have independently corroborated their stories. It is not just “hearsay” the allegations have been independently corroborated.
DeleteI have to say Anonymous, that if there is one thing that VFC is very particular about, that is getting his facts absolutely 'spot-on' before anything goes to print. Lest you forget, Montfort, the JEP and the BBC have all been given information from 'credible' sources and are choosing to believe that there is no smoke without fire.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to agree with anon. It really doesn’t matter if he gets his sources and allegations right, he is not police or judge (I would think), to make such statements without bringing the names of those who gave him the information, and important Blogs like this one are not for allegations of hearsay (you don’t see other blogs gossiping like this), what he done is defamation and slander with no doubt, until is proven that she done such things is defamation to bring them like this.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that this lady done a lot for myself and my family, unfortunately some have relapse and others sadly died, and many many others are having successfully lives free of drugs or alcohol, which is the name and rules of this illness. I red on Bob Hill Blog “I was reading some notes of yesterday’s JEP and I think that making judgements like «She done it for the money« is rather silly. I have read her CV, all her letters of recommendation from 8 or 10 years working with so many agencies and praised by all. Yes, it seems she was silly enough and highly unprofessional by making a big mistake and gets involved «romantically« with a prisoner. However, that doesn’t take away the amount of work she done for people suffering from addiction and from all I can read about her work she was definitely not stupid to have made this article for money. No way would she ruin her reputation for money, and definitely not against Curtis Warren.
Nevertheless, good work on this Blog. Congratulations, at least your blog is sticking to facts and not wanting to gossip.” (from Bob Hill Blog)
I have to agree with this person, Ms Rodrigues might have been very unprofessional by getting involved romantically but if you ask to other agencies she was a great counsellor. Please people, do talk of what is on the papers and what is said on public arena like the assembly but DO NOT write things true or not, without proof. “…a number of credible sources…” is just a way of writing defamatory statements. You are better than that!
“she was a great counselor”
DeleteIsn’t that hearsay? Where’s your proof? What makes her “a great counselor?”
Statistics will be published soon, on this Blog, concerning Ms. Rodrigues’ “success rate” and her “methods” of so-called counseling.
Although she might have adopted the name of “Teflon Teresa,” up at the prison, in other circles she is known as “Shipman.”…………….Stay tuned.
Again Anonymous number two, I have to say that I have it on a most credible source that Teresa Rodrigues (who was known to me also) is following events in Jersey and I am sure is more than capable of taking up the matter of 'defamation and slander' if she feels that is the case. I doubt she will though, as she is apparently very worried about the can of worms her story has opened.
ReplyDeleteProfessional people, however many they may or may not have helped, should remain professional at all times. This was a lapse too far.
"No way would she ruin her reputation for money, ..." Permission to snigger
DeleteThe Beano is not the Rag
VFC.
ReplyDeleteEmma Martin's Father on BBC radio Jersey at 17-10 was an absolute classic....
Words used in his interview were: The HDLG debacle.
Hope you or TJW can capture this for all to hear!
Yes and the interview must have “forgot” to mention that Bergerac was filming while children were still in residence in Aviemore wing at Haut de la and Sgt Bergerac and his team could be interviewed as part of Operation Yewtree.
DeleteThe interviewer must have also “forgot” to mention there is a possibility that Sgt Bergerac has a financial incentive for the re-runs to go ahead as he might get repeat fees for it.
I am Anon n.2 and yes Jill, have to agree with your last comment, however cannont comment on first one as I will not enter into what I dont know.
ReplyDeleteI have to say to Mr. VFC to never forget that when we point a finger in anger, do not forget there are other 4 pointing to ourselves...... It really looks like you have a personnel vendetta, that you are not letting go!
Anon No 2 - I wish you well in your recovery and if Ms Rodrigues helped you in this I can understand your defence of her. You have made a long journey that is not easy.
ReplyDeleteHowever - just be patient and see how this all pans out. VFC is a good man who seeks the truth and facts. He was not the one who chose to publish this sordid story so all and sundry could read it. Would any decent woman really want to portray herself in such a way?
You have got your life back, and for that I am really pleased. Remember - one day at a time and good luck.
The reruns for money where writtin all over that interview. Poor poor Bergerac
ReplyDeleteHave any candidates in the current by-elections expressed any views on these issues - I mean primarily the Mail/Warren allegations - or have any been sought? It would be nice to know beforehand if our two new "reps" will have any original thoughts in their heads...
ReplyDeleteDuring Curtis Warrens stay in prison do we know if his cell had a surveillance camera in it?
ReplyDeleteHi VFC.
ReplyDeleteFinally got up the interview of Senator Farnham and Deputy Tadier.
You and your readers ca listen to it HERE
TJW.
I am just a grateful father who was blessed to have had Ms Rodrigues working at La Moye when my son was there. He is out of prison for 6 years now and after living 12 years of hell of seeing him killing himself slowly with drugs, in and out of institutions, last time he was at La Moye my son had Teresa as his counsellor. She done a lot of work with him and many others from group sessions and one to one work, and he is now 7 years in recovery, we have a life that to be honest I never even dreamed it would be possible. I know 4 other families with 2 daughters and 2 sons who came out just before him and other 2 just after him who are also in recovery, working, studying and raising their own families. These families too are eternally grateful for her work. I know there are many others who are also in recovery, others who relapsed and unfortunately and very sadly some have died after relapsing.
ReplyDeleteIt is very difficult to stay in recovery in such a small Island; you have no idea unless a member of your family has passed through it. Every time my son would go to town, college, work a meeting, for a coffee, he would have to bump through ‘old mates’ and Teresa gave him the structure and the tools to deal with this and so many other situations, like relationships, getting a job, be a son etc.
I also judged her when the paper came out, my son told me “dad, I know her well, I was there, I know the score, she would never had done this unless she had absolutely no other choice”. I learn to believe in my son, trust his judgement and I stop throwing stones.
This all story in the papers is very sad, but I had to write how blessed my family and so many others are for having had Ms Rodrigues in their lives. God bless you Teresa and thank you so much for all your work
‘A grateful father’