Thursday 5 October 2017

Boris Bailhache - Guest Posting.


Boris Bailhache

Political observers cannot help but have noticed that the national mainstream media have recently been (almost wall to wall) covering stories regarding the calls for the sacking/resignation of Boris Johnson. The calls are being made, seemingly, because he has gone "off message," is "ignoring collective responsibility" and "undermining the authority" of his Prime Minster Theresa May regarding Brexit.

Boris Johnson, it is firmly believed, is setting his stall for a leadership challenge against Theresa May by undermining her authority with his publicly made Brexit views and is making the PM into some kind of a laughing stock because she is unwilling, or unable, to reign her foreign Minister in.

But what about the Jersey situation with our Foreign Minister, Senator Philip (Boris) Bailhache, and leader Senator, Ian Abraham ,  (Theresa) Gorst? Senator Bailhache and his constant undermining of Ian Gorst, and the latter's attempts, not only to have a Committee of Inquiry (COI) into decades of Child Abuse, but to implement its recommendations. Not only has Boris Bailhache consistently attempted to derail the COI but is now attempting to derail senator Gorst and his attempts to implement the recommendation of splitting the dual role of the Bailiff. Senator Bailhache playing (as mentioned below) the old "tradition" card. Although he didn't play that card when he wiped out 500 years of tradition with the church. That obviously wasn't "traditional" enough to worry the public with.

While drafting this Blog Posting I was contacted by a reader and asked if I could/would publish a Guest Posting which, coincidentally, mirrored some of the points I was going to make so have incorporated it. Thankfully the reader HAS seen the similarities/comparisons between the Theresa May/Boris Johnson, Ian Gorst/Philip Bailhache sketch but can it be that not ONE of our esteemed professional local journalists have seen these similarities/comparisons? Do they not watch the national news?

Below the Guest Posting is senator Bailhache having yet another dig at Senator Gorst and yet another dig at the Care Inquiry. It came by way of an interview with ITV/CTV (who we credit for the recording).

Readers might recall that Sir Philip, with the help of ITV/CTV, managed to EXONERATE the then Jersey Dean Bob Key.

The Guest Poster has asked to remain anonymous.

Guest Post.

"They say that States Members start behaving strangely a few months before an election - some, who have otherwise been inconspicuous for the past 3 years have even been heard to speak, ask questions and even be critical of Government policy. When you are on a sinking ship, even the most loyal crew member will start eyeing up the life-rafts, knowing there may not be space for everyone.

This is standard practice, but what is going to be different about the May elections is that, for the first time in recent time, the fracture lines are starting to show - and in unusual places. Namely, there is infighting on the right. We saw the early signs of this in the fall-out over the innovation fund. Clearly, it was mismanaged. And whilst in times of success, various Ministers would line up to claim the positives as their own, or to take part in the traditional patting of each other's backs, this time, the knives came out.
The public wanted a scalp. The highly paid civil servants were shrewd enough to leave the scene (and the island) before the 'vraic hit the fields', and they would have been laughing all the way to the bank.

Senator Alan Maclean

Rightly or wrongly, Senator Ozouf was the one in the firing line for the failings of the fund and he had to go. The Chief Minister, on the other hand, strongly suggested that it was not his friend Philip who was to blame, so much as Senators Maclean and Farnham - the traditional right-wing of his council of Minister.

Skip forward a few months, and we see another prominent, canny politician who is fully aware that this Council of Minister's ship is heading firmly for the electoral rocks. The English-man Gorst and Phil'll Fix it have never been so unpopular. With the rise of Reform Jersey, and the decline of the neo-liberals, it is important that Senator Bailhache not only has a life raft (chauffeur-driven no doubt), but a ship of his own to captain when SS Vanity finally goes under. For that he needs a flag and a crew.

The 'flag' is tradition and the cause is the Bailiff. An uninspiring one, you might say and this is where the spin is needed. Remember the 2014 elections, which instead of being dominated by the real political issues and the Council of Ministers being held to account for their failings in Health, Housing, Social Security, electoral reform and Population control, the election was engineered to be little more than a side show about the Constables. Whilst younger people, unimpressed, showed their contempt for the political class by staying at home, the older voters took the bait - swallowing the hook, line and sinker too - believing that parish rates would go up if the constables were not in the States. The right (traditional and business class) were united in their efforts then, and saw off the unaligned independents, whilst the Social Democrats of Reform Jersey made no net gains, but maintained their seats.

This time it is very different. The rift between Gorst/Ozouf on the one hand, the 'progressive'-conservatives on one hand and the feudal-reactionaries on the other is palpable. Philip Bailhache, who never was one to toe the line (on the Child Abuse Inquiry, notably) has sensed the public mood and is making the separation of powers debate about something it is not. He knows it is a very simple matter - that Courts and Legislatures should be separate, and that Judges should stick to judging and politicians to politicking. So he needs a distraction and a bogey-man.

(1) POPULISM: This is a matter for the people. This is a constitutional matter, and - of course - constitutional matters should be put to the public (when it suits politicians). How dare arrogant politicians think they can make such a monumental decision without consulting you!

(2) BLAME THE IMMIGRANT. Gorst is an Englishman. He is just trying to make us like an overseas county of England. Look at the House of Commons, they are a complete shambles. We don't need an elected speaker like in England. Look at the mess they are in.

And the Jersey media go along with it.

In the recent Channel TV interview, (below) which was cloying in its deference to 'Sir' Philip, the story ran - Jersey could elect its own speaker like in the UK. But of course, it could have said 'like Barbados', 'like the Cayman Islands' or - how's about - 'like France.'

If there is an obvious parallel to be made with the UK it is the sharpening of knives from the likes of Boris Johnson and the would be pretenders for the lame-duck Theresa May's job.

Surely I am not the only one to see the comparison between Sir Philip Johnson and Boris Bailhache (with a little bit of Rees-Mogg thrown in for good measure)?"(END)







320 comments:

  1. https://youtu.be/GwkOWPauu_A

    Say no more, the Bailiff can’t let go because they will lose control and the secrets will come out!

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    1. If this blog posting stays current for much longer, the number of comments will exceed 200.

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  2. All very true apart from the bit about the rise of Reform Jersey. Come on, these guys are holding democratic change back. Not because they don't want it for all the right reasons. They are just so ineffectual. No gains in 2014 and none likely to come in 2018.

    As for the Bailhaches they just cannot risk letting go. Too much might finally come out that until now only ex politicians like Syvret and the Pitmans dared say. Without control of the States a few more might be tempted to pipe up after years of keeping their heads down.

    Don't be fooled though. The Bailiff cannot be allowed to stay as Civic Head. He is a judge nothing more and judges can have no place in anything political.

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    1. How effectual do you think only 3 politicians can be? RJ is the opposition, and although I might not agree with all its policies it deserves support, and more people willing to come forward at the next election to stand as a candidate. If it had more politicians it could be more effectual. Why attack the opposition? Shouldn’t you be challenging the status quo/ruling elite (Crown Offices)?

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  3. "No conflict" (smirk)

    Someone should draw up an indictment including:

    - Bailiff turning off Stuart's mic when he was trying to draw attention to a horrendous scandal which did not reflect well on the current constitutional set up;

    - Bailiff trying to stop Andrew Lewis blabbing in the States in a way that would reveal what was essentially a coup against the Chief of Police. "Don't go down that road Minister ..." or whatever the actual quote was.

    - un-elected Bailiff suppressing questions etc. in an elected assembly.

    and so on.

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    1. Not to mention his (Boris Bailhache) honesty/integrity was called into question by the COI (do not accept his juxtaposition of words)

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    2. Pleased you noticed that little smile form Bailhache after the words "No conflict" That is classic body language of someone not telling the truth.

      JRCbean

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    3. Honour among thieves ????????

      With Lewis' latest version of "God's honest truth" I can't help thinking that he is being played for a fool by whoever is advising him.

      Lewis lid and misled Parliament - that was obvious to anyone with an IQ over 70,
      even before it was somehow made "official" by a £25m Public Inquiry.

      Lewis' multiple versions of the "truth" make him look like, not just a liar but a pathological liar.

      This plays into the hands of those who he is shielding because it makes him a larger and larger receptacle to pour blame into. Blame which is ultimately theirs.

      Do they have real dirt on Lewis to make him dance to their tune, or is he just that weak and dim?

      Source (August 20, 2017 at 6:57 PM):

      https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8518595684035581532&postID=6840809701100692882&bpli=1

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  4. UK are currently making a big fuss of the news that, were he still alive, Ted Heath would be interviewed under caution.

    Person 737 was deemed worth interviewing "under caution as a suspect". So what actually happened and what was the result? Apparently what is big news on the "mainland" is just a routine detail in Jersey, not worth remarking on. Doesn't even make the back page.

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    1. Good point Polo

      Keep banging the drum about the 737 interview, or lack of.

      I for one am watching, and I know VFC must be.

      Delete

    2. Nice one Stuart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQRyQKuKXks

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  5. We now have a centralised "Council of Ministers Dictatorship" running the States of Jersey, and this dictatorship wants to consolidate this centralisation of power even further by removal of the Queens representative, the Bailiff, and replacement by their own-man, a "U.K. style" Speaker of the House as an "impartial presiding officer" to ensure that debate in the States Chamber "proceeds smoothly" for them.

    Do you remember the old committee system, where locals actually got involved in the States? This was also taken out of the hands of the people, and further centralised under a cloak of secrecy...

    This Dictatorship is now after getting rid of the Constables in yet another move to take away power from the people and centralise power even further.

    Televised (propagandised trial by TV) elections have also been introduced "UK style" to demonise or promote candidates.

    And yet you still do not see what is happening before your very eyes.

    Keep the States of Jersey run by locals for locals; go back to the Committee System, retain all that is the parish system and get rid of the dictatorship called the Council of Ministers!

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    1. It's the Constables who keep the "Council of Ministers Dictatorship" in power with their bloc-vote. It's the Parish system (Centeniers) that keeps paedophiles from going to court. The speaker of the house is unelected and unaccountable. That isn't giving any power to the people.

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    2. Then how do you suggest the people of Jersey decentralise power without us descending into a dictatorship socialist utopia?

      What model of government actually places power in the hands of the people without putting that power into the hands of the few?


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    3. Any idea... anything?

      Or does your critical theory continue to crumble when you have to actually offer anything constructive?

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    4. Are we already so far down the road with the same politics of the Cayman Islands:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Cayman_Islands

      Quote:

      The prosecution in the trial was forced to reveal that the British Government had planted moles (and used wire taps) throughout the banking industry using MI6, with the consent of the Governor. This caused the trial's collapse, and subsequent release of those charged with wrongdoing. Along with this, the only mole that was known at the time was allowed to leave the country, never to answer for what he (or the United Kingdom) was doing. This infuriated the elected members of the Legislative Assembly as they maintained that the Governor and the United Kingdom had put into question the Cayman Islands' reputation as a tightly regulated offshore jurisdiction. Some saw this as the United Kingdom meddling in the territory's affairs to benefit itself (and the EU), at the expense of the islands' economy.

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    5. What legitimate government would ever bring in a treason law, the 'Treason (Jersey) Law 2014'; since 1204, what has recently changed to require this most despicable legislation.

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    6. Party politics with an elected "accountable" speaker. We need to be able to throw out government out if it doesn't deliver on its manifesto.

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    7. In a small island with a geographical area of 45.5 square miles (120 sq km) what in the flying f**ck do we need political parties for?

      Why would you divide a house into political parties, and give that house over to the largest political party division to control and have it continually at war with its equally divided opposite?

      What's wrong with elected individuals representing the people of their respective parishes in one government by the people and for the people?

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    8. Because those “independent” people are NOT independent. Along with the Constables they become Ministers/Assistant Ministers and form a (not so) covert political party. If they were to stand as a party we could get rid of them at an election. Because they don’t it is much more difficult. We need to be able to elect an alternative to what we have. Under the current system this is not possible.

      There is clearly a problem with “electing” people at Parish level with 11 out of the 12 Constables NOT being elected and having NO mandate. A third of our Parliament has NOT been elected. It’s difficult to see how this could happen with a party political system. The Parishes are the problem……… Not the solution.

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    9. Then you would have the people of this island divided and turned against themselves, to be then ruled by the greater proportion of that division in constant see-saw opposition against its numerically inferior opposite. Each division being controlled by an even smaller number concentrated at its head and balanced either side upon the fulcrum of "the speaker of the house".

      You will know this as simply "divide and rule".

      The divide and rule by party system is more effective in giving the illusion of choice when both parties are easily controlled by a small minority.

      A small minority can never control a house which is united by its very nature of division.

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    10. It is clear we are not going to agree on this. Do you see the comparisons in the way Philip Bailhache is acting against Ian Gorst with that of May and Johnson?

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    11. It is better to have many individuals representing the people of the island than two lap-dogs being exercised by the "speaker of the house"

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    12. But if the speaker were elected he/she would be accountable. There is currently NO real accountability for the unelected speaker. Millions of £'s have been spent on "independent" reports (Clothier/Carswell/IJCI) who have ALL recommended a separation of powers. The judiciary needs to be separated from the legislature. It's not radical, it's recognised in any first world democracy.

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    13. VfC said: It is clear we are not going to agree on this. Do you see the comparisons in the way Philip Bailhache is acting against Ian Gorst with that of May and Johnson?

      Anon replied: You are simply projecting the same template; it doesn’t matter who is in power, the mirage of UK party politics is just an illusion, and the media maintains that perception in the minds of the divided.

      Delete
  6. Bailhache looks more like Harry Enfield's Jurgen the German in your mock up. Maybe he is? Never see the two together do you?

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  7. I'm afraid I don't agree with you here, VFC. I see absolutely nothing wrong with a minister taking the opposing view on an issue to the chief minister. In fact, I welcome it. Be honest, the problem you have here is the issue (you support the chief minister's view) and who the minister is (you don't like Phil Bailhache). Think back a few years when Stuart Syvret was health minister and at war with Frank Walker. Would you be demanding that Walker sacked Syvret for undermining him? No.

    Don't get me wrong: I support the proposition to remove the role of speaker from the bailiff, and I despise Bailhache, but I find the notion that all ministers must toe the cabinet line is utterly anti-democratic in the absence of a party system with published manifesto commitments.

    The worst organisations are those run by a group of nodding donkeys, where one individual has disproportionate power, and everybody else just agrees with them... why would you condemn a break from that awful Jersey tradition?

    Now the real question here is whether Jersey can ever have an effective party political system, and I agree with the previous commenter who argued that we are too small an island to have effective party politics. For what it's worth, my own view is that we should have a States comprised solely of Senators elected on an island-wide mandate (who the hell needs a stupid parish system in the 21st century?), and that we should revert to the committee system. This allowed a much wider cross-section of States members to participate in government, and encouraged compromise and a diversity of opinions.

    The ministerial system we have at the moment is about the worst possible solution: it stifles any meaningful opposition, and is thoroughly anti-democratic.

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    1. My support for Gorst on this issue has nothing to do with who I like or don't like. I neither like, nor dislike, Bailhache or Gorst, it's a matter of principal and not personality.

      Gorst is trying to do the right thing (principle) by attempting to implement the recommendations of the Care Inquiry and in this instance the Carswell and Clothier reports. He is attempting to bring the island into the 21st century and get away from it's feudal past/present. He is attempting to reverse the negative connotations of "The Jersey Way."

      From recommendation 7 of the COI report:

      "A Phase 3 witness told us: “we [also] have the impossible situation of the non-separation of powers between the judiciary and political and there is a lot of secrecy, non-transparency and a lack of openness. This brings with it the lack of trust, the fear factor that many have spoken about and contributes greatly to the Jersey Way”

      Further on in recommendation 7:

      "13.42 Jersey has a long and proudly held tradition of governance, but that is not to say that steps should not be taken to reflect the modern world in which the island exists. As with many long-established jurisdictions, there can be a resistance to change, which is something that seems to be acknowledged. We are of the opinion that this serious matter cannot be addressed without further consideration being given, in the light of our findings, to recommendations contained in the Clothier and Carswell Reports.

      13.43 While these involve constitutional matters, we are firmly of the view that the progress that must be made in relation to future care and safety of children in Jersey will be undermined if they are not dealt with such that all perceptions of there being a negative “Jersey Way” are eradicated once and for all. Achieving this would, in our opinion, provide a very strong visible marker that there was a deep determination in the island to use the conclusion of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry as a platform to ensure that the island’s children and young people will be looked after in a caring and compassionate system that is underpinned by a system of governance in which there is the utmost confidence among all of the island’s citizens."

      Philip Bailhache represents the negative connotation(s) of "The Jersey Way" Gorst is trying to move the island forward in the way set out in recommendation 7.

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    2. With respect, you miss the point entirely. The central thrust of your post is to satirise Gorst's failuure to rein-in or sack one of his ministers for taking an opposing view. In other words, you are implicitly criticising him for allowing dissent in his cabinet. By extension, you must therefore believe that all ministers must back all the chief minister's policy decisions regardless of their own views.

      That is fundamentally anti-democratic.

      The fact that 3 different commissions have recommended the separation of powers doesn't mean it is right. The COI isn't gospel: its findings are opinion, not fact, and Bailhache is free to disagree.

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    3. I have made my position clear in that Gorst wants to bring Jersey into the 21st century and give people like myself the opportunity to hold my head up high and be proud to say I come from Jersey instead of the shame and embarrassment I feel now. Philip Bailhache admitted that he had NOT yet spoken to the Chief Minister (in the interview) yet there he was speaking out against him to the media. Surely trying to negotiate some kind of consensus with the Chief Minister would have been the first port of call, or at least before going to the media and undermining him? It's ok to have an opposing view but at least speak to the guy first!

      Gorst gives us that little bit of hope that things can/might get better. Bailhache is offering us more of the same. The same that allowed Child Abuse and unspeakable crimes to go on for decades.

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    4. As I stated, I support the proposition, and find Bailhache's arguments pathetically weak. My only point is that I believe it is wrong to attack the chief minister for allowing dissent.

      I will make one further point. While I think the separation of powers is important, I think it has very little to do with the issue of child abuse.

      The real problem areas in this regard are the office of AG, the jurats, and the appointment of judges in the island. Reform in these areas is, in my view, much more critical than splitting the role of speaker from the bailiff.

      Of all these, it is the office of AG that requires urgent attention. The AG is appointed without any reference to the people of Jersey, cannot be removed other than by the crown, and his decisions cannot be reviewed or challenged. We do not even have the ability to bring private prosections.

      This is the level at which most miscarriages of justice have ocurred, and this is where reform is really needed. Reforming the role of speaker is of little imoortance compared with the need for a modern, fair and accountable prosecution service.

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    5. I pretty much agree with everything you say. Naturally I disagree with the removal, or not, of the Judiciary from the legislature. It is so undemocratic to have an unelected judge decide what questions/propositions/amendments can (or can't) be debated/discussed in a democratically (sic) elected (well two thirds of it) chamber.

      Not only should there not be any conflict there should not be any perception of it. Removing the Chief Judge away from the legislature will put a lot more trust and confidence in Jersey as a trustworthy jurisdiction across the globe.

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    6. I am with vfc. The island is not too small for party politics. Gibralta makes it work well for heaven's sake. The problems at the moment are two-fold.

      One, we have a ruling party. Have had since the Second World War in its present guise and for generations before that in slightly different form.

      Two, we don't have a Norman Le Brocq, a Trevor Pitman or even, before age and an apparent short cicuit scrambled his wires, a 2005 era Ted Vibert to bring forward a progressive/left-centre alternative.

      Party politics must be what we strive for hand in hand with removing the Crown Officers' power all together. It could be done with quality leadership.

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    7. "For what it's worth, my own view is that we should have a States comprised solely of Senators elected on an island-wide mandate"

      How the hell are you going to have 50 odd states members elected on an island wide mandate when you would likely have 150+ candidates. Who the hell is going to be able to sit through the hustings, read all the manifesto's, engage with the candidates and choose 50 from 150. Doh! simply not possible.

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    8. Better than having 1/3 of the states members returned unopposed... like we have now.

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    9. "....50 odd states members elected on an island wide mandate when you would likely have 150+ candidates." 
      That could be workable IF a good portion of candidates were aligned with political parties, then there would be 2 to 5 main manifestos to look at with also a number of independents who admittedly would struggle to get heard

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  8. Yes, be careful what you wish for.

    Have you ever listened to the political parties in the House of Commons debates and noticed how John Bercow skilfully plays Thoth’s monkey to tip the see-saw scales of debate?

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    1. And who would Thoth's monkey be for the unenlightened?

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    2. Well in Jersey it has been Bailhache P, Birt and Bailhache W for years. The trickster God of the Establishment.

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    3. And of course Bercow is accountable/answerable to his electorate. Our Chief Judge remains totally untouchable.

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    4. Which further postulates the question, do you trust a dependant "Speaker" of your own Duché (H.M. the Queen), or in place of H.M.'s speaker, do you trust another "independent" speaker from that of your own to speak in place of the voice of your Queen?

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    5. My earlier reply (between replies 08:22 and 14:13) was not published in this thread?

      Why is that VfC?

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    6. Is it "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't?"

      Perhaps VfC, you should find out a bit more how the position of "the speaker of the house" of Commons works?

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    7. I suggest that VFC and others's time would be more significantly spent on finding out a bit about how the position of Remembrancer works - if one wishes to examine how power really works in the British "constitution" - especially in regard to the Crown Dependencies.

      Stuart Syvret

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    8. Do give us a clue.

      Has it to do with the choice & appointment of Crown Officers or is it purely in the financial area?

      Could we get him to interview 737 under caution?

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    9. Ex-Senator (and Father of the House) Stuart Syvret said: “I suggest that VFC and others's time would be more significantly spent on finding out a bit about how the position of Remembrancer works - if one wishes to examine how power really works in the British "constitution" - especially in regard to the Crown Dependencies.”

      Anonymous replied: Mr Syvret, are you talking about

      http://www.unlockdemocracy.org/blog/2017/3/23/britains-most-undemocratic-election-the-city-of-london-corporation

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    10. Mr Syvret, Are you saying the Crown are hand-in-hand with the City of London Corporation, i.e., the City of London runs the States of Jersey via the crown offices?

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    11. http://rhennamorgan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/MorpheusWarning_GrnFnt_Red-Blue_Pill_Lg_OnBlk_.jpg

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    12. Interesting Blog you have there Polo

      http://introducingjersey.blogspot.ie/

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  9. Interesting how Jersey States Members are supposed to all be independents.

    Yet Philip Bailhache openly calls Reform Jersey "the opposition".

    The right wing Jersey Tory Party is hiding in plain sight. They openly admit being a party, a grouping. Live on TV.

    And this comment is coming from someone who considers himself a right wing Tory, with a dose of compassion and fairness thrown in.

    What really disgusts me is this charade that all Jersey politicians are independent. You are not. Council of Ministers, you are mostly a closely aligned group of right wing Tories. Just ******* admit it....hang on a minute, you just did, live on TV, yet nobody in Jersey batted an eyelid.

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    1. So what is your point? Political parties - formal or informal - are not illegal in Jersey. If most of the states members are right wing, it is pretty inevitable they will tend to vote the same way as eachother on most issues, whether formally allied or not.

      I can't understand why you seem outraged by this!

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    2. I think he is outraged at the Bangkok pimp changing the "facts" when it suits him

      -not for the first time!

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    3. "So what is your point? Political parties - formal or informal - are not illegal in Jersey." Agreed, but anyone with half a brain and an interest in politics knows that the "informal" establishment party exists its just that no one in it will own up to that. That means those less well informed and a not insignificant part of the grey army who just don't care about anything other than the price of hoops are totally oblivious to how party politics really works in Jersey.

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  10. Bailhache faced a vote of no confidence for his shocking actions. The only Bailiff in history to do so. Yet he survived it of course. That is how dire things are. There are more yellow stripes down backs in the States Chamber than there are along all the roads in St Helier.

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  11. Anonymous5 October 2017 at 21:12

    The real problem areas in this regard are the office of AG, the jurats, and the appointment of judges in the island.

    You are correct, it is unwise to invest in just one person to have the ultimate decision, on who works in the justice department and at the same time who gets to go before court and who walks free. A panel as in the UK would be preferable if not essential.

    The reason that Bailhache is I suggest unpopular is not difficult to see.

    This is not about disagreeing with the Chief Miister, It is about not supporting in anyway the child abuse inquiry, it is about Bailhache not bringing one proposal or open support to benefit the working population, it is about having a selectctive memory on airlines, and at the Abuse inquiry, where he was not believed by the panel. It is about supporting liers like Andrew Lewis even though there is a video of him saying truthfulness is everything. Any minister ( politician ) caught lying that would be the end of him.

    There is more, but you get the drift. This is not about the quality of life of the peope of Jersey it is about Philip Bailhache, he thinks he is above everyone and everything and should not be a politician in the states based on his recent past sad efforts. Undermining the Chief Minister is probably of no importance to " Sir " this is why one does not even enter discussion with the leader of the Jersey Government.

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    1. Ì do not agree that Bailhache should not be a states member, since he was validly elected. It's a big mistake to assume that because he is unpopular among "online progressives", that unpopularity extends to the wider community.

      Where I would agree with you is that he is not fit to serve as a minister, for many reasons, including the ones you have outlined. Syvret was absolutely correct when he claimed that the man has the morals of a Bangkok pimp.

      But is Gorst really that much better? The criminality and dysfunction at the heart of Jersey's administration has been well-documented and evidenced for many years, without Gorst showing the slightest interest in dealing with it. And now he is suddenly a crusader for the COI recommendations? Give me a break!

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    2. You are right there. Gorst the great reformer according to some apologists and the hoodwinked knew about the legal abuses of Graham Power. He knew about the corrupt legal abuses inflicted on the Pitmans. He knew about the naked corruption employed in the secret Syvret case. And what did Abraham Gorst do about any of it?

      NOTHING!

      Delete
  12. As it is the Wiltshire Police who have investigated complaints against Ted Heath and have now published a credible report, would it not be a good thing if they were to publicly disavow their biased and flawed report into the suspension of Graham Power.

    Otherwise, at least on the island where people are aware of the latter report, it may continue to taint the credibility of that force and of the current report.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Talking of Sirs. Did Graham Power know about this allegation of abuse in Jersey in 1976 by Sir Ted Heath? And if so is this why Sir William Bailhache advised GP to drop it? And when GP said no, Sir William said "So Be It". And is this why, the next day Andrew Lewis was used to come into action?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The "so be it" remark was written by William Bailhache (the then Attorney General) to Graham Power. It was William's last communication to Power before Power's suspension. William (along with his brother Philip) was trying to get Carolyn Labey to drop the criminal investigation into planning corruption. Power refused to drop the investigation and 3 days later, he was illegally suspended.

      Delete
  14. If Barking Bill loses his job as States speaker what odds on Big Bruv Boris Bailhache making another pitch for Chief Minister?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a nailed on cert. A last desperate grab for a power slipping away.

      Delete
  15. Almost dreading next election. Friends who have always voted telling me they doubt they will bother because looks like hardly anyone worth voting for. No chance of any real change. Not the answer I tell them. But I understand. No big figures to frighten the Old Boys anymore. What to do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Move to Guernsey? At least they have moved to only one sort of States member there and no Constables.

      Delete
  16. May being urged to sack Boris Johnson. Why not urge Gorst to sack Boris Bailhache?

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am Jurgen the German Bailhache. I wish to apologise for my crimes against democracy. One Party! One rich people! One Bailhache (two we would like more!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Thousand Year Third Reich lasted just twelve years. Ministerial Government has now run for twelve years. Just saying................................

      Delete
    2. Ministerial Misgovernment !

      Delete
  18. 10.37 raises a good point. Where is the alternative to the present comedians going to come from? We are all to blame of course. I could stand. Your other readers could stand. But we won't. Government and island we deserve. That people like Routier can keep getting elected time after time is something we all should feel ashamed about.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Has Rico stopped blogging?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Picking up on a previous comment, I wonder whether there is a States member who would be prepared to bring a proposition to reform the role of Attorney General. In my opinion, it is the conflicts and nature of this role that are at the heart of many of the abuses of power we have seen in Jersey in recent decades.

    The critical deficiencies are, I believe, as follows:

    1. The office holder is expected to protect the interests of the Crown and the States of Jersey, while at the same time acting as public prosecutor. This has led to frequent injustices where well-evidenced criminal acts by States of Jersey employees have not been prosecuted on the grounds that it "isn't in the public interest". For example, I have heard very credible reports of quite serious instances of physical and sexual assault by health care professionals on vulnerable adults which have been quietly dropped on such grounds.

    It is quite clear that successive AGs have put their role of protecting the interests of the Crown, the States, and in some cases, their associates, before protecting the public by prosecuting on the basis of evidence and justice.

    2. The Attorney General is still, at least titular, head of the honorary police, and in practice still appears to hold actual power over the parish police forces, to the extent that centeniers will take instructions over whether to charge an individual with an alleged crime. This seems to go well beyond the realm of police officers seeking legal advice before charging, but being given improper instructions to not charge in order to protect vested interests.

    3. The Attorney General is imposed on the island by the Crown, and can only be removed from office by the Crown. It is therefore inevitable that the office holder looks to the interests of the Crown and the States before those of the general public.

    4. The Attorney General's decisions over whether to go ahead with a prosecution cannot be challenged, other than presumably by petition to the Crown, with zero chance of success. No private prosecutions are possible in Jersey. In theory, and in practice, this effectively puts the AG above the law.

    5. The role of AG is traditionally the stepping stone to becoming Bailiff and as such, head of the judiciary. In my view, this creates a very unhealthy connection between the AG as prosecutor and the Bailiff as judge. In our adversarial legal system, it is critical for the judge to be completely impartial between the two parties, yet in Jersey it is clear that the island's senior judge is part of the same establishment as the Bailiff.

    In order to make this role fit for the 21st century, I would suggest the following reforms:

    1. Completely split the role of legal adviser to the Crown and the States from that of public prosecutor. Different person, different staff, different office building.

    2. Remove the role of head of the honorary police from the AG.

    3. Remove the exclusive powers of the parish police forces to charge suspects, and transfer these powers to the States of Jersey Police.

    4. Introduce legislation to allow private prosecutions to be brought.

    5. Introduce a system that allows for independent review of decisions by the AG. For example, there could be a mechanism whereby the SOJP can refer a decision not to prosecute on the grounds of insufficient evidence; and where a victim of crime can refer a decision not to prosecute on the grounds to public interest.

    6. Establish an alternative system for appointing the AG, and introduce a mechanism by which their performance can be reviewed and, if warranted, they can be removed from office.

    7. Break the tradition of appointing the AG as Bailiff and introduce a system whereby our chief judge is appointed from a range of competing candidates in a fair and transparent way, on the basis of ability rather than coronation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The strange case of Bent Button Le Breton7 October 2017 at 19:03

      Can I humbly just add: and all judicially bent? Just my opinion obviously. Based on the evidence.

      Delete
    2. You sound like a racist pig 16:57 "they are all white, all old, all wealthy."

      Delete
  21. Gorst should be asked about all of this next week. But will anyone have the guts to risk upsetting Boris' brother?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Is Boris still on a sickie does anyone know? Bet he rcovers in time for Tadier's or Gorst's proposition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was waiting for someone to make a "faking it like all good boys" comment.

      Delete
  23. According to my mate who drinks out the old Le Fontain Andrew Lewis is going to stand for Senator?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bring it on. He will get slaughtered at every hustings.

      Delete
    2. The 2018 election will be awful. All the same old useless, gutless bullshitters will get back in. I want to cry. And with 5 years for leaking a document who will be tearing up any trees to expose corruption. Nobody. And Philip Bailhache as Chief Minister.OMG!

      Delete
    3. Never mind crying like an old rooster, grow up, have a stiff drink and get out and do something about it :-)

      Delete
  24. All gone a bit quiet? Hope Boris hasn't got his bruv's team to close you down?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Don't know how you keep going. You deserve a medal. At least in the UK there is the excitement of the unforseen rise of the Left and more and more people under 50 saying they are sick of Tory austerity scams.

    But here?

    If there is any hope I can't see it. Politics Jersey style is just about getting elected, keeping your head down for four years and then conning the gullible voters that you actually did something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Labour Party are trying their very best to recruit youngsters (and foreigners) to fill the ranks of the party, as the younger generation have no idea how the Labour party betrayed its voters in the past (pre 1990's).

      Delete
    2. Or how the Labour Party nearly had the UK on its knees in debt.

      Delete
    3. "When Communist come into power, it doesn't matter where, initially, they destroy about 10% of the population; that's very specific, this is used not just to kill enemies - it is used to restructure the fabric of society, social engineering. Top intellectuals, best engineers, they will kill them all, and then they will try to restructure a new society."

      (Forward video to 45 minutes 12 seconds)

      https://www.bitchute.com/video/M0ahfC58Lg3d/

      Delete
  26. Has anyone heard the rumours about the new party being formed? Labey R, Labey L, Rondel, Vallois, Martin, Macon, Doublet, Lewis L, and Lewis ANDREW!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shouldn't that be Lewis K?

      Delete
    2. Bet they let Sean Power join and Ben Shenton.

      Delete
    3. Funny thing. Sean Power is the name that flashed into my mind also.

      They could make him e-correspondence secretary. Work wonders for transparency, even when it mightn't be entirely appropriate.

      Delete
    4. Gets around the problem of big election expenses for leaflets. Sean can just get his trolling friends to 'put pictures of your email all over the internet'!

      Delete
  27. What about digging out the old post-war initiative about becoming an English county? No need for Bailiff then or any of these wallies.

    ReplyDelete
  28. FFS.
    Even Gino has a better chance than Andrew Lewis next May.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At least Gino's policies would have stopped that senior political figure - allegedly -using his States credit card for jollies down the river. Gino would know where every paperclip is.

      Delete
  29. The good thing if Andrew Lewis gets back in (as I think he sadly will as a Deputy in 3/4) is that you can shut up shop and all of us readers can just try and find a hobby to distract us. His re-election will show even the most stupid of us that Jersey is well and truly past saving.

    ReplyDelete

  30. (as I think he sadly will as a Deputy in 3/4)

    Dream on, islanders may be a little slow, but not blatantly stupid or thick. An further more they no not like being lied to.

    Boatyboy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Dear Boatyboy,

      Islanders are no more slower, stupid, thick than any other nation; however, what they do have in common is a minority within that control the narrative.

      In other words, as you have quite correctly have stated, the people have been, are, and will be continued to be lied to by the few who control them.

      You talk about every little political minutiae under the sun Boatyboy, but do not talk about the Elephant in the room which is blocking out that sun that you nit-pick in the shade!

      Here is the same Elephantine template which casts its great shadow over the people of Jersey:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alKvahr22hE

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-ZyHIhPmw0

      Delete
    2. No, no, no... Boatyboy - The ordinary hard-working Jersey people are just more honest than any one else (you need to get out more Boatyboy); and in the inherent honesty of their minds believe the government that lies to them!

      Delete
  31. There is a common pattern where British institutions are content to allow the abuse of children to be unpunished and to continue where it allows political or "security" advantage.

    In addition to the  political and security advantages; Jersey also gives financial advantages. 
    In addition to being London's back office and "grey market" Jersey must also hold compromising financial (and in some cases sexual) information on the great and the good of the UK

    This is why there is no apatite in London to 'drain the swamp' in Jersey

    UK power has long operated with use of the "dirt book" system (and Jersey looks even worse):

    www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/margaret-thatcher-cyril-smith-knighthood-child-sex-abuse-claims-aware-inquiry-claims-a7991671.html

    The inquiry, which is being led by Professor Alexis Jay, was also told that MI5 was aware of claims that prosecutors had lied when explaining their decision not to prosecute Smith. The allegations against the MP were investigated by Lancashire Police and three separate files passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. However, the case was dropped in 1970 [with involvement of special branch/MI5?] when Sir Normal Skelhorn, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the time, decided it was unlikely to lead to a conviction.
    Sir Norman is said to have made the decision despite being told by a senior detective that the “sordid” allegations against Smith “stood up”.
    Mr Altman said documents given to the inquiry by MI5 showed that Sir Norman had misled media outlets over the decision not to prosecute the Liberal MP. His office reportedly told the Rochdale Alternative Press newspaper that it had never received police reports of the alleged abuse.


    With carefully chosen words MI5 are trying to suggest that they acted responsibly and that it was all someone else's fault.
    It is many people's "fault". Just like in Jersey

    ReplyDelete

  32. "HOW MUCH MORE OBVIOUS DOES IT NEED TO BE?"

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank heavens we have this blog. Please never give up you must be up there with the best political blogs anywhere in the world. Great work over many, many years now. It must get pretty daunting being just about the only outlet for real honest news still going. Take heart from the fact that you are so needed and so respected. Stuart and Rico seem to have gone by the wayside now. Perhaps they have other demands in their lives so nobody should criticise them. Perhaps if you're still in touch with the much missed enigma that has become the brilliant Trevor Pitman you can stir him in to reigniting the Bald Truth? But keep on regardless. You deserve the VC for bravery under enemy fire. Long may your flag fly.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Jersey desperately needs some new progressive blood if any inroads are to be made come next May. What about you standing? You have the integrity and respect of many people. Getting rid of Pinel for us in St Clement would be wonderful in its self.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Simon, Do the people of the island of Jersey really "need" more progressives... really (as an organised opposition [a tool to brutalise political opponents] within the States Chamber)?

      What's so terrible about Deputy Susie Pinel? Ah, yes, of course, Deputy Pinel doesn't tow the party line.

      Your statement reminds one of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "The History of our Sewage Disposal System" (The Gulag Archipelago).

      Perhaps readers should acquaint themselves with Solzhenitsyn's literary genius of "The History of our Sewage Disposal System":

      https://www.bitchute.com/video/19WVIdTxsC3O/

      Delete
    2. Dear Simon,

      Do the people of the island of Jersey really "need" more progressives as an organised opposition tool to brutalise political opponents within the States Chamber?

      What's so terrible about Deputy Susie Pinel? Ah, yes, of course, Deputy Pinel doesn't tow the party line.

      Your statement reminds one of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's "The History of our Sewage Disposal System" (The Gulag Archipelago).

      Perhaps readers should acquaint themselves with Solzhenitsyn's literary genius of "The History of our Sewage Disposal System":

      https://www.bitchute.com/video/19WVIdTxsC3O/

      Delete
  35. The dual role debate will let the public know who might just be worth a vote come 2018.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Another great blog. When saying be careful what we wish for over the spineless Gorst just all think Independence. Independence under the Bailhaches would be like going back to Nazi rule and the Occupation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Independence under the Bailhaches would be like going back to Nazi rule..."

      We hope that more direct rule by Jersey's own royal family would for the most part be less brutal than the wartime occupation; in fairness to the Germans there was testimony at the Jersey Abuse Inquiry that it was only during the Nazi occupation of Jersey that the child abuse in the Jersey orphanages actually stopped.

      I regret to inform you that this is an area in which the Nazis appear to outperform the Bailhaches and Her Majesty's appointees.

      Delete
    2. Comes to something when kids are even safer under the Nazis than under the judicial protection of the Lords Bailhace and Birt.

      Delete
    3. 14:39 & 20:15

      The paedo's evacuated to the mainland, the Lodge was closed for five years...

      Delete
    4. Old Gandolf had all that 'Mr whippy' they left in Stopford Road shipped over by UPS on the Vega in red cross parcels to Berlin for an exhibition of not-quite-so-free-masonry and a cheese and wine party (entry to the venue was gratis).

      Delete
    5. Historical accuracy is a little off 17:18, all the Mr Whippy from Stopford Road went by NGO freight services (Jersey) Ltd by fast-speed migrant boat.

      Peter Sweden's grandfather was the captain of the rapid inflatable (had engine problems just off Green Island).

      http://www.petersweden.com/video

      Delete
    6. Not all the Mr Whippy went to Berlin, Claude Cahun's kinky photographs survived; hidden for five years under the very noses of the sauerkrauts in the Fort Regent flood relief cavern.

      Delete
    7. Yes, that's right, buy one get one free, the two for one deal. The flood-relief cavern and masonic tunnels hidden under St Helier.

      Delete
  37. Very disappointing States sitting. Hardly worth having one. The number of important questions to hold ministers to account, propositions and debates has plummeted since the high of 2008 to 2011. Just how dumbed down must we get before we wake up

    ReplyDelete
  38. Somebody should lodge a proposition to make being a proven liar a bar to a person standing for the States.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then, which Lodge would you get the politicians from to replace the liars?

      Delete
    2. A short Extract from the Michael Cockerell documentary "Westminsters Secret Service"

      https://twitter.com/tjrichomme/status/915919766057029632

      Cockerell describes the exotic political landscape that London truly is.

      Delete
    3. 21.49.

      Boom! Boom! Basil.

      Delete
  39. Tim Fortescue was the Conservative Whip 1970-73

    ReplyDelete

  40. Gavin Williamson is currently the Chief Whip (Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury) of the Conservative and Unionist Party.

    https://twitter.com/GavinWilliamson/status/784028084295073793

    ReplyDelete
  41. VfC said: "That may be so. But be aware of the ALTERNATIVE."

    Anonymous replied: Yes, readers must become aware of all the alternatives, not just the alternatives you have written about, lest history repeat itself.

    One has tried a few times to publish the following insight from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn here in the readers comments:

    https://www.bitchute.com/video/xt1ogod7oJK2/

    and:

    https://www.bitchute.com/video/19WVIdTxsC3O/

    But so far, you have denied publishing these links to Solzhenitsyn's words.

    The treatment received by Senator Stuart Syvret is a reflection of the historical lesson of "The History of our Sewage Disposal System" penned by the literary genius of Solzhenitsyn, you would do well to listen to his words of warning.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Philip Bailhache's quotes in that video.

    Quote " Its an unusual role but its a role that has served US well for many hundreds of years and for my part i dont want to see it change" end quote.

    Yes indeed Mr Baillhache it has served you and a few of the corrupt interests in the island very well- it has allowed you and your brother to sit in court cases and do your corrupt bidding of behalf of corrupt private interests to cover up , whilst also being in a role of supervising or having an oversight in the process that States Members take efforts to get the Bailiff's actions and conflicts investigated. You just get legislation drawn up with your brother to cover up your corruption inside and outside of the States Assembly.

    NO CONFLICTS HE SAYS - Does anyone remember the Reg Skips Committee of Inquiry where he was implicated in some suspicious corruption matters on behalf of his neighbour who is also a lawyer ? The Role of him and His brother as Bailiff is serving the few very well indeed !

    Philip Baillhache and his Brother do not represent Jersey People - he makes out that its the outsiders who dont know our culture .....culture of what you idiot ! You cannot have a Head Judge sitting in on political debates and directing how they are carried out ...its a MAJOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I surmise that you obviously did not go to an Establishment approved school. As Bailiff I only blocked propositions that were detrimental to the good of the party. Whoops! I mean detrimental to the people. The rich people chortle, chortle. A good example was that one from that horrible working class Bolshevik (is that how one spells it?) Shona Pitman on changing the system so the plebs could vote for the Chief Minister. Oh, mmmmmmmmmmm, okay, and that one from that horrible, cantankerous ex copper Bob Hill about including Jervis-Dykes college in coming under the control of Education. Probably a few by that Syvret but he deserved it comparing me with a Bangkok Pimp. Outrageous! He could at least have said Soho Pimp couldn't he. Tootle Pip. Off to plot independence and my coronation.

      Delete
    2. 19:23.

      Among all societies, there will always be the rich and the poor; both divided by the same coin.

      So easily divided in the States Chamber, such game fowl are effortlessly paired off to fight against each other.

      These message boards reflect this truth.

      Delete
  43. As if any more needed to be said about the Filthy Rag. The 'newspaper' is not allowing comments on their story about the appointment of a Commissioner for Children. The troll excepted no doubt. What are they afraid people might say?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Not everything is malevolent , no comments allowed on all headline stories , looks like someone’s on a sicky. Your name’s not Stuart by any chance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did someone say "Stuart"?

      This could be the man at his best:

      www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQRyQKuKXks

      An appeal to the electorate who turned out to be too thick 

      "The government you deserve"

      Only saying.

      Delete
    2. Stuart Syvret had in his hand the statement of the Police Chief to flawed Wiltshire Constabulary investigation

      A document that can now be read on the Abuse Inquiry website or at

      http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/former-police-chief-statement-to.html

      Delete
  45. VFC, Any thing more on Graham Power? Maybe another interview with him? Nothing to lose surely?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe Graham Power is still pursuing his criminal complaint against Deputy Andrew Lewis and would be cautious not to say anything that might jeopardise the case. I'm quite sure he will have something to say when the Law Offices/AG decide not to bring any charges.

      Delete
  46. Can you tell us what is happening with Rico, has he stopped blogging and posting on Facebook?
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure he is fine Jon. Just getting on with a normal life, like a normal person. He has done his bit. Fortunately we have the super human efforts of this blog.

      Delete
    2. This query was addressed to Team Voice and who is Jon?

      Delete
    3. Don't know Jon. But Rico did great work.

      Delete
  47. Was looking at the blogs you follow, came across this one in your list

    http://terrylesticker.blogspot.com/2008/

    Must say, its a little cheeky, especially the drawing of sweaty Le Sueur in the clown hat(LOL).

    ReplyDelete
  48. A bit confused... Where was good cop, Wiltshire Police chief constable Mike Veale, when the flawed Wiltshire Constabulary investigation did their part in helping to illegally suspend good Jersey Police chief Graham Power?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous @ 21:02

      I already raised the credibility of Wiltshire after Moore's biased report on the Graham Power affair. I suggested they make a statement disavowing Moore in order to protect the credibility of their current report, at least as far as Jersey people are concerned.

      Link

      Delete
    2. I doubt that Mike Veale had oversight of conspirator Moore

      In all Police Forces there are going to be "bad cops" as well as the good.

      Some will be career animals, some will be political animals, and some will be something far worse.

      http://photopol.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/power-points.html#moore

      Graham Power describes Moore as an "absentee investigator" if there ever was one ........ but WHY did more go along with the contrived £1,500,000 Wiltshire farce that COULD NEVER BE USED?

      Was if just to give his staff massive overtime and jollies in Jersey at the Jersey taxpayer's expense or is here another reason for his collaboration with the Jersey cover up?

      Delete
    3. Why would Moore allow himself to be associated with the cover up of child abuse

      Is he very stupid, compromised or else already heavily 'invested'

      Delete
  49. Wonder who will be supporting Boris in his keep the Bailiff tradition i.e. covering up child abuse and judicial corruption speech in the dual role debate?

    Be they establishment figures or alleged progressives make sure nobody votes for them ever again.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Has Deputy Mezec announced whether he will be going for Senator again next May?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stay as a Deputy if he has any sense. Doubt he has enough support to get in to the top eight as a Senator. Not that I would vote for any of those likely to beat him.

      Delete
  51. So surprise, surprise PPC dominated by Establishment butt-kissing Constables want to derail the getting rid of the Bailiff vote 'until 2019 and the new Assembly. What a fcuk joke! This happens every time the Time Lords' position comes under the slightest threat. Have we any politicisn bar Higgins and Tadier who will say fcuk PPC. This is a sick joke and it has gone on 800 years too long. Norman is such a slippery sad sack. All clever words and no action. Vote him and PPC out. This doesn't have to be done for the beginning of the next Assembly. They can just vote to get rid of the Bailiff by the end of the summer 2018 break. Easy peasey lemon squeezy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Filthy Rag won't let us comment on their echo chamber on line either. Don't tell the natives they might get restless.

      Delete
    2. Wish someone would stand against Len Norman. 20 years past his sell by date. Does nothing in the States of benefit and slightly less here in St. Clement.

      Delete
    3. Give credit where it is due. People like Norman and so many others keep getting elected BECAUSE they never do anything.

      Doing nothing means no risk of upsetting a dopey public who don't follow what the silent assassins are ducking. He's a smart old boy.

      Those who stir things up for change risk losing their position and salary. He must have learnt that years ago.

      Delete
    4. The Rag may have closed its comments on some, or all, issues but it does tweet. Not every item, mind you. But if people comment on their tweets the comments will turn up for anyone who clicks to view the tweet. That is unless they block you. But this can then be shown up in a tweet and would draw even more attention to their behaviour.

      I have been indulging a bit in this recently myself and haven't been blocked yet.

      Their Twitter address is @JEPnews.

      Delete
    5. We are not accepting comments on this article.

      Delete
    6. The rumour going round is that Gerard Baudains will be standing against Len Norman for Constable next year.

      So be careful what you wish you.

      Delete
    7. Jimmy Perchard is talking about making a come back and Sean Power has been silently lobbying support so it could all be back to the oldies again very soon.

      Delete
    8. Just what this Island needs. Jim Perchard and Sean Power back...

      God help us.

      Delete
    9. Add Ben Shenton you can forget Childrens Services and the recommendations from the Care Inquiry being give priority.
      Be all forgotten by the Summer.

      Delete
    10. 'God help us'? Understand the sentiment but remember the Devil looks after his own.

      Delete
  52. Ex Senator Stuart Syvret has proved, and is still proving that he is a good judge of character. It would therefore be very interesting to hear his judgment on Wiltshire Police chief constable Mike Veale?

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous14 October 2017 at 19:16 said: "Wish someone would stand against Len Norman. 20 years past his sell by date. Does nothing in the States of benefit and slightly less here in St. Clement."

    Anonymous replied: Then you clearly do not know Len Norman, or his work in the parish of St Clement. You should spend a day with Len Norman and experience his workload first hand, perhaps then you may think otherwise.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have spoken at length to him on many occassions living in God's own parish for nearly 40 years and he is a lazy, Bailiff bottom kissing embarrassment now who cares nothing about injustice. Look at his record at PPC and you might understand how he is not supporting the end of the dual role. Just as he did nothing in support of wronged individuals like Graham Power, Stuart Syvret and even his own former constituents and colleagues the Pitmans. About as much use as his predecessor the equally useless fellow Constable of St Mary.

      Delete
  54. 11 out of the 12 present Constables would not get back in if they had to go through the election process. The only one who would survive would be Crowcroft. That's why the rest are "bottom kissing".

    ReplyDelete
  55. Are comments still being accepted on this post?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Bowron, Shenton and Perchard for Senators? just how bad could it get? Would anyone like to contribute to my being able to afford a ticket to somewhere else? Guernsey, Saudi Arabia, North Korea?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry the ferry is fully booked that day.

      Delete
    2. We had better risk stowing away then. Imagine Bowron being Home Affairs Minister! He'll probably get the post too.

      Delete
    3. Probably right. What price Wrist Slasher Perchard for Health? Gone by Ten Ben at Treasury? Light Fingered Sean at Digital?

      Delete
    4. Its my birthday today but boy do you two know how to depress a lad.

      Delete
    5. Bowron will want to do a Le Marquand and bring the police back under political control. His.

      Delete
    6. Until 737 is sorted, the police are effectively under political control.

      I suspect Graham Power might agree.

      Delete
    7. Until 737 is sorted there is no reason to suspect that teenagers and grown women are any safer than children on this island.

      They only have to be unaware of the danger posed by certain individuals and be in the wrong circumstances at the wrong time.

      Delete
  57. https://www.bitchute.com/video/m9fXlcie1oOG/

    In a time of universal decit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

    George Orwell

    ReplyDelete
  58. Gorst 'stuttering with emotion' during child care speech according to the JEP.

    Leave it out please. Gorst cares nothing abount injustice per se.

    Where was he and which way was he voting time and time agains when Syvret, the Pitmans, Hill, Wimberley, Higgins and Tadier were getting slagged off by the Jersey Tory Party?

    Nowhere.

    This caring is just about looking good for Jersey's image as a finance centre.

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    1. Why knock Ian Gorst?
      His response to the Care Inquiry Report has been well intentioned to date and I know survivors have been encouraged by this.

      Delete
    2. I agree. Gorst will achieve far more than any other politician has ever achieved in bringing forward reforms to the states child care system and he should be applauded for his efforts particularly because he has managed to do this against strong resistance from the Bailhache power base. No one past or present has come close to doing what Ian Gorst has done and he has succeeded in making a real difference where others have failed so spectactacularly. He should be getting support from people who care about childcare and I am completely at a loss to understand the vitriol of some of the blinkered comments attacking him. He is really genuine about bringing forward the COI recommendations which must be a good thing.

      Delete
  59. Nice rhetoric, name the things which Senator Gorst has actually done (he's had enough time), go on, list them down here...

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    1. I too would like to see Gorst's achievements listed.

      One thing strongly  in his favour is that he is not a Royal (Bailhache) family member.

      We can be grateful for this but let's not dress him up as a messiah or saviour.

      All his "good and brave deeds" seem to be directed to damage control. The implementation of The Abuse Inquiry recommendations is indeed a start but it should be remembered that the "Care Inquiry" was itself a damage control exercise not unlike the Hilsborough Inquiry (only far worse in many respects)

      To keep our feet on the ground regarding "Abraham Gorst", it is worth starting a list on what he has NOT achieved:

      1. The basic and unbiased rule and application of the law in Jersey

      2. A properly representative democratic system

      As far as I have seen Gorst has failed to even identify these as problems which need addressing, and may even have denied them.

      The removal of the Bailiff is admittedly one much needed step towards achieving "1."

      Delete
    2. I have always been at a loss as to why some people on here can never get behind the States Members we have got. If they think they can do better than Ian Gorst then next May they should put their money where their mouths are and stand.

      Delete
    3. 10:42 asks why we "never get [up the] behind the States Members we have got."

      I regret to inform the commenter that it is because certain aspects of their behaviour is *contemptible*.


      10:42 further asks why I don't stand for election next May

      In the past I very briefly contemplated standing for election. Amongst the reasons for deciding against was that If I did my job and attempted to protect the public then my family could be subjected to death treats and I could find myself imprisoned or bankrupted.

      Building up a comfortable life is a huge investment in time and effort, but provides my children with a comfortable, rich and *safe* environment.
      I am not totally averse to risking my own welfare but the welfare of my children is not negotiable.

      But don't worry. There are plenty of good people other than me who could stand. I have plenty to keep me busy. Some of it potentially high risk.

      Delete
  60. In so far as childcare provision goes not only has Gorst brought the whole agenda, including the abysmal past failings of all governmental institutions, to the forefront of politics but he has bought the majority of the assembly with him in his absolute determination to do right by the islands vulnerable children. He is a long overdue force for good in the creation of a safe environment for young people. He is succeeding in doing what past ministers and senior civil servants have so miserably failed to do. Don’t underestimate the enormity of his achievements in this respect. He deserves praise and support not insults and vilification.

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    Replies
    1. I agree, although I have not been a huge fan of his in the past. Currently he is driving the agenda and trying hard to make some important and much needed changes. We should support him in that in my view.

      What I think we see going on here is a clear break for Gorst from the old guard. I believe he can see the writing on the wall for them and that the wind of change is gaining strength. They in turn seem to be getting quite desperate. If some of the names being proposed as crawling out of the woodwork are correct (Shenton, Perchard, Power) then that highlights the desperation.

      Delete
    2. More rhetoric 09:23 and 09:48; go on, make a list of anything Gorst has actually pro-actively done.

      Its going to be a very short list, all mouth and no trousers.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous 09.23.

      Reality says you are in a tiny minority. Politicians don't 'drive' an agenda by selective only pushes for justice. Selective commitment to both children and justice is all your hero Gorst has ever shown and even then very, very late in the day. You need to ask yourself why?

      Just consider a few truths. This very blog has highlighted how a retired police office made clear to the Care Inquiry that a school master at Vic College who bullied abused children in to silence was allowed to be a Jurat to the police's disbelief. This very Jurat subsequently cost two of the true champions of children and the poor, the Pitmans, both their home and seats in the States. Current Bailiff William Bailhache also brought this dispicable and dishonest Jurat out of retirement to sit on the Barett child abuse trial.

      If Gorst is so committed to protecting children and doing the right thing as you appear to believe perhaps you can enlighten us as to why the Chief Minister has done nothing about the implications arising from either? I look forward to hearing your answers. I appreciate it may take you some time to come up with the excuses.

      In my own view I will suggest these are the true answers to both. In the case of the Pitmans Gorst cares nothing for the injustice from an obviously unsafe court decision because the Pitmans challenged the Establishment constantly and did it well. They were not on 'his side' so why bother or care?

      As for William Bailhache's obscene action in bringing this corrupt Jurat back regardless of his weak and watered down dual role proposition Gorst has never been brave enough to call the likes of the Bailhaches out. Your God I'm afraid has feet of clay.

      Children would be far safer if they had Stuart Syvret as Chief Minister. For all of his faults his concern was genuine.

      Delete
    4. To be afir he isn't all bad in the way his two predecessors seemed to be. Just a little lacking in back bone possibly?

      Delete
    5. "In the case of the Pitmans Gorst cares nothing for the injustice from an obviously unsafe court decision"

      Have you actually read it?

      Delete
    6. Oh dear. You really do have low expectations of our politicians @9:23
      (BTW well said 10:33 & 10:42)

      Politicians who seek to ensure the safety of children in their care deserve our support in that.
      Conversely, politicians who don't seek to ensure the safety of children deserve our contempt.

      Mr. Syvret may be justified in the contempt he apparently feels for the Jersey electorate.
      Being weak and gullible is a poor excuse. The rub is that, excepting Constables and a few others, our States Members are a reflection of the voting public (that's democracy folks!). 
      Our States Members have acted contemptibly in their failure to protect children, even in the decade since Stuart Syvret blew the whistle when he was Health Minister. Being weak and gullible is a yet more feeble excuse for politicians than it is for voters.

      The information was there. It was their job to know !


      If you feel that it is harsh to hold the electorate of Jersey in contempt, then please contemplate the names listed above "Shenton, Perchard, Power"

      Experience has given me such "confidence" in the Jersey electorate that I would put money on at lest two of the three being elected.

      They elected Liar Lewis, and they may do so again.


      I am concerned that the the CoI report is such a lot of hand-wringing waffle that ducked and skirted around so many issues (and witnesses!) that it *and* "Abraham Gorst" may in fact be dangerous if they are able to convince us that the "implementation of recommendations" is closure and the end of the process and not just the first step.

      The appointment of a "Commissioner for reassuring  that all is well and progress is being made" is what we will have if the Jersey Way is not dismantled.


      Oh, and did I mention the rule of law?
      (see 10:33 for brief details)

      Delete
    7. Not my comment but I too have read the Officer's evidence and it is shocking. But maybe the question is has Ian Gorst bothered to read the Officer's damning evidence? Why make excuses for Ian Gorst? He is doing some good things I agree. But as the poster observes you can't have partial commitment to challenging injustice.

      Delete
    8. Whether the decision in the Pitmans' case was unsafe is not really the issue. As others including Stuart Syvret have pointed out many a time. What is inarguably unsafe was the make up of the court that reached that decision. Having a Jurat who even the police concluded was dishonest and who at least one abused child had complained about as bullying him in to silence is unsafe as it gets. Sounds like 10.46 just doesn't like the Pitmans so an unsafe court is okay?

      Delete
  61. 09:48 "Currently he is driving the agenda"

    We all know what agenda Gorst is driving

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    1. That tired old agenda has been pushed around so many times that the wheels are falling off, Gorst does not have a hope in hell of getting that old Trojan Horse through the gate, let alone up the steps of the States Chamber.

      Delete
    2. I agree. PPC under Norman are already undermining the move. let's kick it in to the long grass for a few more years. At least until Barking Bill has retired with his "reputation" intact.

      I too would like to hear the answers to the Jurat/Gorst questions posed by your reader at 10.33. Gorst can't have it both ways. He either cares about injustice or he doesn't.

      Delete
  62. I couldn't agree more with the comments at 10-18 and 10-22.

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  63. I wonder if Abraham Gorst has his Go-fer Routier writing these defences?

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  64. Gorst, the miracle of Balaam's ass has managed to assemble a great dictatorship to hold him up in the states chamber.

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  65. Gorst is not my ‘hero’and I never voted for him. My only concern is for a functional and safe child care system and Ian Gorst the person who is trying to deliver on this. Your fixation on yesterday’s politicians is rather tedious and goes nowhere to further the reforms that Gorst is pushing through. Obviously there are different agendas at play here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He may be "pushing them through" now, but please drop the pretense that Ian Gorst is a crusader for good. The only Jersey politician who can come out of the whole child abuse scandal with his head held high is Stuart Syvret. He was the ONLY one who, when confronted with the evidence, behaved like a normal decent human being and fought to have the perpetrators and their enablers brought to justice, regardless of personal cost to himself. He ploughed a very lonely furrow for a long time before others jumped on the bandwagon.

      Gorst has been chief minister for how many years? And only now is he supporting the reforms others tried to push through almost a decade ago. His response to the care inquiry report was a nauseating pretense that it had all come as a great shock.

      What the COI report meant was that he had to be seen to be doing something or face a political backlash, so suddenly he became the fighter for children's rights.

      If he is such a reformer now, where is his push to reform the island's prosecution function - you know the one where things get quietly dropped if you know the right people; where is his fight to bring those corrupt officers who hid and enabled decades of child abuse to face justice in the courts?

      Delete
    2. Well said @13:03
      All the machinations over the last decade have just been an excuse for denying the problems and not doing anything.

      The notion that we needed this CoI report to be published before we could act is laughable

      Anyone who claims that is a follower not a leader

      The truth was the truth before the CoI *partially* published it
      The CoI's "truth" and more were on the blogs and being said by at least one leading politician back in 2007

      The truth was always the truth.
      It was the truth before it became the £23m official [but partial] truth.

      The official truth has some more growing up to do.

      Delete
  66. If this blog posting stays current for much longer, the number of comments will exceed 200.

    When it passes 200, readers will only see those first 200 comments unless on arrival/refresh they click on the little bit of text saying "Load more..." right at the end of the comments thread.

    NB. later replies, even to the first 200 comments will NOT BE DISPLAYED until AFTER that *Load more* link is clicked.

    Readers who wish to read the whole thread without omissions need to click  (several times if it reappears!) "Load more..." right at the bottom, and then read from the beginning.

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  67. VfC, look for M i c h a e l M a n n h e I m e r' s website (use Google to translate it into English).

    Your website is being censored VfC, one was not able to publish his website URL here.

    will try and publish it in the Name and URL of this reply.

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    1. I had a quick read of "Michael Mannheimer"

      Quite interesting but verging on the Alt-right and even conspiracy theories.

      It must be said that Jersey's "conspiracy theories" as detailed by the deposed Health Minister and bloggers turned out to be >95% on the money but I suspect that many "conspiracy theories" lack this quality
      It is great that VFC's blog is so widely read but I can't help feeling that some of the links being offered are very relevant to a Jersey / child protection blog

      I do not know enough to criticise the quality of some of the links being offered but if they are a distraction I would question if they should be posted here.

      All websites occasionally have glitches. 
      @12:00 "Your website is being censored VfC" -Please post the evidence you have @12:00

      VFC may have chosen not to publish all 'red herrings' (if that is what it was)

      Delete
    2. Michael Mannheimer is a story teller.
      Blogs only start a story.
      To finish it they usual hand a file to an authority to action or give evidence.

      Delete
    3. Sorry for the typo, but last comment should have read:
      "It is great that VFC's blog is so widely read but I can't help feeling that some of the links being offered are *NOT* very relevant to a Jersey / child protection blog"

      Michael Mannheimer may be a story teller.

      THIS blog (like the Health Minister's before it) does it's best to be a truth teller

      These truths have proved uncomfortable and dangerous

      "To finish it they usual hand a file to an authority to action or give evidence."
      Maybe in a functioning society, but not in Jersey my friend.

      The blogs will go a good way to finishing the story and "authority" IS the story.

      Have you read the link:
      http://freespeechoffshore.nl/stuartsyvretblog/the-publics-inquiry-into-the-public-inquiry-starts-here/

      A good deal of the ex Health Minister's concerns have proved true.

      Here in Jersey where the blogs lead the authorities eventually follow
      ........ whimpering and messing themselves

      Delete