Tom Gruchy
This Saturday 28th September 2019 marks the 250th Anniversary of the day a man called Tom Gruchy and a few hundred islanders overthrew the corrupt Royal Court in what has since been labelled (by the Establishment and Old Media) "The Corn Riots."
Two years ago VFC interviewed local Blogger, historian, and Human Rights Campaigner Mike Dun HERE. We discussed the events leading up to the day 28th September 1769 and it's consequences for modern day political life in Jersey and much more. Mike Dun's own BLOGSITE is a dedication to Tom Gruchy.
In 2012 former Deputy Trevor Pitman brought a proposition to the States, which was passed, and as we wrote back in 2017 (above link): "Unfortunately the government has not honoured its commitment to celebrate this historic event and appears to have buried this uncomfortable part of Jersey's history. (sound FAMILIAR)?"
As this is the 250th Anniversary of the storming of the corrupt Royal Court, the government has been forced (7 years after former Deputy Trevor Pitman's proposition was passed) to publicly recognise the day. According to the CROWD FUND set up by Assistant Economic Development Minister, Deputy Montfort Tadier:
"Live music and historical talks will be taking place in Royal Square between 11:30am -4pm on Saturday 28th September, but we need your help to make it a success."
It seems there isn't a spare £500 laying around to put this event on. At time of publication of this Blog Posting only £10 (from two donations) had been accrued. It is clear the Establishment don't want the Jersey public to know the true history of September 28 1769 and we argue that there shouldn't even be a crowd funding page. Indeed it was the corrupt Bailiffs' Office (of the time) who were responsible for the events of that date and we believe (as mentioned in the interview below) that the Bailiff's Office could, or should, be funding the events of this coming Saturday. We know that won't be happening so if anyone feels they are able to donate a few quid then please do.
We encourage readers to watch the interview in its entirety as it is extremely informative and a history lesson that you won't be getting in schools (as agreed in Deputy Pitman's proposition) and won't be reading/hearing about in the local Old Media. It's a version of history those in power (Crown Offices'/Old Media) would rather keep quiet.
Trevor Pitman has done a series of blogs showing how corrupt the bailiffs have been - and by the looks of it - still are. And rightly said in the interview because it was his proposition he should be invited over to give a speech on the day PAYED FOR BY THE BAILIFFS OFFICE.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned in the video interview. The current Bailiff, William Bailhache, attempting to shut down FREE SPEECH.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that Reform Day celebrating the hugely important events of 1769 is finally being celebrated. But I am annoyed that recognition is not being afforded officially to Trevor Pitman. I view Deputy Tadier, our Assistant ESC Minister with responsibility for Culture, apparently, not getting his former colleague over to Jersey for this as very poor show. All smacks of a soldier trying to steal the medals won by another soldier's bravery. I always recall former Deputy Pitman making clear that the man who deserved the real credit for keeping 1769 alive was Mr Dunn. Shame it appears that Deputy Tadier can't show the same humility with regard to Trevor Pitman.
ReplyDeleteA churlish criticism of Tadier. Some people will clutch at any straw to find something negative in a positive story.
DeleteBut a valid argument I think even though I vote for Montfort come every election. If he needs to go begging for an important date/event like this as an AM then I think he should be shouting about it.
DeleteNever forget that as Mike Dunn rightly points out half our States should have been removed in 2018 for breaking the election law. So how come Trevor Pitman and his States Member wife Shona got removed? Answer is because they were a threat to the establishment. No one stands up to the Bailiff and his Gang any more.
ReplyDeleteA great interview and shows what a disgrace it is that such an important day and event is not being given appropriate support.
ReplyDeleteIf the Queen was to pop over or even some minor Royal flunky they would have Public Works out polishing the seats in the public toilets and spraying the grass green.
Well done to you and Mr Dunn. If Trevor Pitman is watching maybe this will fire him up to come back over here and save us. I will contribute to his air ticket even if he is in the Outer Hebridies.
Mike Dun should most definitely be delivering any key speech if, as seems hopeful, Reform Day does finally get celebrated this year. As I pointed out at the time of my successful proposition, but for Mike no one - including me - would even have known of the huge significance of what took place in 1769.
ReplyDeleteI very much doubt that the move from Monty to try and get beyond 28th September being an officially recognised day - at least in the history of the States votes - to a full Bank Holiday will be successful, though I hope it is. I am advised that the Chamber of Commerce are already banging the usual 'it will cost business millions' drum to mislead people.
What makes this all the more bizarre as I am told Mr Norton in the same breath agrres with we who already know that 1769 was in truth the beginnings of what should have been our modern democracy. Shame it was stolen by the Bailiffs and big business down the centuries.
Back in 2012 I asked also for a very modest amount of monies to be made available for a small memorial and for a Human Rights-based literary prize as well as the significance being taught in schools. If Monty can achieve one thing worthwhile it may likely be the securing of the £10.000 to support celebrating the day properly.
Having to appeal to crownd-funding for an officially voted for day is as appalling as our corrupt jokes of successive Bailiffs refusing to fly the flag.
But good interveiew and good luck to Mike and Monty. Hopefully Mike will make that key speech as the pluadits really are all his for his work over so many years.
When is this being debated?
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be attending the 1769 celebration. It is such a good idea that I am also willing to give up Stella for one whole week. By my additions this should provide a sum of £752.53p toward the evnt. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWill have a new Blog posted tomorrow including interviews with Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondre, Children's Minister, Senator Sam Mezec and IJCI Panel member Professor Sandy Cameron. The latter who acknowledges the contribution of Bloggers in "exposing key issues in Jersey" HERE.
ReplyDeleteAs usual I am looking forward to your interviews as I do not understand what CM Le Fondre means with improvement following the IJCI in the ITV News yesterday when nobody has been prosecuted, yearly £20m invested, vulnerable children still not being heard or feeling safe and even staff do not know what good care means ?
Deletehttps://www.itv.com/news/channel/2019-09-23/independent-care-inquiry-report-says-government-not-doing-enough/
But why should I be surprised when stand up people like Deputy Higgins gets accused in the States of undermining the "wonderful work of the police" by raising open questions in the States. Deputy Higgins asked if safeguards are in place for strip searches based on a case. Instead the Home Affairs Minister Len Norman told him not to raise that in the States assembly but to speak to him and the police chief in person although this question is in public interest. The secrecy culture remains. Deputy Higgins had previously " called for an independent investigation into why a prominent Islander was not charged with sexual misconduct. The JEP later revealed that the police had investigated and a file had been passed to the Law Officers’ Department, after which a decision had been made not to proceed with a prosecution." See JEP today "Deputy is accused of ‘undermining’ police"
https://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2019/09/25/deputy-is-accused-of-undermining-police/
Len Norman and THE JERSEY WAY.
Delete