September 28th 2019 Reform Day Anniversary.

Tom Gruchy

Today saw the 250th Anniversary of Jersey Reform Day which was (finally) acknowledged and celebrated in the Royal Square, the Royal Court and the States Chamber. This was the day that Tom Gruchy and hundreds of Islanders, in 1769, stormed the corrupt Royal Court (while it was in session) and demanded democratic changes. There were local bands playing, including Badlabecques who sang/sing in the native tongue of Jerrias, speeches, and tours of the Courts and States Chambers.

The day was (finally) recognised because of a  successful proposition brought to the States (Island's Parliament) by former Deputy TREVOR PITMAN back in 2012. For more history of the day (September 28th 1769) please look HERE where local historian, and Human Rights Campaigner Mike Dun alias "TOM GRUCHY" talks us through some of the events leading up to the riot.

Today's tour of the Royal Court and States Chambers building started with a presentation from PPC Chairman and St. Helier Deputy Russell Labey (video below) where he showed the audience a short film explaining the history of the day. He further gave (well deserved) credit to Mike Dun for the years of work/research he has accrued on the subject.

It was an informative day out, and those involved in making it happen should be congratulated. From what I can gather it was Russell Labey, Assistant Economic Development Minister Montfort Tadier, the Bailiff's Office (yeah I know), and the States Greffe. It should be said that this type of event (opening up the States Chambers and Royal Court) should be done more often. The tour I went on was very well attended and the Establishment, from what I can gather, is not entirely hostile to the idea!

Just a short Blog for today as we believe most is described in the below video. We hope readers/viewers watch the video that marks this momentous day in Jersey's history. (Even though Tom Gruchy is probably spinning in his grave.)

Tom Gruchy Speaks. Jersey Reform Day 1769-2019

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.

Jersey Evening Post Editorials.

Chief Minister Ian Gorst

On Tuesday 18 April 2017 an answer was tabled by the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, to a Written Question from Deputy Russell Labey. The question, and answer, revealed that the Chief Minister had spent more than £33,000 on UK Spin Doctors (Portland Communications) in order to learn how to be "open" and "informative" with the public regarding the long awaited, repeatedly delayed, publication of the Jersey Committee of Inquiry's final Report. VFC published the question and answer HERE.

It subsequently became known that what the Chief Minister DIDN'T tell the States (Island's Parliament), or the public, was he had spent a further £18,000 of taxpayers money on another Spin Doctor former Tory advisor  (Ramsay Jones) seemingly for the same purpose. That's more than £50k spent (squandered) to be told how to be "open and "informative" by Spin Doctors and already he's NOT being open and informative.

Team Voice offer the view that if you want to learn how to "open up" you might go to a Counsellor/Therapist but if you want to learn how to "appear" to be open then you go to a Spin Doctor. There is a big difference between being open and "appearing" to be open.

We ask; how much funding have Victims/Survivors been offered for training in dealing with the national/international Press when they are inevitably asked for comments or interviews? Will they once more be abandoned by our government and left to fend for the themselves? Is it that they don't need any training (media or otherwise) in being open and only those with something to hide do?

The States of Jersey has a "Communications Unit" who have a budget, we believe, of around £300k to deal with the press. What use is it if the Chief Minister has to go off island spending £50k to get media advice? 

The Jersey Evening Post published two Editorials last week (Thursday and Friday) which grapple with some of the issues raised in this posting (and some very poignant ones of its own) and in THIS POSTING. The Editorials were highlighted in the comments section (of previous link) and readers asked us if we could publish them (in the comments section).

Team Voice agreed that the Editorials deserved a Blog Posting of their own and we reproduce them below.

"A real risk of a PR disaster.

Thursday 20th April 2017

BACK in the very first days of the digging at Haut de la Garenne in February 2008, certain ministers within the States were accused of being more concerned about the Island’s international reputation than the abuse scandal unfolding in front of them.

It is therefore somewhat uncomfortable to learn that over £30,000 of taxpayers’ money has been spent on UK spin doctors to help ministers answer questions from the ‘international press’ once the independent Jersey Care Inquiry report becomes public.

The States have a massive communication problem and some media training must be welcomed. But that problem is with getting the message to the people it governs. That is where money, if it can be found, should be spent in training politicians and their civil servants. Even in this modern world of media and its various facets, the basic principles – principles taught to us all by our parents – are still at the core of what should be done: stand up straight, take care of your appearance, look them in the eye and tell the truth. Can there be much more to it than that? £33,500 worth more?

Yes, journalists can be tough and they work very hard to ensure that all of the story is covered fairly and accurately. But there are plenty of courses available, both locally and nationally, for media training that don’t come close to the £33,500 bill Islanders have picked up so far. Can it be that difficult for a minister to answer a question if there is nothing to hide?

Further, have any of these senior ministers – or in fact any politicians representing the seat of power – considered some training in how to speak to the public of Jersey, or on a one-to-one basis with some of the victims of abuse, once the panel’s findings emerge? Surely the report’s impact upon them is far more important than dealing with foreign journalists and the media attention it attracts.

Whatever their intentions in undergoing media training, it is going to be seen by the public as an exercise in either more covering up, an attempt to manipulate the truth or putting Jersey’s international reputation before anything else, something the Council of Ministers can ill afford.

There is a real risk the media exercise could itself turn into a local PR disaster."

"ANOTHER day and another potential PR disaster.

Friday 21st April 2017.

Today’s front-page exclusive reveals that ministers have hired a top Tory spin doctor to advise on how they should navigate what is going to be a difficult time for this Island. Once again Jersey is going to be thrust into the national and international limelight to answer for its record on child protection and care.

It is not the cost which is going to be the main thrust of public frustration here in the Island at this news or even the fact that ministers did not think to mention that they had engaged Ramsay Jones when they were questioned about the use of Portland Communications during this week’s States question time.

Readers will recall Wednesday’s lead article which reported that the UK PR agency had been brought in at a cost of £33,500 to help ministers on how to respond to questions in the wake of the publication of the Independent Care Inquiry report, which is expected to be imminent.

It goes way deeper than that. It is the fact that, locally at least, the government’s whole PR strategy over this very difficult issue seems to be saying exactly the opposite of what they need to say before they have even said a word.

Once again, Senator Ian Gorst and his team appear to be on the back foot as they prepare for the storm. The abuse inquiry was supposed to be Jersey’s attempt at truth and reconciliation; a chance to let everyone tell their stories in an open and transparent environment.

At the very least, the employment of PR specialists creates a perception that openness and honesty are not uppermost in their minds. That may not actually be true, but the failure to explain the need for this help before they were forced to do so shows how little has been learned from cock-up after cock-up over the years.

If ministers want some effective PR advice, they might start by listening to those who are telling them to get out onto the front foot and take their arguments to the people they represent, to have the courage of their convictions and to lead.

And they might also jettison those – and especially those in the public sector – who believe that the job of a PR professional is to deny voters the honesty and transparency that must be a basic democratic right and to manage information cynically.

All too often, it seems, they seek the counsel of the latter, a lack of judgment which could cost this administration and the Island dear."

£35k For "Openness?"

Chief Minister Ian Gorst

After a Written Question tabled by Deputy Russell Labey (below) to the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst,we have learnt (as if we didn't know already) that our Ministers/Assistant Ministers and their officers don't know how to be open and informative with the public.

We learn that they have spent £35,000 on what looks like a PR spin company (Portland Communications) to learn the art of openness and informativeness. This begs the question; "what are the States Communication Unit being paid (around 300k a year) for?" Further, if our elected politicians don't know how to be open and informative, is a PR (spin) company the best people to ask? Will the £35k be taken out of the States Communications Unit's budget?

Deputy Russell Labey

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY R. LABEY OF ST. HELIER ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 18TH APRIL 2017

Will the Chief Minister advise if the services of Portland Communications have been engaged by the States of Jersey to provide media training to Ministers and/or others in preparation for the publication of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry’s report, or for any other reason, and, if so:

1. (a) which Ministers or other personnel are receiving this training;

2. (b) if the cost of the programme including fees, flights and accommodation are to be met by the tax payer, how much will this amount to; and 

3. (c) what is the brief Portland Communications are working to and what exactly is the firm charged with delivering for the government?

Answer

Portland Communications were first engaged as a result of an open competitive tendering process initiated in 2011 by the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey for the provision of combined strategic support to the Islands, which at the time was mainly in relation to UK matters.

During 2012 and 2013, Portland Communications provided advice on UK Party conferences, Global transparency initiatives, FATCA and enhanced engagement with a number of key European countries. Since the offices in London, Brussels and Caen have become more fully established, in partnership with the Bailiwick of Guernsey, those offices have been able to take on these functions and Portland Communications is now engaged only to provide additional strategic advice, as needed, on matters where there is strong national or international interest.

Most recently, this has included the provision of advice on how best to engage with the anticipated national and international interest in the report to be published this year by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. The aim is to improve upon the past handling of such matters by the Island and being fully open and informative in the public response.

This strategic advice includes matters relating to anticipated national and international media interest and has been provided to officers and relevant Ministers (the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister/Minister for Health and Social Services, Minister for Education and Minister for Home Affairs), usually during telephone calls. In 2017 this has also involved the relevant Ministers visiting the offices of Portland Communications in London as convenient (usually when in London for other personal or official business).

Portland Communications has received £33,500 from the Department for Community and Constitutional Affairs for the provision of this strategic advice and support, with the aim of enhancing the provision of public information, including to the national and international media, following the release of the report by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.(END)

Being open means telling (the sometimes uncomfortable) truth. Being informative is telling/publishing the facts without using spin and Spin Doctors. Paying £35k to Spin Doctors doesn't instil confidence that we are not going to get a load of spin from our leaders when the Child Abuse Committee of Inquiry publishes its report and the infamous "Jersey Way" continues.........................

Russell Labey Speech. P.19/2016

On 28 May we published THIS BLOG warning readers of the latest tool being used by the former Attorney General (Tim Le Cocq) and the government to silence political dissent, and those of us exposing the Jersey Child Abuse cover-up among much more alleged corruption perpetrated by powerful people who enjoy complete impunity on the island.

It came in the form of a proposition (P.19/2016) brought by the Chief Minister but presented by Senator Philip Ozouf. Who had this to say concerning the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris; "all communities from around the world needed to stand in solidarity with our French cousins to condemn what as an unacceptable infringement on the ability for freedom of expression and speech." Of course offending Muslims is one thing but "offending" people in Jersey is a lot more serious than that!

As we correctly predicted the proposition was adopted in the region of forty votes in favour - five against. The votes can be viewed HERE, HERE and HERE.

Deputy Russell Labey.

During the debate, where those who are in favour of free speech clearly won the argument, but lost the vote, some very poignant and informative speeches were made against the proposition, not least by St Helier (District NO.1) Deputy Russell Labey. (video below)

The Deputy warned of possible "sinister consequences to free speech" "Sleepwalking into dodgy legislation." He pointed out that it is legislation that people might expect to find in "totalitarian states like North Korea." 

He went on to explain how Bloggers gained the trust and confidence of whistle-blowers who leaked public interest documents to us. The Mainstream media (MSM) were not trusted and were believed to have "gone native" with the Jersey establishment. The Deputy mentions, in his speech below, the leaking to Bloggers of the BARTON REPORT.

The Barton Report was a disciplinary investigation against the three cops accused of illegally bugging a car used by member(s) of the Curtis Warren gang. The investigation was instigated by the Law Officers Department (LOD).

It was leaked to Bloggers because it was believed the MSM would bury it which demonstrates the trust and confidence that Bloggers have gained from whistle blowers.

The Barton Report shows that it is the Law Officers themselves who have questions to answer, and despite instigating the investigation, the Law Officers did/would not fully co-operate with it.

The link also contains further links that are of huge public interest, including, "Operation Invicta" which is the criminal Investigation against the cops. Again the cops were exonerated but left question marks over the LOD.

Of course the Barton Report is not the only document/information leaked to Bloggers over the years as regular readers will be aware. We will look to publish a few of those documents over the next couple of days in the comment section of this posting.
In the meantime, credit to Deputy Labey, and others, for seeing what this latest piece of legislation is, and for having the courage to speak up about it. Speaking up/out, as a result of this legislation will soon be a thing of the past in Jersey.