Jersey Reform Day 1769-2020

Tom Gruchy

Today (17th September) is Jersey Reform Day, and as we have, in the past few years, we mark the (251st) Anniversary by reminding readers/viewers of its significance and ask the questions: "What has changed?" "Don't we still have the same so-called "democracy" we had back in 1769 that Tom Gruchy, and fellow islanders, were protesting about?" "Who really runs our Island? Many more questions are asked and mostly answered in the exclusive interview below.

This years interview with local historian/Human Rights Campaigner, and BLOGGER Mike Dun has an added twist due to the current Corona Virus measures/laws being introduced along with the police wanting all police officers to carry Taser Guns. How (as in 1769) are we able to gather in large numbers to overthrow a corrupt Royal Court or similar corrupt institution?

Former Deputy (and victim of its "justice" system) Trevor Pitman

For those not familiar with Reform Day, and how it came about, please visit THIS POSTING which gives you a brief history and includes a link to the successful PROPOSITION brought by former Deputy (and victim of "Jersey Justice") TREVOR PITMAN.

For those who ARE familiar with Reform Day, and its origins, what, in your opinion, has changed for the better, as a result of the original overthrowing of the corrupt Royal Court and indeed the adoption of former Deputy Trevor Pitman's proposition?

 

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.