JEP Editorials. Compare and Contrast (2)

Back in August 2009 while Jersey's biggest Child Abuse Investigation (Operation Rectangle) was still live, Bloggers were publishing the evidence and facts that the Old Media (formerly known as MSM) was trying to bury.

We (Bloggers) were being trashed by the Old Media, discredited at any given opportunity, in a desperate attempt by the Old Media to churn out the Party Line and bury the truth. Survivors/campaigners/whistleblowers and the cops, (particularly SIO/DCOLenny Harper) were all either silenced or ridiculed by the Old Media, pedophiles, pedophile protectors and supporters of the regime.

Back then (August 2009) Jersey's only newspaper, The Jersey Evening Post, published an Editorial attempting to ridicule Bloggers/Citizen's Journalists and hold onto the immense power it had back then (but was rapidly losing).

We published that editorial HERE where we asked readers to "Compare and Contrast" the opinions of the JEP Editorial and that of a (then) senior journalist working for another Old Media outlet. Readers should read that link in order to grasp how far things have come, how wrong the JEP was and how it is because of the JEP (and all island Old Media) that Bloggers became so trusted and were proven right and totally vindicated whether it be by SENIOR POLITICIANS, Former SENIOR POLICE OFFICER(S) or the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry ITSELF. Even former Attorney General/Bailiff WILLIAM BAILHACHE (through gritted teeth) HAD to vindicate former SIO/DCO Lenny Harper.

We, on this Blog, have (rightly) exposed the JEP for its (shall we say) "failings" over the years, and indeed we've exposed the rest of the Old Media as well. But I digress, regular readers will know that we try to be as fair and balanced as we can be on this Blog and like to give credit where it is due.

In 2014 Andy Sibcy took over the editorship of the newspaper and we have repeatedly given him, and the paper, credit where it has been due and we are pleased to say that has been more often than not. He gained a lot of our respect when he came to the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry to sit alongside BLOGGERS to discuss the role of New and Old Media. It should be noted he didn't have to attend and ITV/CTV as well as The BBC didn't have the courage to come and defend their (indefensible) reporting, and non reporting, of the Child Abuse cover up(s).

We found that Sibcy was humble, at the IJCI hearing, approachable and willing to take onboard constructive criticism/feedback as readers will see by clicking on the above link. The paper (since Sibcy took over) has (in our opinion) become almost unrecognisable since the bad old days. That's not to say that it now practices any kind of investigative journalism, or such like, but you are now seeing articles/opinions published that would never have seen the light of day pre-Sibcy.

In this Blog Posting we want readers to compare and contrast the JEP's opinion from today's EDITORIAL and that of 2009.

Before we do that we need to give readers some context behind today's editorial.

Deputy Mike Higgins

Yesterday, (8th September 2020) in the States (parliament) sitting, Deputy Mike Higgins asked two questions of the children's Minister, Senator Sam Mezec concerning possible criminality within the Children's Services, certainly underhanded, and dangerous tactics allegedly employed by them and it appears the Minister is more inclined to protect the system than he is to hold it to account and protect its users/clients.

Video of the questions and "answers" (sic) can be viewed HERE and HERE. It should be noted that not one other politician had a single question to ask on the back of Deputy Higgins' question. That should put fear into anybody who thinks politicians (other than Higgins) are looking after Children's best interests, or protecting them in any way.

Former Health Minister, and whistleblower, Stuart Syvret

Deputy Higgins, just like Stuart Syvret (and others) before him is going up against the establishment trying to be a voice for the voiceless, trying to root out any wrongdoing and rot, before we have another Child Abuse atrocity on our hands because of Ministers protecting their Department/staff instead of protecting those who are allegedly being abused/failed by it/them.

Regular readers will know that whistleblowers, in the States (like Stuart Syvret) were always portrayed as troublemakers or conspiracy theorists and we thought after the Survivors/whistleblowers/cops and Bloggers were all vindicated by the IJCI that this would end. Well we know it hasn't, as demonstrated by Current Home Affairs Minister LEN NORMAN who tried to portray Deputy Mike Higgins as a troublemaker/conspiracy theorist just as others did before him to (vindicated) Stuart Syvret.

So, finally on to the compare and contrast of the JEP editorials.

JEP EDITORIAL 2009:

"RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS

THE proposal that the States should be televised live on the internet should remind us that, as time
marches on, the media of mass communication evolve. A certain amount of hoo-hah over who should be allowed to video Scrutiny panel hearings also reminds us that a new breed of media person is abroad – or would like to be abroad.

Citizen journalists, as they call themselves, believe that they should share the same rights of access as
more traditional media such as newspaper reporters and TV or radio broadcasters.

In itself that sounds like a reasonable idea and a potential enhancement of democracy. The new kids on the block, however, must realise that if they want privileges they must play by the rules – and that involves signing up to codes of conduct and refraining from defaming everyone who is framed in the view finder or splashed all over a blog.

Until that sort of agreement can be negotiated and finalised, citizen journalists are about as welcome as citizen brain surgeons, citizen airline pilots or, indeed, citizen bricklayers."

JEP EDITORIAL 2020:

"THE Independent Jersey Care Inquiry evidenced beyond doubt that  victims and those who were in desperate need of support did not trust government departments which were supposed to provide it. There was also distrust on the other side of the fence – a reluctance to believe people who said that they were abused by those in positions of authority and responsibility.

As a consequence, marginalised Islanders turned to anti-establishment politicians and bloggers outside of the mainstream who they trusted. They became their champions and ensured the spotlight shone on things that others wanted to ignore or forget.

Long-serving backbencher Deputy Mike Higgins was one of those who used his position in the States to give voice to victims who felt unable or were unwilling to seek redress through more official channels – or who simply were not listened to.

In the wake of the inquiry report there were promises of action and better funding, of putting children first and taking steps to make sure mistakes were not repeated. And yet still there are stories of failings, of case-loads which make providing a good service impossible, of mistakes and cover-ups.

And still those fighting against the system turn to people like Deputy Higgins.

There will, no doubt, be people reading today’s front-page and issuing a sigh – irked by or not interested in what the St Helier Member has to say in his questioning of the Children’s Minister.

But to dismiss the allegations would be to demonstrate that the lessons of the past have not been learned.

Assertions of anything from abuse to malpractice and incompetence must, of course, be tested in appropriate ways, as not all allegations will be fair or true, but it is critical that people with grievances and complaints are empowered to speak out, to blow the whistle and to be heard.

In her opening remarks summarising the panels’ findings, chairwoman of the Independent Care Inquiry Frances Oldham QC quoted the 2008 words of the Howard League for Penal Reform after it reviewed Jersey’s youth justice system. She said: ‘Powerful interlocking networks may exclude and disempower those outside of the groups and make it hard for those outside of those networks, who have genuine concerns, to raise them or make complaints in an effective way. This is likely to be particularly true of deprived, disadvantaged and powerless children.’ The powerful networks of today might be different to those of the past, but they remain and there is still a gulf between them and the powerless. It is through that lens that we should read Deputy Higgins’s comments.

Editor: Andy Sibcy editorial@jerseyeveningpost.com" (END)

It is clear that the JEP has learned some lessons from the past. It's editorial today is not attempting to silence or ridicule the whistleblower, (Deputy Mike Higgins) it is (rightly) telling us to listen to him before the "mistakes" of the past are repeated.

The editorial appears to acknowledge its own (and all island Old Media) mistakes of the past when it concedes that trying to cover up the truth will only push people towards those who/were are telling it (Bloggers)

Quote JEP:

"As a consequence, marginalised Islanders turned to anti-establishment politicians and bloggers outside of the mainstream who they trusted. They became their champions and ensured the spotlight shone on things that others wanted to ignore or forget."

A line I wrote from the 2009 EDITORIAL:

"Citizens Media is here and it is here to stay, get used to it Shipley, you helped create it/us."    

So credit where credit is due. The JEP (evidenced by the two editorials) has come a long way since 2009. Unfortunately The BBC and ITV/CTV remain where they always were, untrusted, unreliable and completely silent (as far as we are aware) on the concerns raised by Deputy Higgins in the States yesterday. It was the (Old) Media's silence that helped the cover-up(s)...........History (in some cases) repeating itself.

COVID-19. What is the "Real" Death-Toll?

Further to our PREVIOUS POSTING where we discussed (among much more) how our Civil Liberties/Rights/Freedoms are all being eroded by some of the most dodgy, and dangerous, legislation ever to have passed in our parliament because of so-called COVID-19.

We have been asking just how many people have "really" died of this disease, how dangerous is it "really?" The official local (death) figures for the last three years tell us that, so far, the amount of deaths this year are average (if not less than) the last three years.

Last Tuesday (12th May 2020) Deputy Mike Higgins (video below) asked the following question of the Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf:

"Given that there are currently 12 “presumptive deaths” amongst the 24 people reported to have died from Covid-19 in Jersey, will the Minister advise members what steps, if any, are being taken to determine conclusively the cause of death of these 12 ‘presumptive’ victims and, furthermore, to ensure that, in future, any deaths from Covid-19 are accurately and conclusively determined?"

Readers/viewers will have to make up their own minds as to whether the Health Minister's "answers" (video below) were convincing or reassuring? From our perspective he was blindly parroting the official guidelines which (from our perspective again) read that if a doctor presumes the patient died of COVID-19 then that's good enough for the death certificate.

Credit Eddy West

Credit Eddy West

Credit Eddy West

We ask: "How many brave people have fought a courageous, long, hard, battle against cancer, and many other diseases just to go down as a COVID-19 statistic? Is that fair to them and their families/loved ones?" Shouldn't there be more stringent conclusive tests carried out before registering COVID-19? 

Is: "COVID-19 can be put on the Death Certificate on clinical BALANCE OF PROBABILITIES WITHOUT TESTING" adequate?

The island is in huge fear and the public are willingly having their civil freedoms, and rights, stripped from them on a balance of probabilities and this is scary stuff. Scary that the public (for the most part) are so willing to be stripped of their rights and scary because "The Powers That be" (the Attorney General's Office) are stripping us of them.

For the avoidance of doubt we are NOT claiming that covid-19 doesn't exist. We are NOT claiming that it doesn't kill people. We are NOT saying that everybody should ignore the suggested guidelines to help curtail the disease.

What we do advocate is that people do their own research and don't blindly believe what you are told by the Old Media (formerly known as MSM), The government or so-called "experts." They are all proven liars. That's not to say they are lying about EVERYTHING to do with COVID-19 it's just stating a fact. Does the "official line" stack up? Do we, or our loved ones, not deserve something better than a "probable" cause of death?

Don't we deserve to know "exactly" how many people this illness has killed before we give up all our rights and freedoms so willingly?

It should also be noted that I am inundated with private messages on Facebook/Twitter/emails and texts by people who do not believe the official line surrounding COVID-19 but are in fear of speaking up/out. The fact that the Jersey "Culture of Fear" is still so prevalent is another alarming factor to have arisen from this crisis.

Len Norman (with others) and "The Jersey Way."

Constable Len Norman

At the last States Sitting Deputy Mike Higgins submitted the following Oral Question to Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman.

“Will the Minister explain to members what actions, if any, the States of Jersey Police are taking to encourage the victims of sexual abuse to come forward and place their trust in the Police; and will he provide his assessment of how effective any such measures have been in ensuring the public are convinced that the Police investigate all allegations without fear or favour?”

The question, from Deputy Higgins, came about, seemingly, because an alleged Survivor of child grooming and similar alleged sexual offences felt she had no other alternative than to waive her anonymity and take to Social Media in an attempt put pressure on those responsible (States of Jersey Police/Law Offices department) for bringing her alleged abuser to "justice." From the information available it appears that the alleged Survivor had gone through all the correct channels in reporting the alleged crime only to be met with alleged protection of the alleged perpetrator by those who are supposed to be upholding the law without fear or favour.

At this point we should mention that the number 1 priority of this government is: "We will put children first." The government's priority comes in the wake of a damming (not as damming as it could/should have been) REPORT from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI) after decades of Child Abuse was exposed by Former Deputy Chief Police Officer Lenny Harper under the leadership of former (possibly illegally suspended) Chief Police Officer Graham Power QPM. Subsequently exposed by the IJCI itself.

In the wake of the IJCI report The Powers That Be have been busy ticking as many boxes as it can attempting to convince the public that things have changed, children are safer, and the protection of the system over the protection of children is an attitude of a bygone era.

Deputy Mike Higgins

Well judging by the "answer" (below video) to Deputy Higgins's question (above), nothing can be further from the truth.

One would have thought/expected the Home Affairs Minister, Constable Len Norman, to ask Deputy Higgins: "just exactly what have you read on the internet?" He might have said: "If you (Deputy Higgins) have any evidence of any shortcomings concerning the police force then I need to see that in order to have it investigated, and if needs be, hold my officers to account." The Home Affairs Minister could have said: "I need to hear first hand the alleged Survivors side of events because I have heard the police's side of the story." The Home Affairs Minister asked NONE of those questions and rabidly defended the cops/system without question (The Jersey Way).

Just as telling (of "The Jersey Way") was the silence of all other States Members during this question save from Deputy Montfort Tadier and Deputy Kevin Pamplin (videos below). If there appears to be any kind of Child Abuse cover-up, or allegations of, then surely, post-Operation Rectangle, post-IJCI States Members would be holding the Home Affairs Ministers feet to the coals? There would have been a barrage of questions from across the political divide to demonstrate that States Members are not going to allow history to repeat itself and sit silent while a potential whistleblower (Deputy Higgins) is labelled (by the Home Affairs Minister) a "conspiracy theorist." Alas the silence was deafening.

Deputy Montfort Tadier

Deputy Montfort Tadier was the only States Member to stand Deputy Higgins's (and alleged Survivors) corner. The Deputy has been an avid campaigner for Abuse Survivors since he was first elected in 2008 and was instrumental in ensuring there was a public Inquiry and indeed formulating its Terms of Reference alongside current/former politicians/Survivors and Bloggers. The Home Affairs Minister's "answer" to Deputy Tadier's question was yet another demonstration of "The Jersey Way." The Deputy asked the Home Affairs Minister to "work constructively" with Deputy Higgins in order to restore (some much needed) faith, and trust, in the government. The Home Affairs Minister seemingly refused to do this, refused to acknowledge the concerns of Deputy Higgins (and alleged Survivor(s)) and indeed the concerns of those of us who don't want to see "history repeating itself" where whistleblowers are marginalised and the State is rabidly defended without question. (The Jersey Way.)

Deputy Kevin Pamplin

But possibly the most bizarre, if not frightening question, came from Deputy Kevin Pamplin. Deputy Pamplin is a member (although he should now be considering his position) of the "Care of Children Review Panel."  Its "mission statement" includes: "Following the recommendations put forward by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, thorough Scrutiny will be essential in ensuring that what is put in place is both fit for purpose and helps to improve the care and well-being of children in Jersey."

The last few words of that sentence being possibly the most poignant; "to improve the care and well-being of children in Jersey." So why is it that his one question, to the HA Minister, was about his concerns for "the care and well-being" of the Police Officers accused of wrong doing? Why aren't his concerns with the alleged Survivor and potential Survivors? How is that "caring for children?" How can that question not be seen as "The Jersey Way?" It has to be said that this did come as quite a surprise to me because from what I have watched of the Scrutiny Panel Hearings Deputy Pamplin has seemed to be on top of his game (for Jersey standards) and asked some searching questions of those brought before the Panel. Unfortunately his concern for the police, and not the (or any) alleged Survivor(s) with his question to the Home Affairs Minister (below video) does deem his position on the Scrutiny Panel untenable.

I've spent the last couple of weeks pondering whether or not to publish this Blog. My fear is that if Survivors see the exchange in the States, the attitude of the Minister, the concern for the well-being of the cops, and the silence of the vast majority of States Members then it might put them off coming forward to report abuse (alleged or otherwise). I had to ask myself is there confidence in our so-called "justice" system as Constable Norman seems to think there is? Is there confidence in our government to do the right thing and could any Survivor take their concerns to the Old Media should all other avenues fail?

The latest SOCIAL SURVEY suggests not with only 50% of islanders having confidence in the so-called "justice" system, only 33% have trust in the Old Media, and 28% having trust in the government. The Jersey Evening Post was the only outlet of the Old Media to report on the exchange and question the cops. It (JEP) reported that the cops DID send a file to the Law Offices Department who decided not to prosecute the case in question. So credit to the JEP for being the only Old Media to report on this which also helped me make my decision to publish a Blog on it. I have been made aware of at least one alleged Survivor who has, thus far, decided not to come forward because of his/her distrust in the system. While wrestling with whether or not to publish this Blog I had/have to think of the impact it could have on Survivors and would it stop them coming forward as it has (thus far) with the Survivor I have been made aware of? After the JEP reported it, it is of huge public interest, and do I think Survivors should trust the authorities? The answer, Im afraid to say, is "no" I don't think the authorities can be trusted to do the right thing. as Home Affairs Minister clearly demonstrated the number 1 priority is to "protect the system" and Survivors have the right to know the facts. If I was to hide these facts from Survivors then I would be as bad as the Establishment and parts of the Old Media.

I have e-mailed the Home Affairs Minister asking him a number of (perfectly valid) questions and asked him for an interview alongside Deputy Higgins in order that the most reliable, and factual, evidence can be published on the Blog. Deputy Higgins agreed to this joint interview but the Home Affairs Minister refused. I will look to publish the e-mail exchange in the comments section.

It is with a heavy heart I have concluded that nothing has changed despite Operation Rectangle, the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, and its report. "The Jersey Way" of protecting the system, marginalising Whistleblowers and ignoring Survivors is stronger now than it ever has been.

Survivors can take some solace in knowing there are at least two States Members (Tadier/Higgins) who are willing to be a voice for them, put their heads above the parapet, and attempt to hold power to account.

The first video is an edited version to demonstrate the Home Affairs Minister's rabid defence of the cops and to label the Questioner/Whistleblower a conspiracy theorist for attempting to hold power to account. The full (un-edited) version is at the bottom of the posting.

The second video is of Deputy Tadier's support for Deputy Higgins and Survivors and NOT "The Jersey Way."

The third video is of Deputy Pamplin's concern for the well-being of the cops and NOT any alleged Survivor.

Deputy Mike Higgins. (The Jersey Way)

Deputy Mike Higgins

In the week that the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry (IJCI) PANEL return to the Island to review how its RECOMMENDATIONS have, or haven't, been implemented. We thought it would be a poignant time to reflect on a speech (or two) given at the last States Sitting (Tues 30th April 2019) by Deputy Mike Higgins.

Being debated was the Draft Commissioner for children and Young people (Jersey) LAW. Basically this was putting into (dodgy) legislation the position of the Children's Commissioner. The Commissioner now has little more rights than the man on the street in having access to official documents. Although like everybody else she's not allowed to know what advice is given by the conflicted Attorney General's Office.

Deputy Higgins has been instrumental in bringing about the Jersey Child Abuse Committee of Inquiry, campaigning for Survivors/Abusees and speaking out against judicial and political corruption since he was first elected in 2008. It was Deputy Higgins who managed to copy the transcripts from the in-camera (secret) debate where the then Home Affairs Minister, and Deputy, Andrew Lewis told the States Assembly when giving one of his different "reasons" for (possibly illegally) suspending the then Chief Police Officer Graham Power QPM:

"I HAVE READ AN ALARMING REPORT FROM THE METROPOLITAN POLICE which led me to this decision in the first place."

Regular readers will know that this statement was found to be a lie by the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry. Deputy Lewis was subsequently Censured by the parliamentary watchdog the Privileges and Procedures Committee. Reported by VFC HERE. with proposition lodged HERE. The transcript, copied by Deputy Higgins, was leaked to Bloggers (not by Deputy Higgins) who had the trust/confidence of survivors/Abusees and Whistleblowers and was subsequently published HERE. It's fair to say that without the deputy's diligence this "lie" could have remained un-noticed and never have been discovered.

William Bailhache

During the States debate (Tues 30th April 2019) Deputy Higgins reminded States Members, and the viewing public, of a number of troublesome aspects concerning the cover-up of Child Abuse and alleged abusers still at large. He was able to do this due to his extensive knowledge and campaigning for Survivors over the years and attending many of the IJCI public Hearings.

In the Chair was Bailiff William Bailhache, who has some uncomfortable questions of his own to ANSWER, concerning his time as Attorney General. The Bailiff asked Deputy Higgins to clarify who (which AG) he was talking about during his speech and the Deputy was happy to oblige by reading from the Care Inquiry Report and nailing his brother Philip Bailhache.

The second part of Deputy Higgins's speech deals with (according to the Deputy) alleged abusers who have not faced justice (The Jersey Way) despite evidence given to the Jersey Independent Care Inquiry against them. He made a very compelling and correct statement during this part of his speech when he said:

"We will never put this matter behind us and get the support of the people who have been abused until we address these issues and bring these people to book."

What Deputy Higgins did with his speech was to demonstrate that the Attorney General's office could "credibly" be  accused of cover-up. He showed that there are people who still appear to be above the law or even more people need to come forward to give evidence against them. If all is accurate in Deputy Higgins's speech then he also demonstrated "The Jersey Way."

Public to Discover How Much "openness" £50k can Buy?

Senator Ian Gorst

Tomorrow (Tuesday 2nd May 2017) we should find out if the reported £50k plus spent by the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, (the Taxpayer) on UK Spin Doctors has paid off.

In answer to Deputy Russell Labey's previous WRITTEN QUESTION the Chief Minister claimed that the aim of the £33,500 spent on Spin Doctors (Portland Communications) was in order to help him, Ministers and Civil Servants "to improve upon the past handling of such matters by the Island and being fully open and informative in the public response."

We have since learnt that the Chief Minister has spent a further reported £18,000 obtaining advice from former Tory Spin Doctor Ramsay Jones presumably for the same purpose of being open and informative in the public response (with regard to the Jersey Child Abuse Inquiry's final report)  TO BE PUBLISHED 3rd July 2017.

Deputy Russell Labey

2. Deputy R. Labey of St. Helier will ask the following question of the Chief Minister –

“Further to his answer to my written question on 18th April 2017, will the Chief Minister advise whether the £33,500 spent on consultancy in preparation for the release of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry’s findings included any expenditure on engaging Ramsay Jones; and, if not, what was the cost of engaging him and what is the total anticipated spend for all such P.R. advice and training relating to this issue?” 

Deputy Sam Mezec

3. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier will ask the following question of the Chief Minister – 

“What measures, if any, will the Chief Minister be taking to ensure that, in the aftermath of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry publishing its report, the evidence it received remains publicly accessible and complete?”

Deputy Mike Higgins

8. Deputy M.R. Higgins of St. Helier will ask the following question of the Chief Minister – 

“In light of the States expenditure on public relations consultants, legal representation and civil service time in preparation for the publication of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry’s report, will the Chief Minister undertake to investigate what measures, if any, can be taken to ensure there is ‘equality of arms’ for all parties involved with the Inquiry to be able to respond to that report?”(END)

We look forward to finding out how much "openness and informativeness" fifty thousand pound can buy.

Adrian Lynch update.

A week ago today we published this BLOG POSTING setting out a number of questions concerning the disappearance of Adrian Lynch and the police's efforts to solve the case. For those who have been following this tragic story. Twenty year-old Adrian was reported missing on the 5th December 2015 after failing to return home from a work's Christmas Party at the Merton Hotel. He remains missing more than five months later.

We sent the Blog Posting, with the published questions, to the States of Jersey Police (SOJP) in the hope they would reassure the online community by answering ALL the questions to the best of their ability. Unfortunately this was not the case.

Below are extracts from the e-mail VFC sent to DCI/SIO Lee Turner, and below that, are extracts of the reply from his Press Officer.

"Dear Detective Chief Inspector.

Today (on the 5 month anniversary of Adrian's disappearance) I have published a Blog on the subject that can be read here http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/2016/05/adrian-lynch-investigation-questions-to.html

The Blog Posting includes a number of questions surrounding the police investigation. These questions were taken (but not exclusively) from social media sites such as Facebook/Twitter and Blog readers. They are questions being asked by the general public in other words.

You will note that the general consensus is that there is little confidence in the investigation and in particular that Adrian might have succumbed to Hypothermia.

This, as I have mentioned in the Blog Posting, could be down to a number of reasons, one being that you/SOJP have not got your message out adequately through the media?

In an attempt to curtail (as much as possible) conspiracy theories would you please answer the questions posed in the main Blog Posting?

DCI Lee Turner.

Reply from Press Officer.

"Thank you for your letter and sharing your concerns into the disappearance of Adrian. After reading the questions listed on the blog, we can confirm that the majority of the answers you require have already been made available to the public, through the many press releases and media appeals that the police have issued over the last 5 months. We have also listed this information on our website as is usual practice and I have enclosed the link to our news archive.

http://www.jersey.police.uk/news-appeals/2016/?page=1

The last release relating to the search for Adrian was posted on April 12th, you can view all of the other related releases by scrolling through the pages of early 2016 and December 2015.

You will also find on here the map of the designated search zones. All of this information has been available to the public and we have shared as much information as we possibly could with them. Contrary to belief, the investigation is not holding anything back. What we know, we have shared."(END)

We argue that the majority of our questions HAVEN'T been answered and the SOJP haven't been as helpful as they could have been. This is something we hope to return to at a later date.

Today we want to concentrate on questions asked (or not) in the Island's  Parliament two days ago (Tuesday 10 May) from Deputy Mike Higgins to the Home Affairs Minister regarding Adrian's disappearance and the Police's investigation. Below is the audio recording of those questions and the Home Affairs Minister's "answers."

Home Affairs Minister

Deputy Kristina Moore

Readers will note (from the audio recording below) that the Home Affairs Minister claims "I am grateful to the Deputy for maintaining the profile of this important case and particularly amongst us, most member of the Assembly are parents themselves, I'm sure that we all want to remind Adrian's family how much we sympathies with them and express how we wish after five terrible months of agony their pain can be eased by finding this young man and answering the many questions they must have."(END)

Firstly readers should be aware, that according to Adrian's father, "No politicians have been in contact with us since Ady went missing""I contacted Mike Higgins after hearing on radio that it was going to be debated in States. This was the first I had heard about it. I am happy that Mr Higgins is showing us support in finding my son"

Connetable Juliette Gallichan.

This, if correct, is a truly staggering revelation. The Lynch family live in St Mary, on the boarder of St John. What happened to the Parish "community spirit" we are told so much about? The Connetable being the Mother/Father of the Parish? In this case the Connetable/mother of the Parish being Juliette Gallichan. How can it be that NONE of their own elected representatives have contacted Adrian's parent's in order to show, if not political, but practical or moral/emotional support? What does this say about the Parish system? What does this say to the wider community? If your child goes missing don't expect any help/support from us? It could be, in fairness to the elected representatives, that they feel they don't want to intrude on the Lynch family so have resisted contacting them directly.

If this is the case then why not, as quoted by the Home Affairs Minister,  "answer the many questions they must have?" Why not just ask one question in the parliament as Deputy Mike Higgins did? The fact is that not a single States Member asked a question during that States Sitting on the back of Deputy Higgins' question.

This is a damming indictment of our Island's Parliament. A twenty year-old boy disappears, without a trace, and out of forty nine so-called "independent" politicians only one of them can show any kind of public support to the family? Only one politician attempts to hold a Minister to account? No other politician has a question for the Home Affairs Minister/police in this very sad, tragic and controversial case? 

Some readers might think this doesn't effect/concern you, but what if it was your child? What if your child was missing under such suspicious circumstances, the police's official line doesn't make sense to the general public/lay person. Who could you rely on for support? Has your Deputy/Constable or Senator asked a question in the States concerning this case? You might want to contact them  and ask them? If so all States Members contact details can be found HERE. 

Deputy Mike Higgins.

Deputy Higgins asked another crucial question (audio below) of the Home Affairs Minister. What were the recommendations made by the outside partner agencies who reviewed the investigation into Adrian's disappearance? This question is crucial because one of the recommendations could have been that the investigation should have been up-graded to a murder inquiry. Another could have been that the SOJP don't have the expertise in this field and the investigation could/should be handled by a UK force who do have expertise in this area. There are many more recommendations that could have been made but the Home Affairs Minister won't tell us what they are. This could be for operational reasons and the Minister has advised Deputy Higgins to put the question to the police which we believe he will be doing shortly.

As posted above, the Home Affairs Minister stated: "I am grateful to the Deputy for maintaining the profile of this important case and particularly amongst us, most members of the Assembly are parents themselves, I'm sure that we all want to remind Adrian's family how much we sympathies with them and express how we wish after five terrible months of agony their pain can be eased by finding this young man and answering the many questions they must have."

The audio recording bears little, or no resemblance, to that statement.

Our thoughts and support remain with Adrian's family, and friends,  through, what must be, such an agonising time of uncertainty and turmoil.

For related Blogs published by Team Voice on the disappearance/police investigation of Adrian Lynch please click on the labels at the bottom of the posting. Alternatively please click on the links below.

Adrian Lynch still missing. DAY FIVE.

Adrian Lynch still missing. DAY 7/8

Adrian Lynch still missing. DAY/13/14

Adrian Lynch still missing. DAY 31/32

Adrian Lynch still missing. DAY 35/36

Adrian Lynch THE OFFICIAL LINE QUESTIONED.

Adrian Lynch Investigation. QUESTIONS TO THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE.

Deputy Mike Higgins. Jersey Child Abuse Inquiry Witness.

Deputy MIKE HIGGINS was due to give evidence as a witness at today's public hearing for the Jersey Child Abuse Inquiry.

Unfortunately this didn't happen due to a submission by the Jersey Law Office Department (this morning) on behalf of the States Greffe. Deputy Higgins had intended on using a LEAKED TRANSCRIPT  of a States debate where it appears that disgraced former Home Affairs Minister ANDREW LEWIS  gave a different account of events that he gave to the Wiltshire Constabulary and the Napier Review concerning his sight (or not) of the Metropolitan Police Interim Report.

For a more in-depth look at the anomalies told by Deputy Andrew Lewis, in this regard, readers are encouraged to read HERE. 

The Law Office successfully argued that the States voted for this transcript to remain a secret and the only way to change that is for a proposition to be brought to the States to ask them to reverse that decision. So now Deputy Higgins has to lodge a proposition to that effect and indeed hope he wins it for it to be able to be used as evidence in the Child Abuse Inquiry.

This does seem a little strange as the States are in effect under investigation by this Inquiry, they are, for want of a better word, the "suspect." So the way that I see it is that the "suspect" is going to be asked (Mike Higgins' proposition) to hand over evidence that could potentially be incriminating. Will the States, or the "suspect" vote to hand over this evidence? We will of course be Blogging about this closer the time.

So Deputy Higgins' evidence will have to wait until late January 2016 after the outcome of the debate.

But here's a question that needs asking. The Child abuse Inquiry were made aware of the leaked, and original, Hansard some 17 months ago as it formed part of former Deputy Trevor Pitman's EVIDENCE. The Inquiry was further made aware of it some 14 months, or so, ago as it formed part of Rico Sorda's evidence. So why then did the Inquiry only get round to asking the States Greffe for the original copy nine days ago? It's known of this document, and its controversy for well over a year, why was it not asked for sooner?

Short post but worth a mention in a Blog of its own.

Submission To Ministry of Justice Select Committee (Part 1).

On the 8th of July 2013 I made a submission to the Ministry of Justice Select Committee as did others to include Deputy Mike Higgins which was published HERE and former Deputy Trevor Pitman which was published HERE. The then Deputy Pitman's submission would only get to see the light of day on his own Blog as with mine it was not accepted by the Select Committee or published on its website.

The three submissions, taken together, provide ample evidence of a BREAKDOWN IN THE RULE OF LAW and good governance in the Crown Dependency of Jersey yet the UK government continue to fail in its obligation to intervene.

The UK Justice Select Committee's Report has now been published (minus a number of submissions and redacted submissions) which can be viewed HERE. Needless to say everything is pretty rosy in Jersey according to the Report.

Here is my submission.

To Ministry of Justice Select Committee on Crown Dependencies developments since 2010.

Following the Committee’s recent visit to Jersey I am motivated to make this submission being very disappointed that the Committee Members have not met with the general public and the Committee chose to meet with government officials almost exclusively.

There is a great deal of discontent on the island that the Committee will only be aware of by meeting with members of the public, especially since there is so little public awareness of the Committee’s task or Terms of Reference.

Most importantly my strongly held view is that there should be MORE intervention and supervision of Jersey Government and administration by outside bodies such as the Privy Council. This especially applies to the administration of justice, the legal system and the lack of impartial tribunals in Jersey.

There are many specific individual cases such as, what many see as the “illegal” suspension of the former Chief Police Officer, Graham Power QPM who’s force was investigating the Haut de la Garenne Child Abuse atrocities. Mr. Power’s suspension has, by the evidence been shown as a political coup in order to discredit him and his Deputy Chief Officer, Lenny Harper, to cover up the atrocities of paedophilia/Child Abuse that were able to go un challenged for decades on this island.

Subsequent to the alleged illegal suspension of Mr. Power, former Health Minister and Senator Stuart Syvret, (opposition politician) has been persecuted over the years for trying to address child protection failures of the State. His injustice, and persecution, continues to this day. This includes “secret” court cases.

Currently Deputies Trevor and Shona Pitman (opposition politicians) face financial ruin as a result of a court case in which the alleged conflicts of a Jurat were not revealed. The same Jurat’s deficiencies were referred to in “The Sharp Report” on Sex abuse at Victoria College where he sought to protect the dignity of a paedophile and refused to look at evidence against the said paedophile, a senior teacher at the college, where the Jurat was also employed.

I have cited, only three instances here to indicate that injustice occurs at senior levels in Jersey’s administration, but I must stress that there are many more instances at all levels in Jersey society where justice is denied. The reasons are many, and include, conflict of interest by those in authority, especially the Crown Officers, obscurity of the laws, lack of adequate legal and political representation.

The Jersey government has embarked on a programme to achieve greater independence from the UK government and UK institutions. This might suit the narrow interest of a few but will definitely NOT be in the interest of the majority of Jersey residents.

Over the centuries islanders have taken their grievances to such bodies as the Privy Council and this facility must be preserved and enhanced. The reliance on the Jersey institutions has proved to be inadequate.

In my view substantial reforms are needed so that the Jersey public have an easier, and more direct access to bodies, such as the Privy Council, and that much clearer guidelines be established to set the parameters for UK supervision and oversight. The Select Committee might not be the body, but there should be established an outside agency more willing to review individual cases that are often termed as “internal matters”

Regarding more general reforms the UK Government should accept, more readily, its responsibility for the good governance of the Crown Dependencies. In Jersey, reforms such as, separation of the Bailiff’s powers, more clearly defined appointment and supervision of all Crown Officers, modernisation of the legal system, abolition of Jurats, removing the monopoly of Jersey lawyers, creation of an adequate Legal Aid system, greater accessibility to independent tribunals and the establishment of a truly democratic States Assembly are all urgently needed. Such reforms seem to be beyond the ability, or outside the current constitutional limits of the prevailing Jersey administration. They will ONLY be achieved following outside intervention.

It is my, strongly held view that the UK is failing in its obligation to ensure good governance and the rule of law in Jersey. Indeed I would go as far as to say the UK is turning a blind eye to, what looks to be political and judicial corruption. The UK has shown it has the power to intervene as it has in Sark and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

08/07/13(END)

In Part Two I will publish the subsequent e-mail exchange between myself and the Select Committee Clerk who didn't even acknowledge receipt of my submission for FIVE MONTHS which made it impossible for the submission to be accepted.

Deputy Mike Higgins' SUBMISSION.

Former Deputy Trevor Pitman's SUBMISSION.

The Uk government stepped into the Turks and Caicos for far less.

A Snapshot of Jersey Justice/Administration.

The first segment is of former Health Minister Stuart Syvret which he published on his own Blog HERE

The second is a member of public who contacted Deputy Trevor Pitman and was posted HERE

The third segment is of fellow Blogger, and member of the public, Ian Evans which was posted HERE

The fourth segment is from an ex-pat Brit, member of the public, which is never before seen footage. However we did publish a Blog with another interview which was posted HERE

The fifth segment of former Senior Investigating Officer of the Jersey Child Abuse atrocities, Lenny Harper , and was posted HERE

The sixth segment was an exclusive interview with American Author, and Investigative Journalist, Leah McGrath Goodman, which was posted HERE

The seventh segment is member of public, Team Voice Member, and Blogger Rico Sorda, which he published HERE

The eighth segment is of former Jersey politician, and Human Rights Campaigner Bob Hill, which published HERE

The ninth segment is of Jersey politician, Deputy Mike Higgins and was published HERE

The tenth segment is from a BBC documentary and features Jersey's current, disgraced, Home Affairs Minister, Senator Ian Le Marquand which was posted HERE

The eleventh segment was of a member of the public, and small businessman, Sam Cannon, which was posted HERE

The twelfth segment was of the same member of public/businessman and was published HERE

The final segment is of two Jersey sitting politicians, Deputies Trevor, and Shona Pitman which was posted HERE