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.

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.

Exclusive Interview with Former Deputy Trevor Pitman.

Trevor Pitman

Former Deputy Trevor Pitman will need no introduction to long-time readers/viewers of VFC or the local Blog scene. Trevor, along with his wife, former Deputy Shona Pitman, both represented St. Helier Districts 1 (Trevor) and 2 (Shona).

Both were outspoken critics of "The Jersey Way" or "THE JERSEY SITUATION" and inevitably/ironically/predictably both ended up victims of it. That story is well rehearsed and not for topic of this particular Blog Posting but will no doubt be discussed at a later date. In a nutshell both were made bankrupt in a politicised Jersey Court which automatically debars them from holding political office. Subsequently they lost their seats/jobs/house and were driven from the Island (The Jersey Way). But as discussed in the video interview below, if it turns out that half the Jersey politicians are potential criminals, (discrepancies with election expenses forms) then it is deemed by the Attorney General as "not in the public interest" to prosecute (The Jersey Way).

After being forced off the Island Trevor and Shona travelled Europe and have now settled in the UK.

During (and after) Trevor's time as a St. Helier Deputy he published his own Blog (which is still available in "My Blog-list" on the left-hand side of this Blog) Called THE BALD TRUTH which later became (also available in "My Blog-list) NOT THE STATE MEDIA.

Trevor took a (5 year) break from Blogging and, we are pleased to say, has decided to return and is launching a new Blogsite. The launch date is Wednesday 7th August 2019 and we will add it to "My Blog-list" as well as publish a link to it in the comments section of this posting.

With the launch of his new Blogsite in mind we interviewed Trevor a couple of days ago to ask, among much more, what topics will be covered? Has he been keeping an eye on "The Jersey Situation?" What does he think of the New States Assembly? Will he be reporting on the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI) and the implementation  (or not) of its recommendations? We discussed how far forward (back) things have come (gone) since the IJCI published its REPORT and not surprisingly he was as disgusted as we are as to how far things have gone back as demonstrated by Home Affairs Minister LEN NORMAN.

We asked if "The Bald Truth Review" will be making a return? Long-time readers/viewers will remember Trevor would regularly publish a video with a round-up of current/political affairs which proved to be quite popular with his "LEEK OF THE WEEK" and "A TREAT FOR TROLLS" not forgetting his catchphrase "If you don't do politics, politics will do YOU."

William Bailhache

Further discussed in the interview below are subjects like "discrepancies" of the current Bailiff, and former Attorney General William Bailhache, concerning his "reason(s)" for not prosecuting an alleged prolific PEDOPHILE. Once more the "official line" does not stack up and has not been questioned by the Old Media (formerly known as MSM). We ask the former Deputy if he has plans of returning to Jersey politics? How the Jersey (so-called) "JUSTICE" system is used as a tool to silence political dissent(ers) and those who attempt to get "justice" for Abuse Survivors. How Survivors are palmed off with a couple of quid instead of "JUSTICE."

We are sure Trevor's new Blog will be a welcome, and popular addition, to the Blog scene and hope readers/viewers will support it/him. A big thanks for the exclusive interview and look forward to the launch of his Blog on Wednesday 7the August 2019.

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.

Cheyenne O'Connor Rally Saturday 16th February 2019.

Cheyenne O'Connor

This coming Saturday 16th February at 10am there is a rally to be held at the Royal Square in Jersey. The rally has been organised by online pedophile hunter Cheyenne O'Connor who snares online child predators who attempt to meet (what they believe are) children. Cheyenne poses as a teenage child online and gathers evidence against pedophiles which she then hands over to the police. Her efforts have resulted in a number of convictions with some predators ending up in prison, for what she, and many others believe, a short amount of time.

Cheyenne is advocating for a minimum (three year) prison sentence of pedophiles and believes they should remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life and has created an online petition to that end. The petition has attracted more than 2,500 signatures and received a response from the relative (Home Affairs) Minister. With another 2,500 signatures it will be considered for debate in the Island's Parliament. The petition (and the Minister's response) can be viewed (and signed) HERE. She also runs her own Facebook page where she documents her online work catching pedophiles and cases she is working on. The page can be viewed HERE.

Former Health Minister/Whistleblower Stuart Syvret

VFC spoke with Cheyenne yesterday (video below) and discussed the upcoming rally this Saturday where there will be a few speakers including Survivors and former Health Minister, and whistleblower Stuart Syvret. We also discussed such topics as "The Culture of Fear" so prevalent in our Island, the message being sent out by those attacking those of us who campaign against pedophilia and trying to protect our children. Her response the the Home Affairs Minister's and Attorney General's response, Keyboard Warriors and much more.

We thank Cheyenne O'Connor for the interview and for the work she does in trying to keep our children safe. If you agree with the PETITION and want to make a difference then sign it and be at the rally this Saturday 16th February 10am Royal Square.

Reform Jersey. Parish Assembly.

Following the recent Press Release (below) issued by Jersey's only (overt) Political Party "Reform Jersey". VFC sat down with the party Chairman, Deputy SAM MEZEC, to discuss the rarely used (Loi (1804) au sujet des Assemblées Paroissiales) Law.

This is a law that the public should be aware of and used, if necessary, on a regular basis if the (mostly unelected) Parish Constables continue to ignore their Parishioners views on major political issues.

The video/interview/discussion (below the Press Release), we hope, will help inform the public of their, so-called "democratic" right(s) and encourage them to engage with the process.

Political Party to invoke two centuries old law to force Parish debate on TTS outsourcing

"Jersey’s only political party, Reform Jersey, has invoked a 212-year-old law written in French to force the Constable of St Helier to hold a Parish Assembly to discuss the plans of the Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Eddie Noel, to outsource hundreds of workers jobs.

This follows the recent ballot where workers voted in favour of strike action in response to the Minister’s refusal to enter meaningful negotiations with them.

Article 9 of the Loi (1804) au sujet des Assemblées Paroissiales allows Parishioners to force a Parish Assembly if ten signatures are obtained to support a particular motion to be debated, which will conclude with a vote for Parishioners to register their support or opposition.

“We have chosen to use this old law to force this debate to make a point about local democracy in Jersey. Parish Deputies and Constables very rarely bother to put on meetings to discuss political issues and hear the views of their constituents and there is a widespread perception that they are out of touch. Deputy Noel is looking to sack huge numbers of our Infrastructure workers despite promising during his election that he would do the opposite. This is an issue which could see tens of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money wasted, so it is only right that Deputies and Constables are forced to get to grips with it” – Party chairman Deputy Sam Mézec

“We would urge people in every Parish to start forcing these public meetings to make sure their representatives are properly held to account. We are happy to offer advice to any Islander who wants to do this.”

The requête has been signed by St Helier Deputies and residents Geoff Southern and Sam Mézec, as well as other members of Reform Jersey and Infrastructure workers.

The Constable of St Helier now has a fortnight to convene this Parish Assembly."(END)

Credit to Reform Jersey for attempting to bring democracy to the island. Please attend the Parish Assembly on Friday 17th May 7:pm at St. Helier Town Hall and ask for details on how to call your own Assembly?