I am standing for Deputy in the combined Eastern District. I bring a track record of representing Grouville as a hard working, dedicated Deputy.
I established; the Grouville Gazette, the Community Support Group and ‘Les Grouvelles’. I hold regular Parish Surgeries which give you the opportunity to raise your concerns directly with me, such as the Foreshore Boundary issue.
I’ve led numerous Island-wide initiatives, chairing the Covid Community Task Force, Jersey’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Youth Assembly.
My focus remains: the Community – at Parish, Island and Global levels.
THE ISLAND
I’ve led the ‘Island Identity’ project promoting the island internationally. It seeks to unite our diverse communities and enhance Jersey’s values. This will help us establish a long-term Vision for our future.
Jersey has an ageing demographic and a shrinking workforce. We need properly-resourced public services, enough staff to satisfy business needs and to ensure our children can afford homes in their Island. Solutions are not easy.
Getting the balance right between the ECONOMY, ENVIRONMENT and COMMUNITY is vital.
Economy
Investing in a skilled workforce is key, with apprenticeships involving the business sector, making us less reliant on outside support. We must establish a fast-track talent development programme to nurture our own civil service leaders. Sustainability needs to be at the centre of economic policy.
Businesses and entrepreneurs are our lifeblood and start-up incentives will help them. Support needs to be given to our local fishermen, agriculture and hospitality; they contribute so much more to the Island than just the tax-take.
We are all feeling the pinch with cost of living rises. Efforts must be made towards a more equal society, with our wealthiest newcomers paying a fairer share. I support raising tax thresholds, triple-locking pensions and removing GST from locally grown food for local markets.
Environment
As an advocate of renewable energy I won my proposition to review JEC charges and to encourage renewables. I’ve taken practical measures to support green initiatives, and free bus travel for children. I instigated the Eastern Cycle Track and safe cycle networks – but they are not progressing fast enough!
Community
Our health services must be properly resourced to attract front-line medical staff, with good conditions and training. Wellbeing and mental health policies must be incorporated into a cradle-to-grave health strategy.
Assisting our children onto the property ladder with Government-funded shared equity schemes will enable them to see a future here.
I voted against losing the Senatorial seats and the erosion of your voting rights, they need reinstating.
GLOBAL
As Jersey’s first International Development Minister, I reformed the Jersey Overseas Aid programme where we share our strengths in Dairy, Conservation and Micro-finance, to support those in need. I’ve established internships and UN placement opportunities for local people.
As an independent: we need effective, independent politicians working collaboratively, to face the Island’s issues together.
My pledge is simple: to listen and work hard for the whole Community.
