Latest News - December 2011

Members,

It has been my privilege and pleasure to take on the mantle of Chairman since March from John Mesch, who so ably wore it following in the footsteps of Jurat Nick Herbert. I wish to thank Chick Anthony, Vice-chairman and John for their excellent support and guidance during these early months in my tenure

First, let me report that the Committee decided at an early stage to recognise the pioneering work of Nick Herbert in establishing this body and for his leadership during its first five years. He was invited to a gathering at Anneville Lodge on September 6th of members and guests to present Jurat Herbert with a silver wine coaster as a token of our esteem and appreciation for all his work on our behalf and that of fellow Islanders. The generous hospitality of the Meschs and the informal discussion were enjoyed by all.

Secondly, I must recognise the unstinting and thorough work of John Mesch, Chick Anthony, Andre Ferrari and Sue Kerley who have led the assessment and commentary on our behalf, together with comments from time to time by other members of the Committee, in preparing, presenting and representing the Council with comments upon and objections to a good number of applications to the Minister for Planning and Environment. Further, we endeavoured to influence the Members of the States prior to and during the debate on the new Island Plan 2011 with some lobbying and presence in the Public Gallery. To this end we were delighted to invite Senator Francis Le Gresley to a special meeting of the Committee in May regarding his amendments to the Plan.

Thirdly, I wish to recognise the thoughtful and persuasive arguments prepared by John Mesch for publication in the Jersey Evening Post in challenging a number of contentious developments on our behalf, especially when his signature appeared over my address!

Finally, I have to report that some of the lines of inquiry and activities that I wanted to pursue, following the March AGM, have had to be deferred. Nevertheless, with the new States Assembly now in place and Ministers appointed, it is my intent to fulfil my aims to raise both the profile and the number of members of this Council as well as to engage more actively with the other organisations dedicated to protecting Jersey's heritage. I know I can count on the other members of the Committee to share in that endeavour.

Maurice Dubras