Child Abuse Public Enquire?

[Mark Forskitt]

Well there you go the evidence uncovered by the pipe salesman has become so strong that even the BBC are jumping on the band wagon. Sorry I meant doing some real reporting in what is actually quite a good article.

You did say Ryan ( pj member) a while back that  better reporting was on the way, good work BBC.

BBC.

Jersey's home affairs minister is being asked to resign over the suspension of a former chief police officer involved in the historical abuse investigation.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-16767461

BB

This story shows a typical media approach (not just Jersey media).  The story arises because a deputy in the States asks a  question. That is to say who makes a comment is much more important to the reporting, or lack thereof, than the strength or merits of the argument put forward.  Human beings are creatures of pattern and habit  This process quickly becomes embedded.  X says y and it is reported as fact because X is regularly quoted regularly. It also means  in effect a small number of people become gatekeepers to what is public and reported, even if  unintentionally.  It is no coincidence that the first targets of revolutions in the modern day are the broadcasters and the internet providers.

[boatyboy]

As Ex Senator Ben Shenton so loudly published his defining words about why a pipe salesman, be invited to address a scrutiny committee.  Lets see if any of the Council of Ministers ask a question of  Minister of home affairs Ian Le Marquand.

The question may be framed something like.

Imagine CM Gorst saying,

Minister Le Marquand this pipe chappy salesman, who has no political or journalistic training, but likes to write a blog, has invited you to a local radio discussion, which  BBC Jersey are more than happy to present.  This ongoing situation is doing Jersey's international reputation no good at all, so why not accept the invitation and lay the matter to rest using your skills as a lawyer and Minister ?

End

Quote

I emailed BBC Radio Jersey after last weeks States Debate and said I was willing to come on and do a 1 hour show and go Head to Head with ILM over all these serious issues. They agreed and contacted him. Senator Le Marquand declined the offer.

http://ricosorda.blogspot.com/

[man in the street]

no suprise there then,  just post the  findings  online for all to see.
 being a pipe salesman is only the day job
 and the pipesalesman  ,  in a previous job  was a forensic scientist.
 or  a learned person of the law and could clearly see a load of guff for what it was.

[Lokel_Yokel]

To be honest I don't really see what a Public Enquiry would really acheive - if anything was going to be unconvered then I think Lenny Harper's team had the best shot at it, and the impression I got was that if there had been anything that could be acted upon they wouldn't have swept it under the carpet.

Not to say that bad things didn't happen at Haut La Garrenne - but if it can't be proved then that's just how it is. Unfortunately.

Having said all that, I would nonetheless hold a public enquiry! Partly for simple Jersey PR purposes and partly to give those affected a forum to put things on public record, even if they have to remain unproven allegations (and possibly with names redacted).

If I was a Politico who was concerned by the lack of official States Public Enquiry I would set up my own! - done right (especially with people of standing in charge - not the usual loonies, no matter how well meaning) could embarrasses the States into acting themselves. Obviously the big downside is not able to compel witnesses to attend nor to provide documentation (but most is in the Public domain, or could be acquired) - but the upside to that is gives the other side a fairly free run, and the final report (and the Public) can form there own views on the reasons why someone was not willing to co-operate.........

[Calimachon]

What a brilliant idea Lokel_Yokel.  I wonder how much it would cost to implement?

Every person matters!  There is a need for an enquiry  especially regarding Haut de la Garenne because  the people who were most vulnerable were trounced without mercy  by certain individuals.  They didn't have the luxury of important, influential friends and family to assist them, when they were children or now as adults who have to deal with the most dreadful torments.

I think if you read the local bloggers information you will find that the local police, under the leadership of Graeme Power and Lennie Harper mention that some of the cases that were before the AG's office were dismissed as deemed not to be able to get a conviction.  Something that  Lennie Harper disagreed with, from my understanding on reading the blogs carefully.  In fact the one case that did get through and did get a conviction was the one that the AG's office didn't get until it was too late to stop it going through Court. 

http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.com/

http://stuartsyvret.blogspot.com/2012/02/corrupt-and-malicious-administration.html

Sorry I did try to find the blog post relating to the cases that got turned down to go to Court.  Maybe some kind reader will know where this posting is and print a link on this thread. 

Cali
 

[boatyboy]

Lokel you said,

To be honest I don't really see what a Public Enquiry would really achieve - if anything was going to be uncovered then I think Lenny Harper's team had the best shot at it, and the impression I got was that if there had been anything that could be acted upon they wouldn't have swept it under the carpet.

So.

They also were investigating government employed managers from a long time ago, that are senior civil servants today, so SIO Harper and ex CoP Power were acting as stand alone policeman not political poodles.

Any open minded reasonably person reading Rico Sorda's forensic reporting on his blog, and the information published by Stuart Syvret ,would come to the conclusion that Mr Harper and his boss are good men and professional Policeman if not completely perfect, but who is.

The problem is unlike the UK, the final decision on whether to prosecute is taken by the CPS, a committee. In Jersey there is just one man the Attorney General.

Should all and every legal decision be left to just on man ? I don't think so, in a small island. A committee in this situation would be less prone to  criticism of nepotism and worse.

Rico has done a truly amazing work of research. Of course all of this would have not be needed if the MSM had been doing what they are supposed to do which is investigate, reflect, report and inform its readership or listeners.

All to cosy and uninterested which has resulted in unaccountability for the people at the top who sometimes make bad decisions and up until blogs and forums came along tended to get away with it.

Boatyboy

[Lokel_Yokel]

What a brilliant idea Lokel_Yokel.  I wonder how much it would cost to implement?

No idea on the costs  I think the key to being affordable would be (competent) folk volunteering - both the person(s) who are the public face of the Inquiry and folk doing the legwork in the background. Even then would not be without cost, especially as would need formal legal advice.

[Lokel_Yokel]

The problem is unlike the UK, the final decision on whether to prosecute is taken by the CPS, a committee. In Jersey there is just one man the Attorney General.

Should all and every legal decision be left to just on man ? I don't think so, in a small island. A committee in this situation would be less prone to  criticism of nepotism and worse.

I agree with you, too much power in the hands of one person. As a compromise I would keep the AG as the sole person who decides, but the decisions open to scrutiny / review by others (UK CPS  / retired UK Judge / or a panel of folk).....not neccesarily full public disclosure of each case, but agreement that the decision was reasonable (with those reasons also being put in writing) - and the decisions also being subject to judicial review.

In regards to Stuart Syvret, I have stopped listening to him - and I used to vote for him. Not last time though as I genuinely think he is not a well man and that not winning re-election was a good thing for him. I appreciate that my views may be coloured by the reporting in the Jersey Evening Pravda......but he doesn't help himself. Seems to be beleive his own image and enjoys being a martyr.........I know for a fact that when he was in charge of Public Health that he wasn't very enquiring and was put on notice that things up at Le Geyt Centre were "not right" and but was nonethelss happy to let others brush the monkey business at Le Geyt centre under the carpet - the only formal outcome of that (for the person concerned was a first home visit for 20+ years from a Social Worker - intended and read as a warning, not to rock the baoat. Family had to swallow that). But to be fair to Stuart he was hopelesly out of his depth - and whilst the Civil Servants in Jersey may not all be the most able in their jobs - they do know how to game / mushroom Politicians.  Wondering around with a briefcase does not make someone in charge.

[boatyboy]

Senator Bailhache hijacks the enquiry, but an amendment could stop him.

It takes a little effort but speaking to politicians can be very rewarding in my personal experience.  They also like feedback, and it if they get none, who can blame them for saying,  you had your chance why didn't you contact me and make your views known. 

Samuel Mézec, is currently training to be a Solicitor at the University of Westminster in London. He was born and raised in  Jersey  and has a  particular interest in island affairs.

He has written an exceptionally good letter to be used as a template. Cut and paste both the letter and  email address of your chosen states member and  fantastic job done.   

Sitting at home this evening why not make your views known, it has never been easier , and you will feel better for it.

Part of the letter.

I write to you as a constituent to canvass for your support for a vote due to be debated in the States on the 6th of March.

I am aware that an amendment is to be put forward by Deputy Roy Le Hérrisier to replace the 4 States Members on the Electoral Commission with unelected and independent members instead. I feel it is important to ask you, as my elected representative, to back Deputy Le Herrisiers proposal and maintain the position that was decided last year following former Deputy Wimberly's proposition.

http://sammezec.blogspot.com/2012/02/template-email-to-states-members.html

The email addresses of all our elected politicians that no doubt would be delighted to hear from you.

http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/Pages/Members.aspx?FilterBy=name

Some history regarding the hijacking of what is supposed to be a non conflicted committee.

http://thebaldtruthjersey.blogspot.com/

[rico sorda]

http://ricosorda.blogspot.com/2012/02/warcup-letter-operation-end-game.html

The letter they refused to show Graham Power when suspending him and chucking all due process out the window at the same time. No wonder Bill Ogley got his shredder out.

Shocking

http://ricosorda.blogspot.com/2012/02/warcup-letter-operation-end-game.html

rs