WATCH: "One might say he was ahead of his time"

Tuesday 05 July 2022

An eco-minded, poll-topping former Deputy who continued to campaign against injustice after losing his seat and his sight in later life was remembered as “ahead of his time” in a tribute by the Bailiff this morning.

Gary Matthews last week passed away at the age of 63.

Mr Matthews was educated at Hautlieu then studied Politics at Warwick University, going on to hold a variety of jobs including a 10-year stint working in a management role in the travel industry.

In 1993, he was elected Deputy, topping the poll in the St. Brelade No 2 district after campaigning for childcare improvements and more transparent government.

Video: The tribute paid by the Bailiff before the States Assembly held a minute's silence.

To the latter end, he was part of a committee which considered the introduction of Freedom of Information Legislation in Jersey.

Environmental issues were another a key interest, with Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq this morning highlighting his track record speaking out against nuclear development on the French coast.

Mr Matthews was also passionate about diversity within the States Assembly and championing the rights of marginalised groups long before Jersey's discrimination legislation was introduced. In this respect, the Bailiff noted: "One might say he was ahead of his time."

After unsuccessfully standing for election as Senator and later for re-election as Deputy in 1996, Mr Matthews left the island and moved to the UK.

Sadly, his health declined and he was registered blind in 2011.

It is with great sadness that we pay tribute to former States Member Gary Matthews Deputy of St Brelade no 2 (1993 - 1996) who has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/xp3IquRSTi

— States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament (@StatesAssembly) July 5, 2022

Despite this challenge, his "sense of social justice" remained strong.

He campaigned to make others aware of the difficulties people like him faced and "challenged unfairness when it came to his attention".

"May he rest in peace," the Bailiff concluded at the end of a one-minute silence in Mr Matthews' honour.