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Book of Condolence opened for influential civil servant

Book of Condolence opened for influential civil servant

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Book of Condolence opened for influential civil servant

Wednesday 29 May 2019


Islanders are being invited to pay tribute in writing to a highly influential civil servant that helped shape Jersey's economy.

A Book of Condolence was opened for the late Colin Powell CBE this afternoon.

It came following the funeral held yesterday at the Town Church for the dedicated 81-year-old, who passed away this month while he was still working as an International Affairs Advisor to the Government following decades of service.

Video: Yesterday's funeral procession.

The book has been placed in the reception area of the Government's Broad Street headquarters and will be available until Friday 7 June.

Members of the public have been invited to contribute to the book between Tuesday and Friday next week, and will also be able to see a special portrait of Mr Bowell by local artist Jason Butler, which was commissioner by Jersey Heritage in 2009.

At what was termed as a ceremony of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Geoffrey Colin Powell CBE – known as Colin to many – the Bailiff shared several fond memories of him as his loved ones gathered at the Town Church to pay their respects on Tuesday afternoon.

Colin_Powell_funeral.jpg

Pictured: Mr Powell as a young man.

Honouring Mr Powell’s “first rate intellect” and “unmatched work ethic,” the Bailiff went on to share some more personal anecdotes of his working relationship with the economist. One such memory recalled Mr Powell’s “personal charm in delivering some hard-nosed messages.”

Sir William recounted: “There was once a difficult meeting with EU officials at which Jersey’s low level of tax was being criticised. The German tax official was being particularly aggressive and fired a direct question to Colin: ‘Since when has Jersey had a 0% tax rate for foreign controlled companies?’

“As cool as a cucumber, Colin, his eyes apparently wide and guile-less, replied: ‘Since the Kommandant of the German Occupying Forces approved it in 1943.’ The German official did not say another word." 

Read more about one of Jersey's most influential civil servants...

Influence vs Control - Colin Powell's final interview with Express on the topic of beneficial ownership registers

'Architect of finance industry' passes away

"Without him, Jersey would be a very different place" - a former Chief Minister remembers how Mr Powell "saved the day" for Jersey on more than one occasion

"Men like Colin Powell come along only rarely" - Bailiff pays tribute to "first-rate" intellect of Mr Powell at his funeral

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