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A Constable is calling for the Government to set aside half-a-million for an “objective and independent” inquiry into its handling of the pandemic.
St. Brelade’s Mike Jackson says that such a review should provide “recommendations and guidelines for the management of any future pandemic or similarly disruptive event”.
Arguing for an inquiry, Constable Jackson echoed previous comments by Brigadier Nigel Hall, who has been campaigning and lobbying States Members on the matter.
He previously told Express that there were "clear deficiencies" in the island's covid response and that politicians had a "duty" to ensure that an inquiry takes place immediately in order to rapidly and effectively capture “lessons” – a view laid out by Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust.
“In order to ensure that this rapid lesson learned exercise cannot be misinterpreted as a witch-hunt or blame game exercise, indemnity and anonymity safeguards can and should be designed so that witnesses giving evidence to the panel can speak freely and feel personally secure,” the Constable wrote.
Pictured: Brigadier Nigel Hall, who has been campaigning for a public inquiry.
Constable Jackson said the inquiry panel should be led by a “high quality, distinguished and independent” Chair, who could then select three to four other “medical and scientific experts” who have not been directly involved with the island’s covid response.
“It is understood that given the appropriate support and backing that the selection and appointment of a suitable Chair and other panellists can be done at pace and in time for the panel to begin work in January. It is envisaged that the panel should conclude taking evidence by 31st March 2022 and present its report to the States Assembly by 30th April 2022,” the Constable said.
To secure the cash needed to get such a review underway, he has put forward an amendment to the Government Plan 2022-2025, which will be debated in December, asking that £500,000 be carved out.
Pictured: Constable Mike Jackson has brought an amendment to the Government Plan.
Constable Jackson said it was possible the final cost could be “significantly lower”, but noted that “this will depend if some or all the other panel members live on island, and how many witnesses will be required to fly in to Jersey.”
The Government is currently in the process of drawing up a law governing public inquiries, to ensure that the cost and running of large-scale public investigations is properly regulated.
If the covid review funding is given the green light by States Members next month, and the panel's work does get underway by January 2022, it is likely to have to take place outside of an official Public Inquiry Law.
Pictured: Constable Mike Jackson says a public inquiry could get underway by January 2022 with the right support.
Their Government’s proposals for a Public Inquiry Law are currently out for consultation, and the public are being asked to provide their views by 20 December.
After that point, the feedback will be reviewed by the Government and incorporated into its final set of proposals for a new law, which is expected to be put forward for debate by States Members next year.
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