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An historic moment took place in a room above the Maison de la Normandie last night, for an agency that can trace its origins back to a time of espionage, a French emperor and a famous writer...
Frenchman Pierre Chays, who came here in 2015 and has worked for Ports of Jersey since 2019, has been appointed as the island's new French Honorary Consul.
Before passing over to his successor, now-former Honorary Consul Christopher Scholefield reflected on the history of the Consulate, explaining that it was established in Jersey by the French authorities in order to spy on Victor Hugo.
The renowned poet, novelist, and dramatist arrived in exile from France in the mid-19th century, dissatisfied with the government of the Emperor Napoleon.
Pictured: Pierre Chays has been appointed as the new French Honorary Consul in Jersey.
Mr Scholefield continued: "In order to make sure that he didn't get up to mischief, they established a consulate and that was with the purpose of keeping tabs on this notable exile.
"These days our activities are more benign, but we should never forget the origins from which we sprang."
Mr Scholefield added that the consul's role was actually "very widely misunderstood" in the island.
"Fundamentally, a consul is there to look after his own nationals who happen to be in the territory where he has authority. He helps them liaise with their own government in many different ways, such as obtaining passports, ID cards, voting, powers of attorney, matters of pension rights and so on and so forth.
"But in Jersey, there is a culture, which I rather enjoy – but it does become very time consuming – of people thinking, 'I've got a problem with France, I'll ring the consulate.'"
He continued: "These of course are British passport holders, who really don't have much need or right to consular assistance from a French official.
"Nonetheless, it's as though the consul is a bridgehead for France and things French in Jersey.
"While that can be time consuming and difficult, it's also a good thing. because I am absolutely convinced that there is everything to be gained and nothing to be lost from Jersey reinforcing its connections with France."
Pictured: Pierre is closely involved with the island's French community and representative organisations.
"I've been interested in the French community and residents here in Jersey for quite a while," Pierre said, adding that he had "naturally" stepped forward for the role.
Christopher added: "The consul is appointed to the mandate for five years and my appointment began in 2019.
"There is a possibility of doing a second five-year period of office if you so wish, but I was keenly aware of the fact that there were people more capable than me available to do the job – because it's not enough only to speak French."
He continued: "It helps to be French and be a French national, to have been brought up in the French system in a French school and understand the operation of the French government. I, as a Jersey person, didn't have the depth of knowledge and understanding that I know Pierre has.
"That's why I think the French community in Jersey will see their consular service going up a gear because they will be looked after by one of their own."
Pierre, who also works closely with the Maison de la Normandie and Alliance Française, added: "There are lots of different events taking place over the year for French residents and I was always involved in those events in some shape or form.
"So it helped [me] build relationships with not only the French residents here, but the French coming from France and understanding how we are representing them here on the island."
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