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A UK-based roofer, who was wrongly branded a fraudster on social media, has shared how he was compelled to come to Jersey to help local families after being struck by images of the devastation wrought by Storm Ciarán.
Hayden Black of Brooklin Roofing travelled to the island at the weekend after spotting an opportunity to help others by providing emergency roofing services in response to the damage caused by the storm.
Storm Ciarán prompted a surge in the need for repair work across the island, particularly impacting homes in St Clement and St Martin after a tornado ripped through the east of the island.
Mr Black, a qualified roofer with years of experience, said: "What caught my eye was the amount of damage done to the roofs in the storm.
"I thought, 'Get over there and reassure people that there are people who want to help.'
"Plus, it’s a beautiful island, so why wouldn’t I want to come?"
Pictured: Off-island workers can only come to Jersey to carry out work for which they have been contracting or engaged in advance by a local business or individual.
He continued: "I left my family back home to put other families first and offer my help when and where needed.
"I’m a family man and there are a lot of devastated families, so if I can help fix any problem they may have then I'll be a happy man."
Despite his good intentions, Mr Black faced scepticism on social media, with some islanders accusing his company of being a scam as he was not registered in Jersey.
“It was hard to take,” he admitted. “I am just here to help."
In response to the scepticism, Mr Black got in touch with the Government to obtain a business licence to continue helping local people and addressing the soaring demand for emergency repair services.
However, the Government then announced that it would be waiving the need for business licences for off-island workers to help speed up the repair efforts.
Pictured: Scam contractors will often demand upfront payment, only to disappear once the money is exchanged.
Under the new policy, off-island contractors can work in Jersey for 30 days without the need for a licence.
The Government's policy change has been viewed positively by some local contractors who see it as “necessary” to address demand, although others raised concerns about potential scam contractors and the limited availability of materials and machinery on the island.
Alan Smith from Liquid Roofing Solutions said that demand has been “off the scale” leading his local company to suspend three ongoing projects to prioritise emergency repairs.
Martin Thomas from a UK-based building company called WPG Homes reported a “very high demand” for roofing services.
He said that the Government's announcement is a “good idea” as “people are desperate” to fix the damage to their homes.
Verify contractor credentials: Ensure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. If you have any concerns, please contact Trading Standards (01534 448160) or the Health & Safety Inspectorate (01534 447300) before commissioning works.
Avoid paying in full upfront: Legitimate contractors typically do not demand full payment before the work is completed.
Get everything in writing: From cost estimates to timelines and warranties, how they will do the job safely, documentation is crucial. A reputable contractor will provide a detailed contract.
Check references: Ask for and contact previous clients to inquire about their experiences.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a potential scam, contact the States of Jersey Police on 01534 612612.
Any concerns can be reported to Business Hub (444444), Trading Standards (448160), the Health and Safety Inspectorate (447300) or to the States of Jersey Police on 612612.
Red tape cut for off-island labourers to speed up Storm Ciarán repairs
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