Former Hospice CEO to lead ‘climate jury’

Monday 01 March 2021

The former head of Jersey Hospice has been appointed the Chair of a ‘people’s jury’ tasked with drawing up a plan as to how Jersey should become carbon neutral by 2030.

9,000 random invitations were sent out to islanders at the beginning of last month to register their interest to become part of the 45-person ‘Citizens Assembly’.

That group will then be guided by experts to put together a report of recommendations for the States Assembly to take on board at the end of the year.

Ahead of their first meeting in two weeks’ time, the States Greffe selected Emelita Robbins - who left Jersey Hospice Care at the end of last year - to play an independent and impartial role in the process as Chair Convenor.

Pictured: The recommendations of the Citizens Assembly will be discussed by States Members in an open debate.

She will not have voting rights, but will be expected to listen and respond to the views of participants and represent their views to the media and public. 

The States Greffe was supported by the Jersey Appointments Commission in making the decision.

“I am delighted to welcome Emelita Robbins to this significant role,” Mark Egan, Greffier of the States, commented. “I am looking forward to working with her to ensure that the Citizens’ Assembly is successful in considering the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality in Jersey and delivering authoritative recommendations for the States Assembly and ministers to consider.”

Ms Robbins said she was “honoured” to have been appointed, adding: “This is definitely about doing politics differently! The Assembly shall offer a real chance for ordinary people to have a say in how we in Jersey rise to the challenge of avoiding a climate disaster.  

“I hope it also engages all islanders in thinking about what we can each do to help, if not for ourselves but for the generations that follow.” 

Islanders that have not been successful in applying to join the Citizens’ Assembly can still share their views by taking part in the Jersey Climate Conversation online. 

Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor is one of the Climate Conversation project's ambassadors.

This week, the conversation topic is emissions, while next week’s is entitled ‘Moving from conversation to action: making a pledge’.