Goodbye Gov!

Saturday 26 November 2016

Islanders are being invited to gather in the Royal Square next week to say "goodbye" to the Gov.

It’s the end of the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl and Lady McColl’s five-year term, and a special ceremony’s being held to send them on their way.

As tradition dictates it’ll start with a States sitting on Wednesday. That’ll last around 30 minutes. A number of members will make short speeches. Sir John will also address the House. Again, in keeping with political etiquette, it’ll be only the second time he’s spoken in the States – the first was when he arrived in the Island back in 2011.

The Bailiff’s Office says there’ll be limited seating available in the public gallery and it’ll be on a first-come first-served basis.

After the meeting, the couple, escorted by the Bailiff and his wife, and the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst and his wife, will go on a walkabout in the Royal Square.

Anyone wanting to bid the departing couple goodbye is asked to gather in the square before 09:45.

In a press release, the Bailiff, William Bailhache says: “His Excellency has been extremely committed to the office of Lieutenant-Governor, supported by Lady McColl, and as a team they have made a great success of their time in Jersey to the benefit of the wider community. It is entirely appropriate that the Island should recognise their contribution together and I hope that as many members of the public as possible will want to turn out in the Royal Square to bid farewell to them both.”

Sir John’s successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and his wife will arrive in the Island in March next year.