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Archive Assistant Harry Le Feuvre's days are spent leafing through Jersey Heritage's rich collection of scrolls, photos and other documents reflecting a temps passé.
While it's a profession firmly rooted in history, today he tells Express how these lessons from the past could better Jersey's present...
"The political system in Jersey is in need of a much needed and overdue shake-up. I'm fairly politically engaged but judging from the pitiful 19% turnout in the latest local by-election, it seems like the majority of islanders have lost faith in the States. And who can blame people for this apathy? Election after election successful candidates promise, but fail, to pursue meaningful change for the people of Jersey.
Jersey desperately needs comprehensive democratic and electoral reform: a system whereby every voter’s voice is heard, and the electorate knows that their vote will matter. Similarly, Jersey’s democracy itself needs a revamp. A system whereby politicians are accountable to the people of Jersey for their actions; a system whereby Jersey’s most vulnerable people are protected and their interests furthered. Jersey needs a more engaging and effective political system that is more compassionate and above all provides hope to all, regardless of their background, age, race or creed.
Call me idealistic, but when I graduated from university with a degree in History, the absolute last thing I wanted to do was to work in finance. When the opportunity to work at the Archive came about therefore, I was absolutely delighted and leapt at the chance to apply (and luckily for me, got the role!). The reality is however that for most islanders, be they a school leaver or a returning graduate, the finance industry seems to be the only career path on offer to them on the island, and so often move further afield to pursue a career.
Jersey hedged its bets on the finance industry, but global crises have made our island’s economy vulnerable and unsustainable in a world that is rapidly changing in more ways than we even realise right now. Increased investment in creative industries, realising the enormous potential of the ever-growing online sector, and crucial research and development of renewable energy are just some areas that Jersey must seize upon and become a leading light in on the global stage in order to survive. By diversifying the economy it would not only entice bright, young and innovative people to stay on island and help combat Jersey’s ageing population crisis, but would also provide us all with a securer and more prosperous economic future.
Anything to keep you going during stocktaking week-Christmas jumper day at the Jersey Archive! pic.twitter.com/mW0dZ0fHnM
— Jersey Heritage (@loveheritage) December 7, 2016
As part of my role at the Jersey Archive, I have had the opportunity to look through and catalogue hundreds of really bright and colourful posters from the early 1980s advertising entertainment at a number of venues throughout Jersey: above all, at Fort Regent. I was born a good decade before some of these advertised concerts even took place, but from the sheer abundance of posters alone it is obvious that Fort Regent was once the beating heart of Jersey’s cultural and entertainment life. It seems a great shame therefore to see how neglected and abandoned it has been left to become in my lifetime.
I’d love for Fort Regent to be reenergised and reinvigorated into the vibrant hub it clearly once was – a place that on a weekly basis once attracted top bands, artists and stars such as The Jam, Elvis Costello and not forgetting of course, Chas and Dave. Jersey Live is great for the island, but I feel Jersey is generally lacking in gigs and concerts - Fort Regent would be an ideal spot to change that.
Not only does Jersey possess such a stunning natural landscape, but it also has a rich and vibrant heritage. From the Neolithic dolmens to the English Civil War, and from the world’s largest Celtic coin hoard to the German Occupation during the Second World War, Jersey has a unique and fascinating history to tell yet, for me at least, I remember learning surprisingly little about the history of the island at school. I would love to see more of the island’s history being taught to children from a young age as I believe this would foster a greater appreciation for our wonderful isle amongst the next generation. As a History graduate and Archive Assistant, I may be biased when I say this, but I truly believe that understanding and learning from the past is crucial as we try to lay out a positive and brighter vision for the future of our island. I believe that changing the national curriculum as to integrate more of Jersey’s history into children’s education is a vital aspect of this process.
Pictured: Behind the scenes at Jersey Archive. (Photo: Harry Le Feuvre)
Just as Jersey’s economy and political system needs to change, we need to also to begin to take seriously the threat that global warming and climate change carries to us as an island population. Drastic action needs to be taken (and quickly) to reduce our carbon footprint, and this could start by reducing the number of cars on our roads - a figure which for such a small island is staggering. Investment in public transport services and especially improvements in carbon positive modes of transport, namely cycling, are just some of the changes I would ring in. I would also seriously consider the development of renewable energy sources, starting with the most obvious and abundant ones to an island nation: tidal and wind power! Not only would such initiatives help in the fight to preserve Jersey’s beautiful natural landscapes but they would also create jobs and booster our economy in the process - a win-win!"
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