Jersey bids farewell to the Lieutenant Governor

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Jersey is officially bidding farewell to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor General Sir John McColl and Lady McColl today.

It’s the end of their five-year term, and a special ceremony’s being held to send them on their way.

It starts with a special States sitting that will last around 30 minutes with a number of members making short speeches and Sir John addressing the House.

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 where they'll say goodbye to States members, members of the Royal Court and the general public.

In a statement the Bailiff, William Bailhache said: “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 are due to arrive in the Island in March next year.

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