Jersey Finance Chairman appointed new Jurat

Saturday 07 January 2017

A man who has served Cancer Research UK’s Jersey Committee for over 25 years as Chairman, and worked for over 35 years in trust and company management services in Jersey, is the newest person to be appointed Jurat.

Chairman of Jersey Finance, Robert Anthony Christensen MBE, took his oath today at the Royal Court, in a packed ceremony attended by members of the Superior Number, family and friends.

Mr Christensen said that he was, “…deeply honoured to be sworn in” and felt, “…the weight of history of Jurats serving the Island for over 800 years.”

A former Managing Director of Volaw Group since 1988, Mr Christensen was instrumental in the creation of Jersey Finance, serving as a non-executive Director from 2000 until 2008. But his contribution to Island life stems beyond the corporate world – he was formerly Chairman of Jersey Trees for Life, Chairman of the Board of Govenors at Hautlieu School and the Chairman of Cancer Research UK’s Jersey branch, which earned him an MBE in 2015.

Pictured: Some of the attendees leaving Jurat Robert Christensen MBE's swearing in ceremony.

Such experience makes him a perfect candidate for, “…one of the highest distinctions to which an islander may aspire,” commented Attorney General Robert Macrae, who reminded him that he would also need, “…strong biceps and long arms” to carry the, “…huge amounts of papers” Jurats require.

Jurats serve in the Royal Court, appointed to decide questions of fact in court cases, whilst also awarding damages and/or fines and determining sentences.

In his welcoming speech, Bailiff William Bailhache said that Mr Christensen’s work with Cancer Research and Hautlieu School, as well as the fact that he is a “family man” make him a valuable addition to the Superior Number – a group he praised for its “collegiality” and “mutual respect for differences.”

“Jurat Christensen, it is a great pleasure to be the first person to officially call you by that title… I am very pleased to welcome you to this bench.”

The Bailiff also joked that he was “pleased to add” new Jurat Christensen – a keen golfer - might be able to join him on the course.

Outgoing Jurat Geoffrey William Fisher - who originally recommended Mr Christensen apply for the role - was also thanked for his “outstanding contribution.”