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Paul Miller, Tai Chi Coach and Vegan Activist: Five things I would change about Jersey

Paul Miller, Tai Chi Coach and Vegan Activist: Five things I would change about Jersey

Friday 31 March 2017

Paul Miller, Tai Chi Coach and Vegan Activist: Five things I would change about Jersey

Friday 31 March 2017


If you haven't heard of Tai Chi Coach Paul Miller, you may recognise one of his activist artworks, which aim to convince islanders that eating animals is udderly wrong.

But today the vegan graffitist and head of the Jersey Animal Outreach group has instead chalked up his set of tips to change the Island for the better.

1. Make eating affordable

There should be a provision for affordable food. Here in Jersey, we pay almost double per item based on mainland prices and that is not acceptable. There is a belief that just because you live here that you're rich.

Grocery shopping supermarket  

Pictured: Supermarkets are too pricey for those on the breadline, says Paul.

Many people do not understand that there are people living on the breadline here. In the year 2017, this should not be happening.

2. Disabled islanders deserve better

I would change the way that those with disabilities are treated. Recently, Deputy Eddie Noel levied a £15 fee on 'free' bus passes for the disabled. His excuse was that it's a processing fee. This discriminates against those with disabilities and singles them out.

paul miller vegan tai chi dog chalk

Pictured: Paul - pictured here after a beach walk with his dog - thinks that disabled locals need more support.

It puts many in the position where they will not be able to afford the fee and therefore not have access to free travel. 

3. Higher earners shouldn't hide from their taxes

More emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring high earners pay the correct amount of tax for their earnings.

money.jpg
Pictured: Jersey needs to ensure the Island's highest earners are paying their fair share of tax, the Tai Chi coach says.

How can we live on an island where finance being the main source, we are giving relief to the highest earners whilst keeping those who earn less and work more on higher tax bills? It keeps the rich rich and stifles those who actually need relief. I'd also put an end to zero hour contracts.

4. No moo-re milk in schools, please

In a child's primary school life, the child will consume two wheelbarrow loads of sugar over a five-year period, yet we wonder why we are in the midst of an obesity crisis with children under 11. The consumer is duped about milk, especially here on the Island. We market this lush green grass and beautiful Jersey cow, however it's false marketing. My personal view is that milk from cows may be a carcinogen, and could cause diabetes or osteoporosis, by leeching calcium from the bones instead of helping to grow strong bones as you're told.

vegan graffiti udder

Pictured: One of Paul's many chalkings to get islanders chatting about veganism.

The farmers are very quick to promote the health benefits of dairy, but most of the reports released are by the people who want to sell the end product and so often you have a conflict of interest. With so many other milks available (i.e. hemp, soya, rice, cashew, coconut or almond), why aren't these promoted? 

5. Help islanders make a house a home... without it costing the earth!

Although it seems comparative and relative to high end areas in London, the rent in some areas of Jersey typically outweighs minimum wage - especially for those on zero hour contracts. I've seen a high level of adults still living with parents because they cannot afford to move out and get a foot on the rung of the property ladder. More emphasis is placed on taking away parking to build more finance buildings, which seem to be built at speed. However, it takes an age to plan and build affordable homes.

More emphasis needs placing on requirements and a new system needs implementing that helps those who need safe and affordable living. If we are heading for a homes shortfall in 2020, then clearly an emphasis needs placing on the above. We needs to be stringent rules on taxation, as it's not acceptable to give relief to high earners on the basis that new manual labour moving onto the Island will pay tax and make up the shortfall.

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