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"The pen is mightier than the sword" is a saying that many people learn as children. Of course, it means that ideas that are expressed in writing can be much more consequential than violence. Words can influence and inspire countless people, and they can live on indefinitely.
At a recent Institute of Directors Luncheon, speakers highlighted some of the real problems Jersey faces in the months and years ahead.
A former Chief Minister and the President of The Chamber of Commerce discussed the reality that is proving a drain on recruitment and retention. And that drain is being caused not least, by the cost of housing and the general cost of living on the island.
Pictured: "Is it then a difficult or serious situation we face when young and well educated professionals are apparently leaving the island in their droves due to the cost of housing, and recruitment is proving very challenging indeed across the whole of the job market?"
The current Treasury Minister supported by her St. Clement, Deputy colleague, and The Chief Minister, have all denied there is a crisis. They admit only that there is a problem - 'It's challenging, but let’s not panic, we have a plan.'
Deputy Susie Pinel also claimed that before using such language we ought first to look at what other jurisdictions are having to deal with before bemoaning the problems of our own.
Semantics is the study of the meanings of words and phrases in language.
So what does the word crisis mean? Well, according to my online dictionary, a reasonable definition is ‘a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention’.
Is it then a difficult or serious situation we face when young and well educated professionals are apparently leaving the island in their droves due to the cost of housing, and recruitment is proving very challenging indeed across the whole of the job market?
Pictured: "There will be lots of words, statements and promises. We must study them carefully and be cognisant of the meanings and definitions of each word."
Brexit and the pandemic have also caused additional ‘challenges’ and we read in the IoD report that Jersey finance have been struggling for quite a long time with productivity far too low in general. Economic growth is well short of the target of at least 2% and Jersey’s government, lest we forget, is about to take on the largest amount of debt in its history to build a new hospital.
Politicians do not like negative words or language, as it is in their DNA to try and convince the community they govern that 'all is well, we are on top of the situation' - or, as dear old Lance Corporal Jones from Dad's Army so often advised: 'Don’t Panic.’
An election is looming and the candidates are already writing their manifestos and the new political parties are forming their strategies.
There will be lots of words, statements and promises. We must study them carefully and be cognisant of the meanings and definitions of each word. After all, we would not wish to be misled by the careful avoidance of negative language by the current Council of Ministers. They pay good money now to employ professionals to help them communicate what they want us to hear. But in the end, it's the words they use individually and the actions they have taken that will convince the electorate or not!
But beware! Because words can influence and live on indefinitely. If a crisis is to be denied, then the government must prove its ability to prevent it.
