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Earlier this week, a cluster of covid cases in the retail supply chain, caused by what the Health Minister described as "poor behaviour and a lack of adherence to the most basic of hygiene guidelines", led the Government to delay the reopening of non-essential shops.
Following the news, many took to social media to criticise local companies, prompting Andy Jehan, who has an extensive background in the industry, to rise to their defence...
In the last two days we have seen lots of anger and negativity around an incident involving a logistics company in Jersey.
We have even had the Health Minister questioning the actions although I don’t recall any comment from him or any other Minister when a large hotel breached the rules for months? That case went to the Magistrate's Court in November and despite a guilty plea is still to get to the Royal Court for sentencing. Perhaps if this case had been resolved in a far shorter period of time, other organisations may have been encouraged to take note?
Throughout the last ten months companies across the supply chain have kept the Islands going, be that small business or large. We were even encouraged to stand on our doorsteps to clap for “essential workers”.
Pictured: Mr Jehan hit out at 'experts' on social media.
To all the 'experts' on social media, let me tell you: it’s not easy to manage dozens of staff who leave your depot and spend hours working by themselves. The nature of the work often requires long hours and staff in the industry working around the clock to ensure our goods get to their destinations.
Logistics was just one area that has continued working, this despite the significant increased risk to employees and their families in December, with no fuss.
Contingency planning is something that logistics does. In the course of normal events (the last ten months haven’t been normal), it has to cope with changes to plans on a regular basis. During the pandemic, organisations have had to adapt even more. Condor Ferries, for example have done an excellent job in continuing their freight services uninterrupted, taking whatever steps necessary to keep our lifeline route.
Despite this week's setback, I for one am confident that the supply chain to the islands will continue to be robust in the coming days, weeks and months ahead, due to dedicated staff and leaders.
Let the authorities do whatever they have to do, but please remember all the excellent work completed throughout the year, in difficult circumstances by so many. Also remember it is not a logistics company that has “delayed the reopening” of anything. It was a Government decision that was made to delay reopening, on the advice of STAC members.
Finally, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself; have you done everything you can in the last ten months? Have you followed all of the advice all of the time? I am sure many people will be able to answer yes, but I am equally sure that there are many, myself included who have slipped occasionally.
We all have a role to play in ensuring each others safety, listen to the advice and do your very best.
Andy Jehan
