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As January dawned, islanders were still in shock and mourning for the tragedies that occurred last December. This was a dark and difficult period in Jersey’s modern history, and one that we will rightly mark and commemorate for years to come.
The shining light in those times could be found in our community response, with islanders once again rallying round to support those impacted and our public service working hard to respond to the difficult tasks at hand. We can all be proud to be part of such a supportive, warm-hearted, generous community.
As January dawned, islanders were still in shock and mourning for the tragedies that occurred last December. This was a dark and difficult period in Jersey's modern history, and one that we will rightly mark and commemorate for years to come. The shining light in those times could be found in our community response, with islanders once again rallying round to support those impacted and our public service working hard to respond to the difficult tasks at hand. We can all be proud to be part of such a supportive, warm-hearted, generous community.
A Christmas message from the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore. pic.twitter.com/9HOpsheeQZ
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 22, 2023
Video: Kristina Moore sharing her Christmas message.
Regrettably, the difficulties being suffered by many islanders were compounded in January by intense rain and subsequent flooding in various locations across the island, and particularly in Grands Vaux. For the third time in just a few weeks, our emergency services and various Government departments were required to respond to a major incident. They did so with their usual speed and professionalism to support those who had been displaced from their homes, schools and businesses. We are grateful to them all.
In October, many islanders and businesses experienced a prolonged gas supply outage. This was an unwelcome and unfortunate incident which caused serious disruption.
More recently, in November, we suffered the damaging effects of Storm Ciarán, the most serious weather-related event in the Channel Islands since the Great Storm in 1987. That evening of Wednesday 1st into Thursday 2nd November was frightening for all of us, as we worried for our own properties, and the well-being of family, friends and our wider environment and infrastructure. The destruction caused is still clear to see, and in some cases it will take years for the full clear-up and repairs to be completed.
Video: Drone footage shows the scale of the powerful storm. (Slingshot Films)
The response to Storm Ciarán again showed what a special place Jersey is. The whole island came together before, during, and in the aftermath of the storm. Government, the emergency services, the Parishes and Honorary Police, businesses, community groups and charities all offered vital support. As the Police Chief said at the time, islanders have shown remarkable resilience, not only in response to Storm Ciarán, but throughout the past year.
2023 has also given us moments of opportunity. In May, our Liberation celebrations were supplemented by the Coronation of King Charles III, allowing us a four-day period to mark these two special occasions. These events remind us of our proud constitutional position as a self-governing British Crown Dependency, and the history we share as part of the British family. On Liberation Day, we were joined by the German Ambassador, emphasising how our national day is about reconciliation, as well as commemoration.
In June, I was pleased to host the British-Irish Council in Jersey. The Summit, which included a thought-provoking presentation from members of the Jersey Youth Parliament, focused on sustainable regeneration and was a great opportunity to show our closest friends some of the excellent work that is taking place in the Island, and our ambition for change.
Pictured: Jersey hosted the British-Irish Council in June, with Michael Gove in attendance on behalf of the UK Government.
We have hosted a number of visits by foreign dignitaries during the year, building our relations and showing that as an ambitious, outward facing island, we continue to be good citizens of a global community.
Throughout 2023, we have been focusing on addressing the issues that matter most to the public. The latest Government Plan has shown that we will continue to support islanders with the cost-of-living, assist with affordable home ownership, and invest in front line services including health and education. I was especially pleased this year to attend the opening of the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre, providing new facilities for a series of key health services.
This work on these key issues will continue to be prioritised as we drive a more productive and efficient public service that delivers improved outcomes for islanders. The Christmas and New Year period provides a welcome opportunity to reflect, re-energise and look ahead. 2023 has brought unprecedented challenges, and we have made progress on several priorities with more work to do on others.
Christmas is a special time of year. For Christians, it is an important time of hope, joy and renewal. For other islanders, it is also a time for celebration as we spend precious time with those who we care about most. As many of us take the opportunity to break from our usual routines, I wish to recognise those islanders who will be working round the clock as normal in our health, care, infrastructure and emergency services, ensuring that we all remain safe and cared for.
As I travel around the island, I am always uplifted by the Christmas lights across the Parishes, and the generous spirit that is always particularly present at this time of year. With that in mind, for any islanders who find this time of year difficult, including where we are mourning the loss of family and friends who we love, please remember that there are always people who are close by to offer help and support.
However you are celebrating the festive period, I wish everyone in Jersey a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore
