Jess took a few moments out of her wild schedule to tell Express the five things she would change about Jersey…
1. Turn “there’s nothing to do” into “what shall we do?”
We live on a beautiful island filled with endless opportunity for adventure. Yet so often you hear people say “there’s nothing to do”. I myself admit to have adopting this opinion in my early teens, but going away and coming back home I have really learnt to value the diversity of things available to us within that nine by five we call home.
Pictured: Jess Pinel urges islanders to open their eyes to everything Jersey has to offer – the ethos of her project ‘Rewild the People’. (Dave Evans)
It is time to open our eyes and the eyes of others to the opportunities available on our doorstep. Over July, I have set out to change this – I will be partaking in 31 outdoor activities over 31 days so get your adventure kit on and come join me on my mission – Rewild the People.
2. Make health, wellbeing and the great outdoors a compulsory part of education
I believe that there is a vital part missing from the current education system. With rising concerns about the health and wellbeing of current and future generations, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate what is really important?
Pictured: Jess wants to put health, wellbeing and nature on the curriculum so that kids are better equipped to deal with the stress of a modern world.
Introducing a subject that teaches children how to deal with the stresses of today’s world, improve their lifestyle, and encourage them to get outside and to get active could target the root of the problem. Now what to name this new subject… any suggestions?
3. Get with the times – recycle it!
Jersey, are we seriously in the 21st century? Having spent four years in Brighton I was very impressed with the way the council dealt with its recycling. Each house was provided with recycling boxes and every two weeks a lorry came along for collection.
Pictured: Jess, who is a big fan of Jersey’s natural world, thinks we have a lot of work to do when it comes to recycling. (Joe Smithy)
It is great to see people taking it upon themselves to recycle, it is something I have always been passionate about. However I really want to see Jersey step up in line with the UK, at the end of the day there is only one Earth.
4. More support for all things local
Jersey is renowned globally for all things ‘Jersey’: cows, potatoes, the Battle of Flowers… Obviously it is important to grow and develop as a community but let’s not lose sight of what makes our little island so special.
Pictured: Jess wants more investment in local produce and businesses.
We need to put more time and funds into supporting local businesses, products and traditions. Let’s preserve what makes us different.
5. Invest in more than just finance, finance, finance!
Over the years I have come to realise how many multi-talented and highly educated individuals we have on our island. From scientists to artists, engineers to dancers, teachers to psychologists – we have it all! We are an island full of individuals with a grand diversity of skills and experiences, which we are failing to acknowledge and utilise!
Pictured: Jess, who has a Masters in Biomedical Science, thinks that we can do more to diversify the island’s economy.
I have been subject to these struggles and can sympathise with anyone in this position having walked out of university with a Masters in Biomedical Sciences and a passion for science after two years of struggling to find a job. I just happen to have been lucky to have sat on a plane next to someone who put me in contact with the private company I now work for. It’s time to stop outsourcing and invest time and money to train up locals!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.