Liberation Day will officially become Jersey’s national day, if politicians back a proposal from the International Development Minister.
Deputy Carolyn Labey is calling on the States Assembly to formally recognise the annual celebration, following strong public support for the idea in a recent consultation.
The survey, which ran from November to January, received almost 2,500 responses – with 82% in support of the formal adoption of 9 May as Jersey’s national day.
Widely regarded as the island’s ‘unofficial’ national celebration, Liberation Day marks the day that Jersey was liberated from Occupation by German forces during World War II.
The day is already a public holiday, with activities and events focused around Liberation Square and the Pomme d’Or Hotel, where islanders gathered in jubilation almost 80 years ago.
A report accompanying the Minister’s proposition, which is due to be debated on 18 March, explains that Jersey is one of the few jurisdictions without an official national day – alongside Denmark and the United Kingdom.
It reads: “Many islanders already consider Liberation Day to be Jersey’s national day, which serves to recognise the sacrifice made by those who lived through the war and to bring islanders together to celebrate the freedom which we can all enjoy today, regardless of our ethnic or cultural background.
“Formalising Liberation Day as Jersey’s national day would preserve this date’s significance for future generations and signal its importance to those outside of Jersey.
“The designation of a national day aims to support a stronger sense of citizenship and belonging for everyone who lives in Jersey, particularly in light of the island’s low rates of civic engagement reported by the OECD.”
If approved by the States Assembly, the designation would not alter how Liberation Day is currently celebrated as it is already a public holiday.
Deputy Labey’s research formed part of a wider project about island identity aimed at strengthening Jersey’s sense of citizenship and belonging, and follows recommendations from a policy development board led by the Minister.
The consultation also asked whether ‘Beautiful Jersey’ should be adopted as the island’s official anthem.
While 50% of respondents supported the idea, “this did not represent a convincing body of support”, according to the report.
The Council of Ministers has instead issued “interim guidance” recommending that the chorus of the 20th-century song be played at sporting and cultural events where Jersey represents itself on the international stage – until a formal anthem is agreed upon.