Liberation Day will be adopted as Jersey’s official national day and ‘Beautiful Jersey’ will become the island’s anthem, after politicians today voted to approve an amended proposition.
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey proposed that Liberation Day should be adopted as Jersey’s official national day.
Speaking in the States Assembly this morning, she said: “This proposition is not merely symbolic. It is a step towards strengthening our collective identity and fostering a deeper sense of unity within our community.”
Deputy Labey pointed to “overwhelming public support” for making Liberation Day the island’s national day – with over 80% of islanders backing the move in a recent consultation.
“This clear mandate from the people reflects the deep-rooted significance of the occasion,” she said.
She added that 9 May would continue to be referred to as “Liberation Day”.
Deputy Labey also spoke about the Island Identity Project, which aims to promote Jersey as an “outward-facing island” which is “confident with its place in the world”.
“While we will always have more pressing matters to consider, it is essential to raise the importance of out island identity or we ignore it at our peril,” she said.
Deputy Montfort Tadier proposed an amendment to the proposition which called for the Corn Riots anniversary on 28 September to be adopted as the island’s second national day.
Deputy Tadier said the Corn Riots represented “a uniquely Jersey day” and argued that the island had an “interesting enough” and “sophisticated enough” history and society to merit two national days.
This part of his amendment was rejected with 17 votes for, 27 votes against, and no abstentions
But politicians agreed with Deputy Tadier’s suggestion that ‘Beautiful Jersey’ should be adopted as the island’s official anthem with 33 votes for, nine votes against, and two abstentions.
During the debate, he noted that there was some “cognitive dissonance” in the fact that local sports clubs are expected to play ‘Beautiful Jersey’ during competitions – but it is not the official anthem of the island.
Deputy Tadier said that the song already has “cultural significance” in the island due to being played every year on Liberation Day – adding that it was a “catchy tune”.
Overall, the States Assembly voted to approve the Deputy Labey’s proposition as amended with 34 votes for, seven votes against, and one abstention.
Liberation Day will officially become Jersey’s national day ahead of this year’s 80th anniversary celebrations.