States Members stood for a minute of silence this morning in tribute to a pioneer of Jersey’s finance industry known affectionately by the name of ‘Mr Bojangles’.
The Bailiff, Robert Macrae, led tributes in the States Assembly today – the first sitting of the new term – to Michael Voisin, the former St Lawrence Deputy and prominent lawyer, who died on 14 July aged 86.
Delivering the tribute, the Bailiff revealed that Mr Voisin had been affectionately nicknamed ‘Mr Bojangles’ by court ushers because of the chain bracelets he wore and the way they jangled during hearings.
Mr Voisin was called to the English Bar in 1962 and joined Voisin Law – founded by his great-grandfather – the following year, going on to work there for four decades.
He entered the States in 1969 after topping the poll in St Lawrence and repeated the feat when re-elected in 1972.
During his political career, Mr Voisin served on the Finance and Economics, Agriculture and Legislation committees and was involved in a special committee considering the establishment of sound radio in Jersey, which helped pave the way for a Jersey-based radio station.
He also unsuccessfully proposed a car-ferry service between St Catherine and Carteret.
More significantly, Mr Voisin worked alongside Senator Ralph Vibert in negotiations over Jersey’s relationship with the European Economic Community, which ultimately led to Protocol 3 of the UK’s Treaty of Accession.
The Bailiff described Mr Voisin as one of the “pioneers of Jersey’s finance industry”, noting that he lectured at international conferences and wrote extensively about the Island’s role in global finance.
Outside work, Mr Voisin divided his time between Jersey and a home in Mallorca and travelled the world pursuing his passion for deep-sea fishing.
States Members stood for a minute’s silence following the tribute.
