Investigation into the way Sark Shipping is managed

Saturday 29 August 2020

Chief Pleas has agreed to an independent investigation of Sark's lifeline ferry service, following a messy public fall-out which has seen the island's Policy & Finance Committee accuse Sark Shipping's directors of serious failings in their management of the business.

The situation came to light earlier in the week when Isle of Sark Shipping MD Yan Milner said he and his board had been given an ultimatum by P&F - resign en masse by 10:00 on 25 August, or face calls for them to be removed from office at a specially-arranged meeting of Sark's Government that evening.

None of the Directors or Non-executive Directors did resign and the discussion on Sark Shipping's future was adjourned until Thursday.

Pictured: Isle of Sark Non-Executive Director Richard Graham, right, told Express earlier this week that he would be disappointed if Chief Pleas listened to "ill-informed gossip" from Policy & Finance.  

Ahead of the first meeting, P&F outlined its allegations for wanting to remove the company's Board members, which included financial mismanagement that could have put the island's lifeline service into administration and the mishandling of Sark Shipping's fleet, which has resulted in just one vessel being operable since the island returned to service following the end of lockdown. 

At the reconvened meeting, Chief Pleas agreed to undertake an independent investigation into the Isle of Sark Shipping company in accordance with the memorandum of understanding between Chief Pleas, as shareholders, and the company. 

Chief Pleas has also taken steps to assert some level of government representation at board and decision-making level, with Julie Mann appointed as a Non-executive Director. 

"Conseillers are elected to represent the residents of Sark, and after listening to the views expressed both personally and at a public meeting held on the 27 August we consider that this decision reflects the views of residents," said the Policy & Finance Committee in a statement. 

Pictured: Sark's Government has agreed to commission an independent review of the Isle of Sark Shipping. 

"We sincerely hope that the Board of Sark Shipping, the Policy & Finance and Harbours Shipping and Pilotage committees can move forward constructively to secure our lifeline service, return to service the vessels currently out of service and develop a robust financial structure within the company.

"We wish to reassure residents and users of Sark Shipping that we do not anticipate any changes within the company or disruption to services."

Read more:

Committee bids to oust Sark Shipping Directors

Directors' actions "put Sark Shipping's future at risk"