Mr James elected Jurat

Wednesday 05 July 2023

A popular, long serving teacher at Elizabeth College has been elected as a Jurat following a vote by Guernsey's States of Election this morning.

Richard James received 57 of the votes available.

Michael Morris who was the other nominee for the vacant Jurat position received 34 votes. There was one spoilt paper.

The two men were nominated by Deputies Peter Ferbrache and Steve Falla and Deputies Andrea Dudley-Owen and Heidi Soulsby respectively.

Deputies Ferbrache and Falla both commented on Mr James long career as a teacher which included a length of service as deputy head teacher of Elizabeth College.

"Just because someone has had an exemplary career it does not give them the right to expect to be a Jurat," said Deputy Ferbache, "it certainly is a very good foundation but more is needed."

He then went on to describe the impact Mr James had on the students of Elizabeth College over four decades.

"He developed, not just by pure teaching but by counselling, advising and influencing, literally thousands of young people from junior school to when they finished their secondary education."

Deputy Falla said that in his profession as a teacher and in numerous voluntary roles Mr James showed a strong drive, with an "affable demeanour", and "informality, approachability and respectability" which made him well suited to the role as a Jurat.

Mr Morris' was described by Deputies Dudley-Owen and Soulsby as a committed man with a long legal career and a long-term commitment to the Rotary club.

Deputy Dudley-Owen said his exemplary legal knowledge would assist him as a Jurat while Deputy Soulsby said his work as a Rotarian had helped children locally and overseas.

With the vote confirmed, the Deputy Bailiff called on the Greffier to liaise with Mr James to make the arrangements for him to be sworn in as a Jurat.

Pictured top: Richard James.