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Much has been said as to why so few people would consider standing for the States, inclusive of the usual old chestnuts such as time. salary and youth apathy.
However, over the recent debacles, a far more sinister reason lurks in the depths of our constitution. Put succinctly, the whole States system is nothing more than a democratic façade for the real decision makers -The Civil Service.
Take for example, the recently “leaked” integrated Health document. For which, all the States Members and in my opinion unfairly, received huge flak. It was clear to any local eye that this document had been prepared by civil servants residing elsewhere. On the surface of it, especially from a bean counter’s point of view, it made total sense. Unfortunately for its creators, they were unaware of the location issues that this neat little piece of filing cabinet fodder was proposing.
The proposed centre of activity was the Mignot Hospital. A building, whilst commanding impressive sea view of Crabby Bay that any hotel would gives its eye balls for, is set on a steep hill, “remote” for most from town with a lethal blind entrance out on to the Crabby Road especially for octogenarian drivers. Taking a look at the profile of people who would most be using this centre, some on a daily basis, it would literally be an accident waiting to happen. Squashed flies only taste good in Garibaldi biscuits not coffins.
Likewise, car parking is currently very limited but I was told they would simply “build” a new car park. What... dug out of a hillside from land they don’t own? With the current build, asphalt and concrete prices on the Island, we would be looking at a minimum of £1m plus to create this “cost saving” scheme. For all the town-based people who can’t drive who currently walk to the pharmacy and the Island Medical Centre, there would be demands for a bus service to take them down there. When asked, a local taxi driver explained why there was no bus service on the Island. He said he had investigated it and excluding the price of the vehicle, it would cost around £100,000 per annum just to cover insurance, fuel and driver’s salaries. So exactly where are the savings in this “all too obvious”?
An interesting analogy of civil service utilitarian “one size fits all” has to be a quick glance at the map of Africa and the Middle East. Interesting that wherever our wellmeaning predecessors drew straight lines as borders, indifferent to local geography or indigenous natives, there is currently the most conflict. Lessons clearly have not been learnt.
So, this plan was decreed, States Members were probably told just to “sell it” to the locals. Unless they are no longer in the realms of their senses, no States Members could overlook its obvious shortcomings. Instead, they were used as puppets to do the bidding of the Civil Service. They have received hate, abuse and much worse. All for £10,000. At a recent meeting with the new CEO, States Members were told that the Civil Servants were “maxed” out. For that read, don’t come to us with any ideas or demands, we decide what is happening not you. Little wonder no one wants to stand.
By - Edward Hill
