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VIDEO: Lieutenant Governor says goodbye after five years as the Queen’s representative

VIDEO: Lieutenant Governor says goodbye after five years as the Queen’s representative

Wednesday 30 November 2016

VIDEO: Lieutenant Governor says goodbye after five years as the Queen’s representative

Wednesday 30 November 2016


Islanders bid their farewell to the Lieutenant Governor today, with hundreds turning out in the Royal Square to show their appreciation for his years of service.

As tradition dictated, a special assembly was held at the States this morning, in which General Sir John McColl gave only his second speech, five years after his first.

Following the meeting, His Excellency was escorted into Royal Square by the Bailiff and Mrs Bailhache, as well as the Chief Minister Ian Gorst and Mrs Gorst.

Lieutenant Governor General Sir John McColl said: “The people of Jersey have made us feel so welcome. This has been the greatest honour of my career and it has been a great privilege. We know we will miss the remarkable community of this Island.

“It hardly seems possible that I came here and there has been a huge amount of change in the Island in those five years.  

“When talking to people around the Island I am often asked what I have been doing during the week. I often reply that I have been sitting in the States. The response is often one of pity. I have always gently rejected that. To sit in this chamber is a huge privilege and our members are both accessible and accountable. I am admirer of the States.”

Chief Minister Ian Gorst said: “It is an honour for me to express on behalf of this assembly our sincere gratitude for the five years of dedicated service given by his Excellency and Lady McColl to the Island of Jersey.

“His Excellency served in some of the most challenging parts off the world, including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

“The ancient role of Lieutenant Governor must be many things to many people, either sitting in this assembly, or carrying out the many and various public duties that form part of his role. His Excellency has carried out all his duties in an exemplary manner.

“Knowing it would be five years before he would speak in this assembly again he vowed he would resolve to be a good listener. There are those who might suggest that only someone with the highest military stamina and perseverance could survive five years as a silent but listening to this assembly.

“I have greatly valued his integrity and sound judgment, his speed and clarity of thought.

“We owe His Excellency and his team at Government House a debt of gratitude for their work. We will all greatly miss His Excellency and Lady McColl.”  

His Excellency and Lady McColl were received by a fanfare and Guard of Honour in the Royal Square after the States assembly.  

Hundreds of members of the public also attended to say goodbye to the Queen’s representative in the Island.

His Excellency’s successor, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, will arrive in the Island in March 2017 to take up his post.  

 

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