Tributes paid to former politician who was "passionate champion for sport"

Tuesday 11 April 2023

Tributes have been paid to the former Assistant Minister who was a driving force in the opening of the new Les Quennevais skate park and was at the forefront of multi-million plans to revamp Fort Regent after he passed away over the weekend.

Hugh Raymond was elected to the States Assembly for the first time in 2018, having narrowly missed out on a seat four years earlier by just 16 votes.

During his four-year term, Mr Raymond served as an Assistant Health, Assistant Economic Development and Assistant Infrastructure Minister.

He lost his seat at the 2022 general election, having undergone heart surgery during the election campaign.

In his final term of office, he was responsible for drawing up and launching a £100m vision for revamping sports facilities across the island - including Fort Regent - which he spoke about in depth on the Bailiwick Podcast.

Listen: The then-Deputy Raymond speaking about his vision for sport.

As well as his time in the States Assembly, Mr Raymond was also a former head of the Honorary Police Association and was a popular figure in Island sport, having previously chaired the Jersey Sports Council.

Politicians past and present, and members of the island's sports community, came together to remember him on social media.

Former Chief Minister John Le Fondré said he was "very sad" about the news, remembering him as a "stalwart of my govt [sic]", who worked "professionally and quietly" across a number of important areas.

Very sad that Hugh Raymond passed away on the weekend. He was a stalwart of my Govt, working professionally and quietly across a no. of important areas as an Ass Min in 3 Departments : HSS; IHE; & EDTSC. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time @StatesAssembly pic.twitter.com/2ihFb07yYV

— John Le Fondre (@John_Le_Fondre) April 11, 2023

Chief Minister Kristina Moore recognised the "huge contribution to our community" that the former Deputy had made.

I am very sad to hear that Hugh Raymond has passed away. Hugh made a huge contribution to our community through the Honorary Police, sport and as Deputy for Trinity. Hugh was a kind, warm person and widely respected. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family. RIP pic.twitter.com/pr2sioR8LH

— Chief Minister of Jersey (@ChiefMinJSY) April 11, 2023

Former Assistant Treasury Minister Lindsay Ash, who served in John Le Fondré's Government alongside Mr Raymond, said he was "one of the good guys" and "passionate about all things sporting".

Very sad to hear of the death of Hugh Raymond . I got to know Hugh well in my time in the States & he was one of the good guys. We shared a love of sport & Hugh was passionate about all things sporting in Jersey .A true gentlemen who will be sadly missed by many on the Island.

— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) April 11, 2023

Those comments were echoed by Reform Jersey, which said Mr Raymond was "a passionate champion for sport in Jersey and was rightly proud of the legacy he has left behind in the creation of the fantastic skatepark at Les Quennevais."

Reform Jersey’s members are sad to learn that Hugh Raymond, the former Deputy of Trinity, has passed away.

He was a passionate champion for sport in Jersey and was rightly proud of the legacy he has left behind in the creation of the fantastic skatepark at Les Quennevais. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/ScqrysGuqe

— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) April 11, 2023

The party's leader, Sam Mézec, also paid his respects on Twitter.

This is very sad news. Hugh and I spent lots of time together on the 2016 Senatorial byelection hustings trail and he was always such a good sport. My thoughts are with his family. https://t.co/2L63uiNMWS

— Deputy Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) April 11, 2023

Jersey Sport said it was "deeply saddened" to hear of Mr Raymond's passing.

We're deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Deputy Hugh Raymond, a dedicated member of the Jersey sporting community and express our deepest sympathy to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.

Photo credits - Jersey Evening Post pic.twitter.com/wQYXFBELnE

— Jersey Sport (@JerseySport) April 11, 2023

Jersey Rowing shared their condolences to the "keen supporter" of their sport.

Our co silences to the family and friends of Hugh Raymond who was a keen supporter of rowi g in #JerseyCI #RIP https://t.co/2FFc56CbaK

— @JerseyRowing (@jerseyrowing) April 11, 2023

Senior civil servant Tracy Mourant described Mr Raymond as "unfailingly courteous and great fun", adding: "As an Assistant Minister he was passionate about sport and did a lot behind the scenes to make the new skatepark happen."

More tributes to follow in tomorrow's JEP...