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As we once again look forward to the Christmas break, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the year which has almost passed and look forward to what is yet to come.
We have faced challenges over the last 12 months. 2023 began under the shadow of the tragic events of both the loss of life and property at Haut du Mont and the sinking of L'Ecume II losing both skipper and crew.
The scars of these events ran deep, and I was thankful we were able to come together earlier this month to mark the one-year anniversary of these two tragedies.
Just a few weeks into the year we were to experience a further challenge when Grand Vaux residents suffered significant flooding, displacing families and once again testing the resilience of islanders and our services.
Pictured: Emergency services dealing with the flooding at Grands Vaux. (Government of Jersey)
Then, of course, just a few weeks ago we were struck by Storm Ciarán which caused devastation in some parts and loss throughout the island, although mercifully with no fatalities.
If we needed reminding of the community spirit that we have in the face of adversity, we saw it in full during those events.
Our emergency services, first responders, Honorary Police, the wider public service, and islanders generally met these challenges with courage, commitment, effectiveness, kindness and the common decency that is a characteristic of the Jersey people. Perhaps I say too often how proud I am of this island and its resilience when faced with challenges.... but we have every reason to be proud.
In these ways, this is a Jersey that my parents and grandparents would have recognised... one of resilience and decency.
I have spoken of these events because they are important but because they are all to me examples of the qualities that mark out a real community and that are perhaps in part what this time of year is about.
We had other, happier times of course.
We had the first Coronation many of us had ever witnessed and this allowed us to unite in celebration and make lasting memories. Of particular note, our island primary school children were involved in our Crowning Glory schools outreach programme, which saw 8,000 crowns being made, themselves making history. Throughout the island, our Parishes also came together to celebrate the occasion, highlighting in how high regard we hold our relationship with the Crown.
I had the honour of an invitation to the Coronation at Westminster Abbey that so many watched on television throughout the world. It was a stately but somehow personal event, and I felt a deep sense of privilege to be there for Jersey.
Pictured: His Excellency Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd CBE and The Bailiff ready to take their seats at the Coronation Ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
And just two days later we celebrated Liberation Day... a day so close to islanders' hearts.
Later in the summer, we celebrated Jersey Heritage's 40th anniversary, and then, just this month, the 150th anniversary of La Société Jersiaise – two exceptional organisations. As Patron, I was delighted to join both organisations to mark these milestones and they reminded me how grateful we should all be for the strength of our volunteering community here in Jersey. The countless hours so many selflessly dedicate to support causes dear to them shows the importance of collective action in shaping our shared future.
Our achievements extended beyond our shores, with the success of Team Jersey at the Island Games in Guernsey, the first time the event had been held again since the pandemic. Our athletes not only demonstrated prowess but also embodied the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. They did the island proud.
In July, we had the honour of hosting Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal who visited Government House and Durrell to formally celebrate their successful Tortoise Trail initiative which served to enthral many islanders and visitors alike as they toured the island looking for the sculptures.
Watch: Princess Anne meets Durrell CEO Lesley Dickie, tortoise coordinator Will Bertram, and artists Gabriella Street and Nick Romeril.
In these happier times we have known how to celebrate and rejoice and that is as much a part of being a community as coming together to support each other when times are tough.
As Bailiff, I have the chance to see the island at work at this time of year. I am very aware of how many islanders work extremely hard leading up to Christmas and over the Christmas period so that the rest of us can enjoy the holiday.
I keep very much in mind those who work in the hospital and other healthcare professions, the emergency services, our postal service, and indeed those in retail and hospitality, as well as the many others who provide the services and support on which we rely all through the year.
Pictured: The Bailiff paid tribute to those working in hospitality and retail over the busy Christmas period.
For some, however, it may be difficult to celebrate.
Christmas will be touched by melancholy or sadness. Those who had people dear to them who made their Christmases special and who are no longer there, whether recently bereaved or otherwise. All those, and there are many, for whom this time of year is for whatever reason touched by loss, are in my thoughts.
But whether you keep Christmas in the traditional way, honouring the Christmas message and celebrating with those close to you, or whether you take it as an opportunity to be still and renewed and to reflect and look forward to the lengthening days, may I wish all your readers a peaceful and joyful Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a sense of optimism for 2024.
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq
WATCH: A Christmas Message from the Bailiff (2022)
Seasonal Greetings from...the Bailiff (2020)
