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Tuesday 25 December 2012

Happy Christmas - The war isn't over but just beginning!

 

'And so this is Christmas but what have you done...'


Well, quite a lot actually but more of that right after we celebrate New Year. This short (well, quite long actually!) post is really just to say 'Thanks for all of your support this past year'. That, a quick look back and to offer a little taster of what is to come...

But what's that old saying - 'the more things change the more they stay the same?'

As 2012 comes to a close, okay, it would be easy to think  that this is again the case regarding Jersey politics. Yet scratch away the surface of the increasingly desperate Establishment spin; and the inane and insane bluster beloved of the troll who lives in the Jon and his ilk and the reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. Believe me - all of us who actually care about democracy, justice and fair and transparent government should look forward to 2013 with a new spring in our step.

Oh yes - when even the Jersey Evening Pravda who only months before was peddling the myth of this being a great new States Assembly all pulling together (or rather, as they hoped, right-wing lobby fodder doing exactly what their hero Senator Philip Bailhache told them to do instead of so many 'Bolshie Lefties' asking awkward questions) is now decrying 'this very disappointing Assembly' in the aftermath of the Man Who Would Be King's humiliation over Plemont you can be confident all in the Far-right camp isn't as rosy as they would like us to believe.

Indeed, the defeat of Chief Minister Bailhache and his political glove puppet's attempt to steamroller the blank cheque purchase of Plemont through at the taxpayers' expense just because he wanted it should not be underestimated in its importance for the coming two years. For to enlarge upon a reality already highlighted in an excellent interview on the Rico Sorda blog: a year on from the disappointing loss of some truly high-calibre progressives at the time of the 2011 election it is the cracks in the Establishment Party that are for the first time ever looking truly potentially terminal.

Why? Because for the first time the 'Jersey belongs to the rich' brigade are actually starting to destroy themselves in a way the Progressives who have time and time again allowed comparatively small differences in political perspective to hamstring them have never come close to achieving since the effective rigging of the elections following the Second World War with the media colluding scam of the spectacularly ill-named 'Progressive Party'.

Those of us who follow local political developments closely always knew that the decision of former Bailiff and Attorney General Philip Bailhache to run for election was a desperate last throw of the dice to fill the void and paper over the cracks  left by the withering away of the rightist political dinosaurs who have run Jersey as a private club for the wealthy and morally bankrupt elite for generations. And oh how their seeming success at staving off disaster - or democracy as we would call it - is suddenly starting to unravel!

Gandhi once famously opined that: 'First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win!' Well, suddenly the 'fighting' is taking place on the inside of the Establishment Party and the defeat of Senator Bailhache on the Plemont vote is evidence of just how serious this has the potential to be. You see the 'Group-think' that always saw inconvenient little things like values and personal morals put aside in the interest of retaining rightest power has started to falter.

There are now factions within the Establishment Party ranks and a number of egos that would really like to be 'Head Boy' and actually believe that they really should be. Games are now being played of which 'Prince' Machiavelli would be quite proud. Forget the smiles and such displays as the Treasury Minister 'really wanting' the aforesaid blank cheque purchase of Plemont to go ahead. We now have at least four Establishment Party Ministers who all desperately want to be the 'Big Cheese' - Bailhache, Gorst, Ozouf and Le Marquand.

And when you throw in each of their little group of camp followers to the mix the potential to finally free the ordinary people from the fetters of generations the potential for long-overdue democratic change is suddenly better than many a Progressive ever could have dreamt just a year ago. The key for the 'left' is now to put our own minor differences aside and begin working together more closely than we have managed to do in the past.

Achieve this and the 2014 elections can be the breakthrough we thought we had achieved back in 2008. Fail and this will be to throw away the greatest opportunity to reclaim this island for democracy since 1946. We surely have no choice but to give it our all and make sure that we do.

Yes, we did see our hard-fought victory in achieving States agreement to implement a fully independent Electoral Commission hi-jacked by Senator Bailhache and a truly disgusting show of political betrayal and spinelessness from Senator Gorst in supporting it.

Yet if Plemont shows us one further thing it is that even here the consequent attempt by Senator Bailhache and his acolytes - Constable Juliette Gallichan and Deputy James Baker - to sell out the public's clear right to democracy and an equally weighted vote in order to retain the  Constables can yet be scuppered. All we have to do is make sure that we get the truth out to those who will suffer if such travesties should succeed. This is the key plain and simple.

But more of all of this in the New Year. For now let us just remind ourselves that there have been seemingly small but actually very important victories already in 2012. Yes, we have lost the likes of excellent people such as Daniel Wimberley, Bob Hill, Debbie De Sousa and co from within the States. But we have in turn seen other good people appear - people who certainly have their differences but nevertheless are their 'own men' and committed to the wider public good: people such as John Young and Richard Rondel to name but two.

We have also seen the half-dozen of us naughty Progressives left over from the last Assembly continue to refuse to be beaten down; holding the Establishment to account with a skill and tenacity that should make so many new Members hang their heads in shame. We have seen a collective effort both from some of us within the States and brave, spirited people amongst the victims of abuse and their Citizens media champions that has refused to buckle and allow the 'Historic' Child Abuse scandal; and the appalling treatment of the likes of Graham Power and Lenny Harper etc to be swept under the carpet.

We have seen the continued chipping away of the secrecy so beloved - and crucial to its hold on power - of the Establishment Party by my successful proposition to make ALL votes for Ministerial positions within the States open and transparent to the public. Following on from my earlier success in winning an open vote on the position of Chief Minister the importance of this seemingly small victory should not be underestimated. Remember - secrecy and preventing the wider public from knowing what is really going on has been the key to so much of the Establishment's usurping of power for decades.

The next step is to carry this same fight to the lamentably ill-named 'Justice' system and to dragging Jersey's Establishment mouth-piece media into the 21st Century where 'investigative' journalism is neither a dirty word nor something to be left to brave and talented professionals from the United States such as Leah McGrath Goodman. There ARE some good journalists here in Jersey. Its time they stood shoulder to shoulder with we Progressives; displayed some Testicular Fortitude and did what is right. Not what their editors tell them must be portrayed as right.

And let's not forget the undoubtedly surprising - but truly deeply significant - other recent success in finally getting the events of 28th September 1769 and the brave actions of Tom Gruchy and his compatriots in fighting for democracy officially recognised by the States in 2012. Next year we can and must build on this success. Indeed, should anyone still doubt the significance of this victory then reflect no further than the fact that Senator Philip Bailhache spoke stridently against the 28th September 'Reform Day' proposition. Just as he did against open votes.

Yet in rounding off this short Christmas blog the truth is - the BALD TRUTH of course! - that the most important people in all of this; and in what we true democrats want and need to achieve in 2013 are you, the ordinary people who have amazed me in the large numbers who have read and contributed to the first year of the Bald Truth blog.

Not just this, of course, but to all of the growing number of other excellent blogs and Citizens Media initiatives in the island such as: Voiceforchildren; Rico Sorda; the Jersey Way; Stuart Syvret; Planet Jersey; Tom Gruchy; Sam Mezec; Montford Tadier; the Jersey Evening Propaganda and so many more.

The Establishment and their on message media may hate it but the wider world IS taking a growing interest in 'the island that democracy forgot'. Just consider some of the significant people who are now following these sites from the  world of international media. Just consider best-selling author and U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman; MPs like John Hemming.

This is, in the final analysis, a war of attrition. Hold our nerve; don't give in or be bowed and in the end we WILL win. We WILL get Leah allowed back into Jersey to complete her research. We will keep spreading the REAL truth via our blogs. And, on a personal note, just for those few lost and cowardly souls who think that a bent system will help them see me and Shona as their next 'victims' just remember this...

We don't do being bullied.

And whilst a  'war' for democracy, justice, equality and political transparency this certainly this  in truth - thankfully(?) we haven't yet resorted to the guns of other struggles. Yet to mix two different - yet complimentary - ideas from two true icons of the political left; Mexico's enigmatic Subcomandante Marcos and the late Che Guevara:

'Our word is our weapon' so if we should fall by the wayside in the struggle 'so long as our battle cry has reached one receptive ear; if one other hand reaches out to take up our weapon...'

Then it is all worthwhile! We WILL win in the long run.

Keep the Faith & Thanks again for all of your support.

Happy Christmas & New Year

Trevor

PS

Have no fear - a new 'Bald Truth Review Xmas & New Year Special' will be up on air before December 31st! And then in the new year itself...a further  'special' on my experiences of Jersey 'Justice'. A show that might just make rather uncomfortable viewing for some who are presently feeling ill-advisedly smug...

Tuesday 11 December 2012

WHO IS POLICING THE POLICE? AND WHO IS JUDGING THE JUDGES? CAR ‘BUGGING’; MOLES; STARBUCKS & TROLLS – BTR 11 HAS MORE INTRIGUE THAN A SECRET PLÉMONT VALUATION MEETING…


A particularly busy few days sees this week’s BTR appear a day late. But no excuses – accept to say we can’t all lie about on the floor all day surrounded by Stella cans and old pizza like a Jersey troll! Still, speaking of small, dark and furtive animals BTR 11 also sees the return of our Ministerial Mole. 

Seems there is a bit of unrest amongst the not-quite-so-massed (or united) ranks of the Council of Ministers with a couple of the Great and the Good becoming a bit peeved as to why their lavish lunches are being gate-crashed by a lowly Assistant bag-carrier. Whoever could it be?

This past week also saw Deputy Geoff Southern trying in vain to get Jersey’s wealthiest of the wealthy – 1 (1) ks – to contribute a paltry £3,000 per year extra Income Tax to the Treasury coffers. Of course, amongst much Ministerial shroud waving, ashen faces and gasps of terror the familiar chant of ‘But they’ll all leave! They’ll all leave!’ rang out. 

Just like it always does when some awful ‘green-eyed’ Leftie similarly suggests that the Finance industry and foreign companies really should pay their fair share like those entrapped in the wasteland of ‘Middle Jersey’. So is this warning true? And does letting those who have the most pay less just because they have more really benefit everyone else?  We flag up a book that really should be on every right-winger’s Christmas list.

And when is a ‘bugger’ NOT a ‘bugger’? No – it’s alright I’m not being rude. I’m talking about Jersey’s most famous drugs bust of recent years when a hire car was illegally fitted out with a nifty little piece of electronics. 

Five years on and it seems like three of our police officers are now facing secret disciplinary proceedings as a consequence. Fair enough I suppose. But isn’t there one annoying little looses end here? Like who gave the boys in blue the go ahead for the law-breaking? And why aren’t they in the disciplinary dock with them?

Throw in the return of the much-missed BTR subject of Jersey’s Jurats – no, we’re not talking about the ‘lay judge’ quite happy to refuse to look at evidence of appalling child abuse before stating that a paedophile might not have any ‘case to answer’ this week – and another most illuminating guest appearance from the island’s most pathetic and orange internet troll and BTR 11 really should help get you in the mood for the season of goodwill! 

Well, something like that…

Monday 3 December 2012

The Leveson Report & Jersey: no ‘higher moral ground’ for an ‘accredited’ media that brought it on themselves + The UK ‘negotiations’ relating to American ‘Facta’ tax policy that aren’t & even an exclusive interview with Jersey’s most cowardly and notorious internet troll… it can only be the Bald Truth Review Episode 10!



On the surface it would be quite easy to be fooled that it has been a fairly quiet week for politics in Jersey, wouldn’t it? 

After all our Establishment Party Mandarins have long deluded themselves that they can continue along their 800 year merry way of perverting the ‘justice system’; of blatant character assassination of all and any who dare ‘rock the political boat’ – not to mention passing policies that make the ordinary man and woman in Jersey foot the social and economic bill for the millionaire tax-dodgers – company or otherwise – who should pay their way but don’t.

Yet if one only looks to the wider political landscape it is quickly apparent that actually this week has not only been busy it has the potential to be ‘climate’ changing – and I’m not talking about the lousy Jersey weather! What am I talking about? Well, let’s start with the first BTR 10 segment on Leveson.

To read the front page of the Jersey Evening Pravda and its familiar headlines attempting to give the impression that nothing more untoward than a wet towel across the bottom ever happened at Haut de la Garenne you could be forgiven for thinking that somehow our Island’s only ‘newspaper’ remains piously untainted from all traces of the worst excesses of UK tabloid journalism. Yet the reality, of course, is that nothing could be further from the truth.

Disagree? Then let me simply refer you to the Scrutiny investigation I chaired into the BDO Review of the financial management of Operation Rectangle. A more misrepresentative re-structuring of the truth  in an attempt to undermine the Child Abuse investigation and trash the reputation of the two senior police officers trying to clear away the dirt of ‘the Jersey Way’ you could not have found bettered if you had been reading the old News of the World itself rather than a local ‘media’.

No – we don’t want government controlling the media per se via new legislation – hell, the two are already quite interwoven in Jersey already by means of simple incestuous self-interest. But what we do need is Deputy Tracey Vallois’ vision of a fully independent media Ombudsman to help ensure decent standards by possessing the regulatory ‘teeth’ to hit those who abuse their power where it hurts. President of the Scrutiny Chairman’s Committee the Deputy said that she was simply awaiting the publishing of Lord Justice Leveson’s Report prior to further investigation of this possibility. Well, it’s here now Deputy so we guess it’s over to you… 

Then, of course, we have also had the most unwelcome - to the Establishment Party Mandarins - intervention by Westminster into our cosy little ‘Facta’ (that’s Financial Account Tax Compliance Act to the uninitiated) tax agreement with the United States - who not unsurprisingly in ever more difficult economic times want to know just who and how many of their citizens are making use of Jersey’s ‘Off-shore’ facilities to hide their millions. 

Did even our motley crew of third rate businessmen in the Council of Ministers genuinely imagine that a UK economy reeling from crisis to crisis under George Osborne would see this all happening and not wade in with an opportunistic ‘we want a bit of that too’? Perhaps they did? But whatever the truth as the video spells it out all of the confident Executive spiel about us demanding ‘negotiations’ should be taken with a very large dose of salt…

Next? Just when you had begun to think that a little common sense might prevail on the issue of States Member’s pay given almost everyone – be they politically Left, Right or simply ‘Confused’ (the majority!) - had confirmed that they would not be accepting the 2013 pay rise recommended by the Independent Review Board up pops this year’s desperate populist political non-entity, the Constable of St. Saviour.

Defending her sudden conversion to lodging propositions – not to mention breaking her vow of virtual Assembly silence Constable Renard quite rightly tells us that she ‘didn’t come in to politics to get Christmas cards from other States Members – but to represent her constituents’. Well, Amen to that Comrade Renard – I couldn’t agree with you more. 

Only trouble is most of us political Progressives know that ‘representing our constituents’ by definition should mean fighting to maintain or bring about the policies/changes that we had promised to attempt during our election campaigns. This in turn surely also means challenging Ministers; asking questions; making your case to try and win debates. It means lodging propositions and amendments. Being a ‘politician’ after all isn’t just about pressing the ‘contre’ button. Yet how much of this ‘representation’ has our suddenly vociferous Constable of St. Saviour done in the 12 months she has been a States Member? Just watch the video and find out…

And then, of course, we have the horrible modern day disease that is the internet troll.

So let me lay my cards on the table: internet trolls are scum. They are pathetic, inadequate, cowardly bullies. Basically the sort of people who would be muggers – if only they were that ‘brave’. They thrive on hate and hurting innocent people for no other reason than they are jealous of any who have the drive to try and do what they so despise – make life better both for themselves or even worse - for others. Yet what is the best way to deal with such despicable maggots?

A good sturdy piece of 2 x 4? Maybe. But then again…cast your mind back to the mocking satire in the face of oppression during the Second World War. If that seems a bit too much like hard, historical work then even think back to the brilliant deconstruction of the ‘master race’ as portrayed in the wonderful old ‘Allo, Allo’ TV series. Then watch the interview with one of Jersey’s most notorious trolls.

No. Don’t get me wrong. The evil of internet trolling needs to be stamped out – even if here in Jersey our current police leadership and Home Affairs Minister couldn’t give a monkeys about dealing with it no matter how many complaints they receive against Jersey’s most revolting ‘wreckers’ – one maggot in particular. Mark my words – ‘trolling’ can and does ruin lives. It has even led to deaths. But let’s also show these scumbag trolls up for what they are: a joke…

So there you are – the Bald Truth Review Episode 10 – and I haven’t even mentioned the short segment on the current value of Scrutiny! Nor the fact that the end of this week will finally also see the extended and long-promised analysis of what our Bailiff’s Office. Senator Bailhache and other Establishment Party apologists would try and pass off as Jersey ‘Justice’. 

Yes, do ‘Keep the Faith’ and do get involved. Because trust me: if you don’t DO politics – hey, just watch the video!


Please sign the attached link to the e-petition to restore banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman’s visa status to re-enter the island democracy forgot. http://www.change.org/petitions/ukhomeoffice-restore-the-visa-of-banned-journalist-leah-mcgrath-goodman-freejersey

Monday 26 November 2012

The land re-zoning investigation that wasn’t to the roaring police silence on Jimmy Savile in Jersey. Is the common denominator ministerial and judicial interference? + September 28th – at last it’s now officially Jersey’s ‘Reform Day’! All this and a whole lot more from the island that democracy forgot…



In my last BTR before the promised extended ‘Jersey justice – not fit for purpose’  ‘special’ for once I’m going to start with a bit of self-congratulation. What am I talking about? Well September 28th 1769 of course and the events that were just about as close as Jersey has come to its own mini-revolution of democratic reform - yet…

The bravery of Tom Gruchy and several hundred other ordinary Islanders nearly two and a half centuries ago led to Jersey’s corrupt Royal Court losing its legislative powers; the island’s laws being written down for the first time in history within the Code of 1771; and even the beginnings of modern elections and set terms of Office. Yet both of the Chief Ministers didn’t think it important enough to warrant recognition! 

Could you hear such ignorant nonsense spouted in any other democratic parliament in the world outside of Jersey? Probably not - but fortunately for once the Shepherds of 21st Century feudalism just couldn’t round up enough sheep to keep this history buried. So a big ‘Thank you’ to all of the Members who supported me in the vote and to the Constable of Trinity for his pledge to help locate Tom Gruchy’s unmarked grave. Not to mention Mr. Mike Dun for both his research and his natty line in 18th day wear…

The Judiciary – aren’t they supposed to be all about ensuring justice? OK – so a silly question in Jersey as I now know from firsthand experience. After all, where else could someone sit for 14 years as a Jurat when an official inquiry had shown him to deliberately refuse to look at evidence against a horrific child abuser before then writing in support of the abuser himself? Nowhere that I can think of.

But more of that soon. For now we ask why wouldn’t an Attorney General want allegations of serious corruption relating to land re-zoning to be fully investigated? Not to mention ‘the’ question that the State Media are just too cowardly to confront: why would a Bailiff come to have a complaint about the aforesaid allegations that a politician had sent directly to the police?  

After all, my written question to the Home Affairs Minister this week confirmed that a Bailiff has no role whatsoever in on-going, operational police matters. So come on CTV, BBC, the JEP – stand up straight; chest out, shoulders back: what was our former Bailiff apparently doing with it in his possession? And under what powers did he summon a States Member to his office to demand she drop the complaint? If you haven’t got the TF to ask this one then you really shouldn’t be masquerading as ‘journalists’.

Then we have Finance. You don’t have to be a fraudulent Brazilian Mayor; a major gunrunner, drug dealer or even a hypocritical stand-up UK comic to know that aspects of Jersey’s key industry couldn’t pass the Senator Bailhache ‘sniff test’ even with a heavy head cold and a clothes-peg on your nose. 

So is everyone amongst the ever-increasing critics of the failings of the JFSC and co nothing more than an envious, embittered ‘enemy of Jersey’; a ‘wrecker’, a ‘traitor’ or even worse? Watch the video and find out. A more telling lesson as to how the Jersey Evening Pravda makes the message black or white according to the messenger you will be hard-pressed to find.

Jimmy Savile and the ever-spiralling number of victims coming forward about his stated reign of abuse. In the UK the Metropolitan Police are working overtime running a high-profile campaign to try and ensure that as many people with information as possible come forward. It’s in every newspaper. It’s on every news channel – TV and radio. Here in Jersey? Nothing but a deafening silence. The question surely has to be why. 

We know Savile came to Haut de la Garenne – there’s even a photo of him there on this blog. Don’t we owe it to every victim and just as importantly every potential victim of the same sort of circumstances to follow exactly the same kind of high-profile approach being undertaken in the UK? Shouldn’t we be asking who Savile knew and visited in Jersey? 

Or are we back to those embarrassing days of international ‘image’ being far more important? You might have thought that after the protect the ‘good name’ of the school before the interests of abuse victims scandal at Victoria College those at the top of government might just have learnt something.

And last but not least – well, very much last and least actually – the dark side of politics and Citizens’ media… 

Has your partner or loved one been furtively creating dozens of bogus Facebook accounts without coming up with any plausible explanation? Does he sometimes answer to other people’s names? Do they drink copious amounts of Stella and rarely wash, shave or change their clothes? Do they obsessively wipe their computer records with almost military-style fanaticism? Do you sometimes even stumble upon them dancing alone to scratched old Gary Glitter records in their underpants beneath a single, flickering light bulb? 

If so the last segment of BTR just might be of help to you…

Meanwhile - Keep the Faith. 

And if you haven’t done so already please sign the attached link to the e-petition to restore banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman’s visa status to re-enter the island democracy forgot. Together we really can make a difference.

Monday 19 November 2012

PLEMONT & COMPULSORY PURCHASE - FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD OR JUST THE FAVOURED WEAPON OF ‘BIG PHIL’ & THE RIGHT-WING BULLY STATE?

Plus… Jersey lawyers – they still want a profit even when you’re dead. How to achieve a 50% reduction in policing costs. And the complete betrayal of a local political Legend. It can only be the Bald Truth Review Episode 8! 

Sitting back in the production suite in the bowels of the BTR bunker yesterday (hidden away as it is deep within the mysterious Grands Vaux woods) to watch the rushes of the latest BTR the whole team was touched by the sense that this episode had a more sombre feel to it than usual. 

Was it just the understandable consequence of the report on how in Jersey it seems the vultures that proliferate in the local ‘legal profession’ still want old people’s money even when it essentially means wiping out their wills? (See the segment on ‘Will kits’) Perhaps that was a part of it. Yet all of us – even Sharrock the tea boy seemed to sense it now. For there it all was right in front of us: when you actually see it all reported in living colour there simply is something deeply wrong in the way so much of the Jersey ‘Establishment’ operates… 

Hi-jacked electoral commissions; top secret, behind-closed-doors ‘super-injunction’ using taxpayers’ money; Police Chief’s illegally suspended - not just for months but years; individuals allowed to sit as Jurats even though they are proven to have put protecting a ‘good name’ of a College before the bringing to book evil child abusing fellow teachers. All, of course, whilst the majority of the mainstream media happily collude with it all by ‘toeing the party line’ of twisting the true facts or keeping silent...

Then consider the current issue of Plemont and Senator Philip Bailhache’s apparent attitude that if he wants it then he’s going to have it! And if someone won’t give in during negotiations then that doesn’t matter either. Because the Senator will just blow off the cobwebs and wheel out the archaic old Compulsory Purchase ‘cannon’ and ride roughshod over democracy anyway. 

And to think: week in – week out we have to listen to the right-wingers in the States - and their Pravda mouthpiece journalists of course - spouting the propaganda that it is those pesky ‘Progressives’ who always want big, interventionist government! Laugh – you just have to or you would likely cry.

The bottom line on this particular issue is that I voted to save Plemont when it was last debated. Why? Because I know we need to start protecting what is left of our natural beauty before it is too late. Yet unlike so many of the Constables and country Deputies I also know that this view needs to apply equally – everywhere in the island. It can’t be allowed to go out of the window as soon as a Trinity borderline touches urban St. Helier. 

Yet whilst I will bet all my viewers a pint of their favourite tipple that come December 4th a whole shed-load of States Members suddenly change their minds in support of the purchase of Plemont – and for no demonstrable intellectual reason other than that Senator Philip Bailhache wants them to - the fact is that some things really do have to be considered afresh as having changed since last time we voted on this. Some things that really do mean that one has to start thinking about priorities...

We still have half-a-billion pounds in the so-called ‘Rainy Day’ fund yet our Council of Ministers remain quite happy to unnecessarily dish out hundreds of thousands of pounds for foreign offices for the Finance Industry in the same breath that they can’t even support a proper ‘living’ wage for those at the sharp end of the recession. 

Indeed, we see an attitude displayed by the Executive that continues to see the Public Sector bullied and played against that of the Private: a strategy that can do no good to anyone whatsoever. We’ve  seen much-needed frontline services being undermined; and even incredibly valuable learning initiatives for children – such as the one I tried to save at Durrell – abandoned because ‘we can’t afford them’.

Of course, it’s true that we do appear to now have a new Police Chief who has incredibly come up with a way to slash the cost of policing dramatically – though when you have watched the video I’m not sure it’s an approach you will want to support. Unless, perhaps, you’re a criminal, rogue-trader or ever-so-slightly dodgy politician…

The fact is that all too many within the Jersey Establishment have as little understanding of life’s realities for most ‘ordinary’ working people as they generally have about both political policy and economics. Perhaps even worse – all too many of them don’t even understand (or possibly even have?) any real values. Should we ideally save Plemont for future generations – of course we should. But that doesn’t mean to say ‘save it’ before all else. 

Put it like this. It’s a bit like a variant on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs; i.e. you don’t really worry about what paintings you would like to hang for decoration if you haven’t even got four walls and a roof above your head to begin with. Maybe that’s the way I should express the concern in the States? Then again you have to suspect that to all too many in the Council of Ministers Maslow would probably be thought to probably be the European fly-half Jersey ruby club are trying to sign!

Jersey I’m afraid is in dire danger of irretrievably losing its soul. Should you doubt this statement then just try watching my first story in BTR 8 about the disgraceful treatment of the memory of that late Legend of Jersey, ‘working class’ politics Mr. Emile Collins. This week the Constable of St. Helier should be hanging his head in shame…

But do ‘Keep the Faith’ regardless. The darkness can’t last for ever. And what better place to start than right here by clicking on the attached link below to sign the on-line petition to restore American journalist, Leah McGrath Goodman’s visa status allowing her to return to Jersey



Monday 12 November 2012

JERSEY ‘IS NOT A TAX HAVEN’ – BUT DRUG DEALERS, GUNRUNNERS & MAJOR BANKING FRAUDSTERS ARE ALL VERY, VERY WELCOME!


Yes, it’s another classic week in the comedy that is the Jersey Establishment in government…

 
HSBC - It’s a bank, isn’t it? The UK’s largest. In fact a top notch, diamond of the Big 500 type of a bank? But have you ever wondered what the letters might stand for? Well for those of us in Jersey after this week’s exposure in the Daily Telegraph latest bets go something like this. 

‘H’ is probably for ‘Hiding It’; ‘S’ must be for ‘Secrecy’; ‘B’ could be for ‘Blagging It’ too? As for the C - well if you were to ask me - I would have to ask if it could be for ‘Corruption’. Drug dealers; gunrunners; major banking fraudsters – didn’t Senator Philip Bailhache assure us he had a ‘sniff test’ all those opening ‘Off-Shore’ accounts had to pass? Makes you wonder if the Senator could actually smell a week old Kipper under the bed!  Never mind - back in the States Chamber a brand new comedy double-act promise to tell the wider world exactly what the Jersey Financial Industry is all about... 

But what else have I got for you in a BTR Episode 7 that could almost be called ‘what the papers say’? 

Well, there’s a justice related ‘leak of the week’ the implications of which should have you absolutely terrified – and for once we are not talking Jurats happy to put protecting ‘the good school name’ before preventing child abuse. There’s another brilliant example of what some might call ‘media opinion management’ and others might just call the Jersey Evening Pravda once again ‘telling it how it isn’t’. (But don’t sue, Montford – Jersey ‘Justice’ can be very bad for your health and your bank account!)

Then, in the very week when Deputy Geoff Southern’s been hammered for pointing out that actually ‘he’s worth it’ (a salary increase that is; not a Cheryl Cole hair care contract) we have another ‘backbencher’ quietly doing what a Minister should be doing himself – but probably won’t unless he gets a front-page headline out of it. Yes, that’s right - we’re talking an update on everyone’s least favourite exploiters of Ukrainian seafarers: Condor Ferries.

Last - but very definitely not least - I have a report on what happened when ‘Investigative Citizen Journalist’ Rico Sorda finally went head-to-head with the editors of the States Media in the long-awaited ‘Allegations without substance’ BBC Radio challenge. Would Rico get routed? Would BBC Jersey’s Gripton get a grilling? Would Chris Bright even turn up? 

Keep the Faith – and please click on the link below to sign the on line petition to get banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman’s visa status to re-enter Jersey reinstated!

Monday 5 November 2012

REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE 5TH OF NOVEMBER. GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND…


Super-injunctions; banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman visa update; Sadie sings about States Members’ pay and Ben the Tory gets shirty – it’s the Bald Truth Review Episode six!

The 28th of September 1769 was a date crucial to the beginnings of our still deeply flawed democracy. 

Yet 243 years from now the Bald Truth of the matter is that November 5th 2012 could be viewed as a date every bit as important. A day in fact when all of the efforts and personal risk of Thomas Gruchy and his companions goes down the proverbial pan quicker than an internet troll’s supper after 17 pints of Stella down the pub. 

I’m talking about ‘super-injunctions’ of course and Jersey’s steady slide into the type of justice system where even the notorious Roland Freisler would not look out of place. Find out more by watching the show…

States Members’ pay… 

Always guaranteed to make the front page in the local Pravda; and always guaranteed to see the said Establishment Party mouthpiece wheeling out some complete political non-entity desperate for some publicity to talk about it. Remember Ben ‘Ten’ Shenton a couple of years ago? This year it’s the lovely Constable of St. Saviour breaking her political vow of silence.

Should we be accepting a pay rise this year? No – we certainly shouldn’t. But the Bald Truth of the matter is shouldn’t even be discussing what a deliberately independent review panel put forward either. Forget Chief Minister Gorst’s PR stunt. ‘Just say no!’ as the old drugs advert used to say. Find out why…

Add in banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman still awaiting the outcome of her Visa application to continue her investigation into the Jersey child abuse scandal. A suspected rebel within the ranks at Pravda sowing seeds of journalistic sedition? News of a forthcoming ‘Special’ on Jersey’s highly politicised judicial system…And yes – you have to concede: BTR Six really is even scarier than that ‘a Bitchin’ and a moanin’ Ben Quérée revealing his Establishment Party credentials in the twilight zone! 

Watch the video – and then if you haven’t done so already click on the link below to sign the petition to restore Leah McGrath Goodman’s visa status. After that – why not get on the phone to your local politician to complain about the blatant abuse of our Data Protection Law and the use of your money in the process. 


Monday 29 October 2012

SHOULD APOLOGISTS FOR PAEDOPHILES BE ALLOWED TO SIT AS JURATS? JIMMY SAVILE IN JERSEY – BUT WHO ‘ENABLED’ HIM? ANOTHER C.E.O APPOINTMENT FIASCO & SIR PHILIP’S LATEST STATES MELTDOWN… It can only be the Bald Truth Review episode 5



Such is the strong theme of contempt for fairness, justice and political transparency running  through this week’s ‘Bald Truth Review’ collection of news stories that I really was tempted to  re-title the show: The island that democracy forgot!’ But never mind – you might see that lovely little and most apt title appearing again somewhere else very soon. Meanwhile, even with three days worth of flu and hardly any sleep what exactly have I got for you this week? 

Well, how about a CEO ‘leak of the week’ that even makes a golden handshake of taxpayers money seem all right and ship-shape… I have some thoughts on what might actually underlie the latest Philip Bailhache meltdown in the States: yes, another attack on me this time for daring to ask about a Jurat system that is so lax in scrutiny even the despicable Jimmy Savile could likely have managed to become one! Shocking, yes I grant you – but sadly true.

More on this at a latter date but you do have to ask: why is the Senator seemingly so desperate to both distract from this deeply worrying flaw in our justice system  AND try to stick his nose into my quite separate recent court case? Really, you sometimes have to think 1769 never happened… 

And this incident also links nicely, of course, into the latest exposure of what a farce our alleged ‘separation of powers’ also is: Sir Philip’s kid brother, Judge William, sitting on his hands again count cobwebs and doing nothing as States ‘president’ – even though no fewer than three States Members rose to express their disgust and complain about the latest Sir Philip meltdown of bogus allegations aimed at me.

Throw in ‘super-injunctions’ striving to close down all but the State Media, and the fact that even convicted petty criminals can apparently be given YOUR taxpayers’ money to help fund such moves. State Media ‘editors without substance bottling a live BBC Radio debate challenge from Rico Sorda. Sleight-of-hand ‘statistics’ being employed to con you about keeping the Constables in the States within the report issues by our hijacked Electoral Commission – and an update on banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman’s attempt to get her Visa status reinstated and it really can only be…

The political news review that tells you what the mainstream media should be telling you but don’t!

Keep the Faith – and don’t have nightmares. Eventually we all wake-up. Don’t we?


'Please clink on the link below to sign the pettion to get Leah McGrath Goodman's Visa status restored. 
http://www.change.org/petitions/ukhomeoffice-restore-the-visa-of-banned-journalist-leah-mcgrath-goodman-freejersey 

Sunday 21 October 2012

Child Abuse Concealin’ Journalist Bannin’ Justice Riggin’ Tax-dodger Lovin’ Propaganda Spinnin’ Progressive Smearin’ Commission Corruptin’ Democracy Destroyin’ Lipsmackin’ Pep – Whoops – JERSEY ESTABLISHMENT!

A new fizzy drink that will rot your soul almost as fast as your teeth? No. Just a few Bald Truths that Senator Bailhache doesn’t want ‘States Deputies’ to talk about because it might damage the Establishment Party’s reputation…


Leaks on the Electoral Commission... Leaks about forthcoming right-wing ‘party politics’… A very serious question regarding the land re-zoning allegations investigation... The real reason we are having to pump tens of millions of pounds in to re-developing social housing… 

All of this and banned U.S. journalist Leah McGrath Goodman still no nearer to getting her Visa... It can only be ‘the Bald Truth Review’ Episode 4!

The video is all pretty self-explanatory: the stories speak for themselves. So I will add only this. Why I am I being a party pooper and releasing some of the key ‘findings’ of our Electoral Commission the day before it’s official launch? 

Simply because despite numerous reassurances from the Establishment that such behaviour was a thing of the past – once again the mainstream media – the States Media – have been given an important report a full THREE days before elected representatives of the people!

It shouldn’t happen. It wouldn’t happen – in a proper, functioning democracy at least. But hey, this is Jersey remember. And whilst bleating to the Finance industry that ‘States Deputies’ should not tell the truth about issues that are ruining the island I love in case it ruins our ‘international reputation’ the Senator treats his colleagues with arrogant contempt. 

Then again, when you see what the Commission has come up with I suppose that’s nothing set against the way all of you who wanted a fair and equally-weighted system of representation have been treated. Have I got anything wrong? Well, who knows – but if so my excuse would be that I’m not afforded the same access to the report as the Jersey Evening Post, Channel Television or the BBC!

Makes you proud to be a democrat!

Keep the Faith

Trevor

PS

Look out for my last words on the video. Print them on a tee shirt - they might just help YOU to help ME (and the Progressives) to save US…


'Please clink on the link below to sign the pettion to get Leah McGrath Goodman's Visa status restored. We want to hit the 2000 signature mark soon! 

http://www.change.org/petitions/ukhomeoffice-restore-the-visa-of-banned-journalist-leah-mcgrath-goodman-freejersey 

Sunday 14 October 2012

BALIFF BEAMS DOWN BENEVOLENTLY AS CHIEF MINISTER GORST TELLS HIM HE IS ‘PROUD’ OF OUR ‘SEPARATION OF POWERS’!


Yes, it’s just another day in the mad cap world of Jersey ‘democracy’…

Look – I love my island.

But the Bald Truth is that if you had stumbled into the Public Gallery for the States Sitting beginning October 9th 2012 you surely would have wondered if you had not been magically transported into the Theatre of the Absurd – or at the very least into an old episode of Sci-Fi classic ‘The Twilight Zone’.

Why? Just watch the video. We haven’t got a ‘separation of powers’ between Judiciary and Legislature anymore than we have a bona-fide working judicial system. I mean, where else in the world would a Jurat who is an evidenced, long-standing personal friend of a company director of a defendant in a court case still be allowed by the Bailiff’s Office to sit in judgement on this? That’s right – nowhere.

Throw in the further truth that this same Jurat is revealed in the government suppressed Sharp Report to be anything but a fit and proper person to hold such a role in the first place and the whole thing stinks: stinks more than a week old dead kipper! Unless you are a part of the Establishment Party, of course, in which case this is likely seen as perfectly normal and all in order? 

And they wonder why this stuff is going to London!

Shh! Don’t tell anyone but we also have another exclusive ‘leak!’ A whinging, whining letter from the editor of the Jersey Evening Post trying desperately to defend the fact that his ‘newspaper’ regularly publishes fake letters. Mmmm? Just a bit odd don’t you think how these are always about the same ‘Progressive’ politicians, eh Mr. Bright?  Oh, and don’t tell Senator Philip Ozouf anyone but apparently he is making ‘thinly-veiled threats to the freedom of the press’!

The editor also whines that he thinks I have a ‘grudge’ against his organ because I have highlighted the above letter issue – not to mention, no doubt, my Scrutiny Panel review into the ‘Finances of Operation Rectangle’ blowing the ‘factual reporting’ of the JEP and other mainstream media completely out of the water to reveal another stinking, cesspit of Establishment Party propaganda. 

According to Mr. Bright I’m even ‘abusing’ Parliamentary Privilege because like others I have called for an independent media Ombudsman?  No Mr. Bright all I ask for his fairness and accuracy in reporting. I’ll be publishing the letter in full very soon.

But what else do we have for you?

Top secret ‘super-injunctions’ perverting the island’s Data Protection Law that we taxpayers are helping to pay for - but are not allowed to know anything about. A Chief Minister who wants us to believe that he is fully committed to investigate the ‘Historic’ Abuse scandal – but still hasn’t bothered to read the horrifying Sharp Report. And finally, after 243 years a proposition seeking to officially recognise the true birth of the democracy our Establishment Party are still trying to strangle to this day. That’s right September 28th 1769…

Yes, it can only be ‘The Bald Truth Review’ Episode Three. But don’t have nightmares: the truth is out there somewhere and some of us are slowly bringing it in from the dark!

Keep the Faith

Trevor

Sunday 7 October 2012

SAVILE IN JERSEY; A SUSPENDED CHIEF INSPECTOR; CONDOR CONDEMNED & OTHER STORIES. . .


It can only be Episode 2 of ‘The Bald Truth Review’ – the political week in 10 minutes or less!


Yes, welcome back to Episode 2 of what the JEP’s ‘A week in politics’ should tell you but won’t in case it shook your support for their hapless Establishment Party chums in the Council of Ministers. What have we got for you this week? Well, almost a bit of ‘something’ for everyone.

A ‘political leak’ even bigger than the one that saw the mainstream media story of a ‘damning’ report that ‘justified’ the illegal suspension of Police Chief Graham Power revealed to have less substance than the Invisible Man! Indeed, a new ‘political leak’ that could mean many Members of the Establishment Party forced to spend a whole day in the States Chamber for the first time in years…

£2.35 an hour  ‘slavery’ – or the truly disgusting exploitation of Ukrainian seafarers by a ferry company who’s Jersey ‘links’ go back generations. Can we really condone this treatment of fellow workers in the democratic world of the 21st Century? Yes, we’re talking about Condor and if you travel with them you ought to be on the phone to both their Jersey and Guernsey offices - right now! Meanwhile you can watch a short video about this issue by clicking here: 

We also have Jimmy Savile in Jersey and the photograph the late ‘celebrity’ took out an injunction to prevent being seen. ‘Allegations without substance’ as our mainstream media regularly portray anything painting Jersey is a light that is less than rose-tinted? Or do we need to be digging a whole lot deeper?

Talking of ‘digging’ I also have an update on best-selling author and highly respected U.S. journalist, Leah McGrath Goodman’s fight to be able to return to Jersey to continue her research in to Haut de la Garenne. Three weeks after the launching of the very public petition we may finally have a way forward?

Not enough for ten short minutes? Well, I also have news of a Chief Inspector in Jersey’s police being suspended and news of what is rumoured to be behind it. Last but not least the Home Affairs Minister’s attempt to try and make the ‘not fit for purpose’ affront to civil liberties that is our Jurat system look a bit more plausible as the Establishment party get twitchy over my forthcoming proposition. 

All of this and the return of award-winning and freshly ‘liberated’ Bald Truth Review backdrop! Trust me – if you aren’t excited by this then you are probably already dead! Or possibly even worse – a Conservative…

Keep the Faith

Monday 1 October 2012

THE BALD TRUTH REVIEW The political week in 10 minutes – or less!


Welcome to a new project on my blog – ‘The Bald Truth Review’ video. What’s this about? Well, basically it’s an internet video version of the Jersey Evening Pravda’s ‘Week in politics’. The only real difference is that on my show we actually tell you the truth about the major political stories of the past week – or as the tag line says: ‘the political week in 10 minutes – or less!’ 

Tongue in cheek, yes, it is – but deadly serious for all of that because the issues that I will talk about are ones where the public really do need to ensure that they find out the facts; rather than relying on the Establishment Party spin. So - all you need to know to get you digging deeper and presented to you in less than 10 minutes! Now that surely has to be worth a few minutes of your attention?

Is this first ‘episode’ perfect? Of course it isn’t. For a start the Bailiff had repossessed my expensive ‘Bald Truth Review’ backdrop and the autocue I had pinched from the BBC when I last did an interview was playing up a bit! Still, for one take I don’t think it was a bad first effort.

The good news – or the bad if you are a mainstream media outlet used to having your own way in pumping out whatever old tosh version of events suits your intent – I hope to make this a regular feature of the soon to be re-vamped www.thebaldtruthjersey.co.uk website and blog. With Team Voice’s excellent Live Blog TV broadcast on the Thursday of every States Sitting another small step in bringing you the real stories under the headlines.

The old 1990s cult TV show ‘The X Files’ used to famously say that ‘the truth was out there somewhere’. Well, some of us actually know where the truth is being hidden and we’re increasingly going to be bringing it in to your home! Let’s start with a few choice thoughts on the identity of the ‘real’ Chief Minister; Plemont; the Terms of Reference for the ‘Historic’ Abuse inquiry; a second land reclamation site to pour more toxic ash in to and the small but hugely important issue of protecting parliamentary privilege…



Keep the Faith.

Monday 17 September 2012

More than 1000 sign e-petition in first few days!


Today I publish below the press release update on the Leah McGrath Goodman/Haut de la Garenne child abuse scandal e-petition. This was sent to all local media plus a number of UK and U.S. contacts this morning. 


PRESS RELEASE:

INTERNATIONAL E-PETITION IN SUPPORT OF BANNED U.S. JOURNALIST LEAH MCGRATH GOODMAN

FROM:
DEPUTY TREVOR PITMAN, MEMBER OF THE STATES OF JERSEY PARLIAMENT
DATE: 17TH SEPTEMBER 2012

In just four days, my petition in support of a U.S. journalist’s research into the Haut de la Garenne children’s home scandal on the Channel Island of Jersey attracted over 
1,000 signatures. The international response has been immense: citizens from every continent have written to insist that the truth come out (see petition on Change.org http://chn.ge/Q1hJjC).

The eyes of the world are now upon Jersey once again. I thus urge all Islanders to add their voice to this clarion call by signing this petition, which urges that journalist Leah McGrath Goodman – who has been banned from re-entering Jersey – be allowed to continue her research into the island’s handling of its child abuse investigations.

The Haut de la Garenne scandal saw nearly 200 victims accuse Jersey’s government of turning a blind eye to horrific crimes against defenseless orphans and other vulnerable children for decades; the illegal suspension of the island’s chief of police; the sacking of its health minister and key evidence – including the exhumed teeth, blood and bones of children – irreversibly compromised, as Jersey’s government scrambled to shut down the investigation at all costs.

After succeeding in doing so, Jersey’s government, to this day, squanders millions of pounds from the public purse to try to silence and discredit its critics – and, most shockingly, shield the accused from being brought to justice, a number of whom even remain free to work with the island’s children and strike again.

Jersey’s government, appallingly, has begun undertaking secretive legal action to protect those who stand accused. Indeed, only this past week, we have seen further worrying indications that all is not as it should be within our judicial system with my own revelation that an individual was allowed to sit in judgment of others as a Jurat (a lay judge) for 14 years despite huge failings in connection with child abuse at an exclusive private school where he was a teacher.

The unreasonable treatment of acclaimed U.S. author and journalist Leah McGrath Goodman – a former Tier-1 visa holder – surely has been proof that this situation simply cannot be allowed to continue.

Having successfully conducted her research into the “Historic” Abuse Scandal until 11 September 2011, when the UK Border Agency detained her at the request of the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, Ms. Goodman was fingerprinted, photographed and stripped of her passport, phone, wallet and possessions and held in the basement of Heathrow Airport for more than 12 hours – past the legal limit – without access to a lawyer or the U.S. consulate. 

The UK Border Agency copied her papers without her consent and questioned her about her work in Jersey before sending her back to the U.S. In January 2012, the Border Agency then sent Ms. Goodman a letter informing her it had taken the additional step of banning her from entering the UK Common Travel Area for two years, but did not explain the reason for this action. It denied her the right to an appeal. UK Member of Parliament John Hemming interceded to reduce her ban to one year, expiring 11 September 2012, the day that I lodged this petition. Even so, Ms. Goodman’s visa status has yet to be reinstated.

This situation within our “democracy” should outrage not only ordinary members of the Jersey public, but every local journalist and broadcaster. I believe the time has come when those who care deeply about justice and democracy on the Island must finally say enough is enough. With the help of this international e-petition, we must insist Ms. Goodman’s Tier-1 visa be restored.

Every day that goes by without this problem being addressed potentially exposes the Island’s children to further abuses by those who have already been accused of unspeakable crimes – or have helped conceal them. It is time the public demand immediate action.


The Petition can be signed by clicking here

For further information and/or interviews please contact meon: Tel – 07797 824243 or (01534) 863436. Email: tpitman@thebaldtruthjersey.co.uk  or t.pitman@gov.je