CALLS were made yesterday for Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay to make clear their intentions over their investments in Sark. Deputy Tony Le Lievre was shocked by news they were likely to acquire three tenements and a freehold.

And he also raised fears that they would try to avoid paying treizieme by paying for a long-term lease and buying the tenements for a nominal fee.

‘I think the whole island of Sark is quite bewildered by it all. We don’t know why they are doing it – perhaps they would like to make a statement and let us know,’ said Deputy Le Lievre.

Sir David and Sir Frederick have announced plans to contribute to the island’s economy, local employment, agriculture and the tourist industry.

They have also set up a trust to support those who seek further education and to help young people with no or few qualifications acquire skills and find employment.

‘If they follow through with what they have suggested, then there could be quite a good future for quite a lot of people in industry in Sark. Let’s hope it happens,’ said Deputy Le Lievre.

‘But I think a lot of people are a little suspicious, which is why I think it would be a very good idea to let their intentions be known.’

He added that no one had anticipated the sales coming through.

Sir David’s son, Duncan, is currently considering whether to continue with a Royal Court challenge to the Seigneur’s right to claim treizieme.

It will be abolished after Chief Pleas last week passed legislation that introduces a property tax. That still needs to be approved by the Privy Council.

Deputy Le Lievre was concerned about speculation that Sir David and Sir Frederick would acquire the tenements for small amounts by instead paying for a long lease – avoiding treizieme.

‘If you think about the three tenements they are purportedly buying, there’s a lot of tax revenue in there we were hoping would go to Sark,’ he said.

Current owner of La Fripponerie, Colin Teers, did not want to comment.