Sark News urges island not to vote for ‘unworthy candidates’
Thursday 4th December 2008, 1:00PM GMT.
CANDIDATES labelled ‘wholly unworthy’ for next week’s historic election in Sark have shrugged off the claims.
Sark News, published by Brecqhou Developments, urged people not to vote for 12 candidates it branded ‘dangerous to Sark’s future’.
‘If all 12 were elected, they would only be three votes short of a majority and therefore control of Chief Pleas. Sark would be set on the road to disaster,’ Sark News stated.
The monthly newsletter, free by courtesy of Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, carried a detailed explanation for each of the 12 candidates as to why the electorate should ensure they do not get into the next Chief Pleas.
Reasons varied but all had one common theme, according to Sark News – an unreasoned dislike for Brecqhou’s owners.
One of the 12, Tony Ventress (pictured) , said the publication summed up the Barclays’ attitude towards Sark.
‘Although they have the right to be, they are not even on the electoral roll,’ he said. ‘Instead of voting, they would rather churn out this undemocratic propaganda.’
Sark News claimed Mr Ventress would be a ‘liability’ if elected but the 72-year-old laughed off the charge.
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How dare they !
Sark has been forced by the Barclay Brothers to adopt a new (and largely unwanted) democratic process.
The Barclay Brothers have now realised that there will be candidates who do not share their dream for the commercial redevelopment of Sark -so what do they do – they publish propaganda labelling those perfectly legitmate candidates as “wholly unworthy”.
As a Guern I can only watch from the sidelines and offer my sympathy and support to the people of Sark. In your position I would vote for a three legged cart arthritic horse with a drink problem rather than someone who supported further interference by these people.
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Sir david and Sir Frederick Barclay have unfortunately, and once again, scored another massive own goal.
The magnificently bound “Manifesto for Sark” arrived on Sark doorsteps and many people thought, “Great! At long last Sir DB and Sir FB have adopted a more considered, conciliatory, sensible, honest and acceptable tone”.
Then, oh no along comes v.17 of the propaganda student rag mag, (The Sark News). Humorous? Yes. Sad? Very. Immediately any vague attempt at serious journalism or statesman-like credibility were blown to the Kingdom of Brecqhou and back.
DB and FB must be strongly advised by someone that if their preferred and/or sponsored candidates fail to get beyond the Sark ballot box on 10th December they will have no one to blame but themselves.
Sark News has bestowed virtual diety status on the 14 candidates that it advised the Sark electorate not to vote for. Hustings chatter suggests an even more concerted anti-Brecqhou vote. Any hope that they had to achieve fair and reasonable representation in the new Chief Pleas has been lost. Their short terms aims, ambitions and plans have suffered a major setback.
I fear that they will be forced to mothball many of their excellent investment plans for Sark for the next two years and possibly longer. The great sadness is that they could have achieved so much by establishing a more open, conciliatory and reasoned dialogue with the wider community of Sark.
They have only themselves to blame. They have clearly been badly advised. They have dropped a series of massive PR clangers. They could have achieved so much more through open and sensible dialogue. Whatever happened to their much lauded statesman-like credibility?
The particular sadness is that their action will create significant hardship through unemployment, business closures and even greater division within this small and fragile community.
Their thoughtlessness has shattered the hopes, the dreams and the ambitions of many people, both young and old, on the island.
Perhaps the original aims of their sponsored and democratic “free press” were entirely laudable? The reality has created a huge reverse negative swing effect. They should start to put up the shutters and closed signs in Sark now.
I can only sumise that, in some perverse way, this is perhaps all part of some deliberate, larger, more clever, long-term secret agenda to divide, conquer and rule the island? We hope not, but only time will tell.
The greatest sadness is that Sark and Brecqhou could have achieved so much together. This is a lost opportunity. I hope that I am proved wrong through the democratic secret ballot box in Sark next week. However I fear that it is too late.
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The Barclays are at it again! What I fail to understand is why the GP gives them the oxygen of publicity (upon which they thrive) when “Sark News” is clearly a horrid little rag, pedalling poison. There’s no libel law here so the victims have no redress and these people can write what they like with impunity. It is a credit to all decent Sark residents that no similar publication exists to discredit the Brecqhou people and their apologists, for it would be very easy to do so. This vicious little rag shows Brecqhou in its true light.
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The Barclay`s are slowly working their way through the unelected persons of Sark who they
believe hold power that infringes human rights.
The logical conclusion is that the eventual target must be the Queen. I can`t recall anyone
voting for her at all; an infingement of my human rights surely!?
Is a plutocracy better than the system that survived all the centuries before?
And how democratic ate their business concerns?
Do all their employees get a vote in decisions
that will effect their lives regarding their work?
How ethical are those businesses?
Just a finishing point – I wish I had the Barclay`s taste, their Breqhou home is so lovely,enne belle maisiaon (pas)!!!
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The list of candidates in the forthcoming election is packed with people either employed in Barclay-owned businesses or with links to them, few of whom have shown any previous interest in island politics. This is yet another transparent attempt by The Brothers and their lackeys to dominate Chief Pleas. I know many fellow electors who have been scrutinising the list very carefully and have excluded the Barclay caucus from their choice of candidates as lacking any sort of credibility. Few, if any, of the Brecqhou-facing candidates would pass any sort of ‘what’s best for Sark’ test. The last thing Sark needs is any more troublemakers. No doubt the Brecqhou propaganda machine will be in overdrive in the next few days. I for one won’t fall for it.
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As a frequent visitor to Sark over many years, I am watching the undemocratic activities of the Barclays (through Googlewatch) with increasing annoyance. Although happy to see full employment and good facilities for all on the island, most of their ideas for ‘improvements’ seem entirely crackpot. Visitors come precisely for the lovely scenery, quiet, peaceful environment and friendly people. We can have noise, modern developments and feuding neighbours at home. I hope the majority of voters will have the courage to stick to their guns and vote for those who know what is best for Sark, not the Barclay Brothers.
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It is wholly inappropriate and undemocratic for Sark News or anyone else for that matter to make such statements in what is a most serious and grave procedure for the people of Sark. ANY election must be carried out upon the foundations of fairness even if the voters are choosing a political party. I am disappointed that the supposed democratisation of the Island of Sark has become what many people would consider a shambles. Whatever your political views or desires are for the future of this island, I would invite you to keep a sense of proportion and reasonability especially during and around election times. I wish the islanders of Sark the best of luck in the election.
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Marjorie Harris
So you are a frequent visitor to Sark then? Good for you. When did you last frequent the Island exactly?
It has never looked better actually!
The new economy, not the lark, exists thanks to the Barclay Twins. It has never been in better health thankfully for all.
The Sarkees can enjoy such a better way of life as well as all visitors can if only they take what is being offered. Will they? They have no choice is my arguement!
This is up to them but I would suggest that if those that wish to drag their feet, out of nothing other than jealousy, to stifle their neighbours plans then why is this exactly?
Fearing change? Wishing to hold on to illegal activities is my guess. The Barclays don’t shout about much for your information.
They tend to remain quiet and put their views in print. If so many of the Islanders are against them then why do they wish to receive their cash. Desperation is the answer.
Sark is exceptionally fortunate to have these fine figures of society to make a difference cos if they didn’t what would the future hold? Very little. More illegal activity to bring attention to its neighbours I would suggest!
As for peace and quiet and beautifull scenery! When you next go to the Island ask yourself honestly whether it looks better or worse than your last visit?
I don’t see any modern developments being created by the twins at all completely the opposite actually. Just enhancing what this run down cash strapped Island has to offer.
It is the Sarkees themselves that have placed the largest modern building in their homeland. If the Sarkees know what is good for them they will be greatfull for what is being offered and grasp the olive branch cos it will be a long time before another will come along!
My last words for you are don’t comment on things that you have little knowledge of cos it makes you look like the crackpot!
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I barely recognise the Barclays described by Paul.
After all, why do “fine figures of society” undermine so many aspects of the island’s life? Why do they resort to legal action so frequently? Has anyone managed to tot up the number of times these “fine figures” have presumed to know what Sark wants?
Do “fine figures of society” avoid venturing to the neighbouring island they profess to like so much and on which they own so much property?
Why do such “fine figures” send their lawyers to Chief Pleas rather than attend themselves? Do they see us as peasants, not worthy of their presence? Why do they not engage in honest debate, rather than perpetrating their grubby little Sark “News” on the population of Sark? Are they perhaps frightened of learning what people really think about them – or do they already know – and couldn’t care less?
Is it just conceivable that the Barclays’ investment is purely commercial, rather than altruistic? No-one can deny that the Avenue is greatly improved and that employment opportunities have increased considerably; that is laudable.
What irks most of us, however, is the Barclays’ unfeigned belief that their commercial investment entitles them to meddle in all those aspects of island life of which they disapprove – and to resort to law when they can’t get what they want. Wouldn’t it be nice if they asked us first what we thought before rushing off to the courts?
“Fine figures of society”? Mmm.
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well said paul…
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Charlotte
You barely recognise these people as described by me cos you don’t wish to is my reply. Fine figures of society tend to be in a position to afford to pay others to force others to change. Good for them. What is wrong with them not wishing to bang their fine heads on brick walls then?
I suggest to you that the only things they wish to undermine are the aspects that the petty ignorant people, not all, of Sark wishes to protect for their own desires and ways of life. The Channel Islands as a whole are guilty of this. Where has it got us? Not far actually. It only enriches a select few that wield the power.
Why do they resort to legal action so frequently? Simple one to answer here cos they are forced to and also they can. Thankfully.
Sarkees love to have something or someone to complain about. The very fact that they wish to fight a losing battle might go some way towards explaining why forced action is some times needed.
What Sark wants and is going to get is a lot better than it ever has or could wish to expect. Maybe you would wish to have your children educated in an establishment frequented by drunk folk then? I would not.
They own so much property on Sark cos people have sold it to them actually. You as well as others sound very bitter. They have stolen nothing and actually have given more to Sark than any others would or could.
They don’t wish to enter into debate cos some Sarkees think that only their views are worth considering regardless of whether they are right or wrong.
Sarkees have allowed these people to reach the point that they have through nothing other than desperation for an economy. Their beer money dried up a long time ago. No real and stable economy other than the one demanded by the Islands head actually existed.
Their lawyers handle most of their affairs cos Sarkees don’t see things as simply being black and white. They would rather concentrate on what grey matter they can invent to further their wealth or petty egos.
Most are not seen us peasants but some attitudes and beliefs are. As for those that feel that the Brothers feel they are above others then you could not be any further from the truth.
Human Rights benefit everyone!
They don’t bother to engage in honest debate cos to do this you first need honest people to debate with.
Intoxicated fools always believe they are right. Until they sober up that is. This is one of the major factors here. Some never sober up cos they are left with little else other than complaining or poking their noses in other peoples affairs.
As for Sark News. There is nothing preventing any others from doing the same. If it is really this much of an issue.
I dont think for one moment that they are frightened of learning what people really think about them. They know and it is exactly this ignorance that they are dealing with legally.
Their wealth does not entitle them to meddle in all those aspects of Island life of which they disapprove. I don’t believe they have said this only you have actually. It is human rights that have placed them with this entitlement. Other ignorant petty people will see things differently.
You people have been asked many times what it is that you want. Same answer lets not change a thing. What would the future hold then? An ever increasing mentality that relies on holding events and wishes to encourage alcholism as a means to an end to make some money?
Do the Islanders wish to see people paraletic and urinating where ever they wish?
Wait and see what the future of Sark holds cos it will be better for all thats for sure. Not that many will admit it though. These are exactly the people that wish to brainwash others so they can maintain their petty ways and thoughts.
Sark is changing on a daily basis. It is now high time Sarkees showed the Brothers the respect that they deserve and the recognition for the good they have achieved. They will keep achieving this cos they do know better than most residents put together.
Such a shame that some would rather the Island be dragged forwards kicking and screaming.
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It is important to bear in mind that these two (maybe three} brothers are stupidly rich. Have money to burn.So in their richness think they can stuff Sark but they wont.
Playground bullies in a playground not of their making.
Sark will bite back ’cause it’s real and lovely.
The Barclays are visitors to the channel islands, they too will have to learn to behave just like us.
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I don’t know too much about Sark life or Sark politics but from the outside the ‘Barclayisation’ of Sark reminds me of the attempts by the Borg in Star Trek to take over the galaxy. To the dozen candidates denounced in Sark News the message would appear to be: -
‘RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!’
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Is there going to be a Big Dipper and a McDonalds coz if so im in!
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What “makes” Sark is intangeable – what the Barclay’s appear to be doing is to make it tangeable. Which will alter the place beyond recognition.
The whole point of Sark is that it rag tag, quirky, different. It’s a land that time has forgotten. When you step off the boat you are instantly transformed from a conformist world of modern capitalism to something so differnt if you open your mind it simply blows you away.
Yes, granted, some things need to change but lets not be blimkered here – if Sark is commercialised (nothing to do with democratised) then it will not be Sark any longer.
People don’t visit Sark to play golf, eat burgers or generally use it as a rich mans plaything. Visitors go to Sark for Elizabeth Peree’s wellies, the smell of horse dung, the characters propping up the bars, the sheer chaos of it all – and they love it!
Whatever the people of Sark vote for will be their legacy. If change happens it happens but I for one will be greatly saddened if I can understand the place – which will mean that it isn’t Sark anymore.
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Spot on Gilthead.
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Having a newspaper in Sark is an oxymoron surely?
Of some degree?
Sark News eh What????
On an island of 700 inhabitants how could you ever justify a publication with News as part of the title?
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What is needed on Sark is a Visionary Leader to emerge from the wings of this situation and establish a cause that all the Islanders including Sir David and Sir Frederick can rally behind and believe in. The ancient legacy of Sark is something special in this world and the two Sirs are powerful people who can not be discounted. That power should be used with the Islands population and hopefully that of All Channel Islanders support in support of a mutual cause.
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I am an outsider, from London. The content of Sark news published during an election campaign, would not be acceptable if it were published in Islington about an Islington Borough Council election. The childishly personal nature of the attacks smacks of bullying. Outside news media drawn by the election story are starting to notice this.
Sadly, if the Barclays get control of the Chief Pleas they will run Sark as they run their companies, secretive, un accountable and private property.
if they do not get control then their anger and frustration, will, as they have warned cause them to take revenge,
For Sark there is no good outcome, only a least worst one. I cannot judge what is best, but I do know that the Sark I have visited is gone.
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Is Paul the Barclay brothers Alastair Campbell ( only without the literary prowess??)
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Here we go again with some minority despot trying to ruin the lives of good, decent, PRINCIPLED people.
Can we float the Barclay brothers island off into the Bermuda Triangle somewhere……
I have been visiting Sark for over 30 years now (staying at La Sablonerie) – a very sad day…..
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I don’t blame the 12 candidates in question. As soon as the Barclays started mucking about with Sark, I started to not like them. Now the more they keep poking a stick at Sarks way of life, I dislike them more and more. It is not as if they are even here all the time, because as we have heard they are not here much. They are ruining Sarks quaint way of life. Who made them the new Seigniere’s of Sark!!!
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Just because the Barclays have more money than everyone else what gives them the right to try and run Sark?
It managed perfectly well before they came along, I’m sure I’m not the only person that gets sick and tired of rich outsiders moving to the islands and trying to tell everybody else what to do??
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As an outsider, grokel and long time visitor to Sark I can only say beware of the Barclay Brothers. They are successful businessmenn but do not seem to have an ounce of aesthetic value between them as the outrageous and bullying nature of the content of Sark News proves. However, consider that they are just merely building up another arm of their business portfolio until it is profitable enough for sale – Sark appears to be just another ‘asset’. When the time comes to sell, you might end up with a less well-intentioned proprietor who has money to burn – perhaps Richard Desmond, billionaire Porno Publisher and owner of Express newspapers might be interested in an offshore haven. After all, he already banks in the Channel Islands…
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Democracy is good for Sark; there was no real reason why ‘tribute’ should have been paid to the Seignure. After all he did stuff it in his back pocket.
But I do agree that money talks and the Barclays, for all their philantrhopic tendencise; investment in Sark, use of the helicopter for emergency search and rescue, donatiosn to local charities they do seem to have their teeth in to the island.
Now they have democracy, it appears it’s not the democracy that they want.
What’s up with them?
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Congratulations Sark on a great result.
Perhaps now the beautiful island can return to normal
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What a wonderful election result for the people of Sark. But what a tragedy for those islanders who had come to rely on them. Their misery is a useful lesson to all the islanders of the awful future that would have befallen them all if the election had gone the other way.
Let us pray that they will take their ball and leave. Somehow I doubt it. More nasty legal action is likely to follow.
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Thank heavens for the result of this vote -perhaps i can – as a mainlander – share with you the contents of the email I just sent to Sark News (sic):
Hello,
Please furnish me with a list of hotels, restaurants and other establishments owned and / or run by the barclay brothers. After the recent elections I am planning a trip to Sark and wish my money to benefit the real inhabitants of the island.
If you fail to respond – or respond negatively, i will be forwarding out correspondence to appropriate newspapers and media organisations. I feel it is in keeping wiht the tranparency that the barclay twins desire that they should share this information with me.
Regards,
howard turner
howard@studiowizard.com
As a long term visitor to Sark over many years i wish to make sure that i can return this year and support indigenous businesses in the processes
ht
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I have never been to Sark but I have followed the Barclay brothers campaign to bring “democracy” to the island with great interest. Now that I read on the BBC that they have withdrawn their cash in a huff because they didn’t like the way that a democratic vote turned out, I can see exactly what sort of people they really are. They seem remarkably reminiscent of Squire Haggard in the Daily Telegraph’s “Way of the World” column – when it was a proper newspaper.
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Well well well, the Barclays have now shown their true colours (re the sacking of all Sarkees/adopted Sarkees that have been working in the establishments that they have bought). Stamping their feet like 2 children not being able to get their own way. Shame on them. The people of Sark did not ask for their help – it was gratefully received in the misguided belief that these two ‘gentlemen’ with their multi millions were interested in investing in the future of Sark in an altruistic manner. Unfortunately those who mistrusted the Barclays intentions have now been proven to have been right to trust their instincts. The Barclays have worked their way into the infrastructure of the island and now they have realised they can’t rule over the Sarkees they have started to destroy the fabric of the island. I hope with all my heart that the newly elected government will be able to guide the island through this attack and come out the other side victorious.
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The Barclay brothers have imposed harsh retribution on the people of Sark for disobeying their wishes. My sympathy goes out to you and all those losing their jobs. But by their action the Barclay’s have shown what Sark would have been in for in the long term if you had taken them on board. You have shaken them off your back with one quick shrug. I wish you luck in bearing the short term pain.
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If it is true that the Barclays will close all their interests in Sark, it will rate as one of the most pathetic instances of sour grapes and melodramatic flouncing we have ever seen. Their much vaunted care for Sark has been shown for what it is: Sark was their toy and it failed to show sufficient timidity so has been kicked away.
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I reckon the Barclays had some hidden agenda for Sark, who knows what?
Maybe they wanted to pack loads of houses into Sark like sardines (like here in Guernsey) I certainly noticed a lot of new ones since they owned Brechou.
Maybe a theme park island.
Maybe they wanted to tarmac the roads next and introduce cars there.
I will still be visiting next summer, Barclays or no Barclays.
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The mean spirited way in which the Barclay Brothers have reacted to the democratic vote of the people of Sark has all the hall markings of a Charles Dickens novel. The tale of Jacob Marley and Ebeneezer Scrooge spring to mind.
The time has come to invade Brechou!
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