Apology, but row goes on
Tuesday 24th November 2009, 2:30PM GMT.
CHIEF MINISTER Lyndon Trott will not let the issue of Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying drop.
While apologising for the row becoming public, Deputy Trott insists that the order of who lays the wreaths must be resolved.
A disagreement about whether HM Procureur and HM Comptroller should lay a wreath ahead of a States representative marred this year’s memorial service.
In a letter to Guernsey’s president of the Royal British Legion, Deputy Trott said: ‘I deeply regret the fact that discussion of a mere protocol issue has overshadowed the solemnity of the festival of remembrance.’
But Deputy Trott (pictured) confirmed he was committed to resolving the dispute.
‘As you will recall, we met in my office to discuss this matter on 22 January last when I was able to explain my desire that the respect and gratitude felt by the people of Guernsey should be demonstrated by the laying of wreaths by an elected representative at the appropriate moment in the ceremony,’ he said.
‘I am committed to resolving this matter so that next year the focus can be where it should be – on the sacrifice made by our armed forces.’
However, a critic attacked Deputy Trott’s apology yesterday. Ex-soldier Ben Remfrey, who founded landmine charity the Mines Awareness Trust, was ‘disgusted’ to learn that Deputy Trott would not leave the issue alone.
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Absolute joke, very shameful.
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The only thing he wants to represent is his ego. I for one would much rather see a RESPECTED member of Guernsey laying the wreath.
This guy really is on another level if he thinks this is the way to represent the soldiers.
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Surely Mr Trott must recognise that who lays a wreath is completely irrelevant. The reason for the ceremony is to give thanks and remembrance to our fallen heroes. It is the fact of the wreath laying that is important and not who lays them. Come on Mr Trott – Grow up!
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Can`t believe this petty issue is still unresolved. Let the veterans themselves, or at least their relatives, lay the wreaths down.
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Multiple choice question:
‘When in a hole do you (a) stop digging or (b) keep digging?’
You’d think that would be simple enough…..
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As posted before, there are already rules for this.
The highest Milatary representative lays their wreaths first, hence why the Queen goes first. The Queen in the UK is the highest Milatary level.
In Guernsey it would be the Balif. Not a representative of the States.
One feels Trot is on a personal crusade to raise their position rather than go research the facts!
Sad state of affirs.
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This is definitely not what Rememberance Sunday should be about. It is so inappropriate and childish for both The Chief Minister and Bailiff to be argueing over such a petty issue on such a sombre occassion.
Why couldn’t Deputy Trott just be grateful that he actually got the opportunity to represent the Island by putting a wreath down and put the issue to rest?
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As a serving member of the Armed Forces and, perhaps more importantly, a Guernseyman still living in the island, I was absolutely disgusted to hear that this ridiculous row had started in the first place and even more dismayed to learn that Trott seems adamant to make sure it continues.
Public disagreements like this completely overshadow the reason why we honour those who have fallen on Remembrance Day. Rows like this are particularly distasteful in the current climate as members of the British Armed Forces are losing their lives in battle every single day.
Once again, the Island has been shown up on the national stage. As a proud member of the Armed Forces, I can honestly say that in these last few weeks I have not been so proud to be a Guernseyman.
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Trott is quite simply unbelievable. That said the bailiff is not in my views the most intelligent man if he is going to get drawn into a childish ‘he started it’ argument. Both completely miss the vital point of sacrfice given by the soldiers. I wonder what ‘rememberance-gate’ will bring next year, i hope the true meaning is given full concentration. I read Trotts apology letter in todays press, shame it had to go this far but the only thing i could think was, i hope he wrote this outside of office hours… I don’t want my taxes to go towards paying for him to waste time at work. I’d get in trouble drafting such things during work.
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So the guy writes to the Royal British Legion to apologise for wreathgate becoming public knowledge, then phones the media to let them know that he’s apologised to the Royal British Legion?!?
Why did he need to tell the island that he’s apologised?! Why can’t he let it lie? He apologises for the publicity in one breath, then courts more in the next!! How can anyone trust a single word that comes out of his mouth!?
How did someone like this end up in charge of our entire island?!?
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The Queen lays a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the people of the nation. I believe she lays the first wreath. In Guernsey her representative should therefore lay the first wreath on behalf of the people of Guernsey. The first wreath should not be laid by some jumped up politician who has shown total disrespect to the fallen.
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Trott enjoy it while you can. Come the next elections you’re gone.
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C’mon Lyndon… for Queen and Country. That’s the order.
I guess the Pantomine season has started early this year? Oh no it hasn’t!
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His trouble is he still thinks he’s an empire builder. and Guernsey is under his jurisdiction.
Well now Guernsey people let’s show him how big he is- or rather his mouth.
Time he was thrown out on his ear-
Dump him. he is no good for Guernsey.
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I don’t think the way this topic came up is as clear cut as many posters seem to think but it is one that deserves to be aired anyway.
I’m no fan of Deputy Trott but his office as our senior elected representative has to be honoured. It is unfortunate that the office is presently held by one who does not command universal respect but as I’ve written elsewhere, it is that office which should take precedence over any non elected appointee however worthy or eminent.
It seems that Mr Trott’s detractors will seize on any stick to beat him with however inappropriate.
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If Trott is so keen on the people of Guernsey’s gratitude being shown at the ceremony, perhaps he ought to take more notice of their views on this subject i.e. drop it, nobody is interested in your petty squabbles and we’re all quite happy for things to remain as they are. He hasn’t even attended the last two ceremonies and yet he has the bare faced cheek to expect everybody to dance to his tune.
The sooner this megalomaniac is out of office the better.
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So Mr Trott is committed to resolving the dispute is he? Well, if he spent more time committed to resolving other more important issues for Guernsey he wouldn’t have time to waste on this issue, which frankly has nothing to do with him. The order in which wreathes are laid should be the same order it has been for the last seventy odd years. I cannot recall that any elected representative has the right to assume he or she is speaking on behalf of the people without consulting them first!
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People like Trott are one of the reasons why I left Guernsey. I hope the Guernsey People get rid of him at the next elections. He is an utter disgrace as a politician.
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My Guensey born daughter is a serving soldier.The rantings of the Emporer Trott have reached their London Office, their only comment that is printable was, that for the good of the island this meglomaniac should be exiled to the same place as Napolean was.
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Please, please, please can’t someone get rid of this man before he damages this island even more. Why is he and his band allowed to continue when they are so clearly not representing the majority of the island.
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Scene – Christmas lights switch on, Church Square. Big count down to Father Christmas pushing button. Few seconds to go then someone steps forward, elbows Santa aside and says “Excuse me, I’ll do that. I’m the CM.”
Move over Santa, your times up.
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Mr Trott
why dont you just grow a big white beard and call your self GOD that way you can cut out all the middle men while on your journey.
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I smell a bit of a rat in all this!”
‘Could this be the build up for another trip to solve the problem?
Where will it be this time.
The wizard of Oz is closed for the season, try
Cuckoo fairy land: right up his street.
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Valdubon
Absolutely hilarious, I’m in stitches here!!
I also heard unconfirmed reports that LT barged into someones house so he could steal a tooth from under a little girls pillow.
Expect taxes to go up by an extra £1 next year
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I can not see any real apology from the despot ego man.
My grandfather and four of his brothers fought in the first world war and more relations were in the second.
I do not want that deluded man to lay a wreath, he is too insincere. It is best if he continues to stay away, that would be a better way of showing respect.
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Flying Scot – my thoughts exactly….stop digging!
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I really despair of what is happening to our island.
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It is about time that Lyndon Trott resigned from The States and if he does not The Deptutys should get rid of him.
When you look at what has gone with other Depuys getting reprimanded what has happened with our illustrios Chielf Mininster, allegedly swearing and threatening to punch another deputys lights out in full view of Civil Srevants (no action) insuluting the Bailiff and having to be restrained by ministers (again let off the hook) and now wanting to lay the wreath, if he wanted to lay one go and by it!
I have also written to The Policy Council to ask who else goes on Trott’s travels around the world at the tax payers expense as well as a break down of the expenses incurred, no reply as yet, no change there, I remember Deputy De Lisle asking to go to Icealnd at his own expense, refused by the Trott regime and he could not even get a list of who was going, is that transparency? I don’t think so.
It is time that CM Trott got on his bike and rode into the sunset, does he realise how unpopular he is, all he wants is power (Pime Minister,Bailff and Lt Govenor all rolled into one) and is trying to effect that within The Policy Council and if the members of that body are not careful he will take them down with him.
Goodbye and good riddens and I hope he is man enough to realise that but I suggest the gravy train is to appealing.
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I think the same should happen as it did to the little fairy at the top of the tree:
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bcb – reminds me of the old surgeon joke….
What’s the difference between God and the Chief Minister?
God doesn’t think he’s the Chief Minister…
I’ll get my coat.
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If any States Deputies are reading this, what more can our deluded CM do, before you get rid of him.
What he has done and continues to do, is showing that we have a lot of sheep in the States.
He is in my opinion, making a mockery of the system and degrading the name of this Island.
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“who are you” asked the CM, opening the door.
“I am God” replied the stranger.
” Idon’t believe in you” sneered the CM.” Show me a miracle”
God showed the CM the miracle of Birth.
“Pah” says the CM Our people create life in tubes. Show me a proper miracle”
Then God caused the Sky to darken and Hailstones came pouring down.
CM rang the air ministry asked them to seed the clouds with silver chloride crystals. It so happened, and the sun shone again
“show me some more” ranted CM
And the Island was swarmed with insects.
Again on the phone the CM asked the air ministry to spray insecticides -
Again the CM sneered, “Is that the best you can do?”
God caused the seas to divide.
CM asked the navy to fire some atomic torpedoes at the Ice cap. The ice cap melted and the seas came back
“I can cause all 1st born to die” Said God
Paltry tricks, watch this” says the CM
And missiles flew to their predestined targets, and the radio activity killed every living thing on earth.
“I can raise the Dead” God told the CM as he lay in his cardboard coffin.
“Please,” wailed the CM “Let me live”
God looked at the CM and asked “Who are you?”
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