Sark misses the point on peace talks
Tuesday 11th January 2011, 2:30PM GMT.
Publication yesterday of private correspondence between Sir David Barclay and the Seigneur of Sark has shed a rather different light on the relationship issues between the island and Brecqhou.
While the Barclay family has been making strenuous efforts since at least 2009 in effect to call a truce and to work together for the benefit of Sark, there has been nothing but opposition to that.
In particular, there is no indication that the exchange of letters was discussed with or approved by Brecqhou. If that is the case, it looks like a particularly hostile move designed to prevent any peace talks.
A measure of Brecqhou’s desire to avoid further disputes and contentious issues was reflected in Sir David’s offer in November to withdraw its legal challenges in the European Court of Human Rights, accept Sark’s present feudal status and, in 2009, to make a substantial, interest-free and unsecured loan to the island to keep its loss-making Isle of Sark Shipping Service afloat.
The island’s response, however, has been one of outright hostility.
Some would have sympathy for that. Sark has felt beleaguered by the interest expressed in it by Brecqhou. Yet the island is clearly better, more democratic – although there is still a way to go – and more prosperous as a result.
In placing the private correspondence before Chief Pleas, the General Purposes and Advisory Committee said: ‘While seeming to hold out the hand of friendship, the campaign of harassment and litigation has continued unabated.’
It is also demanding reform of the Sark Newsletter ‘and the adoption of a more civilised, less belligerent, approach’.
That’s telling. The newsletter takes a particularly harsh and strident tone in exposing what it sees as waste, the lack of transparency and accountability and unfair practices in the island, but it usually has a valid point to make.
By insisting that the only voice of criticism and scrutiny is muted ahead of any deal, General Purposes reinforces the concerns that there are effectively a handful of people there running the island and they prefer to do so in obscurity.
Its handling of this matter is yet another mistake.
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Its a good thing we have the Guernsey Press (and the Sark Newsletter) to tell us what to think like this.
Otherwise we might have to think for ourselves.
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I am pleased that the GP has finally allowed comments to be posted against this opinion piece, but now the indignation I felt when I first read it has subsided and been replaced with mere resigned dispair.
I can only assume that this is a cut and paste from the SN. Editorial opinions are all very well, but this is such biased one-eyed claptrap that it makes me wonder whether anyone at the GP has any understanding of journalism.
The referring to the Barclays as an island to give them greater authority, the “strenous efforts” being made by them, the “nothing but opposition” in response, the interpretation of an act as “particularly hostile” when it could easily have been naive incompetence, the reference to Sark being “clearly better” when many would beg to differ…the propaganda goes on.
The author should write for the Iranian press as this is just their sort of thing.
All hail the wonderous Brecqhou (we who are not worthy of their grace)…
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It is curious that two wealthy residents believe they are ‘special’ enough to be entitled to a audience with someone who holds a title that they do not accept or respect.
Even more curious when you consider the weekly bile that is churned out in the thin disguise of informed political opinion often vilifying the same person with whom they are seeking an audience.
Is it really surprising that the Seigneur has quietly but firmly declined their request?
It is, however, correct that the issue has been passed to Sark’s elected politicians to make a decision.
Would the States of Guernsey offer Tom Scott or Charles Bilson a permanent seat on the Guernsey Policy Council? I think not.
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And of course it’s not always about money, but freedom and the wish to keep things how they were and so Sark probably don’t trust the Barclays given past events. This is not given proper consideration in the above article.
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Just out of interest, has Gordon Dawes got himself a new job working at the GP?
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Clap-trap and sycophantic as well. A shoddy editorial.
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Sark folk should be exceptionally grateful for what the Barclay’s have given them. Good deed after good deed. They get little appreciation or thanks. Strangely, in most cases, quite the opposite.
People need to see what is what, as well as the intention & meaning too. There is a dozen or so who wish to keep things the way it is because they do very well from the current situation. Many sheep look to them because they feel they know better & need that guidance.
This back biting & negativity serves no purpose other than costing the island good money, which is very much needed, & halting progress that is inevitable.
I don’t believe the Barclay brothers have any hidden agendas. At their time of life they could do without unnecessary hassle & enjoy what they have spent their lives building up.
People need to question those who are dragging their heels & ask about the costs involved. How many others would have taken the view that it is pointless trying to educate sheep & simply put their feet up in luxury whilst many feel the pinch as a harsh lesson?
I don’t believe lifelines will be thrown out forever more. Either common sense will win the day or change will be pushed through the expensive way & people will see their worst fears were all for nothing. Fuelled by people they come to learn couldn’t be trusted.
What is it that people are scared of exactly? Just change it would seem.
Beaumont has been worried about losing all the fringe benefits he has enjoyed for so long. The man has deep hungry pockets. This much is clear.
Are the people truly that ignorant they are happy to pay, what can only be described as the island’s fuhrer, good money for little other than a position that is as antique as his indulgent ideals?
This man taxes whatever & where ever he can. Often from those he knows only too well aren’t very well off in the first place.
In the worst case scenario I wonder how many restrictions, placed upon Brecqhou’s boats, would be enforced if this ignorance reaches the point whereby Sark Shipping is wound up & sinks?
Changes are happening & will continue to do so. I think it is reasonable to request a fair & clear road ahead for progress to move forward as smoothly as possible.
Good things can be achieved when people work together. Fifteen years ago Sark was ropey with little to offer other than peace & quiet for those that could afford that kind of life & desired it that way.
Many say that is what the island is about but are hypocritical by going all out in attracting visitors with almost any excuse for the money they bring with them.
I don’t think many could argue that what has been achieved so far has been superb for the islanders & visitors alike.
The people have the option of seeing a smooth & prosperous future ahead. Or an uncertain one, if the select few are allowed their way for little reason other than jealousy, protectionism & short sightedness.
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Totally agree Paul.
I wonder how things would be enacted if the new ruling group of expats actually had had to work for a living on Sark when they arrived ?
How would they cope with all of the new health regulations if they wanted to start up a cafe or shop? Licences now seem to depend on who you are and if they do not like you then all sorts of reasons can be found to deny you a licence for this that and everything under the sun.How would they cope with trying to build a small house for the family with all of the new building laws let alone the new challenges of building an extension for an enlarged family?
In the past they would have been lucky to even find a job to pay for the bank loan (no mortgages on Sark)for their home – if they found somewhere to put the house!However, overall we managed to get businesses up and running, find or build a house and bring up our children. I wonder how many of those children who left island for further education would want to come back to Sark and start up on island as adults with the present atmosphere and challenges set down by the new ruling group who seem to have nothing better to do than organise everyone else’s lives but make sure that their own lives remain safe and secure and use their powers to keep themselves above the reality of everyday working people on Sark.
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I totally agree that one cannot, indeed, bite the hand that feeds…
which is why, perhaps, Sark has made it clear they don’t want the Barclays ‘investments’, especially as they’ve grown to realise that accepting these magnanimous gestures means they have to trade the feudalism they know, love and were quite happy with.
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I have to smile when I hear that a dog calls another dog an animal
This talk of feudalism is just another bluff, any ruse to stir up trouble.
They call it old fashioned medieval, and so on
I wonder what one might call Lords, Knights Batons baronesses and so on.
If not in that class the a few high sounding letters added to one’s name.
Dear oh dear, and you call the Sarkese Feudal?
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I’m just wondering how those currently in power in Sark got to be in power
Were they voted in by any chance?
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Find it rather strange when so many are so interested what a little community like Sark, does with their Island.
It’s their life, and none of my, or anyone elses business- unless????
Yes, unless some are trying to butter up some one else.
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Ray,
Yes all the Conseillers are elected to our parliament called Chief Pleas.
In 2008 approximately 90% of the electorate voted in 28 Conseillers half for 4 years and half for 2 years (lots were drawn to determine who were 2 or 4 year) so that we will have an election every 2 years for half of the conseillers.
Last month the turnout was about 80% for the election of the 14 due for election with 21 candidates standing.
The membership of the Committees is decided by the Conseillers at an extraordinary meeting soon after the election.
There are about 450 on the electoral roll out of a total population of 650. The Sirs Barclay are NOT on the electoral roll which says something about their idea of democracy.
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A good question, Islander. Why IS there such interest in such a small piece of apparently insignificant rock?
Could it be;
The natural beauty? The flora and fauna? The fishing and farming? The rugged tranquillity? The quaint simplicity? The individuality? The uniqueness? The inaccessibility? The quirky old laws? The traditional rules? The old fashioned respect for tradition?
Or alternatively;
The lack of motor cars? The lack of pollution? The self governance? The lack of bureaucracy? The lack of a civil service? The lack of big brother? The freedom for self-expression? The lack of accountability? The lack of modern infrastructure? The lack of external interference? The lack of taxation?
Ah ha! Look no further.
Hypothetically, just suppose for a moment that you were a super rich Oligarch and you wanted to create your own super mini state what would be top of your shopping list?
It could be that you wanted to benefit from all of Sark’s attractive attributes but which one would you find MOST attractive?
Why else would anyone pump zillions of pounds into a small island with such an amateur government, a desperate disregard for human rights, a broken society, no community spirit, an ailing economy and no future?
Answers on a postcard please.
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Sarkdog
Is it at all possible that you may have all missed the point – they just want to be good neighbours?? Why would anyone give loads of money to a society when they could buy up the whole lot, lock stock and barrel as you so put it and have not done so already? If you do not want their money just say so and kindly ask them to mind their own business and maybe they will. Simple stuff.
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Zelda, cynical moi?
Silly old me, I forgot to mention that one. Of course they simply want to be good neighbours… how foolish of me!
Mind you it seems a jolly curious way of going about their aims?
Last time I checked I don’t think Sark was for sale? However a lease on some bits might be negotiable?
You must remember that your average Sarkee is NOT terribly seduced by wealth and power in the normal consumer driven society way.
They simply desire a simple life, unhindered by the diversions and complexities of big business and its seemingly associated, vindictive paranoia.
Are the BB’s on Sark for pleasure, profit or pain?
I say keep it simple and just say ‘non, non!’, Seigneur!
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I think everybody who knows about Sark’s ways will agree it’s very easy to be outcasted.
Once this is the case it takes a long time to turn it around.
Many have little to talk about there. The rumour mill itches for juicy gossip. This is especially true in winter.
Powerful people with lots of money & influence are easy targets for suspicious speculation & provide perfect fodder for the sour grape vine.
It is high time everybody started to at least talk about what can be achieved with a can do will do attitude.
The way things were, way back when, just wasn’t sustainable for average everyday people to make a reasonably living or life for themselves.
Those who have been elected can afford to be stubborn. The people, they claim to be representing the interests of, most likely don’t enjoy this luxury.
The ordinary man & woman on Sark need to question the future outcomes of their elected motives & consider the consequences for them as individuals.
Retired folk with money won’t be affected too much. Young families will suffer the most.
What was in place with regard to helping people who have fallen on hard times in the past?
Very little at all!
Often, it would be the case of those with the least doing the most. Change has to happen for the prosperity of the island & its future. That’s if families want to enjoy the full potential of what it has to offer.
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