Doctor ‘driven out over harassment’ by Sark Newsletter
Wednesday 1st February 2012, 2:30PM GMT.
Sark GP Dr Peter Counsell is going to leave the job, citing ‘trial by media' and criticism by the Sark Newsletter as the reasons. (Photo montage by Peter Frankland) 1219517
SARK’S doctor has quit because of what has been described as a ‘campaign of harassment and lies’ against him.
Dr Peter Counsell, who has the held the position since May 2008, will leave in July.
He declined to comment yesterday, but the island’s Medical Committee chairman, Diane Baker, said Dr Counsell was leaving because of an article about him in the latest issue of the Sark Newsletter.
‘I feel very angry and upset because Dr Counsell has been a brilliant doctor for Sark. What he has done for the island is amazing so to lose him because of somebody else’s nastiness is devastating,’ she said.
Sark Newsletter editor Kevin Delaney, who is also managing director of Sark Estate Management, was not available for comment yesterday.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Saturday 26 May
- Laid-off staff see jobs re-advertised next day
- The Week - Roots Manuva interview
- Royal celebrations of yesteryear
- The Week - Jubilee Food
- Sport - Angus Mackay takes Gib job
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Well, it looks like Kevin Delaney, SEM and the predictable but relentless puerile drivel of the SNL is going to trigger the meltdown that we have all expected for a while now.
Let’s see how (and the SNL’s other paid propagandists) manage to try and turn this disgraceful episode into another bullying and threatening anti-establishment diatribe, and pro-SEM propaganda.
This must be a major opportunity to force the issue of the SEM’s malignant presence at last. Go grab it, Sark!
Report abuse
How can a man who appears to be universally disliked, continue to have such power on a small island? Who reads the Sark Newsletter? Whoever you are, stop reading it and force this appalling man out so your doctor has time to reconsider!
Report abuse
Readers should wait for the facts to be revealed before launching into conspiracy theories on this topic.
Report abuse
Sark Resident
Obeying orders, I am seeking the facts by reading the latest (Feb 3rd) issue of the SNL. I see a Guernsey Press feature item was again lifted and reproduced in its entirety (did anyone ask permission?) But the SNL adds colourfully:
“…after dragging her behind a tractor along bumpy roads…”
Really? Kev’s intern, Claire Wiseman, makes it sound like an excerpt from The Vikings or Ben Hur. Does she have a HND in creative writing?
Accordingly, I am still looking for some facts.
The one key fact is that the SNL – through its untiring and unspeakably odious efforts to propagandise the distress and misfortune of islanders and visitors – has made the whole issue one that transcends logic, sanity and the best interests of anyone sane. Which means that it suits the SEM agenda which seems to be to try and drive the indigenous occupants away by sheer frustration at the witless inanity of it all. As now proved again by the Doctor deciding that he has had enough. So shame on you, SR, for giving any comfort to Delaney and the SNL by implying he/it is anything other than a maker of costly mischief.
Report abuse
i cant wait for the truth either,but i suspect the doctor wanted a medivac by chopper but was overruled by the husband.
if delaney is so hated in sark why is he still there and not hounded out?
i suspect 99%of sarkees know he is right in what he says.
feel free to tell the truth any time
Report abuse
also if the doctor travels on the chopper there is no medical cover on sark.
we only keep getting snippets of stories and nobody fully explains what happens.
Report abuse
Milly: welcome to the fray.
“why is he still there and not hounded out”
Well, it seems that Sark does not “hound people out” – other than doctors.
100% of Sarkees have twice had the chance to vote on the issues, and twice Delaney and his agenda lost in embarrassing defeats.
The reason Kevin still hangs about is the £30+m of Barclay money sunk, and their desire to gain ever more control over the legislative process. £30m is a small price to pay for your own fiefdom with its own taxation laws that can save you >£100m a year.
Report abuse
This Sark newsletter is getting beyond a joke. If Delaney carries on for much longer with this stupid newsletter, Sark will loose all of it’s local services !
Isn’t it about time the real Sarkies stood up for the island and the life they have enjoyed for so many years.
Report abuse
I’m curious as to how this will be twisted by the SNL.
Report abuse
I fear the old Sark has gone forever
RIP THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Exodus to Guernsey this time is on the way.
Report abuse
Interesting Situation, however, if it is found that the Doctor DID NOT use the helicopter because of political pressure ignoring clinical need, then the whole issue should be looked at. Alderney has it’s own hospital, 4 GPs and they still fly out cases if clinical need ditates.
There have been alot of trauma and medical emergencies cases in the last 5 years where a helicopter would have been 1000 times better than using the boat. If you are having a heart attack and need urgent specialist treatment, are you prepared to go by carthorse or would you rather be treated within 20 minutes?
Report abuse
Having travelled on the Flying Christine with my 90+ year old mother I have no hesitation in saying that the care, expertise and kindness shown by the paramedics together with all the equipment carried and available for the care of patients on the vessel far outways any limited benefit given by a helicopter evacuation,
The Sark doctor gives his patient the option and if he deems it necessary or the patient request he will use the whirly-bird.
Personally I would use the Flying Christine every time but there are some people who hate the sea.
Report abuse
Agree, the flying christine personnel are brilliant. Just a bloody awful ride across with the ends of a broken bone grinding against one another on every wave. Was airlifted in the Alps, 1000 times better!
Report abuse
I was in Sark last week and in this quiet time of the year I had a chance to see first hand what was happening on the island I feel sorry for the true Sark people
But after this latest incident I am sure Delaney will eventually lose the propaganda war It is so Ironical that at the end of each newsletter any form of bulling can be reported to him in confidence
Report abuse
From reading a previous article my understanding was that if a helicopter was needed then one could be flown and landed on Sark in a field.
Was the other comment made that in fact the pilot for the said Brecqhou helicopter would have actually been on leave anyway.
Report abuse
Interesting at this stage that the Doctor is not willing to comment personally; the news has been released by the Medical Committee. Perhaps he has been hounded out by the SNL, however this is nothing new, the Sandersons (Headteacher & wife) had their marching orders a few years ago, not by the SNL but by the political wizards so it may well be one all to both CP & SNL!
Report abuse
Didn’t something similar happen to the Sark School headteacher a couple of years ago?
Report abuse
Grumpy teacher is right. The establishment kicked a perfectly good teacher off the island with there bullying tactics a few years back, it seems to me a bit of a pot and kettle situation here. Those in glass houses and all.
Report abuse
@psdoff: If your/yore spelling is anything to go bye/by/bi, the “Establishment” did the rite/right/wright thing.
[This has been a multiple choice reply]
And given Guernsey’s present “edukayshunal” shambles, maybe the more teachers that are reminded that they are dispensible, the better?
Report abuse
Razzer
I think you’ll find that should be ‘dispensable’
Report abuse
Ray: “dispensible” is listed in online dictionaries – but noted as obsolete. A bit like, me I suppose. :-(
Report abuse
On Alderney we might have a hospital but in reality it is a nursing home!!! You might as well class the in-patients as residents,people can be in the Mignot for years,that’s why casualties are flown off as there aren’t true facilities here.
Feel sorry for the residents of Sark as all there seems to be is back-biting.
Report abuse
Today Mr Delaney has tried to justify the SNL’s vilification of the Doctors decisions over medivac procedures. I am wondering how on earth Sark coped with these medical cases for decades before the advice of these recent interlopers was freely available through this ghastly monthly rag. It is very noble of The Barclay’s to offer air assistance if need be and I applaud them for it, However their aircraft is not kited out for medivac’s in the same way the dedicated hospital launch the Flying Christine is and to some effects the Guernsey life boat. Whatever the rights or wrongs of these evacuation methods, it must be for Sark’s doctor to have the final say and it should not be for the unqualified editor of the Sark Newsletter to decide that he knows best. He keeps telling us that he has a “right to know”. Well know he doesn’t, that is the business of the Doctor and his patient. The damage this latest SNL rant has done to Sark is immeasurable and as a PR exercise for the Barclay family, it is an unmitigated disaster. Sark has lost a fine respected Doctor and the SNL can now print that.
Report abuse
@Dave Jones: would that the SNL was a monthly. Sadly this contribution to the edification of none and the misery of nations is weekly – with additional supplemental emissions, as now, if we are particularly unlucky.
The recent arrival of Ms Clair Wiseman (apparently a lawyer) to assist Delaney write the rubbish might at least result in the correct acknowledgement of the SNL’s abuse of Guernsey Press Copyright when it frequently quotes complete items without any acknowledgement. This action has already apparently reduced the reputation pf the GP by causing people to wonder if it is part of the SEM/Barclay empire!
If that isn’t defamation worth £1m, what is? Although it seems that the Graham Family appear to be domiciled in Monaco (and thus must by definition live less than a mile from the Brothers’ Monaco gaff…)
From:
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Building+up+a+serious+income+at+the+double%3B+MIDLAND+MONEYMAKERS…-a060702246
“The business is run by his sons Douglas Graham , aged 68, who is chairman of the company and Alan Graham , aged 56, who is on the board of directors but is a tax exile in Monaco. ”
Well fancy that!
Report abuse
Dave, the SNL is NOT a “ghastly monthly rag”.
How dare you belittle the Graped Crusader’s noble crusade in such a pejorative fashion.
The even worse new is that it is a moronic WEEKLY rag, with occasional supplements such as the latest tripe-laden issue.
Please get your facts straight.
Report abuse
Could the Guernsey Press please officially deny the rumour taking root that it is now ultimately owned and or controlled by the Barclay family or some part of their empire?
The credence offered to Delaney by continued coverage of his SNL nonsense, posturing and hypocritical threats seems to transednd the attention that he and it deserves – unless there are other agendas in play here…?
Report abuse
The Guernsey Press and Star is part of the Guiton Group, owners of the Jersey Evening Post, which is in turn part of the Midland News Association.
MNA is an independently owned newspaper and media group in the UK and publishes, among many other titles, the Express and Star in Wolverhampton and the Shropshire Star.
It has been in the same hands – the Graham family – since 1880.
For more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Express_%26_Star
Report abuse
Alan Graham, a director, is resident in Monaco as are the Barclay twins!
Report abuse
…so?
Report abuse
“SO” it’s ironic that this is precisely the same sort of loose association of ideas and innuendo that the SNL thrives on reporting.
BUT the Barclays and the owners of the GP are both (clearly) taking advantage of the tax efficiency of an offshore haven, while Kevin & Co blast away at the (alleged) Larkers who likewise took advantage of “fiscal opportunities”.
[Note to Kev's spammers: Please don't try spelling "hypocrisy" - you'll probably end up describing a form of government by hippopotamuses.]
Report abuse
In days gone by, the Sark Newsletter (or its equally diabolical predecessor) has asserted that Sark residents are involved in the ‘Sark Lark’ on the sole basis that the first few letters of their surname match the first few letters of the name of a company registered in, say, Panama (no, honestly, their research goes as deep as that).
On that basis, the editor of the Newsletter would be the director of any company registered outside of the UK with a name such as ‘Delaware Inc’ or ‘Delay Analysts Ltd’. Maybe even ‘D.E. Lawrence Ltd’ would be one of his.
Using the same in depth sense of logic, and research based on nothing more than geography, I am happy to believe that the Monaco link gives Brecqhou de facto control over the Guernsey Press.
Sauce for the goose and all that…
Report abuse
It’s common knowledge, amongst those in the know, that the true facts with the Doctor’s resignation is due to his decisions being challenged and overruled by the establishment.
Most of the readers here would have seen the advert F.A.S.T for stroke victims. For those that haven’t here is the link:
http://uk.reuters.com/video/2009/02/08/nhs-advert-on-stroke-risks?videoId=98345
The faster one acts the more of the person is saved. That simple statement is so apt but also very chilling. The Doctor is well aware of that. No doubt that information would have been relayed to MB. I find the journey by sea rather than air a very strange one indeed.
The Doctor is able to call on the medevac service for some cases but must not dare for the anti-helicopter badge wearing brigade.
He feels impossibly torn between doing the right thing for the patient’s needs and what their feelings are towards the use of the chopper.
When political stupidity and arrogance means more than the health of another human being it’s no wonder he feels unable to carry on under those terms.
For the record, the same equipment and level of expertise is carried on the helicopter as what can be found on board the Flying Christine.
Tony Ventress
You’re well aware of these facts.
What do you class as “limited benefits” exactly?
A patient with an illness where the golden hour is critical to the outcome would almost certainly be dead with the use of the marine ambulance.
Minutes compared to two and a half hours is not limited by any means.
With time most things in life progress. It’s not just about making do where the health of others is concerned. It’s about doing what’s best that should be the main focus.
No doubt the recruitment of a new Doctor will create the need to be left to operate without political hindrance. I hope the GMC will be enlightened so best practice can be forced upon Sark before a life is lost unnecessarily.
Report abuse
“For the record, the same equipment and level of expertise is carried on the helicopter as what can be found on board the Flying Christine”.
Somehow – I seriously doubt it! Perhaps someone could list the medical equipment which is permanently carried in the helicopter…
Even if the helicopter is packed to the hilt with gear, what good is it if the doctor is unfamiliar with it?
Can the helicopter take a stretcher, or do unconscious patients have to lie on the floor?
Report abuse
The helicopter can indeed take a stretcher. One has been generously donated to the Medical Committee by the Barclay’s to help speed up transfer times.
Those that are wanting questions answered with reference to the equipment levels or expertise, or anything else, should direct those to:
kd@sarknewsletter.com
As far as I can see the SNL is a complete open book. Open for all to challenge with contact details available if any reader is wanting further clarification on any of the issues raised in whatever edition.
Open, transparent and honest. How can it be any fairer than that?
Those seeking to stop it are the very people that’re wanting to keep quiet on issues that would see them for what they are, with reference to how they administer themselves as public representatives. Self-serving, secretive and dishonest.
Rather than speculate, reach conspiracy theories or even just make it up as one goes along, like many do here. Speak to the person who has the factual answers you are wanting answered.
That’s the purpose of the SNL. To promote open debate for all that have issues they want clarification on.
Ask an awkward question on Sark and the person doing the asking is usually met with little more than silence.
I am happy to prove it by setting out an open challenge for all the readers to see for themselves. Here goes:
Tony Ventress
Would you kindly request and provide details, for myself and the other readers here, for the Seigneurie Garden Trust?
That will be a starting point from which I will ask further questions that will go to show just how secretive the Island is with how it likes to conduct its business affairs.
I can safely insert the sound of crickets at this point.
The silence will be seen by the other readers too. They will see for themselves that is not how a democracy should be conducted by anywhere that likes to even consider using the terminology.
I stand by my earlier statement that the equipment level and skill-set are equal on the helicopter as what they’re on board the ambulance launch.
The notable differences are that of obvious comfort and of course transit times.
One can see why the question was raised as to the reasoning behind minutes against hours when a stroke victim’s health and well-being is at stake. This is especially obvious when the information on F.A.S.T is considered against that very decision. Again, I’ll provide that link so readers new to this thread can familiarise themselves:
http://uk.reuters.com/video/2009/02/08/nhs-advert-on-stroke-risks?videoId=98345
I’ll safely concur that the Doctor’s expert advice for his patient as well as best practice was ignored due to differences between the establishment and SEM.
There is no other reasonable explanation. It’s exactly that that needs clarification.
Report abuse
sark resident
it seems more like i suspected but can i take it as truth?
i ask true sark people about whats happening there and respect their views.
Report abuse
ps both my parents were born in sark
Report abuse
milly
Only the doctor and MB can answer that question. I doubt whether the patient would have been in a fit or comfortable state to make a clear and informed decision at that time.
It’s highly unlikely MB will offer any explanation.
It’s as clear as day, to those that can see it for what it is, the doctor was under immense pressure and torn between doing what was right for his patient’s needs whilst struggling with reference to best practice and respecting the wishes of the Seigneur.
Without the GMC intervening I suspect the truth will never be known. I would bet one million to one the GMC’s preferred method of transportation would be by air every time. Bearing in mind time differences are minutes compared to hours and the patient in question is suffering from a stroke.
I feel truly sorry for the way this has been dumped on the doctor’s shoulders. To the best of my knowledge nobody wants him to leave. It’s sad he has allowed himself to be used by the establishment to achieve political dividends.
They’re failing, as usual, miserably in their endeavours. They will use anybody to preserve their self-serving future. Little foresight will be given to the professional integrity or future of anybody caught up in the crossfire.
I hope Max Clifford is preparing the statement on his behalf. He will need something spectacular. After all, it’s taking long enough.
I had personally hoped he would’ve chosen to use the best option available to him. Say nothing and put an end to it all.
He has already indicated he will release a public statement in due course. Those that know him know he is a man of few words. The length of time it’s taking to word a short statement speaks volumes.
He has said very little to date other than tendering his resignation. The Medical Committee are the ones that are seeking to engineer the spin and substantiate something that he has not even put his name to.
The question regarding the decision to choose sea travel over air is shocking and remains valid for all other than those with feudal agendas.
This happens to be a highly significant precedent that has been reached.
If it turns out to be the case that the doctor is in fact limited and governed by MB then it’s right and proper for him to leave.
Sark needs a doctor with a backbone that will practice without fear or favour.
I don’t wish to say anything bad. This is just how I feel personally on the matter.
It’s my desire for the best form of healthcare to be afforded to all.
Without hindrance.
I’m sure important lessons will be learnt from this. I hope Dr Counsell’s professional reputation will not be tarnished as a result.
For sure he has been carefully manipulated. Not by the SNL’s journalistic licence or the concern it has afforded to this but by the power and influence held by one man that had wielded full control for almost four decades on the Island. A well seasoned master.
When all is said and done. We are all responsible for our actions.
Tony Ventress
I look forward to being furnished with the details to the Seigneurie Garden Trust. Many others want to know what’s happening with that too.
I’m hoping full disclosure will be made by 10/02/2012. That’s more than enough time for a copy to be made available.
Report abuse
I apologise to all Sark residents for the error. Weekly is even worse, I could ask what on earth they find to write about? But a then a quick glance at the SNL immediately answers that question? Puerile drivel.
Report abuse
Apology accepted.
Consider yourself blessed that you had not previously had cause to notice!
Report abuse
Another sad day on Sark, at the hands of SNL/SEM.
But is anyone really supprised?
I hope that Dr Counsell changes his mind but why should he? How long can you practise with such a vindictive man having regular and very public digs at you?
Shame on you KD.
My best wishes in what ever you decide to do Dr Counsell.
Ps Is there an on-line petition?
Report abuse
Hold on Flame boy, The real issue is did he leave or was he pushed because he felt his professional stautus and patient well being was been hindered by not been allowed to get a seriously ill person to hospital ASAP. The health committee have a lot to answer for, they able to tell you rubbish, they claim they wont be accountable, so they can tell you anything they like, they’ll never end up in court for lying because there is no political regulater to take them there. Long live Fuedelism…….NOT!
Report abuse
What is about SEM apologists that they cannot spell?
But is there actually a word “Fuedelism” ..? I looked it up. Aha!
fue·del·ism/ˈfyo͞odlˌizəm/
Noun:
The domination of a small island by overbearing threats of the use of rude amounts of cash to bludgeon away the rights of the democratically elected representatives of the people.
Report abuse
point taken. remind me when we’re on the boat to gern next , to get some better reading glasses or a larger lettered keyboard! I am appologising for the spelling…..nothing else, as a fellow human being, I supposed to be able to express my opinion without abuse, as are you!
Report abuse
Dear Sprotley
“able to express my opinion without abuse”
Absolutely correct; now please trying telling Delaney & Co about free speech and abuse.
Errrm. I trust you are not describing my free educational advice as “abuse”?
You can always take up Kev’s kind offer and shop me to the SNL if you are really that bothered! Although I would gladly buy you a compensatory beer on the ferry – if only it was that civilised. Sadly, I can’t buy you one anywhere on the Hill (or most other establishments on Sark) either, or I would be dropping money into an underserving SEM coffer.
Report abuse
Mermaid will be fine! cheers
Report abuse
There is a Facebook page supporting the doctor:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=540544496&ref=name#!/supportsarkdoc
Report abuse
Apologies, link should be as follows:
http://www.facebook.com/supportsarkdoc
Report abuse
So if the SNL is such a bad thing then all the Sark folk have to do is collect all issues and shove em all back in Mr Delaneys’letter box.
Nobody is forcing anyone to read it, if no one read it, in time it would surely cease to exist and Mr Delanay would no doubt try to find another way to spout his nonsense.
Report abuse
DA – shoving the SNL back whence it came (it’s hard to control that mental image…) is NOT enough.
The people of Sark ARE being forced to be aware by the collateral damage caused by the SNL. There is NO escape from the fall out.
The SNL seems to be the ultimate instrument of hypocrisy. It is entirely about bullying, harassment, innuendo, and spite.
An objective reviewer would have to ask these paid advisers of the Barclays just what their game is – it is manifestly NOT in the interest of the majority of Sark residents, who must now stand up, be counted (again), and democratically “remove the menace.
It seems absurd that the UK is talking about Scottish independence when the struggle for independence from the menace of Barclay cash and attempted influence is so much more morally essential and urgent. Or are the Westminster politicians really still running scared of the threat of further revelations from the Telegraphs dubiously acquired intelligence?
Let’s hope that Private Eye is taking note.
Report abuse
It’s common knowledge that Sark Resident is a fan of and apologist for the SNL. Big respect for at least being consistent. Consistently misguided, that is.
It’s common knowledge that if the doctor reckons that “A” (not the “the”) chopper is the best way to evacuate a resident, then he has that option. And it’s common knowledge that the case will be immediately seized upon by the Delaney Chronicles and used ruthlessly as the most poisonous form of propaganda in his puerile war of words.
The unguarded statement from the pilot made it clear that the primary purpose of “playing nice” was to allow the SEM hotels use to promote the service in their marketing.
Just quite how stupid does Delaney & Co think we are? No wonder Ms Wiseman (great name – although “wise woman” was once a euphemism for a witch) has been paid to try and do better. Be she’s too late to salvage any vestige of credibility for this shambles. Way too late.
The irony of this is that the SNL was just starting to probe an issue (albeit with typical spite, innuendo and inaccuracy) that the Establishment really needs to address: the fragile Sark economy, and how to avoid the new serfdom of functionaries under the yoke of SEM. But the distraction of the SNL is such that no one is willing get involved and be set up for trial by SNL innuendo.
This is a truly TERRIBLE state of affairs that HMG MUST address NOW. There really is only one way this affair will be settled – the people MUST exercise their right to determine how their island is run.
Even if that means passing very specific laws that remind everyone that money cannot buy absolutely everything and everyone.
Report abuse
Spot on.
Everyone GROW up; Delaney SHUT up; and Chief Pleas get on with setting out a credible future for the island that will attract young families.
Sark is such a FABULOUS and unique haven that it is beyond shameful that this situation has been allowed to get this far – purely and simply because the people are scared that the cash mountain will bury everyone in fantastically costly litigation. And there plainly remains concern that Westminster is still under the Telegraph’s “MP/Peer revelations” cosh.
Disgraceful doesn’t start to describe this state of affairs. Aidan Barclay, please come out hiding and get involved – and act at last. We know you are reading this.
Report abuse
I once posted an opinion here that I was in favour of some of SEM’s plans for Sark. Now, how can one support such a company that has spite and bile running through it? When will SNL/SEM realise that the majority of islanders do not agree with the nonsense they/he/she [ by the way, who is Claire Wiseman? - make yourself known....that's if you live here] feel it proper and decent to publish week after week?
Shame on you Kevin Delaney and more fool me for giving you the benefit of the doubt
Report abuse
“- make yourself known….that’s if you live here] feel it proper and decent to publish week after week?” from Islander? abit hipacrical! don’t tell me, you’re a member of the Chief Pleas,
I’d like to have them all put under oath, where they are made accountable, lest then we wouldn’t have to put up with this double standard. All meetings between counseillers on public business should be made open to the public scutiny. Especially the health committee.
Report abuse
No one with the slightest knowledge of these islands would refer to “Princess Margaret Hospital” instead of the PEH as CW did.. Live here? I don’t think so!
Report abuse
Oh my. The latest issue of the SNL sets about mauling poor Phil Falle, who tries so hard to be objective that it sometimes hurts. Delaney than has a small fit, and concludes:-
“Mr Falle, you are disgrace to journalism.”
If he ever had it, Kevin has now lost it. Delaney should be retired to a hut on Brekkie for the obvious stress he is suffering, and the rather more credible Phil given the job of writing the SNL for the benefit of Sark, and not the SEM’s ever more tedious and dubious agenda.
It must be a very weird and lonely existence living on planet Delaney, with just the money and a couple of minders for company. Even the creators of “This is Jinsey” couldn’t possibly make it up.
Maybe someone will take up the suggestion of the advert on page 8 and invite Kev out for a Valentine’s day dinner at the Aval? What no takers?
Report abuse
I’d gladly sub the cost of that dinner if anyone wants to invite Kevin..? It could be a perfect opportunity to The Seigneur and his nemesis to kiss and make up? How about it, Michael?
Report abuse
Sark Resident and Sprotley. Your posts seem to me to be some of the more accurate, and sensible replies, straight forward and to the point. Outsiders who have never lived on Sark but just visited, do not, and never will know what it is like to live on Sark. You are marked by the pub you drink in, the company you keep and who you are seen talking to in the village. It has been so for at least the last ten plus years. It is just that recently, seemingly since the newsletter came out, open dissent, questioning of decisions behind closed doors and lack of accountability have become open issues as opposed to questions raised in the home away from prying ears.
The wonderful real Sarkese from generations back are now sidelined, due in part it must be said, to having sold their inheritance to outsiders who want to be a big fish in a small pond as opposed them being nonentities when they lived on the mainland.
In all my years on Sark I have always found the Sarkese to be sound, kind and very generous people who ran themselves their way and when sensible to do so, took on board new ideas but after lots of wonderful debating and oposing views being declared in C.P.
C.P’s meetings were conducted by Lawrence with a sense of humour and tolerance. Those days are well and truly gone. Any form of dissention from the Agenda of the Incomers who have taken over means sidelining the people who show any form of opposition of their views and way of conducting Chief Pleas. There is now a rigid, almost military, feel about the proceedings these days. No dissention in the ranks or you know what will happen to you! No committee seat, work problems etc etc et al. Fear seems to overide peoples freedom to speak their mind about matters that affect them or go against the ‘establishment’.
Oh and Tony I had the dubious honour of going twice on the Christine, both times with a broken limb, and I can tell you, given the choice of being thrown about on a rocking boat in a gale, or having had the offer of a ride in a helicopter I know which choice I would make! The crew were billiant but a choice would have been nice. How come Alderney, Guernsey & Jersey residents have no problem with using the Barclay’s, or any other helicopter? Just seems to be a Sark problem!
I think we all know why if we are honest!
I also support the cause for the doctor staying on Sark but not for political reasons – just that I found him, when I cause to visit him, very kind and caring as were Mike and Dr.Rob when my family had need of them.
Report abuse
I find it absolutely amazing that people who have never lived on Sark and have not been affected by the Barclays can comment so freely. They have changed Sark forever. The decision of the doctor to leave because he is now in danger of not being able to get a job anywhere else because of the accusations made by the SNL is outrageous. He cannot comment because it would be professional suicide. As for the helicopter issue they have a designated landing spot if needed. Is it not up to the patient and doctor to choose how they would like to be evacuated? As for Mr Delaney it’s avery sad state of affairs that when getting your hair cut or visiting the doctor that you have your body guards waiting outside. Why would you want to live like that?
Report abuse
I am curious to know why Mr Delaney feels that he needs to have body guards in the first place?
As he is the primary antagonist on the island, maybe he feels that he has overstepped the mark.
In my experience they are only there to intimidate fellow islanders, similar to the school bully who gathers their gang around them.
As for seeing the Doctor it appears he has done a very good job of hounding him off the island with his constant bullying in his newsletter.
Poor old Mr faille will he be the next one to be castigated by KD to the point of leaving?
Report abuse
Old Jay makes interesting points which confirm the intractable nature of a situation where a democratically elected government is being forced to act in ways that we all wish had not been quite so crudely forced on them by the SNL’s relentless war of attrition.
Fact: the results of two elections are plain enough in terms of where the democratic majority opinion lies, so please don’t anyone kid themselves. The corrosive presence, influence and consequence of the Barclay money is the elephant on the island, and there is no getting away from it.
Rather than offer any succour at all to the SNL’s propagandists, Old Jay might like to come down off the fence on the subject of the way that the SNL effectively has cast a pall across the notion of “free speech” by stifling all objective discussion for fear of ending up in Delany’s very obvious pillory – or the democratically backed establishment’s alleged black book of collaborators.
Regrettably, the battle lines are clearly drawn, and neither side is going to back down until something like an imposed authority instructs all concerned to grow up – but such authority could not fail to start by reviewing the contribution of the SNL, and have little option but to close it down before anything approaching a sensible rapprochement can be achieved.
And in the meantime, the SNL continues the war of character assassination and carefully measured innuendo. So Sark continues to suffer as good men like the doctor see no satisfactory future in the current shambles; and who can blame them?
Report abuse
As I see it, the propaganda campaign set out by Delaney is not to ‘win the hearts and minds’ of Sark residents. They don’t care about that. It is simply an endless stream of rhetoric that forces the opposition to argue against it, whilst meanwhile having the rug pulled from beneath your feet.
Classic propaganda techniques that you are all getting drawn into.
A simple solution to all this would be to hand the island back to the crown. Start paying taxes like the rest of the UK and all of a sudden it wouldn’t seem so attractive any more. Of course, this won’t happen as Sark residents want to keep those tax benefits, only on their terms not somebody elses. If you truly cared about the island (like I do), then you would pass tax laws that would essentially end the outside interests and you could go back to business as usual.
With love for Sark xx
Report abuse
Actually , handing back the lease would be a great idea, we may then get led by people who are then held accountable to the rest of us. Our chief Minister is a joke & a patsy for the ruling parties, the money that man has spent taxpayers money is beyond a joke. The main call here is make the Douzaine accountable, no more secret meetings, everything out in the open & under public scutiny then and only then can the matter really be settled.
For the regular islander, like myself, I do not benefit from tax breaks because if there was one it’s swallowed up by cost of Sark Shipping!
Report abuse
Observer is correct. It’s up to Sark to wake up and recognise what is going here, and use their democratic authority to stop this nonsense charade of grotesque self interest, masquerading a “people’s crusade”, dead in its tracks.
The Seigneur’s family had legitimately acquired the Fief and were/are entitled to operate it accordingly. In so doing, they have preserved a unique way of life and a unique community with a strong social conscience – based on collective responsibility that started at the top. But to suggest that a community of 600 people can be run like any other European state is plainly absurd, but “plainly absurd” is the stock in trade of the SEM machine. Are the occupants of Brecqhou able to elect their leaders? I think not.
For their foresight and steadfast determination to keep cars off the island, the Beaumonts probably deserve to be given a prize for common sense, if such existed. The reason for “no cars” may not be fully understood by many, but its effect has been to make Sark seem so much larger than it really is – which is a key factor in reducing the “cabin fever” effect of such a small place – especially for visitors. Some suggest that there has been the missed opportunity to allow some form of speed-limited electric vehicle on the roads; pointing out that there is nothing noble about being blown off a bike in a force 8 gale with horizontal rain – but that topic was always going to be a victim of irrationality, the moment it became a pawn in the great war of words.
Obviously there are going to be some mistakes – and the biggest mistake made by the Establishment was to allow the gradual Borg-like assimilation of Island businesses by SEM without thinking through all the angles – although by that time, CP had been buried in distracting litigation and was probably both scared and weary of yet another legal battle. Although that would have been a fight worth fighting.
In the 10 years or so since the SEM campaign started, Europe and the West has sailed itself straight down the toilet of history by unthinkingly believing the sirens of “human rights” and some weird conception that they called “democracy”, but plainly is not (ask Greece – of all nations!). Old fashioned common sense based on life experience was substituted by procedures and committee-lead laws that have brought a continent to its knees. And meantime, Europe is being comprehensively overtaken two nations – one not at all famous for democracy and human rights; and the other, although notionally a democracy, is scarcely famous for a classless society or treatment of its poor. But both nations understand the realpolitik of coping with the “real world” rather better than the we have been lately, and are setting about eating our lunch. Literally!
Report abuse
Spotley. Exactement!
Report abuse
Much popular misinformation in these posts.
SNL is cleverly written and is still modelled on relentless repetition of propaganda sheets. Sark Doctor is wise to remain silent, for the time being. He will eventually disclose truth and SNL will weep. Facts.
KD is now a spent force. SNL is running scared. Discreet silence from CP is well advised whilst SNL becomes more paranoid & hysterical and now wants to gather confidential patient information. Hope they have got the necessary permission?
NB: sadly history has forgotten that the rogue teacher in question was proven to have skeletons in his closet, re inappropriate previous behaviour, and had to go but he requested a “no information” gagging clause. This is a fact.
Report abuse
Sark Dog,
Everybody has a skeleton or two in their wardrobe, as for inappropiate behaviour, you obviousily haven’t been to the Merm, on a friday or saturday night recently!
If you don’t want to use the helicopter even if you’re just about dead, then cut out the slip on the back of the last SNL!
The thing is, the Doctor is trapped, if it becomes apparent that MB wouldn’t let him use the helicopter then it becomes a matter for the GMC, if he decided himself not to use it, then it’s also a matter for the GMC. Which ever way you spin this, the poor doctor is under a Damocles sword.
MB could have avoided all of this but again his stubborness, which has shown all too often, has completely knackered up a very good, competent, nice man & his family.
Report abuse
Before too much credence is shown to the SEM/SNL/Delaney agenda here, this thread is missing the usual (and most telling) reminder of what Delaney & Co did the day after the first election results were out.
He sacked everyone and closed everything!
What are we doing wasting our time discussing the faint possibility that the bloke “has a point”? Only a very dim person cannot understand what the SEM game really is. If you can’t win at the ballot box, then let the dirty tricks commence…
Report abuse
Big respect to the GP for allowing this discussion to develop. How could I ever think it was in the pocket of “another empire”?
I hope you will be providing Phil Falle with bodyguards and a private escape heleicopter now he is apparently a marked man in opinion of the SNL.
Report abuse
It’s interesting looking in on this thread from afar as a former inmate.
I think sprotley again misses the point – on purpose?
It is the relentless SNL propaganda campaign that has placed certain issues beyond rational discussion on Sark, to the detriment of all. The elected represenatives have been subject to harrassment and browbeaten in ways that an outsider (I confess) finds hard to believe.
The way the SNL has cynically exploited the misfortune of sick islanders in pursuit of the clearly stated SEM agenda of “Helis for Hotels” is pretty obvious to all but those who are in the thrall of the SEM cash mountain.
I’m guessing that SEM will now HAVE TO offer to hire and pay for a replacement doctor, if only for the safety of their hotel guests. Make certain you get 5 years worth of the cash up front, Chief Pleas.
Report abuse
JohnS,
I am not and have never been on the payroll of SEM, However, if a member of my family or myself needed to get urgent medical treatment, I would do a deal with the devil himself to make sure that happened ASAP. What has happened is against all common sense.
There is no need to have to wait for 1&1/2 or 2 hours for that to happen.
If we want to live in the 19th century as far as our infrastructure is concerned, fine. However, when it comes to life & death then we must accept any help we can get. This is the 21 th century otherwise are YOU going to explain, in court why a death was unnecessary ?
Maybe the way forward is to use the helicopter for medical emergencies but KD not to write about it and put other peoples backs up. Whether he’s right or wrong to do so.
Is that a way forward? I’m sure KD is reading this.
At the end of the day the Doctor knew the helicopter was at his disposal and on this occassion for what ever reason decided not to use it.
There was that guy who worked for MP & “Two Bags” the other year and he was a paramedic with years of experience, to a large extent he was more clinicaly qualified and experienced in trauma than the doc, yet he was shunned by the medical committee?
There needs to be an OPEN public discussion on both sides, no pointing of fingers just set out an agenda that works for the people of Sark by the people of Sark!
Report abuse
Sprot, you hit the nail on the head.
/You/ might be able to do a deal with the Devil – but there are some elderly old buffers for whom the notion of personal integrity transcends such Faustian opportunities.
That alone is the point here. All else is Delaney & Dawes (good name for a double act, eh?) bluster hastily devised to try and cover up the fact that the SNL may have made the most grotesque error of judgement in this matter. As long as the SNL and the whiff of costly if vexatious litigation exists, there can be no “open discussion” on Sark, and you know it.
And we still don’t know if Mrs Beaumount suffers from Corcoranophobia.
Report abuse
Corcoranophobia? I never realised a word had so mamy sylables, however even though the Christine’s crew are brilliant. The Corcoranophobia would only last minutes compared to 40 mins+ of sea sickness on the boat.
As far as no open discussion, this is the major stumbling block, how can we trust anyone? They tell us one thing and do another, the medical committee has scored an own goal, ask any ordinary persom in the aveune!
Report abuse
I posted in an earlier discussion about the use of helicopter for evacuation from Sark. My point was that SEM argue that there should be a helipad on Sark so that helicopter evacuations could take place more easily; I have experience of the air ambulance in London and the whole point of that service is that a special design of Helicopter is used -one without a tail rotor – so that it can land in a very small space – and so that it can land, typically, on a stretch of road beside a road accident.
The advantage of the air ambulance is that it flies over congested London traffic and is able to land very close to the accident.
It is exactly because the service requires no special arrangements to enable it to land that it is useful.
Of course conventional ambulances are still heavily used, and the decision as to which service to use in a particular case is a medical one.
Report abuse
The argument that people can be moved faster from Sark to Hospital by helicopter than by boat and therefore that helicopter is always better, and so for example, in cases of stroke, shows complete ignorance of the medical facts. I was involved in the administration of training courses for para medics in N. Ireland when the cardiac ambulance service was set up there. (I was a very minor beaurocratic cog at Ulster Polytechnic) It was clearly explained that the purpose of a cardiac ambulance which was a new concept then, was to get specially trained staff and equipment to the patient as quickly as possible so that treatment, which would otherwise await hospital admission, could start at once. Transporting the patient back to the hospital in, what amounts to a mobile treatment room, could then take place at a leasurely place.
in fact, treat the patient first, then move them is the rule.
Report abuse
Kevin Delaney has had Gordon Dawes (advocate) be instructed to write a letter regarding the whole thing and it appears in today’s paper for anyone that is interested.
Report abuse
There has been a reference to, and in my view, misuse of, the concept of the “golden hour” in this debate. As I said in my last post its getting the treatment to the patient fast that matters, not moving the patient.
The point is well put in this quote:-
“Los Angeles Paramedic and author John Longenecker explains that The Golden Hour is not about transporting the urgent patient and getting them into the system, but in treating the patient immediately on scene or en route. The entire mission of EMS worldwide is not to bring the patient to the “care” but to bring the definitive care to the patient (Mobile Intensive Care Unit / Advanced Life Support) for the purpose of mitigating the morbidity and mortality of acute illness and injury.”
Report abuse
I agree with what Dave Barry is saying, with one provision, as the Doctor himself always says, he’s a generalist, not a specialist. First aid in situ is great and getting them prepared for the journey is needed, but getting the patient into specialist medical care ASAP is also paramount.
Report abuse
Davy and others: the golden hour is a big SNL red herring to deflect attention from what is accurately described as the “elephant on the island”.
If a couple of octegenarians made a wrong choice, then few here could disagree that it would have been entirely because of the photo-opportunity and propagnda coup it would have handed to the SNL.
In which case, who is right and who is wrong?
A number of posters have seen through the shameful use of the Beaumont’s distress in this wretched fiasco for what it is. Let’s hope Delaney carries out his threat of seeing Mrs Baker in court for alleged defamation; it’s about time the world knew about the bullying and harrassment that has gone on in this one-time rural idyll, since that fateful election was lost, and the revenge commenced.
Report abuse
I have never read the Sark newsletter before today. I was intrigued by the publicity given to this particular story in the GP, so having read the various postings within this thread, I was left bewildered, so I started from square one, by reading the original report in the SNL of 7th January 2012.
1) I noted the story had two angles of public interest (i) wife of a prominent public person (ii) the use or non-use of the Barclay’s helicopter.
2) The journalist poses a few questions that in the public interest seemed to be fairly reasonable questions which no doubt could be easily answered.
3) Depending on the answer, it raised the possibility that this non-use of a helicopter for what appears to have been a life threatening situation could happen to others, again a simple rebuke of such a scenario would easily put that pre-proposition to bed.
I know I would be extremely worried if I thought the helicopter would not be the automatic option if I or any of my loved ones had a sudden stroke or heart attack, as every minute counts.
So it is of concern that the said Doctor should decide to resign rather than give the Islanders some comfort that the use of the helicopter in this instance was not the best option but that he would not have hesitated to use it should it be deemed by him to be the best option and also confirm that it would be used, should anyone suffer an emergency where every minute counts.
However, the questions quite rightly posed by the SNL are left unanswered and even worse for the Islander’s, it leaves doubts, such as was his judgement overruled and if not, why not just confirm it was his best judgement.
In my opinion, it seems that some of the above posts appear to be from those who have not actually read what the SNL stated and have just responded in some auto default attack the messenger mode, thereby not addressing the important question, but making allegations that are not apparent in the original report, which makes me ask why!.
I came to this story with an open mind, I am left thinking that perhaps the SNL is doing its best to hold those in authority to account and perhaps some do not like it!
I am intrigued that no one has asked, what type of emergency would automatically justify the use of the Barclay Brothers helicopter without any due delay?
Report abuse
@ Devils_Advocate Can you explain what was bewildering about my postings above? (31,32,34) In summary:-
1. An air ambulance is a special kind of helicopter. ( The Barclay helicopter is not an air ambulance)
2. An air ambulance does not need a helipad; that indeed is a large part of the point, so the SNL campaign that a helipad be allowed on Sark so a helicopter could be used for medical evacuations is a non sequiter.
3.It is speed of getting assistance to the patient that counts not speed of evacuation to a hospital.
4. Where an air ambulance is available is is by no means always used. Whether it is appropriate to use one in preference to a conventional ambulance is a medical judgement. If you cannot trust your Dr. on this you cannot trust him on anything.
I would further comment that given the helicopter is NOT an air ambulance and so not equipped to be a mobile treatment room, a decision to use it rather than a properly equipped ambulance boat would require some special factor in its favour.
Report abuse
Nice try Devil’s Advocate (and an appropriate choice of pseudonym): but you can’t simply take the SNL “out of context”. It’s like saying that “Mein Kampf” has some handy gardening tips.
This whole episode was spawned as a smokescreen for the main agenda – Helis for Hotels – and the fundamental issue that the relentless bullying, harrassment and hysteria and innuendo directed – very personally – at a democratically elected governing council has smothered rational debate on the island for years now, and that there are ever more innocent victims whilst this standoff persists.
Please do not kid yourself – or anyone else – otherwise.
Report abuse
I find a lot of the above interesting, mainly because of the repetitive amount of assumption, without any basis of fact that is being written here.
devils_advocate, you make a good start in your first three paragraphs, however, you are making a lay-person statement to something that is a complex medical condition and then continue with what can only be called made up. Do you have any evidence to support what you are say besides what others have written before you and the SNL? (I don’t mean to pick on you, its just you were the nearest)
If you have read any of David Barry’s posts, a man who has worked with emergency services you could probably learn quite a bit on pre-hospital care of patients.
I could go on, but I will try to be brief. I too read the SNL series of articles on this subject and at one point it quotes that the Mr Beaumont “preferred” not to use the Helicopter. Now, lets assume that this is an accurate quote, this is called patient choice. Even if the dr did wish to use the helicopter (we have no evidence that he did), the patient and/or their guardian chose not to.
When did Mr Delaney, along with many people on this message board, become qualified to medically assess, diagnose, treat and plan a medical transfer of a patient?…..oh and even if there were all super amazing A+E consultants, they have none of the real medical information…..and they not even there!!
I would suggest to all on this board that they need to come down to earth and consider the facts of this case. The fact is that do not know very much, and the rest of the information is subject of medical confidentiality.
So lets continue this debate not about what we do know, not suppositions or medical claims that have no real basis.
Report abuse
Is not Sark leased from the Crown which means the British Goverment has an interest. As there is something so obviously rotten in the heart of Sark is it not time its problems were not brought to its attention.
Report abuse
David Barry – note “some of the above posts”, I was not specific.
GB – I did not read any bullying or innuendo in that SNL of the 7th January, it was clearly raising legitimate questions which no doubt could have been answered by way of valid facts in a manner to dispel any untruths should there be any in the SNL report, however the response from Dianne Baker seemed to ignite the situation and therefore the argument over whether a helicopter should have been used or not has reached a wider audience and was the precursor to my interest in the validity of that particular article, whether some people have other reasons to ignore the fundamental questions is surely for them to explain officially.
I would like to be reassured that if I or one of my loved ones suffered a stroke or heart attack we would be transported as quickly as possible to hospital whether that be in a specially equipped or helicopter or otherwise, and so far that fundamental point has not been addressed.
Report abuse
1. It has been explained many times before. When people repeatedly pose questions, seemingly reasonable but with a clear hidden agenda, and having ignored all previous expert responses, there comes a time when you just have to ignore them and say “I refer you to my previous responses”.
2. Re your last paragraph, you are clearly not reading David Barry’s posts. You may think that transport by executive helicopter is the best thing for your loved one, but in many cases it will not be – proper medical attention is more important. If it is, an emergency helicopter is already available. And unless you happen to have an accident next to the wonderful helipad that SEM would like to build, the helipad serves no purpose.
Report abuse
For the good of my nerves – can someone please, succinctly as possible sum up the whole Sark business for me – as I think I have totally the wrong end of the stick.
Is it that “we” don’t like SEM because they are doing everything they can to overturn the good old days and ruin Sark for ever?
The whole helicopter business – is it a case of “whomever” not really liking the idea that the Doctor can say whether or not he thinks the patient, in his estimation, should go by this or the Flying Christine?
Thank you for taking the trouble to explain to me – as I would like to understand the whole soap opera, and feel as if I have just wondered into the pre-Easter special.
Report abuse
Winger – I found the points raised in the report were important, they could have been officially dealt with in a positive manner but as it stands they leave me concerned that the Barclay’s helicopter may never be used.
I do not believe a journalist needs to be an expert in particular field including medical matters, a good journalist will raise public interest issues and normally in such controversial matters there would be an official factual explanation, this has not happened yet!
The official response was to move the focus from whether or not a helicopter should have been used to a Doctor’s resignation, which appears to me to have been a strange response to the SNL report, if indeed it was actually in response to that, as the doctor has not made any comment, the report did not name the doctor so I could easily assume he has resigned because he did take such a decision or perhaps his decision was overruled, as the report stated “Whoever took the decision not to transfer Mrs Beaumont to hospital by helicopter”.
So as it stands, I have read a report that raises public interest questions, nobody is named, a doctor has resigned, Dianne Baker has read the report and formed an opinion that it was about the doctor and that it was some serious nastiness, she must have read a different report to the one published!!
Report abuse
1. By referring to the SNL article as a “report” you seem to assume that it was a balanced conclusion based on a thorough investigation of the facts. It is one man’s personal hobby-horse, which flies in the face of expert opinion previously provided, including by the man in Guernsey who is in charge of emergency evacuations from Sark. Of course he makes it sound reasonable – until you listen to the counter arguments from the people who actually know what they are talking about.
2. KD is not a journalist, and certainly not a “good journalist”. He writes vindictive, spiteful, personal attacks with an ulterior motive.
Report abuse
sarnia expat
This discussion is all about the well known musical hall act of Delaney & Dawes summoning apparently level headed and objective reinforcements to try and maintain the smokescreen around the inconvenient truth that the SNL’s hysterial attack on the doctor has gone horribly wrong, and might at last lead to the necessary “drains up” dissection of just what the SNL/SEM has been up to on Sark over the past few years. The poignant January 13th edition of the SNL was curiously removed from the SNL website when I looked, the one with the memorable headline:
“THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION OF MRS BEAUMONT:
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE?”
It’s been observed once already here, but it’s worth saying again: everyone please remember the reaction of SEM to the loss of all its candidates at a democratic election. Delaney fired everyone, adn closed everything.
Anything he has had to say on any matter since then needs to be considered with this indisputable fact in mind.
Report abuse
Well done GP for allowing this discussion develop in a robust way, where all points of view can be aired.
It seems supremely ironic that the SNL offers counselling for bullying and harassment to its readers – but I imagine that they are indeed the island experts on such matters. I hope poor Phil takes up their generous offer.
So keep up the good work so that free speech – combined with good manners – can once again prevail. Sark doesn’t need a weekly diatribe from the school bullies and their gang; Sark needs a Chief Pleas that is not afraid to have robust and meaningful debates about the future of Sark without guns at their heads.
We might find more active and creative islanders willing to step up once again, if the job of a Conseiller was not simply to be target for gratuitous character assassination.
Report abuse
Milly. You say that both your parents were born on Sark (that must have been a long time ago!). However I suspect from the tone of your comments that you are now resident on the planet Zog. And that you are one of the SNL’s few admirers.
Report abuse
Having read the headline “Doctor ‘driven out over harassment’ by Sark Newsletter” and having been aware but ignored the various stories/reports over the past few years, I decided to check the facts behind the headline with the intention of forming my own opinion which in time may be cemented.
From that initial 1st Feb 2012 report by Nigel Baudains:
Island’s Medical Committee Chairperson – Dianne Baker – was quoted as saying:
1) Dr Counsell was leaving because of an article about him in the latest issue of the Sark Newsletter
2) Because of somebody else’s nastiness
3) What he hasn’t done is to get involved with politics
4) The island of Sark did not want helicopters but that did not mean that it would object to their use for medical evacuations if the doctor deemed it necessary, she said.
5) The helicopter is not set up for medical evacuations and it means the doctor has to travel with the patient, she said.
6) The pilot of the Brecqhou helicopter had been invited to ‘come to the table’ with the medical authorities and discuss evacuation procedures but had chosen not to do so, Mrs Baker said.
So I found the web site and read the article dated 7th January 2012, it could be that there was another SNL between 7th of Jan and the 2nd of Feb as Mrs Baker makes some statements which are not mentioned in the SNL of the 7th, perhaps someone can confirm if this is so, or whether she just made it up.
1) Nowhere within that RNL is the doctor mentioned or even named
2) I cannot find any ‘nastiness’ whatever that is supposed to mean
3) No mention of politics
4) + 5) Helicopter could be used if the doctor deemed it necessary (not confirmed by the Medical Council), but the doctor would have to travel onboard (I would have thought that was a given)
I’m not sure where within the 7th January SNL and that the GP story found it was claimed “that Dr Counsell would veto use of the Brecqhou helicopter for medical evacuations from Sark for his own purposes”, nor where the reference to “ The SNL said that, as an ex-officio member of the committee that proposed it, the doctor was part of that law-making process and his financial position was protected by the monopoly.”
Anyone know?
Report abuse
@devils_advocate
I think you might being a teensy bit obtuse on purpose here? The issue is rather broader than this one incident, which brought a simmering situation to a boil.
If you are determined to explore the matter in abstraction then you will continue to miss the point that there is widespread distaste for the SNL and the style of its editor, who once fired everyone, and closed all SEM properties in a revealing fit of pique.
Add to this the years of SNL propaganda specifically designed to undermine the democratically chosen delegates of the people, and it’s quite an effort to look at the doctor’s departure with detatched objectivity.
It is most likely the culmination of many events, not just this one.
Report abuse
Obtuse, not at all, I am genuinely trying to discover the truth.
So far I have discovered that Mrs Baker alludes to things that are not apparent from reading the article/report/story she was supposedly responding to, therefore on my scale of reasoning she’s started on a negative (-1), but that could easily change as could my view on the SNL which is static (0).
Now for example, I may discover there was another SNL that I have missed that would explain Mrs Baker’s response, although I think that if that was the case several people would have told me so by now and I would still like to know if the doctors professional opinion was overruled.
Are there any other web sites dealing with the overall effects of the Barclay brothers in their dealings with Sark that could help me understand more of the issues which have resulted in Mrs Baker effectively reading more than there was in the SNL?
Report abuse
@ Devils Advocate
The SNL is published weekly ad nauseum, so you are poorly briefed. Each edition is numbered consecutively; The editions you require are 123 through 129. If you can’t get them from their website then google using this format “sark newsletter 03022012″ the majority are dated each Friday. Good luck staying awake reading them and make sure you have a stiff whiskey on hand… (if you miss any try the Tuesday date between)
Report abuse
@Devils_Advocate If you want to apply your sherlock-like analysis to anything, please review the intriguing suggestion in the other doctor discussion thread that one way to resolve this damaging 10 year feud between SEM and the democratically reinforced Establishment, might be that the SEM boss (and board) should be elected by the people of Sark.
1) SEM repeatedly claims credit as the new economic powerhouse of Sark, and therefore embues itself with the power of economic life or death over most of Sark’s working people.
2) The present SEM MD has displayed unnerving instability when he fired everyone after failing to get his agenda elected. His employers’ judgement in the matter must be considered as at least “flawed” to have left such a person “in post” all this while.
Sark is a self-governing Crown Dependency – The Crown is responsible for Good Government, and that is plainly not possible without the opportunity for open debate, and with bullies in effective charge of the island economy.
The debate about the doctor is a red herring.
If ALL the people of Sark stood to get a dividend from the effective operation of SEM, then life could be very different and very interesting. Quite how this would play with the remaining independents including La Sablonnerie and Stocks is a moot point – maybe they would have to be offered the option to be acquired at the same multiple of market value that persuaded the other owners to sell out and leave.
The magnificent irony would then be that Sark is then transformed from the last Feudal Fiefdom to first “communal enterprise state” in the space of just 5 years. But these are challenging times, so big ideas are needed.
Report abuse
Musty – it’s nicely ironic that someone beat you to the monica “Devil’s Advocate”.
With all this irony flying about, Sark must have a considerable scrap value.
Report abuse
Devils Advocate – I think you may want to refer to SNL editions 124 – 126 (13 Jan, 17 Jan, 20 Jan. If you go to back issues on the SNL website but click on ‘read document’ rather then press on the actual docs themselves (which strangely give the impression that the issues were not actually issued – I wonder why?) you will be able to access them . ‘Happy’ reading…….
Report abuse
Have a look at posting 44, which you may have overlooked in your confusion.
Note the quoted headline.
Any reasonable person would draw two conclusions:-
1. That an allegation of wilful negligence was being made.
2. That as what is being alleged is medical negligence the person being accused of wilful negligence is the Sark Dr.
I hope you will feel able to respond to this comment.
Report abuse
AM – Thanks, I had previously clicked the images and hence I thought (having never visited the site before) that there was nothing else.
It is amazing how someone can be easily misled by the image links showing the same SNL for different dates.
I had a brief read of those SNL’s between the two SNL’s I had read, so much to absorb, but I will do so over the next few days. I noted a couple of my queries where answered, interesting.
Report abuse
Well then Devils_Avocate, are you happy to be quoted in the current SNL (page 6) as supporting evidence that Kevin has his finger on the pulse of public opinion?
Maybe he now feels buoyed and confident enough to pop out a fire a few of his serfs? (Again)
If you don’t issue a statement here refuting this abuse and demanding an apology for invasion of your reputation (?), then you might just as well sign yourself “Kevin_Delaney” next time and be done with it.
Report abuse
Now I know why I could not find the quote you claimed was in the current SNL.
Issue 131 released on 10th Feb was in my mind the current SNL, whereas you were actually referring to issue 130 released on the 8th Feb.
I am now able to respond to your last question:-
a) There was no abuse.
b) No apology required.
c) Invasion, you lost me on that :-).
Report abuse
This says it all…
http://www.sarksurgery.com/images/pdf/Sark_Dr_Statement_100212.pdf
Hands up all those who believe that it’s now a perfect moment for Delaney, the SNL and SEM (A BVI company!) to answer for their actions in a court of law where the sanction would be confiscation of all SEM assets, to be given the Island’s elected parliament to operate on behalf of the island..?
Democratic vote, anyone?
Report abuse
Devils Advocate – you are welcome. You may also now wish to refer to the Sark Surgery website where Dr Counsell has released his eloquent, heartfelt, truthful and detailed statement on this sorry matter.
Report abuse
GB – I may well be happy to be quoted, but if I were or were not, that is not for me to argue against, providing the quote was not taken out of context.
However, having just looked at page six of today’s SNL, I cannot find the quote you believe has been made by me.
Perhaps you could be so kind as to elaborate further.
Report abuse
@devils advocate
Am I correct to assume that you decline to comment on my posting (comment 50 this thread) ?
Report abuse
D_A – I think that the doctor’s very well crafted and dignified statement has reset this discussion. Statements don’t come much more cogent than that.
So when you find yourself in a hole, it’s better to stop digging. Although if you are Kevin Delaney, you probably call up an expensive plant hire firm.
Clearly the wrong bloke is leaving the Island – all that remains now is to rid Sark of the REAL menaces, and try and persuade the doctor to remain.
Report abuse
David Berry – see posts 48-49-51 – there is a lot to absorb, but I will. To assume anything one leaves themselves open to be proven wrong!.
SW – I’m not aware of being in any hole, as I have not yet formed an opinion one way or the other. Re: the doctor, if there was ever doubt that the SNL was not a significant news source, it has since been removed by the endorsement of the doctor resigning and giving the SNL prominent publicity (it certainly got me interested). Lets face it, if it was insignificant, the doctor would have ignored it, would not have resigned Mrs B’s “privacy” would have been as private as ones life is in a small community rather than highlighted to many thousands of people!
Report abuse
D_A, please replace the word “news” with “propaganda”; you have to bear in mind that Sark has been subjected to this tirade for over 5 years now, but it is only recently that they’ve steeped so low as to now attack people’s professions and livelihoods.
I fully understand why the doctor, with a young family and a full career ahead of him would cave in under these circumstances; it just reminds us that Sark Estate Management will (and more than likely have) attempt to crush anyone in order to get their way!.
Report abuse
So having now read the Sark Newsletters 123 and 124 and now read the official response to those two SNL’s I find it even worse than I had first thought.
SNL 123 :–
3x Questions
1x Factual Statement
1x Observational Opinion
1x Public Interest Open Question
SNL 124:-
6x Questions (3 reiterated from SNL123)
1x Factual Statement
2x Assumptions
1x Supposition
1x Acclaimed Public Opinion Statement
1x Factual Statement
1x Public Interest Question
Statement and Press Release – RESPONSE TO SARK NEWSLETTER DATED 13/01/12
1x Guilty by association statement
3x Questions which in themselves were un-evidenced accusations.
4x Allegations
5x Non related statements (not mentioned in the SNL’s dated 13/01/12)
1x Non valid speculation statement
1x Request for action to a non-evidenced allegation
1x Request for action from a third party (un-evidenced guilty by association)
Number of SNL questions addressed – none
Number of SNL Public Interest Questions addressed – none
The response from any government department should always be factual, accurate and in this case as it was a “letter in response”, should have been dealing with the public interest questions in the SNL’s. In my opinion it failed in every department, as it did not address any of the concerns, it contains un-evidenced allegations and if anyone wanted a quick lesson in how not to deal with public concerns, this letter would have to be a major contender.
I will keep reading.
Report abuse
Nice try D_A, but your erudite effort at analysis is fooling none but those who are keen to be fooled.
The discussion has moved on from the SNL’s familar distracting irrelevance, and on to why the Doctor was obliged to resign; a moment that has at last bust the log jam of misdirection and misinformation that you seem curiously keen to perpetuate.
If you are making an on-line application for Kevin’s job when he gets the heave-ho (any moment with a bit of luck) then don’t worry, you were already on the short list.
Report abuse
Musty, my previous post was in response to the above, however I am not quite sure what the last paragraph of your contribution relates to the doctor’s resignation!
Report abuse
D_A: I fear that your close study of the SNL has rendered your powers of observation and reasoning dysfunctional.
This is understandable. The effort of attempting to rationalise a paradox can lead to severe confusion.
Using about as much medical knowledge in the matter as the SNL, I prescribe a glass or two of Château Delaney’s rare and unique “Laboratory Vintage” to revive those flagging neurons? You’ve earned it.
But if that does not do the trick, will you need helicopter evacuation?
Report abuse
Musty – my post of February 12, 2012 at 5:13 pm was relative to the response by a Sark government department, if you think their letter answered the public interest concern, then please let me know where, as I must have missed it! Other than that, any other tittle tattle is of no interest to me.
Report abuse
“Sark government department”
Now here’s another problem.
Does the SEM want to force tiny Sark, and its mostly volunteer parish council, to react like a “proper” state with the same “machinery of government” as any other EU state, because it knows that a small island cannot possibly justify or afford such systems and structures..?
One big concern must be that the electoral agenda after the present Establishment has been ground into submission, would be that that the candidate list is then populated with curiously “sympathetic” people who will be happy to do the work without any form of remuneration or expenses. Of course, they would never be subsidised by “other sources” such as from a bank somewhere like the BVI, would they?
The tactic of grinding down the island and its relationship with the Crown with costs began with the earlier challenges in European courts – and is again being used as a very open threat in SNL131:-
“a cost to the UK taxpayer of a further
£500,000. This, in addition to an estimated £1 million spent so far, is what it will cost to defend his position against the application [by Barclay interests] that has been made to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.”
So thank you for continuing to provide useful reminders and opportunities for exploring “tittle tattle” that might just blow away the smokescreen and expose another agenda to “us people”.
Report abuse
I think the only evacuation Devils-advocate needs could be provided by an Enema.
Report abuse
Musty – SNL 131 was issued after the current issue and had nothing to do with the response letter from the Medical Committee –
If you think the Medical Committee response letter to SNL123/4 answered the public interest concern, then please let me know where.
To help you, let me say, no it did not and as a government department it was absolutely appalling, if their letter is representative of the Sark government then I can see why the SNL challenges those who fail in their public duty and quite rightly so. End of.
Report abuse
“end off”?
Somehow I do not think it is.
Anyway:-
1. Assertion is not argument
2. Please explain who is failing in their public duty.
I mean I could say you are failing in your public duty, but that would be meaningless unless I said what your alleged failures were and gave evidence.
(So far you have failed to reply to any of my points, which might lead one to believe that you had a really weak case. But perhaps you have a killer argument in reserve.)
Report abuse
DB – Although my previous post was in response to Musty just to help you – Dianne Baker failed to notify the committee of a possible legal challenge
End of, means I have formed my own opinion on Medical Committee letter in response to the SNL123/124 from the available facts, in the absence of anyone being able to explain where I may have misinterpreted something they may have stated.
Report abuse
Who’s failure? According to edition 126 Dawes sent the letter the day before Chief Pleas. Bearing in mind that the Medical Committee introduced the Law at the previous Chief Pleas, why did he wait until the last second? This obviously did not give the Committee time to meet prior to Chief Pleas; at least give the unpaid Committees a weeks notice if you want to question something coming up!
But I’m sure you’ll ignore this post as well…
Report abuse
It was not a matter of questioning, it was the legal matter of disclosure.
Extract from SNL 129
At the last Chief Pleas meeting on
Wednesday 18th January, Mrs Diane
Baker, as Chairman of the Medical
Committee, put the new health professionals legislation to the vote in
Chief Pleas. Unsurprisingly, it passed.
Before the meeting, Mrs Baker had
received correspondence informing her
that if the legislation was passed in its present form, it would be subject to
legal challenge. Did Mrs Baker inform
the Assembly of this? No. Did she
have a duty to do so? Yes, she let her
fellow Conseillers vote it through without being fully informed and the new
legislation was passed on false premises
Report abuse
From what I’ve read there was nothing to disclose, it was their opinion, which had the Committee been asked long before, I’m sure they could have answered before Chief Pleas even sat…
All it was, was yet another sad attempt at destabilising an item coming to Chief Pleas. This sort of tactic may work in Guernsey but well done Sark for rising above it.
Residents are allowed to ask Committees questions which aren’t necessarily relevant to being debated in Chief Pleas itself.
I wonder how many of the few anti Chief Pleas posters here have ever bothered actually approaching a Committee or Conseiller to get the actual facts for themselves?
Anyway Gordon it’s been nice chatting with you, better luck next time :-)
Report abuse
I know nothing about Sark law, but I would point out that decision making bodies here in London make decisions all the time that are “subject to legal challenge” The usual thing to do is to make the decision and wait the relevant period to see whether a legal challenge is made.
Of course ANYTHING can be legally challenged particularly if you can afford a lawyer but WINNING the legal challenge is a different matter.
You would not normally warn people making a decision that there could be a legal challenge, even if you have had a letter before action, as it would not be relevant unless you thought there was a big risk you would lose the action challenging the decision, in which case you probably ought not to make it in the first place.
Report abuse
I think the main point was Mrs Baker had a duty to inform the Chief Pleas, but she didn’t.
Report abuse
She only had a duty if the standing orders of Chief Pleas required her to. Did they?
Report abuse
Five days later, still awaiting a response from devils_advocate to my question.
Report abuse
You’ve not got a snowball’s chance of ever getting a sensible answer Mr Barry!
Report abuse