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STATES OF JERSEY
TRADITIONAL DELIVERY OF CHRISTMAS ADDRESSES
Lodged au Greffe on 31st October 2008 by Senator S. Syvret
STATES GREFFE
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to a g ree that any change to the present procedures observed by the States Assembly in the giving of
traditional Christmas addresses at the last meeting before the Christmas recess should only be introduced following the approval of a substantive proposition to that effect by the Assembly.
SENATOR S. SYVRET
REPORT
This proposition is self-explanatory. Firstly, in the light of covert and anti-democratic attempts by some members to change the traditional procedures – without reference to the Assembly – involved in delivering the traditional Christmas speeches, it asks the Assembly to affirm that the present arrangements should continue.
Secondly, in the event of it being felt that any such changes were necessary – such changes should only be introduced following the democratic approval of the Assembly for specific, new procedures.
The procedure and order of the traditional Christmas addresses given at the end of the final States meeting before Christmas has long been observed. Insofar as the democratically elected members are concerned, the custom is that the senior Senator, as Father of the House, gives the first Christmas address, the Chairman of the Comité des Connétable s follows and then the senior Deputy speaks.
Any changes to this custom should only be undertaken following democratic debate and approval of a substantive proposition by the States Assembly.
It cannot be remotely regarded as acceptable for small, covert groupings of members to seek to manipulate the habits of the Assembly merely in order to oppress certain members who speak the truth.
Financial and manpower implications
There are no additional financial or manpower implications arising from this proposition.