The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
1240/5(5430)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER BY SENATOR J.L. PERCHARD
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 8th JUNE 2010
Question
"Will the Chief Minister maintain the commitment given by his predecessor in an official statement to the Assembly on 30th July 2007, that, subject to the anthem competition producing something of appropriate quality, a proposition seeking the winning entry's formal adoption as Jersey's anthem would be brought to the Assembly for debate, and if not, why?"
(Statement reproduced below for Members' information)
STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE CHIEF MINISTER ON TUESDAY 30th JANUARY 2007
I would like to notify members that, with the support of the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Senator M.E. Vibert and the Assistant Minister with responsibility for Culture, the Deputy of Grouville , a competition is to be held to seek an anthem for Jersey.
Members will know that the number of occasions on which the Island wishes to celebrate its own distinct identity is increasing. Many of these relate to sporting occasions when islanders receive a medal, or other recognition, at events involving other islands and indeed, sometimes, other countries. The Island Games and the Commonwealth Games are well-known examples.
It has rightly been pointed out by some of those participating that there is at present uncertainty as to the anthem which should be played. Ma Normandie' is often relied upon because of its association with our past but, of course, it is a piece of music which has itself no connection with Jersey; indeed, it has quite different associations for many.
Following discussion with the Assistant Minister, the Deputy of Grouville , and with the valued support of the Bailiff , it is intended to mount a competition to seek a specific Island anthem which might be suitable for such occasions. On the assumption that the competition produces something of appropriate quality, I intend then to bring to the Assembly a proposition seeking its formal adoption as Jersey's anthem.
I should make it quite clear that this is not to be a replacement for the National Anthem which will continue to be played in recognition of our constitutional position, and of our loyalty and affection for the Crown. I hope, however, that the opportunity for the Assembly to endorse an anthem to be used to reinforce our sense of identity in the circumstances I have mentioned will be widely welcomed.
Answer
When the anthem competition was launched in 2007 the former Chief Minister undertook to bring the chosen Jersey anthem back to the States for approval. It was agreed that this would take place once organisations had been given the opportunity to use it, and the music has been published on the States website.
Although it has been used on a number of formal occasions both within and outside the Island, and the music circulated to all groups who might have occasion to use an anthem specific to the Island, promotion of the anthem has been poor. Furthermore, I do not believe that the general public has yet had the opportunity to get to know the anthem properly.
I shall, therefore, be taking steps to encourage its further use and awareness by schools and all other sporting and cultural organisations prior to its being brought to the States for consideration.