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STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE CHIEF MINISTER ON WEDNESDAY 19TH JULY 2017
Statement on the States Assembly Diversity Forum
Last week Deputy Doublet and I announced the establishment of a new States Assembly Diversity Forum.
I have been reflecting for some time on how we can encourage greater diversity in this Assembly, and I am sure many Members have been doing the same. This Assembly makes the Laws that govern the daily lives of Islanders, and to do this properly, it is important that we reflect the varied experiences of our community.
I therefore thank Deputy Doublet for approaching me, and helping to establish this new Forum. I would also like to thank Deputy Mézec , Deputy Pryke, and Deputy Bryans, for joining.
Only 12 of the 49 Members of this Assembly are women, and none of us are from our significant Portuguese or Polish communities. We have recently launched a Disability Strategy, promoting greater inclusion, and I think it is important that this Assembly also seeks to be as inclusive as it can be in its membership.
Of course, this ultimately relies on people putting themselves forward for election.
Sir, it is an honour and a privilege to serve in this Assembly, but equally, the decision to stand is a daunting one, and for many members of our community, it will not even cross their mind. I hope this new Forum will begin to help change this position.
In the meantime, any other Member who wishes to join us is welcome to do so.