From Edward Gallarde.
I WRITE in support of B Amy and against his critics. While they spout right-wing propaganda, Mr Amy writes the truth.
Throughout the 1930s the Jersey labour movement was growing in strength, despite unemployment and appalling wages. My father was working at the docks; he was lucky to bring home £2 a week to feed and clothe a family of six, not to mention the rent. I’d like to see John Boothman and his ilk managing on that.
Those running Jersey in 1939–40 were defeatists, as Mr Amy says. The businessmen and hoteliers couldn’t wait to cosy up to the Nazis, and sure enough made good money keeping them supplied through the Occupation. Only the workers resisted.
Norman Le Brocq was our hero. If in 1945 he had led a popular uprising the left would have taken control of Jersey and our history would have been quite different. But he decided to play by the establishment rules, and for years was kept out of the States – so much for democracy.
Instead Jersey pinned its faith on the bankers and property developers. Look at the mess they have left us with!
Senator Stuart Syvret and Deputy Geoff Southern are the only people left in the States who care about ordinary people and who have the guts to lead us out of our present troubles. I am an old man now but I live for the day that they sink their differences, send the fortune-hunters packing (minus their fortunes) and hoist the red flag in the Royal Square.
Flat 2,
Vercluse,
Mont de la Rocque,
St Brelade.
