From Adrian Walton.
I SHOULD like to offer my sympathy and support to Nick Barker (JEP, 1 May) in his predicament due the cancellation of the Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK.
I believe it is part of the pressures being put on the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man because of their status as tax havens. However, the reciprocal agreements with France and Portugal continue.
I think the 800-year relationship with the UK has come to the end of its useful life; we are not big enough for full independence, particularly if it means domination by the City of London which has all but wrecked, along with the American banks, the world financial system. We, in fact, need to urgently join the European Community for true independence and freedom.
We should not continue to support financially the Territorial Army. The money could be used by Jersey to finance a reciprocal agreement with the UK as well as the Republic of Ireland. In any case the British are only, currently, involved in land wars because of the Americans. Britain should concentrate on its Navy and Air Force.
I heard today that the Portuguese took action against Somali pirates; despite this action, freedom of navigation of the seas established by them 500 years ago, cannot be guaranteed without adequate protection.
The British should also liberate Diego Garcia from the Americans and use it as a base to guarantee sea routes.
Like Nick Barker, I face difficulties in the future in being able to visit my children in the UK because I am now 70 and have health problems.
In spite of insurance companies in business to help the over 70s and stroke victims we find, in fact, that they frequently offer less than other companies who are prepared to take on the risk of these categories of people and no insurance company will cover anyone unless one is staying at a hotel for a minimum of three days; no cover for transit passengers or those staying with friends or relatives.
Le Pré,
Rue des Raisies,
St Martin.
