From Barry Breuilly.
LET me get this right, because I really do believe that I’ve been knocked unconscious and have woken up in a different world led by moronic leaders.
People invest in Mickey Mouse Insurance Services Ltd, looking to make a fast buck, but then find themselves in the middle of a Disney make believe, because, as with cartoons, nothing is what it seems.
Of course I’m referring to the 28 Jersey couples and individuals who were apparently badly advised by Alternate Investment Services Ltd, and then discovered that their fast buck had turned into a lost cause.
But here comes the really farcical aspect of this unfortunate scenario, the taxpayer is going to foot the compensation bill! Sad as it may be, these people went into their financial transactions with their eyes wide open but got their fingers burnt, as many others have done in the past, so why do we have to put out their fires?
I liken these investors to Las Vegas gamblers who play high-risk games with the potential for high rewards, but as stated there is high risk and with that come possible losses.
If the latter occurs, I would like to hear of anybody who, on approaching the friendly casino owner for recompense, has been taken into his office and given a cheque. Don’t think so!
However, our dictatorship, inappropriately call the Council of Ministers, have without a States debate decreed that the £600,000 will be paid out. An absolutely ludicrous decision. Those investors gambled in the hope of lining their pockets and lost. Tough – that’s life.
What grieves me is that in future debates Deputy Southern is likely to have to go cap in hand as usual to obtain roughly £250,000 to fund the school milk – a biennial event I believe.
People, in particular pensioners, are means tested for various services, ie doctor, TV licence, etc, yet the powers-that-be can shell out £600,000 to people who, for gain, dipped their toes too deep and drowned.
3 St Julien Apartments,
Langley Park,
St Saviour.
