The decision was the result of a ‘genuine error’ by Property Services, which was only discovered last Friday, despite the States debate taking place over six months ago.It was revealed by Environment and Public Services president Deputy Maurice Dubras in an unexpected statement to the assembly on Tuesday.And it leaves politicians faced with the embarrassing prospect of having to rescind their decision made in December to authorise the purchase of the land at Frémont from the late Senator Vernon Tomes’ widow, Daphne.The purchase was to be in exchange for a one-vergée parcel of land to the north of her property, Le Talus in St John, all of which was erroneously believed to be in States ownership.The sale and the purchase – which it is understood were almost ready to go through the Royal Court – were to be for the nominal sums of £10.At the time of last year’s debate, the then Public Services president, Deputy Robin Hacquoil, said that the 11 vergées the States were acquiring in exchange for the land being passed to Mrs Tomes represented an important part of the north coast.
And although Mrs Tomes had allowed public access via a footpath, that access would now be guaranteed.Deputy Dubras told Members that there had been a mistake made by Property Services in the interpretation of land ownership, which had only come to light on Friday afternoon.Part of the land to be sold to Mrs Tomes was, in fact, not in public ownership, he said.
‘Public Services acted in good faith and the error is regretted,’ said Deputy Dubras.The States would be asked to rescind their decision to sell the land and discussions were currently taking place with Mrs Tomes on a revised transaction, he said.’This is a serious matter, which has upset the family of the late Senator Tomes and I offer a sincere apology,’ Deputy Dubras said, adding that he hoped the matter would be resolved as soon as possible.Speaking to the JEP, Mrs Tomes said that the incident had indeed upset her family, in particular her son, Vernon Jnr, who had been working on the transaction on her behalf for several years.
‘We kept saying, are you sure the land belongs to you?’ she said.
