‘I am a huge fan of the Island Games and I think it is worth every ounce of sweat I put into it,’ said Mr Bernard in response to the comments from Mr Le Vallée, a man with a long association with the Games and who is a life member of the International Island Games Association.’Owen is – if it’s possible – an even bigger enthusiast than me.
There are times when we do disagree, quite strongly, about things, but I think we both recognise the enormous enthusiasm that we both have for the Games.’He said that he thought the Guernseyman’s comments were ‘a bit intemperate’.’He made his comments without talking to me and discovering the issues involved (for the footballers, bowlers and senior golfers).
The article made it sound as though Jersey is not bothered about the Games, and that is just not true.’Mr Bernard, who has a letter published on the subject on page 10 of today’s JEP, added that the validity and importance of the Games are hugely important in Jersey’s sporting calendar and are recognised as such, and that Jersey certainly plays its part in the Island Games family.’We are the strongest champions of openness and flexibility in the Games and are often a lone voice arguing for bigger and more open events.’He added: ‘We all have different views.
But we in Jersey are working very hard to ensure our contribution to the Shetland Games is relevant and effective.’
