However, in spite of the vague and vapid nature of the Keep Jersey Special label it carries, the new States strategy launched recently by Chief Minister Frank Walker could make a substantial difference to Island life if it is promoted vigorously enough. This is because its goal is to make the community greener by encouraging initiatives ranging from recycling to grants for energy-saving home insulation.
Senator Walker and his colleagues in government have clearly realised that the public’s appetite for environmentally friendly measures is increasing. It is therefore entirely appropriate that the weight of the States should be thrown into the drive to encourage Islanders to use less energy, save more reusable materials and reduce carbon emissions.
To concentrate our minds further on the need to recycle more, Transport Minister Guy de Faye has warned that even the proposed new £106m incinerator could not keep pace with Jersey’s current levels of household waste.
It is also right that the private sector should be required to play its part — although this part may be greater than anticipated because the potential funding from the proposed vehicle emissions tax which was blocked by the States will not now be available.
Jersey Electricity, which occupies a space somewhere between the public and private sectors, has already indicated its willingness to help by promising an impressive £500,000 to get the ball rolling through an energy taskforce. This is a welcome, laudable and practical gesture, but it will be instruc-tive to see how many other organisations follow suit.
Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur has conceded that he does not yet know where public money for Keeping Jersey Special will come from, which is not a good omen.
That said, Senator Le Sueur, who intends to continue his career in politics, will be no more eager to be saddled with a set of eminently sensible proposals that cannot be paid for than Senator Walker, who intends to retire, will be eager to be remembered for a still-born strategy.
