JERSEY will use its influence to ensure that the democratic will of the people of Sark is respected, Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf has said.
He also pledged to support the island’s residents after the decision of the Barclay brothers to shut down their businesses in Sark and lay off more than 100 people. A letter on behalf of the States has been sent to Sark by the Bailiff.
The Barclay brothers made the decision to ‘withdraw investment’ after Sarkees voted against the newspaper tycoons’ reform agenda in the island’s first full elections which marked the end of 450 years of feudal rule.
Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, who are the owners of the Telegraph newspapers and who have spent a fortune challenging Sark’s traditions in the High Court, responded by closing all their businesses. The move left all the shops, restaurants and other businesses on one side of the Avenue closed as well as, among other firms, the Aval du Creux, Dixcart and La Moinerie hotels. Building work has also been suspended across the island.
• Picture: Reg Guille takes part in Sark’s first fully democratic elections
