President of Tynwald Clare Christian MLC and Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan SHK were guests at Jersey’s Liberation Day celebrations.
Held annually on May 9, Liberation Day marks the day the island celebrates the anniversary of its liberation from the German occupation forces of the Second World War.
Mrs Christian and Mr Rodan attended the Liberation Day service and ceremony at Liberation Square, after which they were taken to Westmount to attend the Slave Workers’ memorial service. Mrs Christian laid a wreath on behalf of Tynwald and the Isle of Man in memory of the slave workers brought to Jersey by the occupying forces during the Second World War, many of whom died.
In a programme arranged by the States of Jersey the presiding officers were introduced to the Bailiff of Jersey Sir Michael Birt, Deputy Bailiff William Bailhache and His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor General Sir John McColl. They also observed a States meeting and met chief minister Ian Gorst.
Mrs Christian said: ‘We were honoured to be guests at Jersey’s Liberation Day, an event as special to Jersey islanders as Tynwald Day is to the people of the Isle of Man.
‘The ceremony was a moving and poignant reflection on a deeply unhappy period in Jersey’s history and provided the opportunity for us to represent the Manx nation and share in an occasion that marked, with great sensitivity, the extreme hardship and suffering endured by so many during the occupation of Jersey.’
Mr Rodan added: ‘Sincere thanks must go to our hosts for their warmth of welcome and arranging such an interesting programme during which we were pleased to meet a number of representatives from the Jersey branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
‘Jersey’s restoration of freedom on May 9, 1945, and the island’s subsequent return to determining its future as a self-governing dependency of the Crown are worthy causes for celebration each Liberation Day.
‘The day was also, however, an occasion to remember Jersey’s isolation during the war and the ultimate price paid by many. It was against this background that Madam President and I were proud to be part of what is, each year, a very special day for the people of Jersey.’
