In 1973 it was decided that the population in St Brelade had grown to such an extent that a third Deputy was justified. For reasons that are buried in the mists of time, it was agreed that the Parish should be split into two districts. Noirmont and Le Coin would become District No.1., with La Moye and Les Quennevais forming District, No.2.
There were doubts then, and there are still doubts, as to whether this is a satisfactory solution for St Brelade. It has a divisive effect, cutting the Parish into two. It detracts from the unity of the Parish as it encourages a district identity rather than a Parish identity.
There have been occasions when the folk in the Les Quennevais district felt that they were being ignored in favour of the St Aubin area, and vice versa.
If the Deputies work together, as they do at the moment, then they all work for St Brelade and the benefit of the Parish. On the other hand, if there should be differences between the Deputies, then the sense of division will be accentuated.
There is a feeling amongst some voters that the time has come to put an end to this manufactured division and change the districts so that all 3 Deputies stand for one ‘unified’ St Brelade.
It seems an appropriate time for you, the voters of St Brelade, to let the Connetable and the Deputies know how you feel about this. Would you prefer to have one district with three Deputies rather than the present division into 2 districts?
Please email or write to the Connetable, the Deputies or La Baguette with your opinion.