Member ejected from States meeting

Peter Allen was ejected from Wednesday's States meeting amid chaotic scenes at the Courthouse.

Mr Allen reacted furiously to a report made by Colin Williams on the New Connaught Care Home and had to be ordered to leave by States President Sir Norman Browse.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, which was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon, Mr Williams criticised local building firms for refusing to pay for professional indemnity insurance - which is required by contractors working on the £2.1m project.

He also slammed a local contractor for failing to tender for a section of the job while offering labourers at an hourly rate of £25 each. Furthermore, Mr Williams said the Le Val site was closed on Tuesday due to a work permit issue, following an application which was made two months ago.

Guernsey-based builders JW Rihoy's controversially won the Connaught contract last year, ahead of two Alderney firms. Work began on the site in January but was halted after parts of the groundwork filled with water.

Angry Mr Allen said Mr Williams had no right to criticise local builders before being thrown out.

As he left the Courthouse, electrician Mr Allen said: "I'm happy to leave. That is an absolute scandal. To slag off Alderney builders is terrible. My apprentice could have designed that site."

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Allen said: "The fact he [Mr Williams] intimated that local firms aren't up to the job is a joke.

"He suggested firms here couldn't get the insurance because of the design or that the insurance was too expensive. I was trying to make the point that an electrical apprentice will often be given, for his exam, a building of larger scale than the new care home, so to say we haven't got people up to the job is nonsense."

Mr Allen was also outraged that members were prevented from debating the report.

"It was a disgraceful propaganda speech and the worst thing is nobody is allowed to reply to it because it is a report.

"The fact Mr Williams could say what he likes without a reply is shocking. A report should contain facts, not be sprinkled with gossip, half truths and hearsay. Mr Williams quoted hearsay as fact and it's not.

"A report should be precisely that but Mr Williams uses them as a political platform. He's allowed to say what he likes with no comeback. The rules on reports need to be looked at seriously."

Sir Norman said statements read at States meetings were not open for discussion. He went on to apologise for having to throw Mr Allen out.

Also speaking after the meeting, Mr Williams said: "I feel very sorry for Peter Allen. He said his apprentice could have designed it and he's probably right. However, is his apprentice insured in case anything goes wrong?

"My main concern is that the site is closed. If this project overruns it will be me who gets it in the neck."

Also at the meeting, former Guernsey harbourmaster Captain Robert Barton was appointed to the Alderney Commission for Renewable Energy. Furthermore, members agreed that transcripts and recordings of States meetings could be made available to the public for the first time.

2 comments on this article

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truthseeker | Sat 27th March 2010 Sir Norman- for better or worse was voted for by the electorate at TWO elections and thus has the mandate of the people-we have a fairly good grasp of his character flaws and yet he still achieved a second term. thus afford respect where respect is due. Being a states member is a thankless task as can be seen by the retirement comments of Richard Wilmott and others. Anyone that has the balls to basically give up their private life on the Island and stick their head above the parapet should be commended even if what they achieved sometimes leaves a lot to be desired !!! Its social suicide being a states member and i just wish they would try to appreciate each others sacrifice sometimes and get on with constructive debate rather than trying to destroy each others points of view. Good luck to anyone that dares to throw their hat in the ring.

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Robert McDowall | Thu 18th March 2010 The States is unfortunately run by a cabal that is unable to accept criticism and with overwheening sense of its own self-importance. You certainly will get it in the neck ,Mr.Williams ,if the project does overrun! Sir Norman Browse is ,I observe, temperamentally ill-equipped to preside over a lively debate. I would anticipate more lively sessions such is the tension among the States Members.

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