7 July: Committee 'unsure' about education reforms

Deputy Andrew Lewis says he hopes to restore his reputation after the Jersey Care Inquiry said he'd lied to them and to the States.

The report said he lied when explaining his decision in 2008 to suspend the Police Chief Graham Power.

He's faced growing calls for his resignation as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

But he told the States he'd been under pressure at the time and had used the wrong words giving answers in a debate.

The chief minister has asked the States Assembly to speed up proposals to increase the island's minimum wage to 2020, instead of the agreed date of 2026.

The States of Jersey approved proposals to increase the minimum wage in Jersey by 45% of the island's mean weekly wage by 2026.

The decision came after the chief minister's department published a report which said the wage increase would have a "significant impact" on low-paid employees, but could mean higher costs to businesses, affecting employment and inflation.

For context, if this was to be done today it would see the wage increase from £7.18 - £7.88 per hour (10%), but the States warned this would change in line with the island's mean weekly wage which can vary year on year.

However, following the proposal's approval in the States, the chief minister suggested the timetable could be "too slow".

States of JerseyCopyright: States of Jersey

Quote Message: Overall, however, this report shows that the States’ aspiration to achieve a minimum wage of 45% of earnings by 2026 is too slow. I therefore want to accelerate the timetable, delivering this change by 2020. This will benefit many workers, and support our overall objectives for our economy, population and society. I will be bringing a proposal to the States later in the month to deliver this." from Senator Ian Gorst Chief Minister of Jersey

Overall, however, this report shows that the States’ aspiration to achieve a minimum wage of 45% of earnings by 2026 is too slow. I therefore want to accelerate the timetable, delivering this change by 2020. This will benefit many workers, and support our overall objectives for our economy, population and society. I will be bringing a proposal to the States later in the month to deliver this."

A representative from Guernsey's construction industry has said he welcomes the latest plans for the reform of the Island's secondary education.

The option favoured by the Committee for Education Sport and Culture includes the rebuilding of La Mare de Carteret school.

Steve Roussel, the President of the Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association, said it was good for the industry to have "certainty".

Brian GreenCopyright: Brian Green

Quote Message: We thought La Mare de Carteret school was gong to be developed a couple of years ago, the tenders went out, construction firms put a lot of money into actually putting together those tenders for it then to be pulled. It's difficult for firms to plan for the future, to have some sort of certainty and some sort of steady programme for work is much better for the industry, and much better from the island as well. from Steve Roussel Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association, President

We thought La Mare de Carteret school was gong to be developed a couple of years ago, the tenders went out, construction firms put a lot of money into actually putting together those tenders for it then to be pulled. It's difficult for firms to plan for the future, to have some sort of certainty and some sort of steady programme for work is much better for the industry, and much better from the island as well.

Reform Jersey have slammed the States proposals to increase the minimum wage in Jersey, saying they do not go far enough.

A spokesman compared the proposals to UK government targets of having a national living wage reaching £9 by 2020, with a current minimum wage of £7.50 per hour, compared to the islands £7.18 per hour, which the party says is the lowest in the British Isles.

They added the decision to increase the island's minimum wage by the mean weekly wage, rather than the median, currently a difference of 52 pence, "does not go anywhere near far enough".

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Quote Message: In recent weeks and months there has been much political discussion on the effects of poverty in our society. We believe that proposals need to be considered to end poverty wages in Jersey and promote a real living wage which workers can live on without needing to claim benefits from Deputy Sam Mezec Reform Jersey

In recent weeks and months there has been much political discussion on the effects of poverty in our society. We believe that proposals need to be considered to end poverty wages in Jersey and promote a real living wage which workers can live on without needing to claim benefits

Castel primary school is striving to ‘break the glass ceiling’ and increase the breadth of opportunities for its pupils, its head teacher has said following an independent inspection that commended the school’s ‘creative and stimulating’ curriculum.

Jersey Telecom have reduced their EU roaming charges following the move by UK networks to abolish the charges.

Customers will see significant improvements in data costs abroad.

A spokesman for JT said although the company was "very proud of its new low rates", it still advised customers to "roam responsibly" to avoid excessive bills.

He added: "Customers can use JT’s app to monitor their usage and/or ask for their data to be capped."

JTCopyright: JT

Jersey States members have been told the politician who took the decision in 2008 to suspend police chief Graham Power should resign.

The care inquiry said Deputy Andrew Lewis lied in the States and to the inquiry when explaining the decision to suspend him.

Deputy Lewis denies deliberately misleading the house and the inquiry.

Yesterday the Attorney General said as a States member he could not be charged with perjury, but Deputy Jackie Hilton told the States he should go.

Jersey's health minister claims children in care in Jersey are now safe - after a series of improvements in care services.

Senator Andrew Green says there has been a lot of investment since concerns were first raised about young people in the island - including the appointment of nearly 50 social and residential workers.

He says the lessons learned from the care inquiry will help to make the island's system more caring and safer for young people.

Azarenka 3-6 6-1 6-4 Watson

I thought Heather was outstanding in the first set.

It's always going to be difficult going up against a player who is a Grand Slam winner and was ranked number one in the world at one point.

She may not have that number by her name at the moment but she still thinks like a champion.

Negotiations between the States of Guernsey and the island's colleges are continuing as plans for the future of secondary education are developed.

Two months of engagement has begun with parents, teachers and students as well as the wider public before the States vote on the issue later this year.

Here are the plans.

The oldest Jersey veteran of the Normandy campaign, Peter Utley, has died aged 101.

Mr Utley served in armoured cars in a reconnaissance unit, and took part in the Battle for Caen and the Falaise Gap.

After the World War Two ended he worked in a camp, trying to re-house refugees who had been transported away from their homes by the Germans.

Mr Utley was awarded France's highest honour, the Legion d'Honneur.

Everyone loves some fancy graphics. So here you go...

Azarenka has mixed things up and is getting the rewards.

From this in set one...

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to this in set two...

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Heather Watson is battling hard for what could be the finest win of her career. She dashes all over the court and her hard work comes off with a deft drop shot, but Azarenka did not reach world number one for no reason as a quality forehand brings us back to the third deuce.

Then, much to the delight of a packed Centre Court, Azarenka goes long as Watson just keeps her nose in front. A gutsy hold of serve at a vital time.

She could be making it easier for herself though, as these first serve statistics show.

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So where was Azarenka the better player in the second set? Well, almost everywhere.

Watson's first serve in percentage edged up a bit from the first set, but is still well below what is needed. Azarenka just too good in set two.

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Hauteville, in St Peter Port, will close from approximately 14:30 for emergency repairs to an electricity cable.

Pedvin Street traffic will exit via Lower Hauteville (one-way in the reverse direction) and Tower Hill. Works are expected to continue over the weekend.

Access to Val Fleury Estate and Pandora Hotel will be from the top of Hauteville.

Watson's performance has forced Azarenka to change her tactics compared to her wins over Catherine Bellis and Elena Vesnina in the opening two rounds.

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Heather Watson takes the first set 6-3 against Victoria Azarenka.