This evening there is a private view for a new exhibition of art in Jersey. Some is from my friend and local activist Pat Lucas. More is from a nun, Sister Peter. The theme of the exhibition is Jersey, Island of Beauty and Contradictions.
Pat's works emphasise this with regard to the tax haven status of the island, and the official view of that role.
Take this one:
I think the message is clear: Jersey remains under occupation, but this time by the financial services industry.
And consider this:
This is the door of the Catholic church at which Pat Lucas and Sister Peter worship: a church in denial about what is happening in the island, not least because States Finance Minister Terry le Sueur also worships there.
The words are apt:
£40 billion - tax lost to the developing countries each year as a result of tax avoidance by the rich and multinationals
Jersey is a tax haven - What's the Church's response?
Tax lost to the UK each year £25 billion - same reason
It takes courage to challenge the establishment of the island in which you live in this way. It takes courage to challenge your own church in this way. Pat and Sister Peter do not lack for courage.
Sale proceeds from the exhibition go to fund the Sister's work in Africa. I wish them many red dots!
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God, this is absolutely hilarious! Thanks for the laugh, I have rarely seen anything so ridiculous as the bankers goose stepping down the Esplanade. Brilliant! I must say your ranting is addictive reading.
Since the bankers have captured the State in Jersey (and in all havens) this is art showing life as it is.
That is the purpose of art – to give insight into the perspective we would otherwise miss.
There is a clear theory of the capture of the state within tax havens (its even happening in the UK now). This picture shows it very well
Well I work in the Esplanade, in Finance and I also find it hilarious. Pat must be getting into surrealism! Obviously the men in suits she saw were on their way for a nice lunch!
Keep it up, you will never change anything in Jersey, but I give you credit for trying!
Mac
Every day all over the world two barristers enter a Court, both believing in the merit of their case. only one is ever right.
You clearly believe in your case, as I do in mine. The problem you have is that all the evidence is stacked against you. But I am well aware that indifference to such evidence is commonplace in Jersey.
Richard