Recording of Suicides in Jersey

A very informative Q&A from Hansard on the situation in Jersey.

Hansard 16th January 2024

3.5 Deputy R.J. Ward of the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs regarding the recording of a death by suicide (OQ.6/2024)

Is it the Minister’s assessment that the recording of death by suicide is adequately and accurately undertaken by the appropriate authorities involved; and if not, why not?
Deputy H. Miles of St. Brelade (The Minister for Home Affairs):

The decision as to whether a death is recorded as a suicide is made by the viscount as coroner, or the deputy viscount or relief coroner, following an inquest hearing at which evidence is heard and a finding of inquest made, all in accordance with the Inquests and Post-Mortem Examinations (Jersey) Law 1995. Essentially there are 2 elements which must be proved on the balance of probabilities: (1) that the deceased took their own life, and (2) that they intended to do so. Suicide is never presumed. Findings of inquest in Jersey are narrative conclusions, rather than the short-form conclusions used in England and Wales, such as suicide, accident, unlawful killing and open verdict, alcohol/drug-related, et cetera. The superintendent registrar uses the information provided in the finding of inquest, known as the particulars in the law, to populate the required fields in the death register. The superintendent registrar is required to register the death using all the information provided by the Viscount’s Department in the finding of inquest. This process and death certification are requirements in law under the Marriage and Civil Status (Jersey) Law and the laws that govern the statutory function of the viscount. I have no reason to consider that it is not sufficiently robust.

3.5.1 Deputy R.J. Ward:

I thank the Minister for her answer because I know it is a complex subject, which is why I asked the question. May I ask the Minister whether, given that there are - and the word has gone out of my head now - processes to try and lower suicide, is the data accurate enough to get a real idea of the extent of suicide - demographics, et cetera - so that any plan can be targeted effectively on the Island. That is what I am trying to get out.

Deputy H. Miles:

I thank the Deputy for his follow-up question and I think this answer will help. Information relating to all deaths in Jersey is gathered by the Public Health Intelligence Unit and an annual report presented. In particular, the Jersey Mortality Report 2022 at page 16, where a wider definition of suicide is used.

That states: “Deaths are included here where the cause of death was recorded as intentional self-harm or undetermined intent.” I think I am happy that the Public Health Department are taking accurate and reasonable steps to understand the extent of suicide and obviously use that information to inform their public health campaigns.

3.5.2 Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M. Porée of St. Helier South:

Can the Minister please explain how the death of those who do not live permanently in the Island, such as migrant workers and work permit people, is logged, if different at all?

Deputy H. Miles:

While I am not responsible for the Viscount’s Department, I understand that it is irrelevant as to the nationality or the status of the person that resides in the Island. The death will be recorded in exactly the same way.

3.5.3 Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M. Porée:

My understanding is that work permit workers are the most vulnerable group in our Island at the moment and understanding those issues, the death, especially when it comes to suicide, it would really help because we could improve our work permit policy and understand how to look after migrant workers.

Deputy H. Miles:

I thank the Deputy for her question, but I understand the issues regarding the initial question from Deputy Ward and that of Deputy Porée to be entirely separate. The question was really directed at how the act of suicide is recorded in the Island. Certainly I have made my thoughts known regarding the special care of permit workers in a different forum.

3.5.4 Deputy M. Tadier:

I think the Minister answered partly a question I would have asked. So I think the follow up is to do with the fact that, say, an F.O.I. (freedom of information) request is put in asking about the rates of suicide in the Island, which figures will the questioner be given, given the fact that there seem to be a conservative estimate, which perhaps has a high bar for the definition of suicide, and the other definition which the Health Department may use for its stats purposes?

Deputy H. Miles:

I thank the Deputy for his question. When it comes to freedom of information, I think the obligation is for the appropriate agencies to provide all the information. I think it is likely that both sets of figures would be presented in that question.

3.5.5 Deputy R.J. Ward:

I am sure the Minister is sensitive to this issue, as the rest of us are. Can I ask the Minister, would she perhaps agree that there may be a difference in the public and private expression of the numbers of suicide, because families and cultures may want to not have that in the public domain, but that data is essential for us to make public health decisions? Is the Minister aware that that dichotomy between those 2 is a challenge, but it is something that will be taken on?

Deputy H. Miles:

Yes, again, I thank the Deputy for his question. As a result of this question coming forward, I have done a little bit more research. One of the issues that I think is potentially problematic in Jersey is not having the short form of death certificate, which means that the death certificate that is presented to the family, perhaps for probate purposes to take to the bank, to take to D.V.S. (Driver and Vehicle Standards), contains the narrative verdict of the circumstances of the suicide. I can understand that that would be very, very distressing for families. Indeed, earlier this morning, I did have the opportunity to discuss this with the viscount, and I can give the Deputy my assurance that actually we will be looking at this. Obviously, there has to be an official record of death but that does not mean to say that the certificate that proves a person is deceased necessarily has to contain all the information pertaining to their demise. So I hope that satisfies the Deputy.

The Great Ship of the Fens

In Philippa Pierce's magical book "Tom's Midnight Garden", young Tom is sent to stay with his Aunt and Uncle in their flat in an old house, because his brother has chicken pox. Every night he hears the grandfather clock strike 13, opens the back door, and instead of a small yard, finds a wonderful garden where he meets and plays with a young girl, Hattie.

The last section of “Tom’s Midnight Garden” takes us back to that past, where they leave the garden and skate to Ely Cathedral, often given the nickname of the title of this poem.

The Great Ship of the Fens

Clock strikes thirteen on the hour
Opening of a time travel door
Into the garden, snow and flower
It was the great frost of 1894

The river was frozen, full of ice
From the garden, we were skating
Such gliding freedom, so very nice
As towards Ely, we are migrating

The great ship of the Fens awaits
Cathedral bell chimes from afar
Castleford to Ely on our skates
But a door now closes, just ajar

Tom’s final adventure in that night
That Hattie’s memory brings to light

1974 - 50 Years Ago - January Part 2

January 1974 

16.—-The 45 men employed at the La Collette reclamation site who stopped work yesterday afternoon, continued their strike today. Their employers, Dutch Company Ballast Nectam were hopeful though that talks could take place later today with the workers, who are making sure no materials reach the site, led by shop steward Keith Margetts. The men want a completely new site agreement covering pay, safety, injury schemes and conditions in general. This, they say, has been continually deferred by the company who were given the contract by the States just over a year ago.

17.—-Jersey escaped serious damage during. last night’s storm, though dozens of trees were uprooted and there was considerable minor damage to property. At the height of the storm about 7 o’clock yesterday evening, hurricane force winds of 82 mph were recorded. The most spectacular incident was during the night when a three-ton British Rail covered trailer, parked on the east side of the New North Quay. was lifted up and over the quayside into the harbour, damaging a moored dinghy as it fell.

18.——The body of Peter Voigts, relief mate on the German cargo ship Gerd Wiskow berthed at the top of the New North Quay was found lying on the harbour bed between the ship and the quay this morning. Yesterday was his 33rd birthday and last night he had come ashore with another member of the crew. He is presumed to have fallen into the harbour on returning to the ship.

19.——A special working party to examine the lack of incentive for States tenants is. to be set up. It has been requested by the Housing Committee and ordered by the Finance Committee. It follows claims from tenants that in some cases they are paying back as much as 62p in each £1 through loss of allowances and increased rents and income tax. .

20.—A pet poodle raised the alarm when fire broke out in a modern bungalow at Corbière early this morning, and the occupants escaped to safety. The dog, sensing the danger. woke up 12-year-old Mark Lewis, and he quickly woke his parents Mr. and Mrs. R. V. Lewis. Once outside, they called the Fire Service, but much of the house — Seascape, Clos des Fourneaux — was virtually gutted.

21.—A portable gas cylinder exploded and sent names 30 feet into the air on a demolition site in Union Street this morning. The glass in windows and a door on the opposite side of the street were shattered, but no one was hurt. Workmen baring non-salvageable material must have built their bonfire on top of a buried gas cylinder, and the explosion occurred as the men were returning to the fire after their mid-morning break. A second complete cylinder was found, and as a result the area is being searched to prevent a recurrence.

22.—-Restrictions imposed by the fuel crisis are not likely to be increased, Defence Committee president Deputy John Riley said in a Press statement today. But for the moment, at least, existing controls cannot be relaxed.

23.-—Inquest verdict on Peter Voigts (33). mate of Gerd Wiskow, found on harbour bed on Friday morning—that he accidentally drowned when he fell between the ship and quay while under the influence of drink.

24.—Growing concern is being felt by Jersey’s probation workers. youth leaders, school teachers, and staff of the children’s department at the increasing amount of under-age drinking—and its resulting delinquency—by teenagers who seem to have little or no difficulty in obtaining alcohol from shops, in pubs or in their homes. It is part of a national trend, where the clampdown on drugs is turning many more young people to the more easily obtainable liquor, according to research carried out in the UK.

26.—British Island Airways have announced the appointment of two more local directors and a change of company title which finally will mean the disappearance of the name “Jersey Airlines”. The new directors of British Island Airways (Jersey) Ltd. formerly Jersey Airlines (Channel Islands) Ltd, are hotelier Mr. H. Burke. of Le Jardin Muré, St. Ouen, and D. Maltwood, of Greenfields, St. Mary.

28. —The motor yacht Naomi sank in Gorey Harbour last night after she broke loose from her moorings in the gale-force winds. Only the cabin top of the yacht, owned by Major-General J. H. O. Wilsey, of Maufant Manor, was visible early this morning, and Gorey Harbour attendant, Mr. Doug Park, said that the vessel was badly damaged.

29.——Although the petrol tanker Esso Tynemouth has been sheltering off the Isle of Wight since the weekend and is not expected to reach the Island until tonight, Esso say they have plenty of petrol in store. The tanker, carrying 520 tons of petrol for the Island has been unable to complete her journey from Fawley because of gales. The Defence Committee announced that the Island had almost met the required reduction in the use at all fuels, said that the saving in petrol usage only amounted to 5% per cent last week. A further call to motorists not to use their cars for non-essential journeys was made.

30.—Although new legislation dealing with the treatment and welfare of animals is being prepared, the Committee of Agriculture is to urge the States to increase penal-ties for cruelty to animals by amending the present 78-year old law. If approved by the States. the maximum penalties under the “ Loi pour Emtpécher de Mauvais Traitment ,des Animaux " will be increased to three months” imprisonment or a £250 fine. The maximum is currently one month or £10.

31.-—None of the gloom or Common Market blues—so apparent this time of year—seems to be in evidence among local cauliflower growers this season. With the crop just about at the half-way stage. it appears to be one or the best seasons for many years.

A Lamp is Running Out of Oil

The title of the poem comes from a phrase quoted by Chris Mullin in his most recent diaries. It's used about death, about old age creeping towards its end, and it inspired this.

A Lamp is Running Out of Oil

Entropy increases, all things end
And a life starts bright, then dims
A long and winding path to wend
Its way to failing heart and limbs

Sleep, sleep, wake, eat and sleep
A pattern of days draws to close
Sadness, but not yet time to weep
Departure delayed, no one knows

Once the lamp was filled with oil
Burning, burning, and very bright
But Lady Time comes take her toil
Dusk approaches, coming night

Slow, slow, like a waltz this dance
Reading signs of time and chance

1974 - 50 years ago - January Part 1

JANUARY 1974

1. A bright new start to the New Year for Mrs. Rosemary Dumond — she gave birth to a. 6 lb. 12 oz. boy early this morning—he was Jersey's only New Year’s Davy baby.

2.——Jersey’s chief immigration officer. Mr. Alan J. Le Bruin, is made on OBE in the New Year Honours, and Mrs. Daphne Minihane, who helped raise £194,000 for St. Augustine’s Home. is made MBE for her services to the community. At least four Jersey people are named in the list.

3.—-The Defence Committee announced that the first seven proposals concerning heating and lighting restrictions become law as from midnight tonight. Offenders will face fines of. up to £400 or three months’ imprisonment, or both. Mr. Edward Potter, States Greffier, spoke of “ more savage consequences ” if the ten per cent overall reduction is not met.

4.—-Blatant breaches of the fuel control regulations were in evidence all over St. Helier—although some business houses appeared to be conforming with restrictions. The main offence appeared to be the continued use of lighting to advertise products in shop windows.

5.—The Chamber of Commerce is a statement issued today, expressed the wish that the seven restrictions on the use of fuel already imposed by the Emergency Committee will have sufficient effect to avoid introducing the eighth proposal ——- a ban on the use of electricity in shops and business houses after 4.30 pm.

7 .-—-The Jersey New Waterworks Company, in their search for more water, are to sink two trial boreholes at Blanches Banques, St. Brelade. The price of bread is to go up in Jersey from next Monday when a normal family size 2-lb. loaf will cost l4p—an increase at 1p. And in addition to the 2-llb load costing more so will what the bakers describe as “ fancy breads

8.———It was announced that . there will be no 4.30 p.m. “ shoppers’ curfew ”, at least for the time being. It is hoped that the Island can achieve a ten per cent cut in fuel consumption without such a drastic measure being taken. High gusts and strong Winds this morning disrupted flying into and out of the Island and passengers on three services from the mainland—Gatwick, London and Southampton—had quite lengthy delays.

9.-——Fewer destitute people were repatriated from Jersey to the mainland last year than in 1973. But more people were given financial assistance to enable them to return to their homes. The Department of Public Building and Works cleared 80,000 bottles from Jersey’s beaches last year with 75 per cent on” all those found being non-returnable. Jersey's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. William Williams, BSc.. MB, BCh, MM and H, DPH, died at a. local nursing home. He was 58.

10,—Mr. H. H. Le Quesne has been elected a. Jurat of the Royal Court and will take his oath of office before the Full Court at 11.30 am on Thursday, January 17.

11.-—A 50 per cent increase in the price of gas was announced backdated to January 1. And in addition all consumers will be required to pay a quarterly surcharge. Fierce sales gusting up to hurricane level left a trail of damage early this morning and disrupted local shipping. More gales are expected tonight. .

12.—Channel Television is in " grave danger " of complete closure by early summer. At the very least, all local programmes are likely to be scrapped and the station to operate on a “ network only ” basis. And; that could be as soon as April. The very real closure fear is because there are “ massive cancellations " of advertising options by UK companies in the pipeline. and the UK advertising is the company’s main source of income. ,

14.-—Following a three-day fact-finding tour or the mainland, Senator C. S. Dupré, the Tourism Committee’s president, is more than ever convinced that 1974 holds immense holiday prospects for Jersey. Despite increases in sea and air fares. and in hotel charges, local hoteliers report record bookings for this time of the year.

15.—-St. Luke’s School infants have been promised a brighter future by Education Committee president. Senator Reg. Jeune. The tumbledown German wooden huts which house the infant’s department, nicknamed Stalag 118 by Headmaster Mr. Alec Shepherd, will be replaced in time for the start or the summer term, if planning permission is given.

The Winter King

The Winter King

Snowflakes falling, the icy eventide
By fireside warmth, snuggle and abide
Away from cold winds blowing, flee
The crackling log, comfort for me

Dark clouds ebb out life's little day
Sleet and slow, the landscapes pass away
In the morning, white the fields I see
The Winter King arrives to abide with me

A dark charm of ice from his hand to bless
Our Wintertide, the roofs and fields caress
With drifting snow, that all around I see
Winter now arrived to abide with me

Sleep takes me, warm bed, my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
A dawn of sunshine, and melting snowfalls flee
Praise that now a thaw will abide with me

Jersey Zoo 1984 - Stamps

From the Jersey Zoo 25 Years Anniversary Brochure published in 1984.

Stamps - A Natural Choice

The animals from Jersey Zoo are a natural choice to feature on the stamps issued regularly by the Island's independent post office.

The Island became a stamp issuing authority in its own right in 1969 as the Zoo was celebrating its tenth birthday and two issues featuring its animals appeared in 1971 and I972.

The 2lst anniversary of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust was celebrated in style in January this year with the fourth issue of zoo stamps. There are six of them and by universal acclaim they are among the most beautiful of all the issues of the past 15 years.

This is to the credit of the Zoo's own research assistant, William Oliver, who designed the stamps.

Not only will they help carry news of the trust’s work to all corners of the world, but like all Jersey's stamps, they are a marvellous advertisement for the Island as a whole.

The 9p stamp, in general use within the Island, features the golden lion tamarin, which is severely threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat in Brazil and by poaching on behalf of unscrupulous dealers.

The 12p stamp, used on correspondence to the rest of the British Isles, features the snow leopard, which is found in the high mountain areas of India, Pakistan, China and Russia and rarely observed in the wild.

The 20 1/2p stamp carries mail to European countries and features the Jamaican boa, one of the three West Indian boas being bred at Jersey Zoo, most successfully because over 100 have been sent to other zoos in seven years.

The 26p stamp features the Round Island Gecko, one of three threatened reptile species brought from the tiny Indian Ocean island to be bred in captivity in Jersey, where over 80 are already thriving, possibly one day to be reintroduced to their native home.

The 28p stamp features the Coscorobo Swan, a beautiful bird occurring in the Falkland Islands and parts of South America, but becoming increasingly rare. Jersey Zoo has two breeding pairs.

The 31 p stamp features another attractive bird, the St Lucia Parrot, which was bred in captivity by the trust for the first time in I982. It is a critically endangered species, with perhaps no more than 100 left in the wild.

North Wind

This poem is one from the archive, written on 9th January 2005, and inspired by George MacDonald's wonderful magical story "At the Back of the North Wind". With colder weather on the way, and the odd gale, rough seas, this seems timely to revisit.

North Wind

The lady of the night, my North Wind,
With hair like air, so fine and thinned;
You caress my face with gentle breeze:
A soft cool voice, to make me at ease;
And then you take my hand, we soar
Up into the clouds, in the night adore;
Hair now trails over house and roof,
Beats against the ground, cool, aloof;
You are rising, gigantic, in colder air,
Come sweep away the dirt with care;
The city streets blown clean this way:
A mighty gale, rattle slates, dismay;
And far out to sea, you cast your arm:
The waves are rising, there is alarm;
The ship is foundering in the waters,
Many drowning, sweeping fingers
Stir the ocean into fury, and I ask
Why is this your appointed task?
You smile sadly, such your nature,
As understanding my discomfiture,
To act this way, to take poor souls:
This is your path, to seek such goals,
To take them from the land and sea,
At the back of the North Wind to be,
In another country, to rest and stay:
A land of music, joy, so far away;
Now draw me inland, set me down
In cobbled streets of London Town;
Time to go now, farewell, my dear,
Descend to earth from stratosphere;
Softer, pale, diminish, you fade fast,
The breeze so gentle, and now the last
Soft kiss of your breath upon my lips,
As you wave in parting, shadow slips
Away, back to North, until one day,
You will take me there to ever stay.

Jersey Zoo 1984 - The Trust Volunteers

From the Jersey Zoo 25 Years Anniversary Brochure published in 1984.

The Trust Volunteers

Most people would probably think that the cost of feeding the animals is a major factor any zoo’s budget, but it only represents seven per cent of expenditure at the Jersey Zoo.

Far and away the largest item of expenditure is that of staff salaries, representing 47 per cent of the total. Although salary scales are considerably lower than most other jobs with comparable responsibility, especially considering the high qualifications of some keepers, they are justifiably proud of a higher level of staffing than other zoos.

General administration costs equal those for animal food and maintenance and repairs cost twice as much.

Profits from 200 admissions, shop and cafe pay 70 per cent of running costs and although the remaining 30 per cent might not sound a lot to make up, it represents £200,000. That is for running costs, and there still has to be extra funding for research, training, education projects and new developments.

In support of its work the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust has 11,000 adult members in 75 different countries. Most of these people are introduced to the trust’s work and objectives by the writings of its founder and honorary director, Gerald Durrell.

Of the initial inquires some 60 per cent actually join the trust and they are kept informed of its activities via newsletters and an annual report.

In l98l the trust took over responsibility for junior membership under the banner of the Dodo Club, which now boasts some 3,000 members. Another 4,000 members in the United States have joined the sister organisation, Wildlife Preservation Trust International. Members pay £10 a year and then have the opportunity to adopt an animal of their choice, the adaption scheme has been running for some 15 years and has proved immensely popular.

There is actually a waiting list for several of the species, many of which, such as the cotton-topped tamarin, black and white ruffed lemur, and Rodrigues fody, most people would be hard-pressed to describe.

The trust’s preoccupation with the survival of obscure, not to say bizarre, species led to the launching of SAFE — Save Animals From Extinction.

This scheme not only provides an opportunity for an individual to support the very survival of a chosen animal but to support a particular item or phase of the breeding programme.

If you wish to make a gift towards the freight of captive bred Rodrigues fruit bats to their country of origin for release in six years from now, you can do just that, and your donation will accrue interest while it is waiting to be used. The trust hopes that eventually this idea will be so successful that it can guarantee the financial security of every breeding programme almost before it begins.

The other obvious way of contributing towards the annual expenditure is by actively raising funds, or just as important, saving on costs, both of which mean more cash in the kitty, and both of which usually need strong volunteer input. In 1982 the trust sent a volunteer job sheet out to its 2,800 strong Island membership and three years later there are 15 active groups organised and run by their own co-ordinators, the largest of which is the volunteer guide service.

In 1983 this enthusiastic bond of 37 guides conducted 4,228 visitors around the zoo on special guided tours.

A manageress of one of Jersey’s supermarkets co-ordinates the group responsible for cleaning and maintaining the reptile breeding units — not everybody’s cup of tea, which is perhaps why these volunteers are so dedicated.

The organic farm volunteers are organised by a senior officer of the Jersey Income Tax Department and the engraving and distribution of animal adoption plaques is run with efficiency by an ex-theatre sister.

Cardboard box collectors to keep the orangutans well supplied, translators, sign writers and special event organisers are a few more of the jobs volunteers do to help the zoo.

Fund raising in its most direct and obvious sense is a fairly new discipline for the trust’s staff as it has always been part of Gerald Durrell’s extraordinary talent that wherever a facility was required he was able to find a benefactor.

However, the work of the trust is destined, undoubtedly, to outlive its present incumbent and an efficient, supportive machine must be assembled in Jersey to ensure its long-term future.

The trust secretary and co-ordinator, Simon Hicks, who assumes responsibility for the initiation and maintenance of all these areas, is using this anniversary year to train staff and volunteers alike to set up fund-raising channels which hopefully will continue beyond 1984.

He is just as concerned with innovations to save funds, hence the installation of heat pumps in the reptile house which have successfully halved the annual £12,030 heating bill of that one area, and the organic farm project which is both to offset the direct costs of buying vegetables from the local market and to provide a diet more interesting and natural for the animals in the zoo’s care.

Despite the advent of the latest technology for animal propagation, energy production and information storage (yes, the inevitable computer now keeps track of members and animal breeding records) there is a constant awareness that the trust’s work concerns the world of nature and Mother Nature herself usually provides the best answers.

This fundamental humility helps to make the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust the healthy, honest sort of organisation which has taken on this immense responsibility as sensibly and as effectively as its current resources allow.

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