Condor brands wage comments as 'totally incorrect'
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Condor Ferries has responded to criticism about the wages it pays some foreign workers.
The RMT is planning two protests in Portsmouth against what it describes as the "poverty pay" on some of Condor's ships.
The company said it was a proud and responsible employer and the RMT's comments were wrong.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Condor Ferries also said the suggestion its contract with the States of Guernsey and Jersey was up for renewal next year is "erroneous".
Quote Message: Condor fully adheres to and, indeed, exceeds domestic and international employment regulations covering the wages, terms and conditions of staff, and this includes compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006." from Spokesperson Condor Ferries'
Condor fully adheres to and, indeed, exceeds domestic and international employment regulations covering the wages, terms and conditions of staff, and this includes compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006."
Round-the-clock care for sick seal pup
BBC Radio Jersey
A painfully thin grey seal pup is being nursed round-the-clock after being rescued from a Jersey beach.
Andrew, as the pup has been named, is thought to have been washed away from his mother in the stormy weather.
He still has his white fluffy coat, which is normally shed at 14 days of age, so experts think he is between seven and 12-days-old.
The mammal should weigh about 40kg (88lb) by this age but is only 17kg (37lb).
GSPCACopyright: GSPCA
Andrew was sent to Guernsey to be cared for by the GSPCA.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said “Andrew is the youngest pup we have had in many years.
“He is a painfully thin 17kg so would have really struggled to survive if he hadn’t been rescued.”
Geoff George, Animal Collection Officer and main carer for Seals at the charity, added: “Andrew is now in our seal intensive care room and will require special fluids every two hours, day and night, if he is to survive.”
Sark's Chairman of Policy and Finance Committee, Steve Taylor, has died.
Arthur Rolfe, Speaker of Sark Chief Pleas, said: "Steve was a person who approached his public duties with an enthusiastic and a genuine problem solving ethos. He will be much missed."
Guernsey to look at increasing overseas aid
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
Guernsey's government will research increasing how much it gives in aid to charities working abroad, after politicians backed a move.
The island's Overseas Aid and Development Commission will now look at a range of
initiatives to increase how much it gives, with the potential of a rise to 0.7% of national income as early as 31 December 2025.
At present, the island gives less than 0.1% of GDP.
The move by Deputies Mark Dorey and Emilie Yerby means the States senior committee must now also investigate whether the extra funding "could be
raised by hypothecated taxes, business levies, or other alternative
means of taxation".
Shelter to rehome pigeon who 'keeps coming back'
Rob England
BBC News Online
We've all heard about a pigeon's ability to find it's way home, and this is certainly the case for one bird, which keeps returning to an animal shelter trying to rehome it.
The Guillemont memorial will encase the Heart Stone from the Jersey Memorial in the town of Guillemont, the Somme.
The stone will be near the point where the Jersey Contingent formed up, before their deployment to the Great War.
Bid to reunite family with WW1 nurse's diary
Kate Jennings
BBC Radio Jersey, Reporter
A man who bought two autograph books belonging to a Jersey nurse treating tommies in the First World War, is hoping to reunite them with her family.
About 35 years ago Mario Pirozzolo came across the albums, which have drawings and poems from the patients of nurse M L Norman.
Nurse Norman was working in London hospitals during the war.
Mario PirozzoloCopyright: Mario Pirozzolo
Mr Pirozzolo says the books contain memories from British, Canadian and Australian troopsImage caption: Mr Pirozzolo says the books contain memories from British, Canadian and Australian troops
"I found them in a bunch of bric-a-brac I bought from Le Gallais auction house," Mr Pirozzolo said.
Having left them in storage, he said the centenary marking the end of the war prompted him to return to his search for the mysterious nurse's relatives.
Mario PirozzoloCopyright: Mario Pirozzolo
Some of the entries identify the regiments and names of individual soldiersImage caption: Some of the entries identify the regiments and names of individual soldiers
Shedding some light on her identity, Linda Romeril, Archives and Collections Director for Jersey Heritage, said she is thought to be Madeleine Louise Norman, born in Jersey in June 1889.
Mr Pirozzolo says he is now looking to contact Ms Norman's family - to return the books to them.
Window smashed with stone in jewellery theft
Rob England
BBC News Online
Jewellery and watches were stolen from a house in Jersey after a stone was used to smash a window, police say.
A paving stone was used in the theft from a house on Old St John's Road, St Helier on Wednesday, some time between 14:30 and 17:30.
'Ships of shame' prompt pay protest
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Ferry companies "can not and should not compete" with Condor's "poverty pay rates", according to the RMT.
The union is planning a protest against "exploitative" pay rates for staff.
Among its demands are:
A minimum pay rate of £9.75 per hour on lifeline Channel Island ferry services
Collective bargaining rights for the RMT
The registration of all UK and Channel Island ferries in the Red Ensign Group
"Binding targets for Seafarer apprentices" over the life of the next Channel Island contract
BBCCopyright: BBC
The contract between Condor and the States of Guernsey and Jersey is up for renewal in 2019.
The protests will take place in Portsmouth on 22 December 2018 and 12 January 2019.
Quote Message: In addition to disgracefully low wages, 81% of Channel Islanders in 2016 were dissatisfied with Condor Ferries, the result of rising fares, safety incidents, service cancellations, delayed freight supplies and exploitative employment practices. This is no way to run a lifeline ferry service for the public, Government and businesses of the Channel Islands, and we look forward to debating these matters with them. from Mick Cash General Secretary, RMT
In addition to disgracefully low wages, 81% of Channel Islanders in 2016 were dissatisfied with Condor Ferries, the result of rising fares, safety incidents, service cancellations, delayed freight supplies and exploitative employment practices. This is no way to run a lifeline ferry service for the public, Government and businesses of the Channel Islands, and we look forward to debating these matters with them.
Condor has not yet responded to the demands.
Trump sanctions prompt exit of Russian-owned businesses
The description says: "Every November fireworks are freely available, and are set off in the streets much to the serious distress of dogs and other family pets.There is equally a risk of personal injury and damage to property.
"There can be no real need or benefit in the use and sale of ‘domestic’ fireworks which in reality cause more distress and danger than they do enjoyment."
If the petition reaches 5,000 signatures, it will be formally debated by the States of Jersey.
Alderney given 'another option' with waste export
BBC Radio Guernsey
The States of Alderney is welcoming Jersey's decision to allow waste to be exported to the island.
Currently Alderney's black bag waste goes to Guernsey but the island's government could vote to change that next week, meaning it would go to Jersey instead.
Once the waste reaches Jersey it will be processed in the island's energy from waste plant, and used to power 100 homes.
Technical Services Officer for the States of Alderney, Aaron Bray, said the decision in Jersey gives them another option.
Quote Message: At the moment Mont Cuet is at capacity. Guernsey has a number model which is a good model, and they're piloting that. The idea was to try and take some pressure off them and look at other options as well. We'll continue working with the States of Guernsey and I'd like to keep that partnership going in different areas. from Aaron Bray Technical Services Officer, States of Alderney
At the moment Mont Cuet is at capacity. Guernsey has a number model which is a good model, and they're piloting that. The idea was to try and take some pressure off them and look at other options as well. We'll continue working with the States of Guernsey and I'd like to keep that partnership going in different areas.
Protest planned over Condor's 'poverty wages'
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Two protests are planned in Portsmouth over the wages Condor Ferries pays its foreign workers.
The union RMT is calling for an end to what it describes as "poverty wages" on Condor's ships.
Other similar protests have been held in the past, and earlier this year an Early Day Motion was tabled by MPs to highlight the company's record of "undermining seafarer pay and employment".
BBCCopyright: BBC
Among a number of demands, the RMT wants staff employed on any future lifeline Channel Island ferry service to receive a living wage of about £9.75 an hour as a minimum.
It hopes trade unionists, politicians and the public in Jersey, Guernsey and the UK will support it.
The BBC has approached Condor for a response to the planned protests.
Non-EU workers could solve farming shortfall
BBC Radio Jersey
Workers from outside the EU could make up the shortfall of labour in Jersey farms.
Jersey's Farmers Union is proposing plans which would replicate a new UK pilot scheme.
From next year, British fruit and vegetable growers can recruit non-EU migrants as seasonal workers new proposals.
Now, Jersey's Farmers Union is asking the Home Affairs minister to test the idea here.
Video content
Video caption: Jersey farm workersJersey farm workers
Part of Guernsey's east coast was closed this morning due to flooding.
High tides and strong winds saw waves crash over the seawall on Bulwer Avenue.
There's another tide warning in place for this evening at 19:00, when winds are expected to pick up to force five to six.
BBCCopyright: BBC
BBCCopyright: BBC
Aurigny scraps early Manchester flights
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
Aurigny is scrapping most early flights to Manchester next summer, so that it can appeal to the leisure market instead.
The airline is moving Bristol flights to the 06:50 slot, making them the first flight out of Guernsey airport.
Jonathan Le RayCopyright: Jonathan Le Ray
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays the Manchester flight will depart at the later time of 09:50 while the Bristol flight will be the first commercial flight of the day.
Aurigny say the later Manchester flight times will appeal more to those who are travelling for leisure.
Commercial Director of the airline Malcolm Coupar says moving the Bristol flight means more options for business travellers.
The airline will releasing the rest of their summer schedule shortly.
Live Reporting
All times stated are UK
Get involved
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GSPCACopyright: GSPCA 
JSPCACopyright: JSPCA 
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Mario PirozzoloCopyright: Mario Pirozzolo Mr Pirozzolo says the books contain memories from British, Canadian and Australian troopsImage caption: Mr Pirozzolo says the books contain memories from British, Canadian and Australian troops 
Mario PirozzoloCopyright: Mario Pirozzolo Some of the entries identify the regiments and names of individual soldiersImage caption: Some of the entries identify the regiments and names of individual soldiers 
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A minimum pay rate of £9.75 per hour on lifeline Channel Island ferry services
-
Collective bargaining rights for the RMT
-
The registration of all UK and Channel Island ferries in the Red Ensign Group
-
"Binding targets for Seafarer apprentices" over the life of the next Channel Island contract
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View more on twitterView more on twitter 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
Video caption: Jersey farm workersJersey farm workers 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
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Jonathan Le RayCopyright: Jonathan Le Ray
Latest PostBBC Channel Islands Live: Friday 9 November 2018
Bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather for the Channel Islands
Catch upCondor brands wage comments as 'totally incorrect'
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Condor Ferries has responded to criticism about the wages it pays some foreign workers.
The RMT is planning two protests in Portsmouth against what it describes as the "poverty pay" on some of Condor's ships.
The company said it was a proud and responsible employer and the RMT's comments were wrong.
Condor Ferries also said the suggestion its contract with the States of Guernsey and Jersey was up for renewal next year is "erroneous".
Round-the-clock care for sick seal pup
BBC Radio Jersey
A painfully thin grey seal pup is being nursed round-the-clock after being rescued from a Jersey beach.
Andrew, as the pup has been named, is thought to have been washed away from his mother in the stormy weather.
He still has his white fluffy coat, which is normally shed at 14 days of age, so experts think he is between seven and 12-days-old.
The mammal should weigh about 40kg (88lb) by this age but is only 17kg (37lb).
Andrew was sent to Guernsey to be cared for by the GSPCA.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said “Andrew is the youngest pup we have had in many years.
“He is a painfully thin 17kg so would have really struggled to survive if he hadn’t been rescued.”
Geoff George, Animal Collection Officer and main carer for Seals at the charity, added: “Andrew is now in our seal intensive care room and will require special fluids every two hours, day and night, if he is to survive.”
Electricity 'no longer for sale' on island
Sark's sole power provider says it will be forced to shut down at the end of the month.
Read moreIsland 'could be without electricity'
Sark's sole electricity provider warns it could shut without financial help from the government.
Read moreTributes after death of Sark finance chairman
BBC Radio Guernsey
Sark's Chairman of Policy and Finance Committee, Steve Taylor, has died.
Arthur Rolfe, Speaker of Sark Chief Pleas, said: "Steve was a person who approached his public duties with an enthusiastic and a genuine problem solving ethos. He will be much missed."
Guernsey to look at increasing overseas aid
Rob Byrne
BBC News Online
Guernsey's government will research increasing how much it gives in aid to charities working abroad, after politicians backed a move.
The island's Overseas Aid and Development Commission will now look at a range of initiatives to increase how much it gives, with the potential of a rise to 0.7% of national income as early as 31 December 2025.
At present, the island gives less than 0.1% of GDP.
The move by Deputies Mark Dorey and Emilie Yerby means the States senior committee must now also investigate whether the extra funding "could be raised by hypothecated taxes, business levies, or other alternative means of taxation".
Shelter to rehome pigeon who 'keeps coming back'
Rob England
BBC News Online
We've all heard about a pigeon's ability to find it's way home, and this is certainly the case for one bird, which keeps returning to an animal shelter trying to rehome it.
The JSPCA say Humbug, a hand reared domestic pigeon, keeps coming back because he's fond of the shelter's staff.
They are encouraging potential owners to come forward, but say they must have "a good sized aviary".
Unveiling of the Guillemont Memorial postponed
Twitter
The unveiling of the Guillemont Memorial on 9 November has been postponed due to the forecast of severe weather.
It will now take place at 19:00 on Thursday 15 November at Royal Square, St Helier.
The Guillemont memorial will encase the Heart Stone from the Jersey Memorial in the town of Guillemont, the Somme.
The stone will be near the point where the Jersey Contingent formed up, before their deployment to the Great War.
Bid to reunite family with WW1 nurse's diary
Kate Jennings
BBC Radio Jersey, Reporter
A man who bought two autograph books belonging to a Jersey nurse treating tommies in the First World War, is hoping to reunite them with her family.
About 35 years ago Mario Pirozzolo came across the albums, which have drawings and poems from the patients of nurse M L Norman.
Nurse Norman was working in London hospitals during the war.
"I found them in a bunch of bric-a-brac I bought from Le Gallais auction house," Mr Pirozzolo said.
Having left them in storage, he said the centenary marking the end of the war prompted him to return to his search for the mysterious nurse's relatives.
Shedding some light on her identity, Linda Romeril, Archives and Collections Director for Jersey Heritage, said she is thought to be Madeleine Louise Norman, born in Jersey in June 1889.
Mr Pirozzolo says he is now looking to contact Ms Norman's family - to return the books to them.
Window smashed with stone in jewellery theft
Rob England
BBC News Online
Jewellery and watches were stolen from a house in Jersey after a stone was used to smash a window, police say.
A paving stone was used in the theft from a house on Old St John's Road, St Helier on Wednesday, some time between 14:30 and 17:30.
'Ships of shame' prompt pay protest
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Ferry companies "can not and should not compete" with Condor's "poverty pay rates", according to the RMT.
The union is planning a protest against "exploitative" pay rates for staff.
Among its demands are:
The contract between Condor and the States of Guernsey and Jersey is up for renewal in 2019.
The protests will take place in Portsmouth on 22 December 2018 and 12 January 2019.
Condor has not yet responded to the demands.
Trump sanctions prompt exit of Russian-owned businesses
Jersey Evening Post
Sanctions imposed by the Trump administration have caused two Jersey-based businesses owned by one of Russia’s richest men to press ahead with plans to leave the island.
Fireworks petition reaches 1,000 signatures
Chris Quevatre
BBC News Online
A petition asking for the supply of fireworks to be limited to public displays has reached 1,000 signatures.
That means a government minister has to respond within 28 days.
The petition was created the day after Bonfire Night by Andy Jones.
The description says: "Every November fireworks are freely available, and are set off in the streets much to the serious distress of dogs and other family pets.There is equally a risk of personal injury and damage to property.
"There can be no real need or benefit in the use and sale of ‘domestic’ fireworks which in reality cause more distress and danger than they do enjoyment."
If the petition reaches 5,000 signatures, it will be formally debated by the States of Jersey.
Alderney given 'another option' with waste export
BBC Radio Guernsey
The States of Alderney is welcoming Jersey's decision to allow waste to be exported to the island.
Currently Alderney's black bag waste goes to Guernsey but the island's government could vote to change that next week, meaning it would go to Jersey instead.
Once the waste reaches Jersey it will be processed in the island's energy from waste plant, and used to power 100 homes.
Technical Services Officer for the States of Alderney, Aaron Bray, said the decision in Jersey gives them another option.
Protest planned over Condor's 'poverty wages'
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Two protests are planned in Portsmouth over the wages Condor Ferries pays its foreign workers.
The union RMT is calling for an end to what it describes as "poverty wages" on Condor's ships.
Other similar protests have been held in the past, and earlier this year an Early Day Motion was tabled by MPs to highlight the company's record of "undermining seafarer pay and employment".
Among a number of demands, the RMT wants staff employed on any future lifeline Channel Island ferry service to receive a living wage of about £9.75 an hour as a minimum.
It hopes trade unionists, politicians and the public in Jersey, Guernsey and the UK will support it.
The BBC has approached Condor for a response to the planned protests.
Non-EU workers could solve farming shortfall
BBC Radio Jersey
Workers from outside the EU could make up the shortfall of labour in Jersey farms.
Jersey's Farmers Union is proposing plans which would replicate a new UK pilot scheme.
From next year, British fruit and vegetable growers can recruit non-EU migrants as seasonal workers new proposals.
Now, Jersey's Farmers Union is asking the Home Affairs minister to test the idea here.
Video content
Seal pup rescued as gales due to arrive
Jersey Evening Post
A severely underweight three-week-old grey seal pup was rescued on Wednesday after it was found at the top of West Park slipway.
Waves crash over sea wall
Penny Elderfield
BBC Channel Islands News
Part of Guernsey's east coast was closed this morning due to flooding.
High tides and strong winds saw waves crash over the seawall on Bulwer Avenue.
There's another tide warning in place for this evening at 19:00, when winds are expected to pick up to force five to six.
Aurigny scraps early Manchester flights
Edward Rowe
BBC Radio Guernsey
Aurigny is scrapping most early flights to Manchester next summer, so that it can appeal to the leisure market instead.
The airline is moving Bristol flights to the 06:50 slot, making them the first flight out of Guernsey airport.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays the Manchester flight will depart at the later time of 09:50 while the Bristol flight will be the first commercial flight of the day.
Aurigny say the later Manchester flight times will appeal more to those who are travelling for leisure.
Commercial Director of the airline Malcolm Coupar says moving the Bristol flight means more options for business travellers.
The airline will releasing the rest of their summer schedule shortly.