Islanders urged to keep an eye out for invasive beetle
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Islanders are being urged to keep an eye out for an invasive species that causes damage to potato and tomato crops.
The Colorado beetle - also known as the Colorado potato beetle - has been spotted in France and the current weather conditions mean they might be able to fly to the island, the Government of Jersey said.
Any sightings should be reported to environment@gov.je.
Government of JerseyCopyright: Government of Jersey
Jersey's long-running pay dispute with its teachers has finally reached its conclusion after four months of disruption.
The membership of NASUWT, the final teaching union to hold out, voted to accept the governments' final pay offer, following a "positive consultation' with members".
Forty three gorilla sculptures - which have been designed and decorated by Jersey’s children and community groups - will appear in shop windows and indoor locations across the island next week.
It's all in aid of Go Wild Gorillas - a trail that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
It wants to bring together art and conservation and hopes to raise funds for a new home for the gorilla family at Jersey Zoo.
The diverse array of designs are inspired by subjects including the natural world, Jersey Zoo, local wildlife, global arts and culture and marine environment.
On 27 July, the gorilla sculptures will be joined by a further 40 silverback gorilla sculptures which have been sponsored by local companies and designed by artists from Jersey, the UK and beyond.
New RNLI inshore lifeboat for St Peter Port harbour
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
RNLICopyright: RNLI
Guernsey has welcomed a new RNLI inshore lifeboat to St Peter Port harbour.
The Elizabeth and
Margaret Milligan B-class Atlantic lifeboat joins the all-weather boat
in the harbour for a two-year trial period.
The volunteer crew of 13 has been training on the boat for the last
six months and took part in their final exercise on Wednesday night before the boat was
declared on service.
Guernsey RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager, Chris Harvey said the crew are a "credit to the
station".
"We look forward to the challenge of using the vessel to its
best advantage during the two-year trial," he added.
Recruitment begins for new chief of police in Jersey
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A campaign has been launched to recruit a new chief of police for the island after the death of Rob Bastable last year.
The Government of Jersey said the position is a "critical
leadership role in protecting the public, preventing crime and building public
trust in police services".
Minister for Home Affairs,
Constable Len Norman said the "vital role" is "at the
very heart of our island community and is integral to a building a safe future
of all".
"I look forward to the future appointment and working closely with them
in creating a just and fair society for all islanders," he said.
Jersey civil servants have rejected the latest government pay offer, with two thirds of JCSA Prospect and Unite Jersey members voting against it.
The offer was a 1% pay rise for 2018 and 2019, 2.1% in one-off cash payments over the two years and a 1.3% above-inflation pay award for 2020.
In a joint statement, the unions said members are "professional people" who "expect to be treated with respect and in a professional manner by their employer".
They added other pay groups have been offered improved pay offers whilst civil servants are "left behind".
The Government of Jersey said it was "obviously disappointed" and it will be "seeking further meetings with union officials to understand their members’ decision, given that the officials themselves had been positive about the offer".
BBCCopyright: BBC
Islanders' views on minimum wage and trainee rates wanted
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
The Employment Forum is seeking the views of Jersey residents about what rates the minimum wage, the trainee rates and the maximum offsets for accommodation and food should be set at in 2020.
It is holding a consultation where it will welcome comments - particularly from employers and employees - who are affected by the minimum wage.
The forum will present its recommendations to the Minister for Social Security in September.
Government of JerseyCopyright: Government of Jersey
Yellow weather warning for wind issued across islands
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Strong gusts are expected soon, Jersey Met said.
Jersey MetCopyright: Jersey Met
Guernsey to host round two of powerboat championships
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Guernsey's east coast will host the latest leg of the United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA) Championship in the Little Russel and around Sark this weekend.
People will be able to get up close to the 30 powerboats, which will be in the Victoria Marina from Friday, as well as watching the race and parade on Saturday and Sunday.
Guernsey's harbour master David Barker said he was "delighted" powerboating is returning to the island.
States of GuernseyCopyright: States of Guernsey
"Guernsey's waters provide challenging conditions for powerboating, which is just one of many sports which use Bailiwick waters to provide a unique competitive setting," he said.
"Of course, this is a high-speed sport, and all boaters are urged to observe the instructions given in the relevant local notices to mariners, which have already been issued.
"This is particularly important for those navigating in the vicinity of the Brehon Tower to St Martin's Point start area."
Racing takes place on Saturday and all the boats will be taken ashore to prepare for a parade along the town seafront on Sunday afternoon.
Islanders urged to not feed seabirds at Bordeaux
BBC Radio Guernsey
Islanders are being urged to not feed the seabirds at Bordeaux Harbour because it can be "detrimental" in several ways.
The environment department said bread is especially harmful for seabirds as it damages their digestive systems, encourages them to steal from people and attracts rats.
It added it strongly recommends people enjoy feeding wild birds in their own gardens and to only feed them quantities they will eat in one day.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Sunday opening 'will not affect workers' rights'
BBC Radio Jersey
Jersey's Economic Development Minister says workers' rights will be protected if the States agree Sunday opening for larger shops.
Senator Lyndon Farnham has asked the law department to bring forward changes to the regulations so about 30 larger stores can apply to open between 10:00 and 16:00 on Sundays and bank holidays.
He says the proposal would benefit tourists as well.
If the States agree, shops could open on a Sunday as early as late September.
GoogleCopyright: Google
Quote Message: Over the last decade, we've seen significant improvements and protections in the employment laws for employers. It's a much more even playing field now. I'm satisfied that employer's rights are protected and are satisfactory to this." from Senator Lyndon Farnham Economic Development Minister
Over the last decade, we've seen significant improvements and protections in the employment laws for employers. It's a much more even playing field now. I'm satisfied that employer's rights are protected and are satisfactory to this."
GST 'likely' to be paid on all online shopping from 2021
BBC Radio Jersey
Jersey's goods and services tax (GST) is likely to be payable on all online shopping from 2021, the island's treasury minister has said.
Currently, anything bought online that costs less than £240 is exempt from GST.
However, Deputy Susie Pinel says improvements in customs and postal procedures mean it's become more cost effective to collect the tax on goods and services.
She suggested the threshold for exemption may fall to £100 in the near future as well.
Any potential changes will be announced in the government plan - a document setting out the States' budget and expenses - due to be published later this month.
Panel sets 5% pay rise for Guernsey's politicians
BBC Channel Islands News
Guernsey's politicians are set to get a 5% payrise in the next term starting next June, following the findings of an independent panel.
The caveat is that their pay will be frozen for the next five years, so they will receive no further pay increases until at least 2025.
Thursday will be dry with spells of sunshine. The sunshine will become increasingly hazy this morning. It will feel warm in the afternoon and it will continue fine. Gentle winds.
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Latest PostChannel Islands Live: 5 July
Bringing you the news, sport, travel and weather for the Channel Islands on Friday 5 July 2019.
Catch upIslanders urged to keep an eye out for invasive beetle
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Islanders are being urged to keep an eye out for an invasive species that causes damage to potato and tomato crops.
The Colorado beetle - also known as the Colorado potato beetle - has been spotted in France and the current weather conditions mean they might be able to fly to the island, the Government of Jersey said.
Any sightings should be reported to environment@gov.je.
Jersey teachers pay dispute concluded
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Jersey's long-running pay dispute with its teachers has finally reached its conclusion after four months of disruption.
The membership of NASUWT, the final teaching union to hold out, voted to accept the governments' final pay offer, following a "positive consultation' with members".
Members of the NEU had voted to accept the offer on the 11 June.
Missing 17-year-old found 'safe and well'
Gorilla sculpture trail marks Durrell's 60th anniversary
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Forty three gorilla sculptures - which have been designed and decorated by Jersey’s children and community groups - will appear in shop windows and indoor locations across the island next week.
It's all in aid of Go Wild Gorillas - a trail that celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
It wants to bring together art and conservation and hopes to raise funds for a new home for the gorilla family at Jersey Zoo.
The diverse array of designs are inspired by subjects including the natural world, Jersey Zoo, local wildlife, global arts and culture and marine environment.
On 27 July, the gorilla sculptures will be joined by a further 40 silverback gorilla sculptures which have been sponsored by local companies and designed by artists from Jersey, the UK and beyond.
Jersey Zoo was established in 1952 by Gerald Durrell and has been home to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust since 1964.
It has a long history with gorillas and made headlines all over the world in 1986 when five-year-old Levan Merrit fell into the enclosure and paramedic Brian Fox leapt in to save him.
Police ask for help finding 17-year-old
New RNLI inshore lifeboat for St Peter Port harbour
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Guernsey has welcomed a new RNLI inshore lifeboat to St Peter Port harbour.
The Elizabeth and Margaret Milligan B-class Atlantic lifeboat joins the all-weather boat in the harbour for a two-year trial period.
The volunteer crew of 13 has been training on the boat for the last six months and took part in their final exercise on Wednesday night before the boat was declared on service.
Guernsey RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat operations manager, Chris Harvey said the crew are a "credit to the station".
"We look forward to the challenge of using the vessel to its best advantage during the two-year trial," he added.
Island's larger shops could open on Sundays
A change in the law could see the ban lifted for Jersey's 30 largest retail companies.
Read moreRecruitment begins for new chief of police in Jersey
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
A campaign has been launched to recruit a new chief of police for the island after the death of Rob Bastable last year.
The Government of Jersey said the position is a "critical leadership role in protecting the public, preventing crime and building public trust in police services".
Minister for Home Affairs, Constable Len Norman said the "vital role" is "at the very heart of our island community and is integral to a building a safe future of all".
"I look forward to the future appointment and working closely with them in creating a just and fair society for all islanders," he said.
More information can be found here.
Civil servants reject latest government pay offer
Freddie Miller
BBC Jersey political reporter
Jersey civil servants have rejected the latest government pay offer, with two thirds of JCSA Prospect and Unite Jersey members voting against it.
The offer was a 1% pay rise for 2018 and 2019, 2.1% in one-off cash payments over the two years and a 1.3% above-inflation pay award for 2020.
In a joint statement, the unions said members are "professional people" who "expect to be treated with respect and in a professional manner by their employer".
They added other pay groups have been offered improved pay offers whilst civil servants are "left behind".
The Government of Jersey said it was "obviously disappointed" and it will be "seeking further meetings with union officials to understand their members’ decision, given that the officials themselves had been positive about the offer".
Islanders' views on minimum wage and trainee rates wanted
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
The Employment Forum is seeking the views of Jersey residents about what rates the minimum wage, the trainee rates and the maximum offsets for accommodation and food should be set at in 2020.
It is holding a consultation where it will welcome comments - particularly from employers and employees - who are affected by the minimum wage.
The forum will present its recommendations to the Minister for Social Security in September.
More information can be found here.
Yellow weather warning for wind issued across islands
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Strong gusts are expected soon, Jersey Met said.
Guernsey to host round two of powerboat championships
Hayley Westcott
BBC News Online
Guernsey's east coast will host the latest leg of the United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA) Championship in the Little Russel and around Sark this weekend.
People will be able to get up close to the 30 powerboats, which will be in the Victoria Marina from Friday, as well as watching the race and parade on Saturday and Sunday.
Guernsey's harbour master David Barker said he was "delighted" powerboating is returning to the island.
"Guernsey's waters provide challenging conditions for powerboating, which is just one of many sports which use Bailiwick waters to provide a unique competitive setting," he said.
"Of course, this is a high-speed sport, and all boaters are urged to observe the instructions given in the relevant local notices to mariners, which have already been issued.
"This is particularly important for those navigating in the vicinity of the Brehon Tower to St Martin's Point start area."
Racing takes place on Saturday and all the boats will be taken ashore to prepare for a parade along the town seafront on Sunday afternoon.
Islanders urged to not feed seabirds at Bordeaux
BBC Radio Guernsey
Islanders are being urged to not feed the seabirds at Bordeaux Harbour because it can be "detrimental" in several ways.
The environment department said bread is especially harmful for seabirds as it damages their digestive systems, encourages them to steal from people and attracts rats.
It added it strongly recommends people enjoy feeding wild birds in their own gardens and to only feed them quantities they will eat in one day.
Sunday opening 'will not affect workers' rights'
BBC Radio Jersey
Jersey's Economic Development Minister says workers' rights will be protected if the States agree Sunday opening for larger shops.
Senator Lyndon Farnham has asked the law department to bring forward changes to the regulations so about 30 larger stores can apply to open between 10:00 and 16:00 on Sundays and bank holidays.
He says the proposal would benefit tourists as well.
If the States agree, shops could open on a Sunday as early as late September.
GST 'likely' to be paid on all online shopping from 2021
BBC Radio Jersey
Jersey's goods and services tax (GST) is likely to be payable on all online shopping from 2021, the island's treasury minister has said.
Currently, anything bought online that costs less than £240 is exempt from GST.
However, Deputy Susie Pinel says improvements in customs and postal procedures mean it's become more cost effective to collect the tax on goods and services.
She suggested the threshold for exemption may fall to £100 in the near future as well.
Any potential changes will be announced in the government plan - a document setting out the States' budget and expenses - due to be published later this month.
Panel sets 5% pay rise for Guernsey's politicians
BBC Channel Islands News
Guernsey's politicians are set to get a 5% payrise in the next term starting next June, following the findings of an independent panel.
The caveat is that their pay will be frozen for the next five years, so they will receive no further pay increases until at least 2025.
Channel Islands weather: Dry and fine
BBC Weather
Thursday will be dry with spells of sunshine. The sunshine will become increasingly hazy this morning. It will feel warm in the afternoon and it will continue fine. Gentle winds.
Max: 22°C (72°F).