The flash player presentation below tells you how the Constables came into the States, what they have done in the past, and what they do today. Please click on the forward arrow to advance the slides in the slideshow below.
"This Island is an amazing Community and many of the reasons for this revolve around the Parishes. The heart of the Community spirit, so often referred to as quite unique and a real strength, is frequently found around the Parish Hall. Also, so long as key services are delivered by both the States and the Parishes it is essential for the Connétables to be at the seat of Government. Whether it is the maintenance of Parish roads, the refuse collections, branchage, the Honorary Police, Homes for the elderly, and the many other services, organisations and charities supported by the Parishes, they are delivered in an extremely efficient manner. If there was ever any dissatisfaction EVERY elector has a right to speak up at a Parish Assembly and if necessary even call a special Assembly with the requisite number of signatories. Which other community enjoys that level of democracy?"
"The fact that all the Connétables sit in the States also ensures that they are well aware that what happens in the Parish is heavily influenced or affected by decisions taken by the States. They are full members of the States to defend their electors and parishioners and work in our best interests. Removing the Connétables from the States would weaken the Parishes in much the same way as it has happened in Guernsey and I firmly believe that the losers would be all the inhabitants. Of all the 'offices' as States Members few would disagree that they are the 'closest' to the people. That is a great strength and a n enormous value to all electors."
"Anyone who complains that the Connétables should not be elected or re-elected unopposed should perhaps be asked why they did not stand themselves or find someone prepared to stand! In recent times some Connétables have faced opposition and for whatever reason, some have lost their seat. That is democracy in action."
"The benefits of retaining the most ancient office is because of its relevance to and in our modern society. There is a saying which states that human beings often do not appreciate what they have until it is gone. I am convinced that is exactly what would happen if the Connétables were to be removed from the States."
Jean Le Maistre
"In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, ' don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.' To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: 'If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.'"
"This paradox rests on the most elementary common sense. The gate or fence did not grow there. It was not set up by somnambulists who built it in their sleep. It is highly improbable that it was put there by escaped lunatics who were for some reason loose in the street. Some person had some reason for thinking it would be a good thing for somebody. And until we know what the reason was, we really cannot judge whether the reason was reasonable."
G.K. Chesterton
"The fact that all the Connétables sit in the States also ensures that they are well aware that what happens in the Parish is heavily influenced or affected by decisions taken by the States. They are full members of the States to defend their electors and parishioners and work in our best interests. Removing the Connétables from the States would weaken the Parishes in much the same way as it has happened in Guernsey and I firmly believe that the losers would be all the inhabitants. Of all the 'offices' as States Members few would disagree that they are the 'closest' to the people. That is a great strength and a n enormous value to all electors."
"Anyone who complains that the Connétables should not be elected or re-elected unopposed should perhaps be asked why they did not stand themselves or find someone prepared to stand! In recent times some Connétables have faced opposition and for whatever reason, some have lost their seat. That is democracy in action."
"The benefits of retaining the most ancient office is because of its relevance to and in our modern society. There is a saying which states that human beings often do not appreciate what they have until it is gone. I am convinced that is exactly what would happen if the Connétables were to be removed from the States."
Jean Le Maistre
"In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, ' don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.' To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: 'If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.'"
"This paradox rests on the most elementary common sense. The gate or fence did not grow there. It was not set up by somnambulists who built it in their sleep. It is highly improbable that it was put there by escaped lunatics who were for some reason loose in the street. Some person had some reason for thinking it would be a good thing for somebody. And until we know what the reason was, we really cannot judge whether the reason was reasonable."
G.K. Chesterton