The Connétable is an ancient position of trust that has evolved into a key part of the fabric of life in Jersey and a vital part of the democratic component of its local governance, says Jersey's longest-serving Connétable.
Connétable Vibert has been a Member of the States since 1994 when he was first elected as Connétable for his parish of St Ouen after a number of years of other honorary service to the parish. He is now the Chairman of the Comité des Connétables which brings together the Connétables of Jersey's 12 parishes.
T
he parish system in Jersey is the backbone of the island's long tradition of honorary service, a
system where people give back to the community of their time and talents for the good of their fellow men. Each of Jersey's 12 parishes is lead
by the Connétable who is supported by two Procureurs du Bien Public, a team of elected honorary police officers as well as many other volunteers who are elected to serve on the numerous parish committees. Members of the Roads Committee are, as are the honorary police members, sworn into office by the Royal Court, as are roads works inspectors. Property assessors are elected and sworn
Conn. Ken P. Vibert.
into office to calculate the amount of rates (property tax) to be levied on owners and occupiers of the parish. The number of other committees varies across the parishes according to what responsibilities are taken on by the parish. All these people are elected by
decision of the "parish assembly" which is open to all electors as well as other rate payers of the parish who may reside out
of the parish but can claim a vote. The running of parish assemblies is governed by the Loi 1804 au sujet des Assemblées Paroissialles. All matters concerning the running of
the parish administration, namely the cost of the honorary police, the care and maintenance of the parish by-roads, the cost of the refuse collection and (until 2007) the payment of parish welfare to those in need, are decided by the assembly. It is interesting to note that the same assembly, having agreed the Connétables' budget for the coming year, then decide the rate at which the land and property tax (rates) is to be levied. By law, the amount at which this tax is set must cover the agreed budget, which includes any specific votes as well as an amount to be distributed to charities, together with an amount for the maintenance of the parish church and cemeteries as well as the rector's domicile. The system is real democracy.
An ancient post The Connétable presides over all matters concerning the administration of the parish, parish assemblies as well as all parish committees, other than the team of