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To help put a face to a name in this section we asked any member of the twelve-strong JDA Council who wished to do so to provide details for us to write a brief, ‘potted’ biography outlining such things their role within the party, their background and personal interests. The first few members to respond to this request are detailed below. The section will be added to and updated as further information from other Council members is provided.

However, please note that though wholly committed to playing a role in bringing about positive electoral reform with the JDA, due to concerns with regard to employers a small number of individuals felt unable to publicise their personal efforts: a sorry indictment of Jersey 2008 to be sure. Unfortunately this remains the reality in which all that dare to challenge the status quo and Jersey’s self-appointed wealthy elite must work for change.

Though playing no official role within the day-to-day operations of the JDA we will shortly also be including in this section brief details of the party’s Honorary Patrons: well known figures in political circles in their own right for their many years of work on behalf of community and democratic reform. Keep watching this space – you well be quite surprised!

TREVOR PITMAN   CHAIRMAN

Jersey born, Trevor was elected Chairman of the JDA at the AGM of November 2007 having joined the party at its launch in April 2005. Previously holding the position of Vice-Chairman, Trevor was responsible for putting together the successful application for funding support from the world-renowned Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, travelling to meet the Trust’s Directors in Westminster earlier that year. As to just where his interest in politics and equality arose; Trevor credits his parents and states that he was “one of those odd teenagers who despite being very much into sport, music and all the other things teenagers do also had a fascination for UK and local politics”.  Particularly keen on his football, Trevor went on to represent the island as a schoolboy, only to have his career brought to an early end after twice suffering a dislocation of his knee (an injury that if he is to be believed was the only thing stopping him eventually playing for England!)  

Having previously had a successful career in Business Management at the beginning of the 1990’s, already giving much of his free time to doing voluntary work for the community via the Jersey Youth Service; Trevor made the decision to retrain as a Youth & Community Development professional moving to the UK to attend university in Leicester. Since gaining his professional qualification he has been the Senior Youth Worker serving the St. Saviour/St. Helier area of Grands Vaux. “Investment in young people,” Trevor says, “is investment in the future – just a little spent on a young person in their formative years will save an absolute fortune long-term.” As well as his management and informal education qualifications Trevor is also a professionally qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer.

An avid reader of philosophy, history and biographies as well as literary fantasy fiction, having spent a number of years following what he describes as the “Labour/Conservative” political pantomime, Trevor states that the first UK politician to make a real impression on his thinking was Dr. David Owen and the Social Democratic Party of the early 1980's, though he tells us there are many diverse people he admires all the way from Gandhi, Martin Luther King up to more recent figures such as the late John Smith of the early 1980’s. “What particularly struck me was Owen’s contention that we needed to get away from the automatic gain-saying/slating of policies and initiatives just because something had emanated from the opposing side. Perhaps also fed by the fact that I have been fortunate to have travelled widely and seen a lot of different cultures it is a principle,” he adds, “that is central to my political thinking to this day and something which Jersey is in dire need of adopting – at least as far as the ‘establishment’ is concerned. After all, how often do we see things criticised by the Walkers, Ozoufs and Le Sueurs of this world clearly simply because a proposal has been put forward by the likes of the JDA, Senator Syvret or Deputy Breckon?”

Now, in 2008 with the JDA firmly established at the vanguard of moderate, centre-left politics within the island Trevor sees the JDA as the organisation to take this ethic forward. Further still as the organisation with the drive and commitment to put an end to an ‘Establishment Party’ controlled by multi-millionaires and running Jersey effectively as a private club for the benefit of the super wealthy. “If you asked me to put in a nutshell why I will be standing for election,” Trevor explains, “I would say quite simply that as a professional working with young people I am deeply concerned about what the future holds for them if we continue down the route of this present Council of Ministers. Equally, with an elderly father who a couple of years ago suffered a debilitating stroke I’m also very concerned that people like him who have worked hard for Jersey all their life do not end up being effectively fleeced by the Government for having the audacity to struggle for years to eventually own their own home.”

“Jersey,” he says, “belongs to all of the community and everyone in that community deserves to be treated with consideration, fairness and respect. This is what the JDA will bring.”

CHRISTINE PAPWORTH – VICE-CHAIRWOMAN

47 years old (sshhhh – don’t tell anyone!) Christine has lived in Jersey for the past 26 years, with her husband and three children. She is employed by the States and has also been involved with Union work as a Shop Steward for her departmental colleagues several years.  Chris tells us she has been drawn towards becoming more and more involved in politics recently because of a growing feeling of dissatisfaction with the way our island has been run.  

Chris explains: “My reason for joining the JDA is very simple. I have a passionate desire to see social justice in society. We are very lucky in this beautiful island to have a very buoyant economy with vast amounts of wealth, enabling the majority of Islanders to enjoy a very comfortable standard of living. We are also fortunate to have a very flexible and mobile workforce,” she continues, “welcoming in workers from Europe and the UK, enabling our farms and other local businesses to be as profitable as they undoubtedly are.”

“But with this comes responsibility,” Says Chris. “I believe that we have a duty to provide decent living conditions for all our inhabitants, and to provide equal access to all the things we take for granted – such as decent housing and a decent wage for working a reasonable number of hours. “

Perhaps as you might expect as someone working within one of the island’s care industries Christine is passionately concerned about looking after those people in society who are less able to look after themselves – the elderly, the disabled and, what she describes as her own particular concern – children and young people.

“I believe strongly that it is the responsibility of us all to create a community here in Jersey which nurtures and values its children and young people. After all, they are the future and it is in everyone’s best interests to look after the people who will be our future leaders, workers and parents.” Looking after our young people now will inevitably lead to a safer community, she points out. “Its just basic commonsense – like so much of the JDA’s thinking that drew me to become involved: if people feel valued and part of the community, they will be less likely to damage it – this begins in childhood and remains with us for ever.

Christine also has a strong interest in Green issues stating that our environment should be of concern to every one of us. Pressed to enlarge upon this she adds that this should include:

• A properly sustainable, comprehensive and subsidised public transport system

• safer cycling and less emphasis on use of cars

• Increased recycling of our waste

• More emphasis placed on promoting healthy lifestyles - including better access for all to sport and leisure activities – not just for those who can afford it.

“So many people just moan yet do nothing,” says Chris. “But I believe that it is possible to change the way Jersey is governed and this is why I have joined the JDA – as working together, we can make change happen. The 2008 elections are an ideal place to start!”

SHONA PITMAN  - STATES MEMBER

Jersey born (in 1974) and educated, Deputy Shona Pitman went on to study for a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Plymouth in 1995.  Politically active throughout this period, she was the Chairperson of the Plymouth Greenpeace Support Group Committee and was also a member of a student group called the ‘Green Umbrella Society’, affiliated to the national student organisation ‘People and Planet’, which campaigns for human rights and environmental issues. 

After graduating, Shona then successfully undertook a Masters Degree in Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, which she completed in 2001.  (Subjects studied included: conflict resolution, human rights and politics).  Her dissertation research for this award formed the basis of a report entitled: ‘Anti-Racism Education for Young People: Is the States of Jersey’s Approach Effective?’ which she published in 2002.  As well as undertaking her degrees, Shona also gained work experience in a number of different fields: retail, hospitality, catering, care, education (children and young people), finance, the environment, and research (for the former Senator, Ted Vibert and the Jersey Community Relations Trust). 

The Deputy told us: “When I first considered standing for election I felt that each and every experience gained over the years would be of benefit in helping me to do a good job in politics. I have to say that I’ve not been disappointed, because to represent someone you really can have no better grounding than to be able to appreciate the problems many ordinary working people face through having been through some of those issues yourself. This kind of experience,” she adds, “is certainly every bit as valuable as having Degrees”.

Shona has also been fortunate enough to have travelled from as far a field as Australia and Malaysia, to Africa and Central America.  Already a strong proponent of social justice being able to witness the poverty and injustice within a number of other cultures first hand also helped fuel her decision to eventually pursue a political career. With a great care for her ‘home island’ and growing concern for the way it was being governed Shona decided to stand for election for Deputy in 2005, for the Parish of St Helier where she had spent her last remaining years living with her family, before leaving to attend University.

Having met JDA founders Senator Ted Vibert and Deputy Geoff Southern and been impressed by their ideals of political transparency and social inclusion Shona became the Senator’s researcher and was one of the original members of the party even prior to its official Fort Regent launch. Going on to top the poll in St. Helier No. 2 District, in our view Shona has proven herself to be one of the few Deputies from the 2005 intake who has not only remained true to her word on issues like her opposition to GST, but also in being brave enough to tackle issues of much-needed constitutional reform.

She was the first politician in January 2007 to try and win a direct public vote for the election of Chief Minister – incredibly (if not unpredictably) having this blocked by the Bailiff on the grounds that he considered it might lead to the ‘election of a person who did not have the confidence of the majority of elected States members’. Deputy Pitman was to try again later that year in conjunction with fellow JDA States Member Deputy Geoff Southern; this time seeing the two propositions heavily defeated by the Establishment ‘party’ voting block. She has also twice tried to win the removal of the secret ballot process in the election of Chief Ministers that currently allows unscrupulous political candidates to lie to the public over who they would support.

“I am not one of those States Members good at making long, flowery speeches,” she says, “I am a ‘people’ politician who would rather spend my time in a commonsense approach to helping sort out people’s problems. Governments are first and foremost meant to serve and that is where I think my strengths lie.”

GEOFF SOUTHERN - STATES MEMBER

Deputy Geoff Southern must have one of the most interesting academic backgrounds within the States emerging from university specialising in metallurgy and French! A former school teacher, it is perhaps this background that has led to his reputation for research in both his propositions and Scrutiny work that has earned him the respect of both colleagues and opponents alike. Widely believed to be in contention for the accolade of having asked more questions, and brought more propositions than any other present Member, as well as being the current Chairman of the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel Deputy Southern is also Vice-Chairman of Income Support and a member of the Migration Policy sub-panel. 

Another member of the JDA’s Council tracing their political interest all the way back to their youth, Deputy Southern also echoes the views of so many of his colleagues in seeing politicians working together wherever possible, rather than focussing on differences as being the key to achieving a Jersey that values all the members of its community. Geoff’s first attempt at bringing together a broad-based coalition of people to work for social and democratic reforms was with the Rainbow Alliance in the mid 90’s. A decade later, having himself since been elected to the States in February of 2002, he co-founded the Jersey Democratic Alliance with his friend and political colleague, former Senator Ted Vibert in 2005.

Recalling the party’s beginnings Geoff says that if there was a major flaw within the original set-up it was probably that in 2005 too many people had been drawn to the concept primarily out of dissatisfaction with the government of the day, rather than shared political ideals. This is something he sees as being quite different to the JDA of the present day.

“I think the Chairman is quite right on this – in many ways the JDA of today is exactly where we should have begun from in 2005, Today we have a group of people on the Council all singing from effectively the same hymn sheet, and I think that is transmitting itself more and more to the people now deciding to join. Of course we are a broad church, and long may that continue,” the Deputy continues, “but it is those shared core centre-left values of social justice, transparency and political accountability that makes the JDA of 2008 such a pleasure to work with: commonsense politics for commonsense people indeed!”

Outside of his political work Geoff is another Council Member who tells us that reading and music plays a big part in his attempts at relaxing. He is a particular fan of the American singer-songwriter Tom Waites. “he is very much an acquired taste, “ says the Deputy, “but his words have a way of drawing you in, body and soul, to the story he is weaving. Undoubtedly the man is a genius.”

With the 2008 elections now only months away and the Council of Ministers appearing to be competing for the title of Worst Political Own Goal, Deputy Southern feels it really is time for all of those who genuinely care about securing a long-term sustainable future to benefit all ordinary working people to put aside their differences and work together.

“We have heard it so many times come election time that Jersey is ‘at the cross-roads’ – usually from politicians who simply want to con people into voting for more of the same,” says the Deputy: “but in 2008 that cliché is finally very close to the truth. People have a choice – they can buy into the same old ‘spin’ from those who have let ordinary people down so badly with issues like GST and the waterfront. Or they can use their vote to bring about real positive change as advocated by the JDA. It really is that stark a choice and that simple.”

DAVID ROTHERHAM – TREASURER & MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY 

David has been a member of the Jersey Democratic Alliance since its launch at Fort Regent in April 2005 and has been Treasurer since August 2007. Outside of the JDA David has a long-established pedigree of political involvement in organisations committed to the advancement of equality and democracy. He is the current Chairman of the Jersey Rights Association, and in the past has served on the committees of Jersey Pro-Choice, the Rainbow Alliance, and the Jersey Taxpayers association.

Less politically, David is the Chairman of La Moye School PTA. While as a former retailer he also served on the local and regional committees of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. Reader do the Jersey Evening Post will be used to seeing his name in print as he has been a regular contributor to the paper’s letters page for many years now.

David is a very keen musician playing various sub-genres of rock music. He also used to be a regular on the pub quiz circuit in his younger days specialising in the fascinating combination of rock music and politics.

Presently working within the field of catering wholesale, the early starts and early finishes give David the time for his real job – being full-time father to his two young daughters. Indeed, he says without hesitation, “From my own personal perspective the most important aspect of my life is my family”. It is principally concern that Jersey should be a safe, just and affordable place for future generations that drives David’s involvement in politics with the JDA. David’s wife, Lydia, is a secondary school teacher.

“Bad things can happen to people who let their date of birth appear on the internet,” David continues with a smile, “so to date me: let’s just say the oldest local news I can remember is the Caesarea being the brand new mail boat!”

DEBBIE DE SOUSA – COMMUNITIES LIASION

A resident of St. Helier, Debbie was born in Torquay in February 1960. When she was just six years old Debbie’s family emigrated to South Australia, only to return to the UK in 1974. Debbie completed her education in Torquay at Audley Park High and left school in 1977. Having tried her hand at a number of potential careers – a learning process she feels stood her in good stead for later in her life - Debbie started a family in 1981. She has four children: a son of 27 and daughters aged 24, 18 and 11. Her two elder children have already given Debbie three grandchildren. She divorced in 2003 only to meet Jorge, the man she describes as “my wonderful second husband” a year later.

Jorge had worked and lived in Jersey for many years and ran two very successful businesses in the island. Jorge brought Debbie to Jersey to meet his family and for a much-needed holiday and, falling in love with the island, the couple decided to make their home here bringing Debbie’s two younger children with her. Debbie and Jorge married in 2006. Debbie has worked for many years as a Health Care Assistant but as also previously worked as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant. In this role she worked with children with A.D.H.D, learning difficulties and children with disabilities being integrated into mainstream schools.

In the process of setting up a new business with Jorge Debbie is a great advocate of travel feeling that it broadens a person’s mind. She also states that she has had a “passion for politics” since she was at school Debbie adds: “I am very passionate about whatever I do. Since coming to live in Jersey I have followed local politics avidly and listened to so many debates this triggered my interest in putting myself forward for election. I feel I have had a great deal of experiences that would serve me well as a States Member; and, with a strong commitment to social justice the Jersey Democratic Alliance seemed the natural choice.”

Debbie explains: “ I feel very honoured that the JDA have agreed to endorse me as a candidate. I believe the party is the true voice of ordinary people and as such have a full and comprehensive island-wide mandate. If elected I will do my utmost to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability. I feel the island’s people have been ignored for far too long. The landscape is blotted with monstrous buildings and simply don’t fit in with the surroundings. The uniqueness of Jersey is rapidly disappearing. Standing as a candidate with the JDA I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure we protect Jersey for future generations to enjoy.”

CHRISTIAN ROBERTSHAW – COUNCIL MEMBER

Christian is 36 years old and works for RBS International as a bank messenger.  He states that his reasons for deciding to join the Jersey Democratic Alliance are quite simple. “I joined the JDA because they, like me, want to see policies in place that care for everyone who lives on this island – not just the privileged few.”

Explaining this in greater detail Christian told us: “I joined because the JDA want to see our island’s environment preserved for future generations, not sold off to whichever developer pays the most money with no consideration as to the long-term impact. Like me they (JDA) want to see people able to live properly rather than in tiny rooms with little or no privacy; they (JDA) want to see our elderly treated with the dignity they deserve rather than having to worry that their meagre pension isn’t going to be enough to afford their heating bills.”

Christian also states that he feels the JDA offers the best way forward for young people to be able to fulfil their potential, and to contribute to the island’s future rather than being constantly seen by all too many as a problem.  “I also want to see the contribution of immigrants to the island recognised,” he goes on, “instead of them being able to be ripped off by greedy and unscrupulous landlords”.

Adding that there are many, many more things that he could mention Christian settles for telling us that: “The record of the JDA’s politicians does, I believe, speak for itself. They have been true to their election promises, unlike so many, and they seek consistently to serve the interests of ordinary people. That is why I joined the JDA.”