Jersey’s Council of Ministers signed the Armed Forces Covenant on Monday 8th November in support of the Armed Forces Community working and residing in Jersey, and recognising the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces Community.
The Covenant was established in Jersey in 2014 and is designed to protect Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans from being disadvantaged because of their service both during and after leaving the Forces. It aims to encourage the Island community to offer support to the local Armed Forces Community and make it easier for service personnel, families and veterans to access the help and support available.
Keith Sunter, Welfare Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Jersey said: “We are delighted that the Covenant has been given full commitment from the Government. Our Armed Forces fulfil a responsibility, sacrificing some of the freedoms, facing danger and sometimes suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. In return, we have an obligation to ensure they receive our respect and support.”
He added: “The Covenant is a two-way arrangement. The Armed Forces Community do as much as they can to support their Island community and promote activity that integrates the service community into Island life. We have seen that more recently when our Field Squadron provided highly-skilled logistical support during the initial stage of the Pandemic, including helping to construct our vaccination centre and distributing PPE.”
Chief Minister, John Le Fondré, said: “Jersey has a long and lasting relationship with our Armed Forces, and we are deeply grateful to our servicemen and women for their commitment, service and sacrifice. Those who serve, or has served in the past, should face no disadvantage in the public or commercial services. This obligation involves the whole of our society, whether voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and individuals.”
He added: “The Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all. It is important that our community do all they can to support them.”
Organisations in Jersey are now also being encouraged to sign up to the Covenant. To find out more, please contact Keith Sunter at the Royal British Legion Jersey here.
