10 December 2022
At 4 o’clock this morning, our Island experienced an unexpected and unimaginable tragedy, taking the life of at least three Islanders.
The last 12 hours have demonstrated to me the resilience, skill and dedication of our emergency services, and our community as a whole.
My thoughts and prayers are foremost with the families of those who have died, those who are still awaiting news about their loved ones, and those who have been forced from their homes.
I want to offer my sincerest and heartfelt thanks to the emergency service responders who have been on the scene since the early hours of this morning, and all those who have worked to make the site safe enough to begin the search process.
I am hugely grateful to the South West Hazardous Area Response Team and the Urban Search and Rescue Team from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service who are bringing their specialist skills to assist with the site search. And to the Military and Coastguard services who have provided essential logistical support.
I want to offer my thanks to the staff at Andium Homes who have worked alongside Government colleagues and quickly mobilised accommodation and other support for all those affected. I was particularly glad to meet with staff and volunteers from the Parish of St Helier and St John Ambulance who gave their time to care for the residents in the immediate aftermath.
This has been a most difficult and challenging week for our Island. We have faced two tragedies which have cost the lives of friends, colleagues and family members. We must now call on our collective strength as an Island community, to come together and support all those affected through this dark time.
I hope many of you will join in a period of quiet reflection this evening for those we have lost. You are most welcome to join other Islanders in the Town Church from 5pm where we will be reflecting and remembering together.
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