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Mick Pashley

Mick Pashley has lived in Jersey for ten years and wants to give back to the island he now calls home.

He believes Jersey needs greater diversity in the economy because it's too reliant on finance.

He would like to see more cheaper events to attract tourists to the island, for Jersey's football team to play in a UK league and more facilities for young artists and musicians. He supports civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

Manifesto

Jersey was once synonymous with the great British summer; an island of sunshine and beaches for all the family and a safe environment for everyone to be in. A European holiday whilst only a stone鈥檚 throw from the UK.

Jersey has become a financial hub, and this serves the island鈥檚 needs well. Extra taxes have hit people鈥檚 pockets hard and more people are looking at the possibility of moving away.

Jersey now has a new generation of islander, a 21st century community requiring a new approach and provide for their needs. We are at a crossroads where we must decide how we must shape our community.

We have concentrated our focus on the finance industry in recent years, but I believe we now need to make more of an effort to revive the once booming tourism industry here, which would also add to the islander鈥檚 quality of life.

Some of the possibilities I would look at include:

Moving the harbour to deeper waters to allow for cruise ships to dock at, or near, the island. If this could not be worked around the Ramsar restrictions at La Collette then the potential at St Catherine鈥檚 Breakwater could be considered as an alternative.

Make more use of the island鈥檚 facilities; diving schools, water sports weekends, sailing holidays, use of the reservoirs and beaches for sports.

It is key for us to remember that the 2012 London Olympics is looming and Jersey should strive for representation in this showpiece.

Explore means of creating cheaper travel to and from the island; budget flights and cheaper ferry prices.

Increase the opportunities for big events like Jersey Live to take place here.

The hosting of more sporting events and championships on the island.

Controversially I would like to see the introduction of a casino in Jersey.

I believe moving in this direction would bring a new wave of tourists to the island, adding wealth and culture, and encouraging those who have become disillusioned to stay and help progress it instead.

A small community like ours should ensure that all its members are looked after. As we move forward into the 21st century it is necessary for us to help both the existing and the future generations of our island.

Currently a 16-year-old in a band has nowhere that they can play to an audience, I would like to see young musicians given the opportunity to earn from their music.

Young artists should be assisted with the funding and the provision of space in galleries for them to showcase their work.

A business trust could provide a forum for young entrepreneurs to put forward business ideas, to gain advice, loans, grants or even sell a share of their business to others.

We must become more progressive with our thinking and beliefs, embracing and acknowledging our multiple nationalities and cultures.

In our modern world not everyone chooses to be in a traditional relationship, I propose we ensure civil partnerships are given the same rights and benefits as any couple who commit to the marriage.

My motivation to stand is to be the voice of those who do not get heard, whilst encouraging the growth of the island in personality and economy.

It is important to remember that who we are and where we started. I do not believe that a complete whitewash throughout this government would be of any benefit, but new policies, ideas and a greater understanding of the people of Jersey is the injection that we need to hold this beautiful island as an independent, secure and prosperous home for the people who reside here.