Island Echo always welcomes letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
Letter to the editor – 12th January 2025
“The Isle of Wight has faced a long history of being undermined and underwritten. As an 18-year-old on the Island, I may not have actively been a part of the movement to help support a singular Island Voice, but It doesn’t take much to understand it.
“This week, the people we vote to represent us at County Hall, whom we entrust the responsibilities of Planning, Education and Social Care, made the correct decision to vote against applying to be considered for a fast track decision for devolution alongside Portsmouth and Southampton.
Article continues below this advertisement “However, in their infinite wisdom, the Alliance-led cabinet charged by the great Phil Jordan have decided to override the decision of our democratically elected councillors and act in their own self interest. In the never ending meeting which took place on Thursday the 9th of January, I watched on as one by one, the forgone conclusions were made, and the endless self congratulations filled the room, as Hamlet said; “The lady doth protest too much, methinks”.
“Then once they were done with the round table of patting themselves on the back, we came to the worst excuse of all. “If not for our young, then who are we doing it for”. Well if I’m honest, I had that question myself. Who are you doing it for? It most certainly isn’t me and my peers and to use us as an excuse and scapegoat us for this ridiculous decision is absolutely unacceptable. How on earth can a group of people of an average age of 60 years old understand what young people on this Island actually need? It is despicable that they could even fathom that of the many priorities we have, devolution is what we most want and need!
“But it isn’t just the endless patronising that infuriates me, it’s the disregard and lack of concern towards our democratic process. If there is one thing that separates us from order and chaos, it is our right to actively participate in the democratic process. The Cabinet did not just vote for devolution, they voted to take away our right to vote for another 12 months. This just cannot happen. As a newly-elected Town Councillor, I understand that it is the right of the public to decide who makes decisions for them – it seems Phil Jordan and Co. does not!
“I’m not sure whether he’s terrified of the repercussions that these elections may bring, or whether he finds Democracy so abhorrent, but what I do know is that this decision is wrong in every way possible. I have one suggestion to Phil Jordan and his cabinet that would prove to us all that he’s not in it for himself, in fact I have a proposal to all Councillors who voted in favour of devolution and as a result delaying our elections:
“If you take away our right to vote, you forfeit your right to take money from us all! If I cannot vote in May, you must give up your Basic Allowance and any additional allowances for “special responsibilities”. Either you end your ploy for a benevolent dictatorship, or you forfeit your salary of more than £28,000 a year – I can think of many better things for that money to be used for!
Article continues below this advertisement “I am certain that Phil Jordan and his Cabal of councillors will never do this, and if they want to ask the question of who is it for then they should seriously consider the issue that faces this island and the rest of this country: Why do so few young people engage with politics? If to him, removing your democratic right to vote is his idea to increase engagement, then the situation of leadership on this Island is far more dire than I thought.
“The only way to ensure trust in our Councillors, and to protect the Island Voice is to prevent any devolution deal from going ahead and to make sure we can go to polling stations in may. I urge everyone to sign the petition urging the government and the council to stop this undemocratic farce now.
“These conversations need to be had, and the very fact that the Alliance-led Cabinet cannot understand why this is a terrible idea simply shows to me it is time for a change of leadership.
“They have finally found the line to cross and sprinted further onwards after a very long race of repeated and inconsiderate mistakes. I pray for the Island if this is where they take us!”
Sam S, 18
Ventnor
It’s great to see younger voters taking an interest, but on this occasion I think Sam S is jumping the gun.
As of right now, no-one is taking us anywhere. All Cllr Jordan and Cabinet have done is get us into the system so that we can find out what MIGHT be on offer, with no commitment.
And jibes about scammmg “another year’s salary” are wide of the mark: councillors are unpaid (apart from an allowance which I suspect goes nowhere near what it actually costs them to do the work).
Allowance or pay whatever you call it, it’s still money for doing a shit job of running anything. Jordan and co. need to go NOW.
It is not acceptable for Jordan and a couple of his mates to override our elected councillors on this matter, it should be put to a referendum of all Islanders to decide whether we should be run by a mainland mayor and body.
Listening to Parliament meetings this afternoon, Joe Robertson asked the relevant Minister that as the IOW is already a unitary authority, which will not change even after devolution why should they cancel the May elections. The relevant minister said he would look into it so just wait and see
Democracy is a thing of the past in this world,
people don’t have a say.
I agree Sam. The Island Voice would be lost amongst the representatives of 500,000 Portsmouth and Southampton residents
Will the proposed Phil Jordan change for “more power” ( hormones released in brains Ref: endocrine system of the brain)
Involve counsellors being paid to travel to Portsmouth and Southampton new devolved offices, with expensive heating and staff?
Very well said Sam. Maybe island residents should have a demonstration as well as signing the petition?
It was all going so well until the obligatory ageist comment.
The odd thing about democracy is it does not restrict young people from becoming councillors or MP’s. the fact that there are so few young people in politics is indicative that they can play at being wordsmiths but not actually committed enough to see it through.
A good letter Sam, however I agree with others, you are jumping the gun, while Jordan and his acolylte’s may consider they and they alone know best what is best for us and the island the reality is without huge amounts of money and more inportantly far better quality councillors and industry proven executives the island will always be a lame dog waiting for someone to put us out of out misery.We cannot just go on year after year increasing islanders bills for supplying less while their allowances increase.