Parish of St Helier apologises for 'disrespecting' the Cenotaph

Friday, 14 November 2025 11:08

The image that accompanied Mr Sugden's apology on social media.

The Parish of St Helier CEO has apologised, after preparations for the Christmas Lights switch-on were called 'disrespectful' to the Cenotaph.

Stalls set up to create a 'Christmas Village' at Parade Gardens were arranged close to the war memorial, with no barriers.

Islanders and the Royal British Legion deemed the proximity 'disrespectful'.

Parish of St Helier CEO, Andrew Sugden, has apologised:

"The Parish of St Helier has a proud history of supporting Remembrance Sunday, Anzac Day, surviving D-Day veterans, as well as Liberation Day - and we did not intend to disrespect the Cenotaph in our preparations for the Christmas Lights Switch on.

"I can confirm that the Parish has now taken advice from the Royal British Legion and adjusted the positioning of the stall tents adjacent to the Cenotaph, along with some further changes, which now satisfy their concerns.

"On a personal note, and as an ex-serviceman, I would like to apologise for the upset this may have caused. It was not intentional, we will learn from it, and next year will be better."

It comes just after the war memorial was the focus of services for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, and still bear the wreaths of poppies laid in tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

Barriers have now been set up, and the position of the tents have been changed.

More from Jersey News

Plans to modernise Jersey's 'extremely outdated' cremation rules

Jersey's rules on cremation are being modernised for the first time since the 1960s.
Driver 'seriously injured' in Grouville crash

A driver has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in Jersey.
Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.