Dear Elector,

I am Senator Mike Vibert. I was born in Jersey 58 years ago and am married with two grown-up sons. I was educated at Les Landes and Hautlieu, following which I went to the College of St. Mark and St. John, then in London, to train as a teacher. I taught in London and Jersey for several years before changing career into journalism and broadcasting. I helped set up and run BBC Radio Jersey for 13 years before becoming States Member 12 years ago.

I was a Deputy for St. Brelade for two three year terms before being elected as a Senator 6 years ago. I have served on a number of States Committees, Agriculture and Fisheries, Tourism, Finance and Economics, Policy and Resources before first becoming President of the Sport, Leisure and Recreation Committee and then the President of the Education, Sport and Culture Committee. I am currently the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture.

During my time in the States I have succeeded in getting free television licences for less well-off over 75s and delivered the Les Creux Millennium Country Park. In education I abolished the unnecessary, stressful SATs examinations for young children and I also recently won States support to introduce free nursery education for all 3-4 year-olds from the beginning of the next school year.
Whilst I have been at ESC examination results have continued to improve and the number of degree courses that can be undertaken locally have been expanded, the latest, a foundation degree in finance, having started this year.
At the same time funding for Mont a L’Abbé School has been increased and more vocational courses offered.

Youth Club partnerships with nearly all the Island’s parishes have also being secured in the past 3 year and the introduction of development officers in many sports has also been partnered.
Two major capital projects, new schools, Hautlieu and Le Rocquier, have been delivered on time and in budget.

I have also been instrumental in the setting up of a Skills Executive for Jersey bringing together the appropriate resources from several States departments to create a better careers and employment training and advice service.

In the future I would like to:

• strengthen schools as being at the heart of local communities by, where practicable, offering other community services from their premises.

• see the emphasis placed on literacy and numeracy skills in schools strengthened. It is vital that every child develops these basic skills to his or her optimum because they form the foundation on which further learning is built

• see much more done for families with very young children through the introduction of more family-friendly policies in employment. Employers should be encouraged to offer more flexible working hours and part-time working.

To achieve all this I understand a balance has to be maintained between strictly controlling population growth whilst maintaining a successful economy.

I am a candidate of integrity, experience and enthusiasm who cares about the well-being of all Islanders.

I hope you will consider me for one of your votes on Election Day, Wednesday, October 15th.

Yours sincerely,