Thinking beyond the Seigneur
Disclosures by this newspaper that the Seigneur of Sark is willing to stand down if the Barclay family gain too much influence in that tiny island are an interesting twist in a story that appears to be reaching a climax.
Disclosures by this newspaper that the Seigneur of Sark is willing to stand down if the Barclay family gain too much influence in that tiny island are an interesting twist in a story that appears to be reaching a climax.
Coming on top of revelations in the Sark Newsletter that the Seigneur offered the reform of his role back in 2007, it will prompt residents in both islands to wonder what he is playing at.
The anti-Barclay/pro-feudalism lobby would have had people believe that Sark's medieval system based on birth, property and patronage was so precious that nothing – other than court action – could persuade Sarkees to give it up.
Yet the latest news suggests that the Seigneur is happy to abandon the island's special status whenever it suits him and apparently in the absence of any consultation with anyone.
While individuals might dislike the external influences that have forced reform on the island, what its feudal leader contemplates would trigger change more far-reaching and potentially damaging to its residents.
What the challenges to the system and the Sark cabal have demonstrated is that, overwhelmingly, Sarkees wanted democracy and that what they had was unacceptable by modern standards.
Whether they have achieved the openness and accountability desired is doubtful, but they are still masters of their own destiny.
The Seigneur, however, is prepared – because it suits him alone – to sacrifice that 446-year tradition and reverse Sark into becoming a quasi-parish of Guernsey. Because that would mean his former subjects paying income and property tax they are unlikely to be keen – but since they haven't been asked, it's clearly an irrelevance to the person making that decision.
Sark and the role of the Barclay family generates strong feelings but wherever the truth lies in that regard, this latest development is potentially far more serious.
Firstly, Guernsey does not want this mess and, secondly, no one individual should be able to play fast and loose with an entire community.
If Chief Pleas is an independent and democratic government, it needs to assert itself for the future – without a Seigneur.
