Sark misses the point on peace talks

Publication yesterday of private correspondence between Sir David Barclay and the Seigneur of Sark has shed a rather different light on the relationship issues between the island and Brecqhou.

While the Barclay family has been making strenuous efforts since at least 2009 in effect to call a truce and to work together for the benefit of Sark, there has been nothing but opposition to that.

In particular, there is no indication that the exchange of letters was discussed with or approved by Brecqhou. If that is the case, it looks like a particularly hostile move designed to prevent any peace talks.

A measure of Brecqhou's desire to avoid further disputes and contentious issues was reflected in Sir David's offer in November to withdraw its legal challenges in the European Court of Human Rights, accept Sark's present feudal status and, in 2009, to make a substantial, interest-free and unsecured loan to the island to keep its loss-making Isle of Sark Shipping Service afloat.

The island's response, however, has been one of outright hostility.

Some would have sympathy for that. Sark has felt beleaguered by the interest expressed in it by Brecqhou. Yet the island is clearly better, more democratic – although there is still a way to go – and more prosperous as a result.

In placing the private correspondence before Chief Pleas, the General Purposes and Advisory Committee said: 'While seeming to hold out the hand of friendship, the campaign of harassment and litigation has continued unabated.'

It is also demanding reform of the Sark Newsletter 'and the adoption of a more civilised, less belligerent, approach'.

That's telling. The newsletter takes a particularly harsh and strident tone in exposing what it sees as waste, the lack of transparency and accountability and unfair practices in the island, but it usually has a valid point to make.

By insisting that the only voice of criticism and scrutiny is muted ahead of any deal, General Purposes reinforces the concerns that there are effectively a handful of people there running the island and they prefer to do so in obscurity.

Its handling of this matter is yet another mistake.