Director of International Finance at the Chief Minister's department

[RACER X]

Sorry Racer x, I was trying to understand finance and had asked valid questions as I am not in finance.
I was showing concern over how the outside world views Jersey this is why I gave these examples.
I still didn't get any real answers.
I don't believe I have attacked finance I was asking questions.
I put the odd joke in when I was hitting a brick wall.
I shall stop asking questions on this topic as it is obviously out of bounds.
I am sorry to put you out.
I had thought this was the place for reasoned debate.

NOR AM I, BUT IT DID READ TO ME LIKE YOU WERE TRYING TO BELITTLE A WORKER OF FINANCE.  OKAY, CARRY ON.

[Jason the Maverick]

If finance goes the Island will implode.

[Jason the Maverick]

Anybody that understands the reliance of the Island on the finance industry now understands that.

If it goes, we all move back 50 years and just think of the money locals will owe.

[Jason the Maverick]

The only countries that frown upon us are the ones that cannot use us.  Ever thought of that one?

[Jersey Spud]

I think it would be better to have things return to normal.
We have put up with this for long enough.
We are frowned upon by other countries, is this what we have come to?

What is the "normal" that you refer to?

[Jersey Spud]

We are a small island not a massive finance centre.

I think you're in denial.

We are a small Island WITH a massive finance centre.

Can you elaborate what you think a "massive finance centre" is otherwise?

We cannot cope with  all this, it is damaging the environment and affecting peoples well being.
The amount of stress over here is reaching epidemic proportions.
I know people in finance working 60-70 hours a week for what, a couple of quid whilst the finance house makes millions. Divorce is going through the roof because people spend too much time at work to the detriment of their families. Work isn't the be all and end all.

You are right. Work is not the be all and end all. I make a conscious decision to make time for my family and life outside work. However, I accept that I must work to achieve what I want in this Island, which is my home. The conditions you describe are an endemic part of modern life all over the world, unless you want to relocate to somewhere more rural in outlook.

Because of Finance I even have to have a stamp in my passport NOT ENTITLED TO CLAIM BENEFITS OR TO WORK IN THE EU, just so that finance can keep going.I wasn't told about this or asked if it was alright it just suddenly appeared in my passport.
Is this democracy and a free and fair society?

The stamp is not because of finance. It reflects a position that arose before the finance industry grew to what it is today.

Finance is causing me problems. I don't get unhindered access around Europe as I am often stopped and questioned about my passport. It is an embarrassment, what these border guards must think is anyone's guess. Oh by the way my wife never gets stopped because she hasn't got this stupid stamp in her passport.

You must have a suspicious looking face   

[en830]

Because of Finance I even have to have a stamp in my passport NOT ENTITLED TO CLAIM BENEFITS OR TO WORK IN THE EU, just so that finance can keep going.

This has got nothing to do with the finance industry.

[danrok]

Even if you have one of those stamps in your passport, you may still be able to work elsewhere in the EU.  But, you'd have to apply for permission first.  Should not be a problem if you have skills or experience which are in demand.

[danrok]

I'm not sure I understand why your new passport would be different to your old one?

My passport doesn't have this restriction, even though I was born here, because my father is English.

[en830]

It has because if it weren't for finance we would be in the EU by now.

Thank god for finance then.

[Jersey Spud]

Jersey Boy, are you saying that you want to work in France?

If so, like Danrok says, the stamp in practical terms is not going to be a bar to this.

If not, the whole argument is a bit academic.