IT is easy to do justice, but very hard to do right. While the appeal of justice is intellectual, the pursuit of right is much harder, and can take many years to achieve. Barriers will be put before you by individuals and bodies who consider themselves honourable but lack the character to go against colleagues, the system or organisations, as they are intent on playing the game – either due to self-interest or gullibility.

On 17 April 2019 I wrote of a young widow who had lost a lot of money with a local investment manager. It was followed up with a further article on 2 October 2019 headed ‘Fighting for justice’.

It explained that she was being let down by those who should be supporting and protecting her. A further article – Let down by Jersey? – appeared on 10 February 2021. I am pleased to report that the ombudsman eventually ruled in her favour and she has received the compensation she deserves (as have many other investors). Right has been done. The Channel Islands Financial Ombudsman finally delivered, and I thank them for their perseverance, fully understanding why the barriers to settlement took so long to overcome.

The JFSC deserves no recognition in this success. I was interested in doing what was right on behalf of others. In respect of justice, I have no wish to pursue those involved in mismanaging her savings; this is for others to consider.

I continue to be involved with the Jersey Lifeboat Association, and shall continue to fight for right to be done in respect of the former St Helier crew. The fight transcends a mere personnel dispute because it embodies everything about this Island I now despise –including an apparent lack of appreciation of the importance of justice and right in society.

I am writing this just a few days after the death of Her Majesty the Queen, whose life perfectly captures the importance of honesty and trust. She fulfilled the function of the somewhat strange role of constitutional monarch, a head of state that is both separate from politics and above politics. This enabled her to unify the United Kingdom and Commonwealth in a way that politicians never could. She fulfilled the role just about as brilliantly as was possible.

When trust in all others had deserted you, especially trust in politicians and government officials, the Queen remained the only constant, holding the whole thing together. With her passing, it is up to all of us to step up to the plate.

In all things, right must be done.