In brief: The States Assembly has paid tribute to former St Clement Deputy Gerard Baudains, who died last month aged 79. The Bailiff, Robert MacRae, led the tribute, praising Mr Baudains for his detailed scrutiny of policy and his willingness to challenge established views during four terms in the Chamber.
A Life in Public Service
Members of the States Assembly rose to honour Gerard Baudains, the former Deputy for St Clement, following his death last month. The tribute was led by the Bailiff, Robert MacRae, who outlined a life that combined professional expertise with a genuine dedication to the people of Jersey.
According to the Jersey Evening Post, Mr Baudains attended Victoria College before training as an engineer, going on to become highly proficient in tackling complex engineering challenges, whether relating to vehicles or boats. It is the kind of practical, hands-on background that tends to produce politicians who ask the right questions, and by all accounts Mr Baudains was precisely that sort of representative.
Four Terms and a Reputation for Rigour
Mr Baudains was first elected as Deputy for St Clement in 1998, serving three consecutive terms until 2008. He then returned to the Assembly for a fourth and final term in 2011, serving on a number of committees and panels throughout his time in the Chamber.
The Bailiff’s words painted a picture of a politician who was never content simply to nod things through. “He developed a reputation for his detailed examination of policy and willingness to challenge established views,” Mr MacRae said, as reported by the Jersey Evening Post. “Whether Members agreed with him or not, there was never any doubt about the sincerity of his convictions and his commitment and dedication to public life.”
That combination, genuine conviction married to thorough preparation, is rarer in politics than it ought to be, and the Assembly’s tribute reflected a recognition that Mr Baudains brought something of real value to the Chamber across more than a decade of service.
The Assembly Pays Its Respects
The Bailiff extended his sincere condolences to Mr Baudains’ family and friends, and invited Members to stand for a period of silent reflection. It was a fitting moment of collective respect for a man who gave a substantial portion of his life to representing the parish of St Clement and the Island more broadly.
Mr Baudains died aged 79.
Source: Jersey Evening Post
