Sark Islanders Reject Barclay Bros And Stick With Feudalism
HAIL Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, who have, as the Telegraph reports (the paper they own), “carried out their threat to withdraw their multi-million pound investment in the Channel island of Sark after residents failed to back their supporters in the island’s first full parliamentary election”.
But the big spending guy always wins, right?
The Barclays, who live on the neighbouring island of Brecqhou, created employment for up to 140 people by investing £5 million per year in hotels and property on the tiny island, which has a population of 600.
But in an election which was widely seen as a referendum on the Barclays’ plans to continue investing in Sark, voters largely rejected the candidates who supported the Barclays.
Sir David had said before the election that he and his brother were “tempted to walk away from Sark… if the establishment gets re-elected”, and spoke of the “animosity” they had encountered.
Just over 12 hours after the election result was announced, Sark Estate Management, the company which administers the Barclays’ properties on Sark, took the decision to close down two hotels, a restaurant and other commercial premises, and laid off most of the 140 workers.
Gordon Dawes, the Barclays’ legal representative, said: “The issues were very clear in this election. It was a vote either for or against the Barclays’ investment on Sark. The people have expressed their view and the Barclays have responded to that.
And so with them goes the chance to end years of living under the yolk of feudalism…
Posted: 12th, December 2008 | In: Politicians Comments (4) | TrackBack | Permalink
