Parish of St Helier apologises for 'disrespecting' the Cenotaph

Friday, 14 November 2025 11:08

The image that accompanied Mr Sugden's apology on social media.

The Parish of St Helier CEO has apologised, after preparations for the Christmas Lights switch-on were called 'disrespectful' to the Cenotaph.

Stalls set up to create a 'Christmas Village' at Parade Gardens were arranged close to the war memorial, with no barriers.

Islanders and the Royal British Legion deemed the proximity 'disrespectful'.

Parish of St Helier CEO, Andrew Sugden, has apologised:

"The Parish of St Helier has a proud history of supporting Remembrance Sunday, Anzac Day, surviving D-Day veterans, as well as Liberation Day - and we did not intend to disrespect the Cenotaph in our preparations for the Christmas Lights Switch on.

"I can confirm that the Parish has now taken advice from the Royal British Legion and adjusted the positioning of the stall tents adjacent to the Cenotaph, along with some further changes, which now satisfy their concerns.

"On a personal note, and as an ex-serviceman, I would like to apologise for the upset this may have caused. It was not intentional, we will learn from it, and next year will be better."

It comes just after the war memorial was the focus of services for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, and still bear the wreaths of poppies laid in tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

Barriers have now been set up, and the position of the tents have been changed.