Barringtonia
12-12-2008, 11:07
Here's an interesting one...
One of the few remaining feudal kingdoms - the little island of Sark off the UK - has just held its first democratic elections.
For a few precious hours there was a sense of jubilation and victory on Sark yesterday as, on a bright blue day, the tiny Channel island celebrated its first democratic election after 150 years of feudal rule.
There's just over 500 people living there and with a 90% turn out of 490 so people, what a landmark for democracy...
...or so it seems.
The island's economy is boosted by the interest of the Barclay's brothers, who own the Telegraph among others, and there's clearly been a feud between traditional islanders and the investors.
In the run-up to the election, two factions emerged. One backed the Barclays, who have greatly improved some of Sark's hotels and other properties. The other faction liked things how they were and sided with the feudal "lord", the seigneur, Michael Beaumont, who is losing many of his powers and rights.
One of the election promises by the Barclay's brothers was that they'd bugger off and take their investment with them if none of their candidates gained a seat.
Well none of them did.
But joy turned to despair for many, and uncertainty for all, when the Barclay brothers, owners of the Telegraph and the Ritz hotel, reacted to their disappointment at failing to get their chosen candidates elected by announcing they were ceasing their multimillion-pound operation on the island and laying off 140 workers.
Last night two hotels, shops, and at least one restaurant owned by the brothers, who live in a castle on a neighbouring island, were being closed. The brothers' building work on Sark also ceased.
Democracy comes at a price...
"The true sadness of it all is that the real loser will be Sark and, in particular, its workforce. But the Barclay family cannot be expected to continue investing at the rate of £5m per annum. I find it very hard, particularly at this time of year, not to wonder about the old saying to do with turkeys and whether or not they would vote for Christmas; well it seems we have our answer. I am genuinely saddened. The people of Sark have spoken."
...and consequences.
One hotel worker, who asked not to be named, said: "It is devastating for us. Everyone thought this election was going to be a bit of fun - and good for the island. But it's turning out to be a nightmare for us."
It was a swift response to a disappointing, perhaps humiliating, day for the brothers. They have led the charge for democracy on the island which has been run by a largely unelected parliament.
So, seems these islanders preferred their feudal lives,
What thinks NSG?
Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/dec/12/barclay-brothers-sark-democratic-election)
One of the few remaining feudal kingdoms - the little island of Sark off the UK - has just held its first democratic elections.
For a few precious hours there was a sense of jubilation and victory on Sark yesterday as, on a bright blue day, the tiny Channel island celebrated its first democratic election after 150 years of feudal rule.
There's just over 500 people living there and with a 90% turn out of 490 so people, what a landmark for democracy...
...or so it seems.
The island's economy is boosted by the interest of the Barclay's brothers, who own the Telegraph among others, and there's clearly been a feud between traditional islanders and the investors.
In the run-up to the election, two factions emerged. One backed the Barclays, who have greatly improved some of Sark's hotels and other properties. The other faction liked things how they were and sided with the feudal "lord", the seigneur, Michael Beaumont, who is losing many of his powers and rights.
One of the election promises by the Barclay's brothers was that they'd bugger off and take their investment with them if none of their candidates gained a seat.
Well none of them did.
But joy turned to despair for many, and uncertainty for all, when the Barclay brothers, owners of the Telegraph and the Ritz hotel, reacted to their disappointment at failing to get their chosen candidates elected by announcing they were ceasing their multimillion-pound operation on the island and laying off 140 workers.
Last night two hotels, shops, and at least one restaurant owned by the brothers, who live in a castle on a neighbouring island, were being closed. The brothers' building work on Sark also ceased.
Democracy comes at a price...
"The true sadness of it all is that the real loser will be Sark and, in particular, its workforce. But the Barclay family cannot be expected to continue investing at the rate of £5m per annum. I find it very hard, particularly at this time of year, not to wonder about the old saying to do with turkeys and whether or not they would vote for Christmas; well it seems we have our answer. I am genuinely saddened. The people of Sark have spoken."
...and consequences.
One hotel worker, who asked not to be named, said: "It is devastating for us. Everyone thought this election was going to be a bit of fun - and good for the island. But it's turning out to be a nightmare for us."
It was a swift response to a disappointing, perhaps humiliating, day for the brothers. They have led the charge for democracy on the island which has been run by a largely unelected parliament.
So, seems these islanders preferred their feudal lives,
What thinks NSG?
Link (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/dec/12/barclay-brothers-sark-democratic-election)