Policy Centre provides analysis to support consultation on national anthem

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On 15 November the Government announced a consultation on whether Beautiful Jersey should be adopted as Jersey’s national anthem and also whether Liberation Day, 9 May, should be adopted as Jersey's national day.

The consultation is not accompanied by any analysis, only by a short statement –

Jersey's anthem

While God Save the King is our national anthem, the Island itself does not have an officially recognised anthem of its own. This has led to confusion about which piece of music should be played at certain events.

An anthem symbolises national identity and fosters pride and unity. The Jersey Anthem would be played at sporting events and cultural ceremonies, locally and internationally.

Beautiful Jersey has been suggested as it is already played at sporting events and taught in some schools.

The Policy Centre’s Knowledge Centre Paper, Jersey’s National Anthem, provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue, including the text and recording of the three alternative anthems – Beautiful Jersey, Island Home and Ma Normandie.

The paper also covers the political debate on the issue. In 2007 the States Assembly undertook to find a new, official anthem by means of an open competition. Island Home was declared the winner, although the way that the competition was managed was controversial. The States Assembly never ratified “Island Home” as the Island’s official national anthem.

The Knowledge Centre paper provides the essential information to enable people to make an informed response to the consultation.

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