New Sark's government's historic meeting

Tidal power, ferry fares and timetables were among the items debated by Sark's newly elected government at its first official meeting.

The 28 conseillers who make up the Channel Island's Chief Pleas, were democratically elected in December, ending four centuries of feudal rule.

At lunchtime, islanders were invited to a Vin d'Honneur in Island Hall to welcome the new government.

Conseiller Paul Armorgie said it was an important day for the island.

"It's a significant piece of history and very much a transitional process," he told BBC News.

Human rights

He said Chief Pleas would have some "sticky issues" to get to grips with - possibly referring to the future role of the island's unelected seneschal.

The seneschal currently has a dual role - acting as senior judge as well as president of Chief Pleas.

In December, the Court of Appeal ruled the dual role breached the "fair trial" provisions of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The ruling followed an appeal the by billionaire twins Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, who own the neighbouring island of Brecqhou, and want the two remaining hereditary positions of seigneur (lord) and seneschal abolished.

However the appeal judges said it should be left to Sark's new parliament to consider what further reforms were necessary to ensure the island's constitution complied with the ECHR.

At the meeting, the General Purposes and Advisory Committee and the Reform Law Enactment Committee proposed the seneschal's dual role is examined and a plan of action brought before the assembly at a later date. (thisisguernsey)

I see that they have reduced the traveling rates to Sark which can only be a good thing

Lets hope that Sarkee's can live in unity its a great little Island...

SARK’S lifeline shipping link with Guernsey looks assured for the foreseeable future, Chief Pleas has been told.
The assembly agreed measures that include converting existing loans to Sark Shipping from Chief Pleas of £335,000 into shareholder funds and making available an interest-free loan of £200,000 during this year.
Shipping Committee chairman Peter Cole told members that the measures had been agreed after a series of meetings between his committee, the company’s directors and the Finance and Commerce Committee.
Conseiller Cole said that it was important that the directors had the full confidence of Chief Pleas.
The directors were, he said, carrying out a full scale financial restructuring of Sark Shipping aimed at ensuring that within the medium term - he referred to three years - the company would become self-financing.(from thisisguernsey)