Concern over pupils' racist jokes

Bernard Flouquet has apologised for the comment he made

A Guernsey politician said she was concerned about the effect a racist joke made by the island's deputy minister was having in schools.

Deputy Bernard Flouquet made a comment about US President-elect Barack Obama at a recent press conference.

Despite his apology to the States and the people of Guernsey he is still facing calls for his resignation.

Deputy Jenny Tasker said some pupils had been reprimanded for "taking an example" from what he had said.

I find it extremely sad that our deputy chief minister should, in effect, spoil all the efforts that have gone on in lessons." Deputy Jenny Tasker

Deputy Tasker is one of those calling for a vote of no confidence in Deputy Flouquet.

"There have been problems with young people who have obviously taken an example from Deputy Flouquet, and who, as a result of that have had to be reprimanded.

"I find it extremely sad that our deputy chief minister should, in effect, spoil all the efforts that have gone on in personal, social, health and citizenship education lessons," she said.

But former deputy, Roy Bisson, who is a friend of Deputy Flouquet, said: "I am quite clear that the whole thing has been ramped up by media coverage.

"It is a foolish thing to say what he did say but I think that now it's been put in the hands of the Code of Conduct Inquiry Panel, they will make their deliberation and come out.

"I hope they'll find that he has no case to answer."

The panel is investigating Deputy Flouquet's comment after a formal complaint was made.