I come from Guernsey and the comments of Patrick Muirhead hold powerfully true - about both islands. The 11th commandment is very much "Thou shall not rock the boat". Political apathy is rampant due to a buoyant finance industry. The islands have many nefarious secrets that need exposing, thank you

David O'Neill, Greenwich, London

I'm a Brit living in Newfoundland, Canada, and have been following the Jersey story with great interest. Historically, Jersey and Newfoundland share ties that not many people know about. Familial, place names, and the very thing that has led to the abuse; complete and utter secrecy, a closed society

Paul, Goulds , Canada

Thank you Patrick, as an 'outsider' having lived there for two years, I find the islanders boastful of their old family history, social climbing and full of their own self-importance. They need to look at the outside world and realise it is just 9 miles by 5 miles and not all about money!

Steevie, St. Helier, Jersey

Offensive, lazy. Collaboration? Balanced view, see Paul Sanders authorative book. Shadowy banking? "Secrecy" laws in Jersey no different to UK. Cradle of pedophelia? ! These events took place 20-40 years ago. And please have the decency to await the outcome of the investigation. I could go on.

William, Jersey,

There is an old Chinese saying. "A falsehood or lie travelled around the world, before truth had put his boots on". Jersey has faced a witch hunt, which has almost completely replicated the North Wales care home scandal of Bryn Estyn.

Richard, Jersey, UK

Having lived in Jersey for a number of years, I agree 100% with Patrick Muirhead's comments. Well said!!

Stephen, London,

No matter how bad the misdeeds that are uncovered by this police investigation those who perpetuated all the nasty and all those who helped to cover it all up will continue in their denial. What a sorry sham this place is and I hope there are many more like me who will never again set foot there.

D Case, Newquay,

The article is very true!!! This is the island of Hypocrisy. The islanders don’t want to hear that there is something wrong with the island even though there clearly is. The only thing you’re supposed to say is how beautiful the island is. No criticism allowed!!

Luq, St Helier, Jersey

Let me just say tyhat the problem is not peculiar to Jersey or any one particular society.

Ian cheese, London, UK

But as a major centre for money laundering and tax avoidance surely "secrecy" is Jersey's most important attribute.

Al, Weybridge, UQ

It 's no secret the degree to which the executive works behind closed doors and, if not possitively in cohoots, then at least turning a practised blind eye to unpleasant activities.
IMHO many of the major businesses and processes on Jersey would not stand up to open scrutiny in the modern world.

Steve, Zürich, Switzerland

Thanks for that Phil Balderson, but I'm sure that running a web agency you don't have to ask too many difficult or challenging questions of your clients do you.

David Rigg, Reigate, UK

Backward!

E Reynolds, GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

I am not from Jersey but as a crown dependency I find it hard to understand why isolating the Isle has any benefit to anything. Yes details have been kept under wraps to a point but to liken these roots as stemming from "concealment culture dating from its wartime Nazi collaboration" is offensive.

P Le Page, Guernsey, UK

I am surprised and never realised that Jersey does not come under direct rule by UK Parliament. I presume they are unrepresented at Westminster, yet UK criminal law is supposed to apply. Historical anomolies of government dating back to Bonaparte or even earlier must be in need of urgent reform.

Colin, Carmarthen, UK

I still remember Patrick's distinctive voice reading the news. I wish the BBC would take him back.

Barry, Wallington, UK

Although not a Jersey Family. My Grandfather bought a house on the Island back in 1932. After the War, in 1947, the family came back to the Island. At no time while there did we encounter any of the 'secrets' until many years later when we left the Island in 1961. Very sad, these dark secrets!

B Clark, Chelmsford , England

My family and I moved to Jersey in 1999, not as wealthy immigrants, but as hard working founders of a new web agency.
In contrast to the author's experiences, we have found Jersey to be an exceptionally open and friendly society.

Phil Balderson, Jersey, UK