Chief Pleas public meeting well attended

Islanders were invited to a short presentation on Thursday 3rd August 2023 at the Island Hall on the subject of creating closer co-operation between the Islands of the Bailiwick.

Introduced by Conseiller John Guille, Chair of Sark’s Policy & Finance Committee, His Excellency Lt. General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE, the Lt. Governor of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and Deputy Mark Helyar, Vice Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee of the States of Guernsey confirmed that senior politicians from Sark, Guernsey and Alderney have been meeting for the past 10 months as part of a Bailiwick Commission to discuss the challenges each island faces. These meetings have been previously chaired by Lord Wolfson, a British politician, barrister and life peer though he is no longer involved but happy to re-engage if required. Also present in the audience were Mark de Garis, the head of the Public Services, and Jo Reeve, the Director of International Relations and Constitutional Affairs, both of the States of Guernsey.

The main hall was full, with many residents across a broad spectrum attending. The Lt. Governor added that topics discussed included public services, legislation, health and social care, education, energy, transport, housing, and economic development whilst a questions and answers session took place afterwards.