Islanders could gain from Mandarin lessons

Learning Mandarin would give islanders a competitive advantage in the future, according to the president of the Chamber of Commerce.

China's economy is growing fast and Rupert Dorey, pictured, said it would be 'extremely foolish' to ignore opportunities that would enable Guernsey children to learn Mandarin.

A delegation from the Chinese Embassy, including Minister Counsellor of Education Shen Yang, visited the island recently.

The Education Department liaised with the Chinese government about improving links and the potential of local students learning the language.

'Learning any national language for a foreign country that has a fast growing economy will probably do a huge amount of good and I would endorse that,' Mr Dorey said.