Pride of Guernsey: Recognition by others is 'very special' says Bailiff

Sir Richard Collas said the broad range of 12 categories would enable many individuals or groups to be acknowledged for doing things that might otherwise have gone largely unnoticed before the newspaper's launch of the initiative earlier this year.

'There is a wonderful sense of community spirit in Guernsey which we all appreciate and which is undoubtedly a benefit of living here,' he said.

It was, he believed, very special and an honour to be nominated by acquaintances without notice.

And he urged islanders to propose those who they think deserve a public thank-you.

'This will be a popular set of awards that will enable the community to recognise the achievements and give thanks to those who go out of their way to help others,' said Sir Richard.

'If you know someone who has done something special for you or for others you know of, who has not been nominated yet, please put their name forward.'

He said the Bailiwick was fortunate in that so many people were generous with their time and talents to improve the life of the community to the benefit of us all.

If those who gave up their time for free to help others would only do it for payment, he said the States of Guernsey would not be able to afford it. All of them helped to make the Bailiwick a better place to live.

'Guernsey can be proud of each and every one of the nominees, and I hope they will appreciate that in one sense they are all winners.

'I'm sure that the judges will have an exceedingly difficult task in selecting winners and I look forward with interest to seeing who they are.'