That takes to 13 the number of ‘like-minded’ States members who have signed up to Charter 2018 in the hope of ‘addressing the issues facing our island’.
The signatories have said they will work together on issues such as a stagnant economy that is over-reliant on finance, the need for more local input on local projects and for a more efficient system of government.
‘I feel aligned to most of the principles,’ said Mr Jean, explaining his reasons for joining the charter. ‘They are principles of good governance and don’t tie us to voting on mass.
‘It is a bold move by the deputies who have put it together. It is also a new move that emphasises a feeling of frustration with the way things are going backwards and forwards and how similar issues are coming before us again in the Assembly. It isn’t just a feeling of frustration though, but a wish to do something about it.
‘The willingness [of States members] to join with them shows that the intent is a good intent to be more effective as a government.’
The signatories have stressed that the charter is not a political party, and Mr McKinley viewed it as a common set of principles.
‘The group is not looking for political reform, as Deputy Laurie Queripel has said in a letter to the Press, it is a group of like-minded people working together to get a combined idea of what the major challenges are,’ he said.
‘I do not think this is a right-wing party challenging the left-wing. I would consider most of them to be good mates of mine who are similar-minded.’
Mr McKinley said he did not believe the States of Guernsey was overlooking Alderney in its policy-making.
However, he is keen for more members of the Assembly to visit and recognise the challenges his island faces.
‘A number of them [the signatories] do understand our situation in Alderney, so when we go to the top table we know it will be more than just the two Alderney representatives doing so,’ he said.
‘There has been a lot of criticism of the States and I understand that even now as a member. I have a lot of admiration for this group and am proud to have joined it.’
South-East Deputy Victoria Oliver has said she is ‘likely’ to sign the charter, however she wants to speak with signatories Andrea Dudley-Owen – who is currently off-island – and Neil Inder first.
Deputy Oliver said her main priority was retaining the right to ‘vote for what she believes in’ and representing the parishioners who elected her.
n The States members who have signed up to Charter 2018 are Deputies Andrea Dudley-Owen, Peter Ferbrache, Neil Inder, Jan Kuttelwascher, Marc Leadbeater, Paul Le Pelley, Mary Lowe, Carl Meerveld, Joe Mooney, Barry Paint and Rob Prow and Alderney representatives Louis Jean and Graham McKinley.
Roffey Writes Page 16
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