Lt-Governor sounds note of optimism at start of decade

The Grand Hall of the Royal Court House was filled as Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder proposed the Loyal Toast at noon, followed by a toast to the four Bailiwick residents who received honours.

It was also the last reception to be hosted by the current Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas, who will retire the day after the island marks the 75th anniversary of Liberation.

Sir Ian said that the traditional reception was a fantastic way to start the new year – and in this case a new decade.

He said that some might be glad to get rid of the last decade, which began with the aftermath of the global financial crash, included austerity and debate about Brexit and fears about climate change.

But he went on to list the progress that was made in the ‘teens’ and facts such as self-reported life satisfaction in Britain being at its highest level, the massive decline in smoking, that absolute poverty in Britain was at its lowest level since records began and also pointed to sporting success at events such as the London and Rio Olympics.

‘The next decade will bring huge challenges, but looking at what was achieved in the last one, I’m inclined to be more optimistic than pessimistic,’ he said.

He added that it would be a big year for the Bailiwick – ‘you all know what’ – in assumed reference to the general election.

He spoke to congratulate the islanders named in this year’s honours list.

Elizabeth Hutchinson was awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her services to libraries; Bryan Brehaut a BEM for his services to young people in Guernsey through the Boys’ Brigade; Alderney’s former President Stuart Trought an MBE for his services to that island; and David Swiffen an MBE for services to wellbeing and inter-faith dialogue in Guernsey.

Mr Brehaut and Mr Swiffen attended the reception.

Mr Brehaut hoped his honour would help further raise the profile of the Boys’ Brigade in the island.

‘The phone hasn’t stopped ringing and the computer blinking and there’s been lots of cards congratulating,’ he said of the response he has received since the list was published.

‘People have been very kind.’

He was preparing to sit down and respond to all the cards he has been sent.

Mr Swiffen, who was instrumental in transforming Les Cotils from a Catholic sisters’ convent to a place that the whole of Guernsey could use, stressed that the recognition was for the whole team at the centre.

‘An individual might get the award, but the response is for the team behind what’s been happening, that’s the brilliant part about it.’

Les Cotils has evolved from the original idea of simply being a retreat house for people to attend for their health and wellbeing to having a business model to support it through things like conference facilities.

That stable financing also means it can be charitable in other ways to help people.

Of the response to the MBE he said: ‘Thank you very much, it’s been fantastic, my wife and I are delighted, honoured to be recipients of this award and hopefully it’s going to help many others.’

Sir Richard said: ‘It’s lovely to see so many people here, the Bailiff’s reception is a great tradition, and it’s wonderful all sectors of the community get together and welcome each other.’