Raise a glass for the Bailiff's retirement
ISLANDERS and friends from further afield are invited to come together online to raise a toast to Guernsey's Bailiff Sir Richard Collas on his retirement, and to upload their own messages and tributes.
On Friday 8 May at 5pm Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder will propose a toast to Sir Richard in an online broadcast from Government House.
'Sir Richard has been a hugely popular and well respected Bailiff and I’m hoping that we can bring together as many people as we can online to thank him for his service to the Bailiwick and to wish him well in his retirement,' His Excellency Sir Ian Corder said.
Although a more traditional event at Government House had been planned for Sir Richard, the coronavirus pandemic has disappointingly ruled out the more familiar-style events.
'However, an online farewell brings with it the opportunity to do something more inclusive and wide ranging, with islanders and friends from around the world coming together to pay their own personal tribute to Sir Richard,' Sir Ian said.
Sir Richard Collas was sworn in as Bailiff of Guernsey in March 2012 and was appointed Knight Bachelor in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
He will retire from the appointment as the 89th Bailiff of Guernsey on Monday 11 May 2020.
The Bailiff, who is appointed by the Monarch, is Guernsey's leading citizen and representative in non-political matters, with functions embracing judicial and civic duties, and a more limited but important parliamentary role.
Sir Ian added: 'The ancient office of Bailiff is particular to the Channel Islands, so this toast is also an opportunity for islanders to celebrate their unique identity.'
The toast to Sir Richard need not necessarily involve an alcoholic drink. Islanders are invited to join in with a glass of Guernsey milk or water, or any other soft drink.
The toast will be shown at 5pm on Friday 8 May 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/govgg/ and www.youtube.com/statesofguernsey.
To ensure those without internet access can also take part, it will also be broadcast on BBC Radio Guernsey.
Islanders are then encouraged to post their own messages, pictures or video tributes to Sir Richard on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #cheerstothebailiff.
Invitations to join the toast have also been extended to officials, organisations and friends of the Bailiwick abroad.
