Bailiff’s popularity rises above low-key farewell

While his expectation would have been to be mingling with the masses on Guernsey’s day of celebration, he leaves in unprecedented conditions with the island, like much of the world, in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Sir Richard was appointed as the 89th Bailiff in March 2012 having been Deputy Bailiff since 2005.

Both roles are Crown appointments.

He said he particularly enjoyed engaging with people.

‘Luckily, as Bailiff, there’s lots of opportunities to meet with people from all walks of life and all over the world,’ he said.

The Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, raised an online toast to Sir Richard from Government House, which was broadcast at 5pm yesterday as a formal reception was not possible.

The longest-serving States member, Deputy Mary Lowe, said Sir Richard was so well-loved in Guernsey and he had fulfilled his role as Bailiff with great professionalism, always showing his deep affection for the Bailiwick and its people.

‘He has served admirably as Presiding Officer for the States Assembly too, often helping to steer political members through what can be some rather long and complex debates, providing expert advice with impartiality,’ she said.

‘He’s one of our island leaders and the island has changed so much, and faced so much, since he took on the role in 2012, including what’s happened this year as we face the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Sir Richard’s support to political members and to the community and some of the very moving words he’s made publicly, are just one example of what an excellent leader he has been.’

The flags of Guernsey and Jersey will be flown at 102 Petty France, London, the headquarters of the Ministry of Justice today, to mark Liberation Day.

The MoJ has responsibility for managing UK’s constitutional relationship with the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as well as Jersey and the Isle of Man.

The hordes who would have lined the Town seafront today will be restricted to partying within their own domestic ‘bubbles’ or following events online that can be viewed at Facebook.com/LiberationGSY or Liberationday.gg

They include a Liberation Day message from the Bailiff at 9.30am and the laying of the wreath at 10.50am.

At 11am, the Dean, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, will lead the Liberation church service from the Town Church.

Interviews with children of the Occupation will be broadcast from 12.05pm and the Lt-Governor will read a message from The Queen at 2pm.