It has been an enormous privilege to serve as the Bailiwick’s Lieutenant-Governor

2020 has been a year of profound disruption and upset for the entire world.

As if the uncertainties of Brexit and major elections across all three jurisdictions of the Bailiwick (including Guernsey’s first island-wide vote) were not enough, Covid has presented the greatest public health and economic shock the world has seen for generations. Many lives and livelihoods, hopes and aspirations, and even the most fundamental elements of family and social life have, quite literally, had to go ‘on pause’ for months.

It is a moot point whether the pandemic heralds a genuine global ‘reset’ or whether it has merely accelerated changes that were in train anyway; or even whether human nature is such that, once over, the whole episode will be forgotten as quickly as it arrived.

I sincerely hope, however, that we don’t forget our experiences here in the Bailiwick.

Notwithstanding the tragedy and hardship that the disease has brought to so many people, there has been plenty of cause for inspiration and hope in the way communities have responded, especially here in our islands. I think of the decisive leadership of our governments and public health officials, the selfless dedication of our front line carers (both medical and non-medical) and all who support them, the good-natured and responsible manner in which Bailiwick residents have accepted such severe restrictions on their everyday lives, and the spirit of ‘Guernsey together’ in which so many people have joined forces to help each other.

Then there has been the ‘staycation’ campaign and the sterling efforts of islanders to support local businesses. The results have been a lifeline for many, especially in the smaller islands; indeed it seems to me that cooperation, goodwill, and mutual respect across the Bailiwick is now the strongest it has been for a long time.

Without succumbing to hubris, I do think we can feel quietly but justifiably proud of how our small islands have acquitted themselves in the face of such significant and unexpected challenge.

Finally, this will be Kathryn’s and my last Christmas in Government House. It has been an enormous privilege to serve as the Bailiwick’s Lieutenant-Governor and we have both developed the greatest affection for our adopted island home over the past four and a half years. Its stunning natural beauty, unique heritage and, above all, its warm-hearted, generous-natured, creative and free-spirited people will remain with us always; in my humble opinion it is this very creativity, resourcefulness, and independence of spirit that is, and always will be, the key to Guernsey’s success. It is a striking feature of the Guernsey character that genuinely sets these islands apart and makes them a very special place to live.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas.