New additions to Chief Pleas face 'big issues'

SARK'S four latest additions to Chief Pleas – all of whom have connections to the local government – have voiced their eagerness to tackle the 'big issues' facing islanders.

By-election poll toppers Matthew Joyner and Alan Blythe were joined by the two other successful candidates, Peter Byrne and Paul Burgess, in vowing to tackle the issues Sark faces and move the island forward.

All four candidates, who were voted in at Wednesday's by-election, have direct links to Chief Pleas.

Self-employed gardener Mr Joyner and plumber Mr Blythe are both former constables and said that their stint encouraged them to step forward.

Mr Burgess, who runs Adventure Sark, was a former member of Chief Pleas before its first democratic election in 2008 and Mr Byrne joins his wife Conseiller Rosanne Byrne as an elected representative.

Mr Joyner said he hoped to give the younger people of Sark a voice at Chief Pleas.

'They can speak to me and I will take that to any committee I'm appointed to,' he said. 'I hope to give fresh ideas and a young way of looking at things.'

Mr Burgess said he was also eager to do his bit for the island.

He said that drawing more visitors to the island was among the key issues that had to be addressed by everyone in Sark.

'There are a number of big issues, but I want to first of all see what committees I'm voted on to,' he said.

Mr Burgess said he was delighted to be back at Chief Pleas, but now the hard work started for the new conseillers.

He said he would welcome being appointed to the sea fisheries committee and labelled the economy as another key issue that needed to be addressed.

'I always wanted to come back to do something for the community at the end of the day,' he said.

'The economy is the thing we need to try to turn around. We need to attract more people here again.'

Harbour master and singer songwriter Mr Byrne said he had seen a lot of the work of Chief Pleas through his wife's involvement and wanted to get involved himself.

'I don't see us as politicians, but volunteers involved in island life,' he said.

'I'm really interested in education, the future of our children in the island and what career paths there may be for them. I have two young ones myself.'

Returning officer Reg Guille, who is also Chief Pleas president, announced the results at the Island Hall and thanked all those involved in holding the elections.

He also thanked all seven candidates and encouraged the unsuccessful three to put their names forward at next year's general election.