Keep things local to boost our recovery

But as we move into the next phase another enormous grey cloud threatens to engulf us. How will we manage the huge financial burden that this devastating pandemic has brought about? Borrowing a large sum of money to support island businesses and workers at this time would seem to be an obvious step, but we also realise that we will need, over time, to re-balance the books. The pragmatic approach taken by our financial experts shows that, with a prudent approach, it can be achieved. Like many similar jurisdictions, our community spirit is at an all-time high, and personally I have been moved by the many acts of kindness seen across the Bailiwick – also our wonderful doctors, nurses, carers and essential workers going the extra mile to keep us safe and well.

But what can we, the general population, do to alleviate the tsunami that is about to befall us? During the 1960s, the British government began a campaign called ‘I’m Backing Britain’: people were urged to and encouraged to buy British products where and whenever possible, thus keeping the money in the country. The question is, could we do something similar over here? If we all put our heads together we may help in some way to keep our local companies afloat and get the wheels of local industries turning once more. Here are some thoughts and suggestions:

n Could the States be more creative in the way they award major building projects to non-island based companies? Perhaps a joint approach using local contractors may be possible in certain circumstances.

n We have some very highly qualified engineers living here. Has a register of their capabilities been set up to assist in a consultancy

process? We spend many millions on overseas individuals when it is quite possible that they are already on-island.

n Is anyone monitoring White Van Man? They are taking the bread, butter and cheese out of the mouths of local tradesmen. This cannot be fair. And by the way, how are they paying their tax and who is checking up on them?

n To boost our farmers, growers, fishermen and others, remember to buy local milk, butter, cheese, vegetables, fish, meat, beer, cider, etc.

n Why do we have to buy tomatoes and cucumbers that are grown in Jersey? Surely we have the infrastructure and expertise over here to be successful in this field. Why not think about expanding Grow Ltd and maybe get the Guernsey Prison to help?

n Encourage supermarkets and other outlets to promote local produce. Possibly a section within the store showing what is on offer.

n Look again at reintroducing and welcoming new high-tech manufacturing back to the island. There is a wealth of experience available. Training could be provided to young people and it would be an alternative to the finance industry. It worked for Tektronix, Dynatech, Offshore Electronics and many others. Why not again?

n Tourism is going to be one of the hardest hit sectors; we must try to get people coming back to Guernsey as soon as it is safe to do so. I believe that a production company were recently looking to make a film in the island based on Hugo’s Toilers of the Sea. What a wonderful advertisement this would be. There also may be television companies that would be interested. Look what Bergerac did for Jersey. If it needs some subsidy, then maybe this is the time.

Let us drive forward with optimism and allow our beautiful island to once again flourish, for it is up to us now to protect our future generations. Guernsey Together Forever.

RICHARD LE BARGY

Rouge Rue,

St Peter Port.