Chouet quarry really is 'least-worst option'
THE ‘least-worst option’ has been heard several times this past few days. Deputies have been using it to describe tax proposals which have left those in favour of taking more off islanders wringing their hands and using the ‘least-worst option’ as the ‘least-worst’ way of selling it.
Some of them were also using the line during the debate about reopening a quarry at Chouet. And when we asked noted TV presenter and environmentalist Ben Fogle for his views, he came out with the same view.
We may dispute that a goods and services tax is the least-worst option, but it’s more understandable to use it when considering the debate to restart quarrying on the headland at Chouet.
That was essentially a binary choice facing the States. To quarry at Chouet, or to import stone for as long as we can think ahead.
As an island, we’re not especially well set up for either option. Quarrying at Chouet has hurdles to overcome, including a planning inquiry and ameliorating the adverse environmental impact of work at the headland.
Importation carried the issues of addressing port infrastructure, and then there would be the issues of heavy goods vehicles carrying imported stone from port to site.
But when we still have a quarrying industry in Guernsey – small in number of employees, but with a deep knowledge and expertise – it makes sense to use it before we lose it.
Hence incredulity at those deputies concerned that the island’s strategic stone reserves could be lost for good, if Chouet gets the final go-ahead.
It is true that within 40 years Guernsey will have no more granite to extract from the ground. But what use is an untouchable strategic reserve if it’s not used when it’s needed? A reserve to be preserved in aspic is not a meaningful reserve, it’s just a feel good factor. Even the rainy day fund was eventually tapped into by the States for Covid.
As Ben Fogle said: ‘If an island has a natural resource, my instinct is that you utilise the island… to provide your materials. That for me is how islands have often worked. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to pick the least-worst option.'