We are moving through this crisis united
FROM the first signs of Covid-19 in the spring, the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey have taken very different courses.
An initial reluctance in Jersey to impose restrictions on people’s daily lives to prevent spread of the disease became, as lockdown ended, a desire to keep the borders open for as long as possible.
Guernsey, by contrast, has consistently taken a more cautious approach, locking down earlier with strict controls and maintaining tight borders throughout.
The full implications long-term of those medical and political decisions on the economies of the respective islands will not be known for months, if not years. It takes time for the money to wash through the system.
However, today’s respected poll by Island Global Research tells us how islanders in the three Crown Dependencies are reacting to those decisions.
The consensus in Guernsey and the Isle of Man is both astonishing and comforting. Just 9% of Guernsey residents disagree with the course of action prescribed by Public Health and backed by the Civil Contingencies Authority. It is hard to imagine any major issue, from education, through climate change to taxes, gaining anywhere near such a level of unanimity.
Jersey residents, by contrast, are more sceptical. More than a third disagree with the direction taken, 13% strongly. The survey results help explain why.
Jersey residents are more concerned about their health and the threat posed by Covid-19 to their island than either Guernsey or the Isle of Man. They worry more about going to cafes and restaurants and meeting family and friends. Up to a quarter of Jersey residents rated their life satisfaction as 0-4 out of 10. And, perhaps surprisingly, they are not feeling the benefits financially. If the goal of the Government of Jersey was to ‘stay open for business’ rather than ‘lock themselves away’ like Guernsey the effect is not trickling through to residents.
It is not for Guernsey to advise its neighbours – and there should be no gloating – but with Christmas coming the survey provides comfort that the spirit of #GuernseyTogether has been truly embraced in this island and we are moving through this crisis united.