To whom do they answer?
A STUDY to examine both the reality of life as a pensioner in Guernsey, and the aspirations of those working to secure the best retirement possible, seems pertinent for a Guernsey audience.
Particularly for those shaping policy in the area of demographics, which is set to be the dominant issue in the island over the next few decades.
So it was disappointing for the charity Ageing Well in the Bailiwick that, having commissioned expensive research, a properly organised presentation to States members fell on deaf ears. Or more precisely, no ears at all. As not a single member showed up. And only six had sent apologies.
There are plenty of calls on our deputies’ time, no doubt. However it is clear that it is not a full-time job for many.
And this episode reflects on the accountability of the modern deputy in these days of island-wide voting. To whom are our deputies accountable? Why, everybody. Yet also nobody.
Under the parish or district system, a States member would be held to account specifically by their parish electorate.
Now members may be diligent to all inquiries received. Or they may not think that ‘email all deputies’ applies to them. Certainly it’s a scattergun form of communication which may miss the desired target. But leaving the presentation room empty was not a good look.