Future of Sark on the (dotted) line

From a reluctant shift into gentle taxation to what appeared to be over-ambitious plans to transform the island, we’ve seen them all.

But when push comes to shove, and the island, rightly, wants and needs to secure its energy future, suddenly it finds out that it can’t afford it.

And with sources of income limited, it’s no surprise that they asked the States of Guernsey for a loan.

Policy & Resources says that while it is not obliged to do anything, it feels a ‘moral argument’ to support Chief Pleas. In proposing to do so, though, it has a few caveats for Sark – caveats which the owner of Sark Electricity says risk the island’s independence.

Alan Witney-Price may have a point. In agreeing to the deal, Sark will be required both join a Bailiwick constitutional commission, and to conduct a comprehensive review of its taxation so it can be sure to repay this loan. The island is putting its future on the line. It may be at a crossroads.

It’s not likely that Guernsey will want to take Sark over in any way, but the island’s politicians will need to play things cleverly to safeguard itself.

At stake here is Sark’s self-sufficiency and ability to run a small government and live how it wants to – these merits can be underestimated, but should be held dear.