Negative outlook on island life at odds with the reality
TOO often we read on this page about how Guernsey is 'ruined' and there are a few individuals who can never seem to find anything positive to say about our island or those who are elected to run it. I would like to paint a different picture. Despite the sort of things we all grumble about, the weather, traffic, next door's bonfire etc, surely it's clear to see that this little rock has an enviable and well-earned reputation as a great place to live. Our education system has produced world-class craftsmen capable of building, amongst other things, a multi-million-pound gothic castle. We have an equally impressive finance industry which stands up to international scrutiny time and time again.
We have huge cruise liners queuing up to bring inquisitive international visitors onto our quaint streets. We have an incredible environment ranging from steep cliffs to rolling common land and some of the best beaches in the world.
I could go on about Guernsey cows, Victor Hugo, Herm, our unique allegiance to the Crown and so on, but I'm sure that every islander has a different list of what makes Guernsey special to them.
Of course, nothing is perfect and we all have a variety of opinions on how this little island should be run. This letters page is a great place to express opinions on a wide range of topics and yes, I have seen fit to air my views on a variety of issues in the past.
This, however, is no excuse for the continual negativity which is so often found in the letters on this page. It is not 'too late' for Guernsey, the island is not 'ruined' and deputies are not 'just in it for the money'. The sort of person that becomes a deputy is often someone who has also been involved in the community by way of charities, douzaines etc. All without pay.
Human nature dictates that we are all imperfect and, thankfully, we are all different with different ideals and perspectives. It is ever so easy to seize these imperfections and turn them into a very unnecessary personal attack shrouded in cynicism and sarcasm.
How can this possibly be helpful or productive?
Do you strongly disagree with something? Great, go public on it but be prepared to have an alternative idea. Are you unhappy with a particular policy put forward by a deputy? Not a problem, but don't lower yourself to a series of snide comments insinuating that the deputy and his or her colleagues are there purely for self-interest.
So, the challenge here is to continue to participate in the debate via this page but, whatever the topic, be a bit cheerful about it and treat your fellow islanders with respect, however robust your argument may be.
Of course, there are those who will remain convinced that everything is lost and that there is no hope for poor old Guernsey. Well, if you believe that the grass really is greener then may I suggest that you catch the ferry tomorrow. Not too sure if it's running on time at the moment . . . oops.
ANDRÉ QUEVÂTRE,
La Portière,
Rue de l'Essart,
Vale,
GY3 5QQ.
Email: andre@quevatre.com
