Say no to the status quo

He accepts this state of affairs, while noting (with surprise and concern, I hope) that ‘there is still no requirement for qualifications to become a deputy’. How incredible, irresponsible, actually. In this day and age of accountability, reputation, regulation of activities via qualification and certification, the public is still able and willing to elect deputies with no qualifications whatsoever and to further entrust these deputies with governing an island of 62,000 people, making some life-changing decisions for islanders and managing a budget of £400m.; yet, according to a recent survey, that same public would insist that a celebrant of a non-religious wedding ceremony (a very simple, private and personal matter involving no public funds) between two individuals should have some form of qualification... Go figure.

As we are approaching the date of the island-wide voting referendum, a number of articles have appeared (including from Horace Camp to be sure) in support of Option B, or the status quo. Yes, we’ve had the status quo for many years... while the island was forging a new identity. The development of the finance industry over the last few decades has been impressive and represents today some 40% of the island’s income. We are now in the digital age, and the island’s leading businesses are technology-driven, competing globally in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, blockchain technology, cyber security, IT services, etc., with the support of accounting, banking and legal services, and all trying to position themselves at the forefront of the imminent fourth industrial revolution. Yet our government has not kept pace with the evolving requirements of the fast-changing business sector. The members are paralysed through lack of knowledge and experience and are unable to make decisions. Today this mismatch is critical and is threatening the future economic wellbeing of the island.

This disparity between the requirements of businesses in terms of infrastructure and enabling policies and the void at government level in implementing the right framework and legislation has been growing for a number of years. As Deputy Ferbrache noted, ‘This States has been inept in the extreme. We are not making decisions.’ It is therefore astonishing that the proponents of Option B are still putting forward arguments which no longer reflect the island’s new international status. What stable government (one of the benefits claimed for the status quo) have we had in the last few years? In today’s context of our economy and world trade and regulations, deputies ‘walking their districts’, attending hustings and discussing their manifestos are all irrelevant. We are no longer immune to global events, geopolitical developments and international requirements and regulations. There is a lot of uncertainty everywhere, and there are constant challenges to deal with in respect of international trade, rules, tariffs and barriers. The island needs to retain its first-class reputation while managing these issues, and to ensure that it creates the necessary framework to seize, and benefit from, new opportunities. By their nature these issues are unpredictable, yet crucial for the island’s future economy and wellbeing. Without being able to predict the island’s future business environment, a prospective member will have nothing to write in his manifesto, and nothing to discuss or promise when knocking on doors...

Option B is a no-go; the status quo has proved over the last few years that it is no longer fit for purpose. The hundreds of letters from the public about dysfunctional assemblies attest to that. The status quo no longer works; it is obsolete because it was not designed to lead a finance industry competing at world level. This is evident when reading the ‘Points in favour of Option B’ published on the Let It B website.

Of course, the parish system still has an important function in dealing with parish matters. Obviously, Guernsey people are more interested in, and impacted by local issues and parish matters, which they understand well and in which they participate. Therefore, it would make sense to transfer all parish matters from the Assembly to the douzaines, with staff and budgets increased accordingly. The douzaines would collectively be responsible for ‘local’ government. This would leave the Assembly, reduced in numbers, to deal mainly with trade and global issues – which are increasing in speed, number and complexity – as they affect the island. There can be no efficient, proactive and nimble government without members experienced and knowledgeable in ‘real world’ business. Guernsey PLC is our largest company and requires the best business brains to prosper.

IWV Option A is a new, untested, way of selecting deputies, but the result cannot be worse than the status quo, so Option A must now be given its chance to prove itself, if we are to get out of this rut.

All comments regarding next week’s IWV referendum refer to the opportunity to change the way deputies are elected. IWV is certainly a positive first step, but actually only half a step, as the qualification of deputies will also need to be addressed in time for the 2020 election. As Deputy Ferbrache stated recently, we need candidates with business experience. So let the CV replace the manifesto. The necessary change in the system of government will be an ongoing process and IWV marks a welcome start. I favour Option A alone, as the addition of a second choice could produce an undesirable result through the transferable voting system. Better to vote for Option A only.

The availability of a postal vote for this referendum will hopefully encourage every eligible voter to cast her or his vote. It is quick, easy and very convenient. No need to leave your armchair as the ballot papers will be sent to your home address. Go online to register, or phone the referendum officer on 717284. It could not be simpler, but the registration must be completed before this Thursday.

PHIL DUPRE,

Address withheld.