Idealist deputies are damaging the island’s economy
DESPITE the best efforts of Jon Moulton, myself, the ever-eloquent Horace Camp and Matt Waterman to point out that the idealist, left-wing deputies of the States of Guernsey are doing great damage to the economy and the wellbeing of our island, I find it most puzzling that these incitements have failed to elicit a single response from those we have criticised. No reasoned justifications nor even a bleat of protest?
On Jon Moulton’s particular issue of the damage that will be done to our economy, if the proposed catch-all disability legislation is passed, we have been treated to its supporters elaborating at length on the necessity of the law, but if they have actually countered the criticisms and faults that have been highlighted, then I have missed it.
Human nature is such that the law will be abused by those with nothing to lose. Even a straightforward matter like disability parking discs, which I support of course, leads to perfectly able-bodied individuals using them for their own advantage.
It is all potentially more frustrating and unnecessary as local businesses are already increasingly supporting job opportunities for those with disabilities.
It is widely believed that Jersey is very welcoming to incomers and businesses and that Guernsey by contrast has a much more obstructive approach than they do. If this project is passed it will certainly raise the cost base for local companies and make our island even less competitive.
Do the advocates of these sweeping measures not realise that social services are only available to the extent which the economy can pay for them?
GEOFF DOREY
Les Queux,
Ruette des Effards,
Castel,
Guernsey,
GY5 7DQ.
gnseydonkeys@cwgsy.net
Editor’s footnote: Deputy Michelle Le Clerc replies:
Our consultation process on the discrimination legislation closes on 30 September. We have put a huge effort into explaining the draft proposals to individuals, interest groups and businesses. We have received hundreds of responses, for which we are very grateful. These will be considered and commented on by the committee in due course, prior to a policy letter being drafted and lodged.
Your correspondent seems disappointed that we are not reacting more to what they call incitements. We are trying to steer clear of obvious provocations. Wars of words might make lively media content, but are not helpful to proper consideration of the issues.