Guernsey Press

Overseas aid must rise again post-pandemic

ONCE again Horace Camp has given us something to think about, his article regarding the cutting of the overseas aid payment by the amount of £1m., is a small sum of money in the grand scheme of things and, if the island’s commitment to aid is to continue, this amount of money needs to be reinstated as soon as possible.

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Having said all that, there is a feeling in the island that there is no accountability as to where and to whom the aid is paid, and how it is being spent.

We know that funds do not get to the intended targets, and some governments in the world do not have the best interests of their people at heart – you only have to look at what has happened to Zimbabwe over the last few decades, which has gone from being the bread basket of Africa to a country racked with ill health and low food production.

Covid has had little impact on this island, with regard to the death rate in comparison with the rest of the world, but the island has suffered from a lack of income, no tourism, no cruise ships, English-based shops closing down, and a rise in the unemployed rate. Sometimes it is necessary to cut your cloth differently due to lack of fabric.

Once the vaccine starts to bring the pandemic under control, and things right themselves, I am sure the island’s government will raise the overseas aid to its former level.

Keep up your good work Mr Camp, you have a way of getting to the heart of a subject, which is an amazing talent to have.

JON RUTHVEN,

Flat 11,

Les Gravees Court,

Les Gravees,

St Peter Port,

GY1 1RL.