Guernsey Press

Recovery phase will need to see a shift in engagement

THERE is no doubt Guernsey is in an absolute place of privilege right now having pursued the right plan to protect our island.

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Trust is at the heart of our success. We’ve seen elsewhere the dire consequences when information gaps and politicised agendas lead to the breakdown of trust and the response’s efficacy.

Huge credit is due to the CCA and the communications strategy so far – timely dissemination of user-friendly information and reassuring expert voices has kept us safe and together.

However, the reality is that the CCA will soon have to walk the entire community back to a level of risk once the priority groups are vaccinated, and border restrictions ease to enable us to reconnect with loved ones elsewhere and reopen our economy.

Our CCA and communications colleagues should take last week’s valid asks, information requests and suggestions from journalists, social media and business leaders as an essential part of the modern relationship between the community and the States.

Multiple voices and opinions underpin democratic systems, and in this instance, serve an early warning that we may need to see a shift in engagement strategy to support the recovery phase.

2021 is already presenting new risks and fears. It will require dynamic communication and genuine two-way dialogue between the States, the community, and the private sector. Balance and consensus building will be vital.

If this works, we will protect the Guernsey Together spirit, and our legacy from Covid will be the quality of the public health response, and our recovery strategy.

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