The solution to our problem is a referendum

The people have voted at least once at the elections and probably will again this year, also with their feet at a huge demonstration, but the arrogance of some deputies who think they know better is off the scale.

The problem with the way the States vote is, a that’s it or nothing approach. So, they offer GST with no alternatives and keep bringing it back until the island is in dire straits and still with no alternatives, it gets through in desperation.

The next election will again be a public vote on GST and all the work that has been done over the years will probably be thrown out. We need to find a solution to our finances. Industry is meant to pay its way and reduce the tax burden on the residence of the community, and with the expansion of the finance industry, why are we going bust and what is going wrong?

This is the only way to get the job done in a democratic system. In Switzerland, approximately four times a year, public voting occurs over various issues – these include both initiatives and referendums, where policies are directly voted on by people. I’m not saying we should have a vote four times a year, but when the States is deciding on things that have a huge impact on the residents of Guernsey, like GST, and many other sensitive topics where it’s wrong to let deputies’ ideologies or interests deny the rights of the majority. Let the people decide and it might even speed up the States

The solution to our problem is a referendum. We are having an election this year so why not have the referendum at the same time. Let the people have the final word, after all we do live in a democracy. The choices, GST, dual rate income tax or increase corporation tax and the States members must abide by the results and use the top two and make it work. Do the deputies think we islanders are stupid? Well, we did vote members in on the promise of no GST, and those promises were empty.

Then we must live with the consequences of our democratic decision. I’m sure the States will use scare tactics to influence our decision. The rich and the banks will try and convince us, that they will up and leave, but they won’t go. They know which side their bread is buttered. With the state of the UK and Kier Starmer’s policies, I’m sure there will be plenty of others willing to take their places.

To reduce one tax to introduce another is pure lunacy. There is not enough staff to cope with income tax, so where is the States going to find staff for GST? It also proves the States are open to a dual rate tax system. No matter how they spin GST with sweeteners it will still hit the poorest the most. We need to act as soon as possible to plug the black hole.

NICK DOMAILLE