As we gather with friends and family this festive season, it’s a natural moment to reflect on the year that’s passed. 2025 has been a year of milestones for our island. We marked the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in May with events that underscored the resilience and freedom that define Guernsey. We also held a general election in June, shaping the direction of government for the years ahead and, I hope, signalling a more collaborative approach.
Our community spirit was evident at the Guernsey Together Festival, the opening of Victoria Park, the Street Festival, and the much-loved Cobo Bay balcony gigs.
These aren’t just pleasant diversions: they illustrate something fundamental about our likely life satisfaction. The Harvard Study of Adult Development – often called the Harvard happiness study, and the world’s longest running research on that subject – shows that lasting happiness depends less on wealth or status, and far more on meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. In a hyper-digital world where, ironically, loneliness is rising, Guernsey’s strength lies in its capacity still to foster real world connections. That’s worth protecting, and Christmas is a great time to spend time with people in person.
With that in mind, I want to thank those working while many of us take a break – emergency services; health and care professionals; postal workers; refuse collectors; sewage cart drivers; and those keeping our airport and harbour running to name just a few. And let’s not forget shop staff, hospitality teams, charitable organisations and everyone who keeps essential services going. Your work ensures the island runs smoothly while the rest of us switch off for a few days.
For some, this year has been difficult – through loss, financial pressure, or other challenges. In a world where conflict dominates headlines and algorithms drive polarisation, we can make a conscious effort to reach out to people, especially if we think they may be struggling or feeling down. A brief check in, a quick chat or perhaps just a simple smile can make a positive difference to someone’s day, and the cumulative effect of even just these momentary connections – as the researchers at Harvard will tell you – can make a real difference to people’s life satisfaction overall.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will face challenges: economic pressures, systemic changes, and decisions that won’t always be easy or popular. As the island’s government, the States has a responsibility to pull together, talk with and listen to the community, and act with civility and integrity, even – indeed, especially – when there are differences of opinion. I’m always mindful that our actions affect islanders not just in the here and now, but in future generations as well. We need to look beyond short-term political horizons to build strong foundations for the kind of community we aspire to be in the years to come.
So, as we celebrate this Christmas, whatever our faith, let’s value what makes Guernsey distinctive – our resilience, our connectedness, and our sense of belonging. Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a happy 2026.
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