‘TALK up Guernsey’ is the message from the island’s new chief minister. Deputy Mike Torode said that the Bailiwick was not alone in pushing to boost its international profile in a bid to benefit the economy.
But negative publicity could derail that, he warned.
‘If there is criticism, let it be constructive, not destructive,’ he said.
‘Let’s stop bringing down our own community at every opportunity.
‘If you cannot say something positive and advantageous, better that you say nothing.’
Deputy Torode said States members would be happy to deal with criticism directly rather than have to address it in public.
‘The media are now truly international and what is said here today can, and probably will, be read by some interested chap in the USA before he goes to lunch.’
Deputy Torode has already expressed concern about the global impact of the fallout from the Fallagate saga. At a Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting, he described the last 25 years as a ’success story’ for the island, recovering from the demise of horticulture, tourism and Tektronix to become a prosperous state.
‘We have a reputation to be proud of. I ask you all to demonstrate that pride by supporting it and supporting the States in all their endeavours.
‘I will hopefully meet with many or all of you, at any time, to further that aim, but I cannot do it on my own. It does need the help of all of you.
‘Between the Policy Council and States members I would hope to have everybody, not just the vast majority, but everybody, singing off the same hymn sheet.’
Article posted on 19th April, 2007 - 12.00am
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