This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

GUERNSEY’S douzaine system could be in danger of dying out. Several deputies raised the prospect during debate on its future role yesterday.

Members rejected making the Guernsey Douzaine Council a statutory body despite proponents arguing that the move would have improved communication with the States and provided legal protection.

The Policy Council proposal was criticised for a lack of consultation and some called for it to be delayed.

‘I’m disappointed we haven’t given support to the majority view of the douzaines, which wanted a statutory body,’ said Deputy Bill Bell, who brought the report on behalf of the council.

‘A decision has been made and we’ll have to live with it. I hope we’re not seeing the demise of the douzaines, but there clearly needs to be an agreement between them and ourselves in the future.’

For what is believed to have been the first time in his political career, a clearly frustrated Deputy Peter Roffey abstained from voting.

‘Frankly, as a Policy Council we put forward that proposal because we understood that’s what the douzaines wanted. It was a collective will. But after several hours of discussions with States members, those who were douzeniers, saying it was the wrong way to go, I thought: ﾓblow this as a game of cardsﾔ,’ said Deputy Roffey, who added he had ‘no strong feeling either way’.

He did not want to force the douzaines down a route that was abhorrent to them.

‘I do think there’s a danger if the douzaines don’t manage to achieve a collective vision for their future - signed up to by nearly all, eight or nine out of 10 - they are at risk of bringing about a lessening of their own importance and role.’

There were some changes to the douzaine system agreed, such as the douzeniers’ term of office has been reduced from six to four years.

They, constables and parish procureurs will also be able to resign without going to the Royal Court.

More talks will take place on transferring functions, such as the douzaines’ ability to name roads.