IN FEBRUARY, Andy Priaulx received a special lifetime ambassador gong at the Awards for Achievement ceremony in recognition of his services to the island. He is a double winner of the Guernsey Sport Commission’s performer of the year trophy - the most prestigious award in local sport - and a previous Channel Islands sports personality of the year.
But after his latest success at Macau, calls are building for the island to mark its national hero in a more lasting way.
Some places award their finest with the freedom of the city, others stage a special ceremony in their honour.
People at the airport thought the island could be doing more to mark the three times World Touring Car Champion who also founded a premature baby charity with his wife, Jo, to help support the Princess Elizabeth Hospital’s neo-natal unit.
‘It’s a shame they can’t make him a freeman of Guernsey, because he deserves it. He’s a really nice bloke and comes from a nice family.’
Terry Fletcher, 57, cleaner
‘In the UK he’d get the keys to the city. With three world titles and one European he’s a legend. Maybe a statue because he is a local hero.’
Mark Orton, 41, a service engineer from Jersey
‘Lewis Hamilton might be world champion one day but this guy’s already done it. British world champions in motor sport are few and far between. It’s a hell of an achievement which should be recognised.’
Damien Arnold, 27, finance worker from London
‘It’s three times now and I think something should be done. Maybe the Bailiff could do something? I’m not really into sport but I watched it on Sunday morning.’
Helen Pinsard, 42, shop assistant
‘It’s the last thing that Andy would think about, but when you consider what has been done for others who have won one world title and he’s done four on the bounce, why has it taken so long? It’s also about the way he uses his influence for his charity work and he’s a great ambassador for Guernsey.’
Pat Le Tocq,
Randalls area retail manager
‘I have always believed that Guernsey should produce their own honours which can then be presented by the Bailiff and judged by a panel. They should also receive a medal like they do in the UK. Andy Priaulx would be a natural recipient of such an award and his contribution to island life has been very positive.’
Tony Carey, 68,
freelance writer
‘I think Andy Priaulx should be recognised more in Guernsey because he brings a lot of recognition to the island. It makes Guernsey people proud to be from Guernsey and makes the island feel more like a community. The Bailiff should reward him for his achievements.’
Amy Courtney, 18, student at Wimbledon Art College
‘I think it’s really good to have somebody who is so interested in sport and it definitely puts Guernsey on the map. He does a sport that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves and he should get an award for his achievements and dedication to the sport.’
Sheila Taylor, 57, customer services advisor
‘I think Andy Priaulx is fantastic and a role model to the island. But there is no real facility in the island for anybody to follow in his footsteps. He’s an under-utilised sporting role model for the youth. He does get rewarded but I think it’s up to Guernsey to give him some kind of recognition for what he does.’
Mike Stephenson, 41 accounts manager
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