This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

BUSINESS leaders have rallied behind the tax strategy while accusing its political detractors of electioneering. Even before Deputy Dave Jones issued his call yesterday for them to stand up and be counted, business bodies had met to discuss the continued knocking of zero-10.

Things have come to a head recently with the unsuccessful attempts to delay its introduction by Deputy Rhoderick Matthews.

Chamber of Commerce president Mark Trenchard said it was paramount that zero-10 was implemented.

‘That’s what the business community wants - to have a clear direction and move forward,’ he said.

‘I’m appalled by the conduct of some States members and I do perceive some of that to be electioneering. This has been debated by the States, approved, given that mandate was clear it should be implemented.

‘The sort of what I almost call interferences happening now are very disturbing and will undermine the credibility of government if they are not careful.’

Confederation of Guernsey Industry chairman Philip Duquemin said it continued to support zero-10 and its implementation.

‘Unfortunately, it is some States members who are bringing the debate back again, even though it has already been approved by the democratic process,’ he said.

‘Some of the public are jumping on this bandwagon and, quite frankly, are not always well informed and have no real alternative viable solution.

‘I do not feel that this reflects well on these deputies who I feel are electioneering and using this opportunity to further their personal agendas.’

Like Deputy Jones, Mr Duquemin was very concerned about the number of letters appearing in the Guernsey Press, phone calls on the radio and statements by deputies and others to the media attacking the decision by the States in supporting zero-10.

‘Making no change was not an option. Making a less competitive change to our competitors was also not an attractive option as we need a certain level of economic growth to pay for our social infrastructure and an ageing population.

‘The changes are going to cost everyone, but not making these changes would cost us even more in losing economic growth.’