SURPRISED islanders are dismayed at the omission of the Bailiff from the Queen’s New Year Honours. Geoffrey Rowland had been widely expected to receive a knighthood and islanders were left wondering what lay behind the snub against the Bailiwick’s first citizen.
Every Bailiff since at least 1884 has received the honour in a tradition that is regarded as a reflection of the standing of the Bailiwick in the eyes of the UK Government.
The recent precedent has been that the Bailiff has been knighted within three years of his appointment. Mr Rowland is entering his third year.
Islanders also felt that World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx did not get the recognition he deserved.
Both names were reportedly put forward via the UK Ministry of Justice but appear to have been blocked by No. 10 Downing Street.
Vanessa Le Tissier, who has met the Bailiff several times through her involvement with the Guernsey Amateur Dancesport Association, said Guernsey in general did not get the endorsement from the UK it deserved.
‘I think we need some sort of recognition for our small island,’ said the 41-year-old.
‘I think the Bailiff is a lovely man and I would like to see him recognised. Andy Priaulx also deserves more recognition than he gets and should have been honoured.
‘If every other Bailiff has been knighted, then Mr Rowland should be as well. I think it’s awful that he hasn’t.’
Guernsey snooker star Adam Shorto said he could not understand why the Bailiff had not received a knighthood.
‘It seems a bit weird that every other Bailiff has received the honour within three years and he hasn’t,’ said the 26-year-old.
‘I cannot see any reason why he would not as well. It seems like a very strange snub to me and I think he must be wondering why he has been overlooked.’
Mother of two Julie Crowson questioned the UK Government’s motives.
‘It must affect him and I feel sorry for him,’ said the 40-year-old.
‘Maybe it’s the UK Government having a pop at Guernsey. You could definitely take it that way. It must be hard for the Bailiff because all of his predecessors have been knighted and I think if they are going to knight all the others, they should do him as well.
‘If it’s a political decision not to honour him, then I think it’s ridiculous.’
However, semi-retired Alan Chubb said he would not take it as an insult to the island.
‘I’m a big fan of the Bailiff but I’m not a big fan of knighthoods because I think it’s a system that is open to favours,’ he said.
‘I don’t think the decision not to honour him is anything against Guernsey, though.’
Ali Gregory, 42, considered that the Bailiff had been spurned.
‘Is it the UK Government snubbing him? Who knows? I’m not too surprised about Andy Priaulx because sportsmen are always low on the priority list, but I think it’s a big disappointment for the Bailiff,’ she said.
‘Let’s just hope he gets knighted next year.’
Cynthia Cormack is the Bailiwick’s only recipient this year but she declined to comment.
Deputy Chief Minister Stuart Falla also decided to remain silent.
*CHARACTER actor Roy Dotrice has spoken of his delight - and surprise - at receiving an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
The 84-year-old, who lived in the island until being evacuated during the war, was awarded the honour after a theatre, television and film career that has spanned seven decades - and is still continuing.
He will be going on tour with his acclaimed one-man show, Brief Lives, early next year.
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?