This Is Guernsey

Environment minister Deputy David De Lisle has defended himself and his department against attacks. (0509519)

ENVIRONMENT minister David De Lisle has defended his under fire department.

Last week at an Institute of Directors seminar, Confederation of Guernsey Industry chairman Phil Duquemin branded the department ‘dysfunctional’ and a problem for economic growth. Deputy Commerce and Employment minister Carla McNulty Bauer said it had a very green focus and should address its economic mandate.

And Deputy Jack Honeybill said the worst thing you could possibly have as a member of Environment was an environmentalist. ‘People like Phil Duquemin are spokesmen for lobby groups,’ said Deputy De Lisle.

‘Economic development and tax issues have been given prominence by the States over the last few years, while the environment has been forced to take a back seat.

‘There should be a better balance between the push for economic growth and the environment.

‘The deputy chief minister, Stuart Falla, has said in front of the House that he believes in an economic strategy sitting alongside an environmental one is the best way forward.’

According to the Sustainable Guernsey report, the majority of challenges facing the island were environmental ones, said Deputy De Lisle.

‘It’s a sad reflection on Guernsey that we are supposed to be part of the developed world and yet the way we approach environmental issues is more akin to the developing world.’

Several people at the seminar, including Housing minister Dave Jones, called for the next chief minister to be given the power to sack ‘rogue’ ministers who do not follow States economic and policy strategies.

Deputy De Lisle said he would be standing for election in April and that it was down to the people’s choice.

‘Islanders will be looking at my record and my concern for the environment, which is what’s most important to me.

‘If there was no voice from Environment, which by and large we have not had in the past, we would become a concrete jungle, which is not what attracts people to the island in the first place.

‘People come here with their families because it offers a kind of life with a certain quality to it and we should protect that.’�