We didn’t say we told you so – but we did » Business

By Tom Edwards

THE Chamber of Commerce has criticised the States for rejecting its advice about investing in the island’s infrastructure.

Outgoing president Mark Trenchard (pictured) said the government was wrong to not have made use of Chamber’s experts on the issue of a new runway. ‘Air and sea links are a lifeline for us and we must make sure that we have the best we can afford,’ he said.

‘Infrastructure has lacked investment for far too long. ‘Recently the state of the runway came back to haunt us and we chose our words carefully. We didn’t say, “we told you so”, but actually that’s true. Chamber had experts to assist and we continue to do so. I hope we can work with the new States to deliver the infrastructure that the island deserves.’

Mr Trenchard was speaking at the Chamber AGM, at which he stepped down as president in the organisation’s 200th year.

He acknowledged that it was difficult to make decisions about critical capital expenditure, but said Education had been let down by the previous States. And he was shocked by the government’s decision to cap population growth.

‘I’m not that bothered because we will find it hard to control it anyway.

‘What amazes me is the lack of understanding from the States. The problem will not just go away by itself.’

Mr Trenchard praised politicians for their decision to back the zero-10 tax strategy.

‘We have to assess our position and the effects to Guernsey, but we remain committed to it. I’m pleased that States members saw sense.’

And he left Chamber members with an optimistic forecast for the island’s future.

‘If we are to believe what we read, Guernsey is not well at the moment. A few coughs and sneezes appear to have developed into something more serious and the island requires treatment. I fear it could be terminal.

‘Or, have we had a damn good time and got drunk for too long and therefore are suffering from a hangover? The remedy is to take a long, hard look in the mirror and move forward.

‘Guernsey is in relatively good shape. We’re not borrowing, we have relatively low taxes, there is no goods and sales tax, business is thriving and there is almost full employment.

‘There are changes coming, but we have options.’