KEY policy issues facing Guernsey are on the table today at a meeting between Chief Minister Lyndon Trott and Michael Wills (pictured), the Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice.
Freedom of information and the island’s legislative process will be just two of the issues that Deputy Trott has said he will look to tackle in his 45 minutes face-to-face with Mr Wills at Selborne House in London.
‘One of the issues I’m going to talk to him about is freedom-of-information principles because from the UK’s perspective, Michael Wills has been a key champion and supporter of the act,’ said Deputy Trott. ‘We will also talk about the legislative process and how we can improve the submission of legislation from our end.
‘I’m going to invite him to visit Guernsey in the autumn for further discussions on tax information exchange agreements and other matters.’
The London visit is the first of nine trips the chief minister has in his diary for the rest of the year.
He expects those to Shanghai and Brussels in October and November will boost Guernsey’s presence and identity on the world stage.
Deputy Trott said he had taken the step of publishing his off-island diary so that fellow States members and the public are aware of the commitments he was undertaking on behalf of the Policy Council and the island.
‘I believe that the government of Guernsey should always be forward looking and I believe that both my colleagues in the States and the people of Guernsey have a right to know my international engagements in advance rather than after the event.
‘The role of promoting our international identity is without doubt essential in our development as a self-governing jurisdiction.
‘I anticipate the diary for 2009 will be equally busy as we continue to develop our international identity with our key trading partners.’
However, he said international engagements were as much about key policymakers visiting Guernsey as it was about officials visiting them.
‘We, as the smaller party, often have to make the first contact, hopefully strike a good impression and then it naturally follows that people with key influence should be our guests here.’
Deputy Trott said all the visits, which are likely to be added to before the year was out, would be money well spent.
‘I appreciate some people may not immediately recognise the benefits of our outward-facing programme, but there is no doubt in my mind that Guernsey’s future prosperity is dependent on a basis of mutual international understanding.
‘The more the international community understands our culture, identity and business practices, the less likely it is to look on our activities enviously.
‘Relationships at all levels are built on strong communication and trusted alliances.’
Article posted on 21st July, 2008 - 2.28pm
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