Matt Waterman
I BELIEVE we will be overtaken by global events, so we need flexible government and a ‘damage limitation’ mindset.
Peak oil education is vital. Arguments rage about whether we want economic growth and its consequences or not. These are academic arguments. Peak oil means zero or negative economic growth and no imports, so self-sufficiency policies are essential.
It is clear that better corporate governance (accountability, transparency, risk control, conflict of interest regulation) is required but this house’s evident shortcomings will prove incidental compared to its failure to factor peak oil into its fiscal policy. Anyone who has informed themselves of peak oil understands what is happening in the world and its economies and the catastrophic consequences ahead. It is just a question of when.
Policies undertaken without regard for the number of people they are catering for are unlikely to succeed. Guernsey is overpopulated. We must reduce our numbers. Fewer people mean fewer mouths to feed and more land for food. Self-sufficiency means less exposure to events outside our control and that we can continue without imports.
To install democracy we need one of: island wide voting/equal power share for deputies/political parties. Government should not pander to business interests. My business would be more profitable with a larger population but I don’t want to see that happen because of the consequences to the island. It’s me on the electoral register, not my business.
It is claimed that GIBA represents 7,700 people in finance. They don’t represent any people. They represent businesses. In 23 years in finance I was never offered the opportunity to elect an official of GIBA or any other such body either directly or indirectly. If GIBA or the IOD value democracy they should not accept roles on the Use of Labour Strategy Group.
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