Vale

Graham Guille

I SEE the main tasks facing the new House to be all about challenges and opportunities.

Let us begin by looking at the challenges. For almost a generation there has been woeful under investment in island schools, hospitals and other essential parts of the infrastructure. The present House has finally made a start, putting right years of neglect.

The task of the new government is to drive forward the redevelopment programme as fast as prudently possible without damaging the economy, the business community on which wealth generation depends, or raising taxation beyond what islanders can reasonably afford.

We should expect further challenges from the EU and UK governments, who will again seek to counter our competitive tax status. The world is full of envious people, jealous of our success and the prosperity we have earned by our hard work. The ‘new’ House must resolutely resist any external pressures.

We must not be deflected by those who prophesise doom and gloom. Our challenge is to create innovative ways to maximise the very real opportunities of our thriving economy.

Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge facing us. We now have the opportunity to be involved in the development of tidal power. Guernsey is well placed to be in the forefront of the development of harvesting pollution free electrical power from the sea. Among many other responsibilities I have been deeply involved in promoting such initiatives, having served on the Energy Policy Group since its inception.

Challenges are best met and opportunities best exploited by those with experience and an intimate knowledge of the issues involved.

Guernsey’s history is full of examples where its leaders have had the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. I am standing for re-election, as I believe I can offer these qualities in full measure.