All eyes on Sark as historic day arrives
Wednesday 10th December 2008, 2:29PM GMT.
SARK goes to the polls today to choose a fully elected assembly for the first time in its history.
The 474-strong electorate will decide between 57 candidates for 28 seats in Chief Pleas under the gaze of the world’s media that have already descended on the island to record history in the making.
With no postal voting, people with a home on Sark have returned to the island to cast their vote. Returning officer Reg Guille (pictured) is hopeful of the result being declared between 9.30 and 10pm if there is no need for a recount.
He was busy putting in place final preparations yesterday. ‘I’m looking forward to a high turnout and a very fairly run election,’ he said.
But passions have been running high in the island recently with debate on the influence of Brecqhou owners Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay looming large.
It has split voters and candidates alike between those who see the opportunity that Sir David and Sir Frederick’s multi-million pound investment creates and ideas for the island they have and those against their proposals.
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Island Life
All about Guernsey
Ambassador of the Year 2011
History & Heritage
Visitor Information
Guernsey's government
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Useful Links
Good Luck to the people of Sark today.
Please ignore the pressure to only vote for candidates who follow the Barclay Brothers agenda. The decision is yours and yours alone and what really matters is the direction you want Sark to go in in the coming years.
Yes, economic stability is important but it is by no means the only factor. You are lucky enough to live in a beautiful and tranquil island which has escaped many of the ravages of modern life, and while it is something you may take for granted in your day to day lives it is, I would suggest, something worth hanging on to.
I am not alone in being concerned about the Barclay Brother’s motives for wanting to commercialise Sark and gain a controlling influence over your emerging democratic government. The argument that they are doing this as an act of kindness to the Sarkees by providing jobs and economic stability rings a little hollow to me. Multi-millionaire businessmen do not invest their money as an act of altruism, they do so solely to make a profit and that, ultimately, is what they are trying to do in Sark. You are a tight-knit community and the only way they can fulfil their commercial objectives is to be able to influence your elected representatives – some might argue that they have indirectly sponsored candidates to do just that.
Sark has survived perfectly well for centuries without the need for external interference because it has a resilient and self-sufficient (if slightly eccentric) population. You have already made huge concessions in the way you are governed, I would urge you to be very careful about giving away you economic independence aswell.
Report abuse
So the Barclays want a democratic vote in Sark as long as their minnions are voted in, otherwise they are throwing their toys out of the pram
Report abuse
Is it too late for Sark to remain a tranquil, beautiful but successful island? The Barclay Brothers are showing their vicious streak – and it looks like they are now trying to bankrupt Sark. Can money buy happiness? No, but it can certainly create unhappiness.
Report abuse