‘My duty to vote on Guernsey schools,’ says Alderney rep
Thursday 5th February 2009, 2:29PM GMT.
VOTES by Alderney’s two representatives saved a threatened school.
If in the States last week Richard Willmott and Bill Walden had backed Education, the proposal to close St Sampson’s Infants would have been passed.
But they supported the school, which survived as the closure motion was lost by a single vote.
The Alderney reps’ role in the decision – both voted to keep both St Sampson’s and St Andrew’s Primary open – drew some criticism from Guernsey deputies.
But it was criticism that Mr Walden (pictured) was quick to reject. It was both his right and his job to vote, he said.
‘Education is a Bailiwick-wide service and I am a full member of the States,’ he said.
‘Many years ago it was decided that Alderney representatives were full members. I think there is no doubt over whether we should have voted.’
He said he had based his decision on close inspection of the Education Department’s report and the arguments made during debate.
- 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
Oh come on! If I recall correctly one of those members questioned the significance of cost per pupil as he said if that was applied to the Alderney school, the cost would be a lot higher.
Furthermore, the big supporter of Zero-10 was Deputy Trott, who voted to keep St Sampsons, I guess because he expects Education to makes savings on workforce reforms. However, had he voted not to save, the school would have been closed.
Finally, I may have misheard, so I stand to be corrected, but in debate did Deputy Trott say, if St Sampsons was voted to be closed, he would vote for St Andrews to be closed? If so I do not understand his logic.
Report abuse
Very much agree with Bill Walden.
Well done both you and Richard for carrying out your Bailiwick responsibilities.
Tony Webber
Report abuse
What’s this slow burn electioneering TW?
Moving on. Seems Guernsey has its very own West Lothian Question.
Report abuse
The Alderney deputies have as much right to vote as any other deputy in the States of Guernsey. They are part of the Bailiwick and surely have the same rights as any other deputy who voted – particularly those who were not voted in by St Andrews or St Sampsons electors!
The issue went to a vote and now the States have to learn to live with it – that is democracy!
Report abuse
Agree heartedly with comments.
Jackie, I have always felt very strongly about the Alderney Representatives voting on all issues in the Guernsey States. I have aired my opinions in the GP for many more years than the 13 I was a States Member.
Tony Webber
Report abuse
Good for them Education is vitally important if they want to save some money do away with the gold plated government pensions.
Report abuse
Someone correct me if I am being a little uncharitable but I have always regarded the northern isle as a financial millstone around Guernsey’s neck. Sure they pay taxes to the Guernsey exchequer but this is a place with a population the size of Torteval that demands its own school, hospital, police station and mega loss making airport, not to mention that financial black hole of a breakwater, and with most of the cost burden placed on the poor old Guernsey tax payer. Surely in the current economic climate some sort of review of this very one sided arrangement is very much in order?
Report abuse