GuernseyFinance in spotlight
Wednesday 25th March 2009, 2:29PM GMT.
A CALL has been made for a report to examine what GuernseyFinance does and whether it provides good value for taxpayers’ money.
The States will today debate a report from Commerce and Employment that recommends the finance industry helps to fund the body that is responsible for its promotion.
But Deputy John Gollop (pictured) is concerned the report does not specify the level of promotion and what it achieves and how success is measured.
He is set to place an amendment, which has been seconded by Deputy Rhoderick Matthews.
‘In addition, there is no detail of the size of the levy or the proportion of the whole that the private sector is expected to provide,’ said Deputy Gollop, adding that a more interventionist approach was needed in promoting enterprise.
‘Commerce is doing good work, but needs to raise the game even higher for the future.’
He and Deputy Matthews have met the department to discuss their concerns.
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‘Deputy John Gollop is concerned that the report does not specify the level of promotion and what it achieves and how success is measured’ – he should crawl back to his much loved Gollopagus islands!
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Before raising any game or whatever; it should be made quite clear that an honest (how naive I am) report of how they have wasted away taxpayers money.
They make good sums of money whilst the working community must forever fork out for the whims of these defunct so thinking Dinosaurs.
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I totally agree with deputy Gollop- last week I attended a seminar at St James and the CEO of Guernsey Finance waffled on without giving any specifics of what his organisation does – when asked, what does his organisation do in light of the current tax blacklisting talk.. he could only say.. we talk in the sidelines… when asked.. have u made any representations defending your position as a tax compliance regime and not a tax haven… he says no… so how does he expect Guernsey do avoid blacklisting if the only thing they seem to do is say… look we are not on the black list … but we are looking at getting on the grey list???
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Gollop is an opportunist. Government creating a body that promotes its primary sector is completely acceptable.
The sniping from these these, let’s face it, ne’r do wells is damaging.
Can anyone tell me from what business *background he comes from that demonstrates his deep understanding of the islands economics promotion or marketing?
Neither Wodderick or Gollop have any meaningful purpose or position within the States. Sniping from the sidelines looks decidedly cheap.
*I won’t hold my breath
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Does this mean that the tourism board will now be paid for by hoteliers etc, culture and leasure will now be paid for by those that use the sporting facilities and learn Guernsey french ?
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I had spoken to John on this issue and in fairness he only wanted full transparency and accountability. John withdrew his amendment anyway, so he does listen to some people. I found myslef in agreement with Peter Niven’s radio interview on the subject.
I too am concerned about the finance sector having to pay for its own promotion. This is not the right road to go down and before you know it every sector of the economy will have to pay separately for its promotion or even to look after its interests. This is supposed to be what taxation covers. We must avoid putting extra charges ( taxes in reality ) on businesses, finance or otherwise because they just increase their costs and have an effect on whether such companies stay in the Island, employ more people,etc.
Guernsey Finance in my opinion should be completely funded by the States and in return for this there must be proper direction,control of policy, and accountability for the funds spent. Another disadvantage of finance firms having to pay such a levy is that they won’t have much say in how Guernsey Finance is run. This is certainly taxation without representation.
Tony Webber
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