TODAY marks the launch of the new Guernsey Press campaign I Buy GSY aimed at urging islanders to support Guernsey’s shops and businesses. At its heart is a very strong but simple message – there’s a lot of choice on our doorsteps, so if you can buy local, then do.

It’s a principle that many of us have already heard of and already live by. We now want to complement those calls.

No-one has been immune from the global downturn and only this week we have been reminded of the increasing external pressures on our small island to look after its own interests.

Basically, our business community is telling us that there has never been a better time to celebrate the cause. And there are many reasons for doing so.

Keeping as much money as possible flowing around our own economy is paramount not just to their balance sheets but everyone’s long-term prosperity. Whether indigenous local stores or national chains, all business with a Guernsey presence are playing a part in providing jobs and wealth for our island.

In our page 4 story today, President of Guernsey’s Chamber of Commerce Paul Luxon launches the rallying call to islanders to think before they buy. And he is encouraging local providers to play a competitive part, too.

As he says, if a service or product is available on-island then supporting that local company or provider benefits us all.

Today we are using our flagship weekend supplement, The Week, to help kick-start the campaign by showcasing just what Guernsey has to offer, with a feast of locally available products for food lovers and fashion fans.

Throughout the coming weeks in the run-up to Christmas we will also be featuring several stories and interviews on the theme. We’ll talk to retailers, shoppers, business experts, politicians and economists to find out the significance of doing your bit for the local economy.

These are hard times and for many of us shopping around for the best price or deal, whether on or off-island, is inevitable. Besides, enjoying the retail experience available in other centres is something that many islanders look forward to, particularly at this time of year.

But in the run-up to the festivities our businesses are simply asking one thing: that you think of them first and continue to show them support.