AN INVITATION by islandopinion.com for people to provide their views on shopping locally, to help shape a retail strategy being formulated for the Commerce and Employment Department, is actually a significant development for any islander who wants to have their voice heard.

While the request for people to log on to its online survey facility is notionally limited to helping to shape how islanders want to shop here, it goes beyond that.

Islandopinion.com is a leading local research company and is increasingly being used by the States of Guernsey to inform decision-making.

Getting involved via the online polling facility means that people become part of its confidential database and can take part in subsequent surveys should they wish.

Potentially, this is very powerful.

Islanders frequently believe that their views are being ignored: the waste incinerator development is a classic example. But there are many others and there will be many more examples in the future.

While islandopinion.com already has a valuable representative database at the moment – this newspaper is among organisations that has used it – a big take-up strengthens that and also makes it easier to seek the opinion of smaller groups – the over 70s or working mums, for example.

We have no financial or other interest in islandopinion.com but would encourage islanders to sign up for the retail survey because it is the best opportunity to date for individuals to make their views known.

It doesn’t mean that the States or other bodies will do what people want – other considerations come into play when decisions have to be taken – but it does mean that public opinion can be gauged accurately and it will be well understood when it is being ignored.

The retail survey will be an interesting test. Most islanders want choice, keen prices, quality service and convenience when it comes to shopping and what comes out of the data will help indicate whether people are happy with the existing mix or whether the drive to the internet is now unstoppable.

Whatever islanders’ opinions and desires, there’s never been a better time to make your voice heard.