THE Channel Islands could introduce their own honours system, according to Deputy Dave Jones (pictured).

Speaking after Guernsey missed out in the Queen’s New Year Honours for the second year in a row, he said he would like a local way of recognising the achievements of people who serve the community.

He said his understanding was that the Cabinet Office was no longer responsible for rubber-stamping nominations and an independent body now did it. It was also possible that no Guernsey names had been put forward.

‘Let’s put our own stamp on this,’ he said. ‘Why don’t the Channel Islands form some sort of honour scheme for those the likes of those who shake charity boxes and get no recognition for it whatsoever?’

Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last year, one of four honours which came the island’s way.

‘Looking across our Bailiwick and the other dependencies, we’ve fared pretty well taking into account the honours which were conferred in 2009 and the population sizes,’ he said. ‘But it’s always disappointing when some exceptionally committed people have not had honours conferred on them – but there’s always the opportunity to renew nominations.’