IN THE aftermath of one of the worst global recessions ever experienced, the Christmas messages we ran here yesterday from the island’s Lt-Governor, Bailiff and chief minister were a useful reminder of where this community is at the end of 2010.

Yes, there is still poverty and much more that the island can and should be doing for its less advantaged citizens.

But overall, Guernsey has been extremely fortunate in weathering the economic storm and is in a privileged position, certainly compared with its near neighbours.

Perhaps more than that, the contribution from Sir Fabian Malbon reminds us of how lucky we are to be living in an island with such a strong sense of community.

While islanders do complain, and we also reflect that tendency, the reality is that there’s not too much wrong in a place with largely full employment, an (almost) balanced Budget, no debt and the ability to invest in health, education and infrastructure projects.

The key, of course, is how to ensure that Guernsey can continue like that for many years to come in an uncertain world.

There will be debate and disagreement about that and what actually is the best way forward, just as there will be different views on how to make Guernsey a fairer society and to distribute the prosperity that exists here.

The point, however, is that we start from a position of some strength and a bright future is achievable – if we all acknowledge that we have a part to play in achieving it.

For the record… (re: this story)

…While this column has been critical of the States and some of its members over the years, we are careful to concentrate on policies and performance – not personalities.

And while there will have been discussion here – picking up on islanders’ concerns – on the claims of ‘worst-ever States’, that will have concentrated on what the Assembly has, or has not, done, not on its individuals.