GUERNSEY’S harbour master is well known for plain speaking. Behind the obvious affability there is a bluntness borne of years of experience gained by an Extra Master Mariner whose career has seen him operate around the globe.

There is also a palpable air of frustration from a professional whose previous years with Shell and others has required the early identification and elimination of mission critical risks well before they impact on operations.

That came through as he was speaking to the Chamber of Commerce at St Peter Port Harbour about the lamentable state of the facilities there – due to under-investment over the years – and the pressing need for adequate deep-water facilities.

‘There are 25,000 proper tanker berths in the world. Only two of them [including St Sampson’s] dry out – hello, is anyone listening?’

It was the plea of someone tired of banging his head against… well, what exactly is not clear. Whether it is politicians more interested in glamour projects or the unwillingness of the system to acknowledge uncomfortable truths, it certainly made an impression on the correspondent whose letter is on this page today.

As he says, ‘The island carries about two weeks of fuel supplies. Our food comes in daily. Without our harbour facilities, we will be starving within a week and walking to work in two.’

That risk is heightened considerably by the use of St Sampson’s. If one of the fuel companies – as has happened – decides on safety grounds not to allow the fuel ships to ground at low tide, where does that leave Guernsey?

The other aspect he touched on is the number of revenue-generating possibilities that are being missed because they don’t get onto the island’s prioritisation schedule.

The Policy Council says it is a matter of political judgement to ignore official advice on what new services to pursue in the States Strategic Plan, but who is keeping an eye on the wider infrastructure that this island depends on for its food and fuel?

The harbour master is no politician. Thank heavens for that, because he is prepared to tell it like it is. Islanders now know what the extent of the problems are – and are waiting for a political response.