‘Give those already here rights first’
Wednesday 8th February 2012, 1:00PM GMT.
LOCALS should have their rights set out in legislation before those rights are extended to others under a new population management regime, Housing’s deputy minister has said.
Deputy Graham Guille, pictured, will today hand Population Policy Group chairman Deputy Bernard Flouquet a letter requesting that proposals for a formal bill of rights are included in the group’s population review.
‘Along with several other deputies I am unhappy with the proposals as they stand, as although they made suggested improvements to the rights of those seeking to move to the island, they were largely silent over the rights of the existing population,’ said Deputy Guille.
‘I’m firmly of the view that before we seek to enhance and improve the rights of those living in the Open Market and any newcomers wishing to move to live and work among us, we should first set down the rights and entitlements of those islanders already resident.’
- To read Guernsey Press stories in full click here for subscription details. Individual editions are now available online.
Saturday 26 May
- Laid-off staff see jobs re-advertised next day
- The Week - Roots Manuva interview
- Royal celebrations of yesteryear
- The Week - Jubilee Food
- Sport - Angus Mackay takes Gib job
Campaigns
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
This is Guernsey
Guernsey Press
Before establishing what a Local’s rights are lets define LOCAL.
Is some-one born here
Some-one with a full local license (but born outside the island)
Is it some-one born in the Baliwick (there has been much discussion about Alderney residents recently).
Let’s lay down what is local and then work out if the legislation is needed before even more time is wasted on laws which could be discriminatory.
Report abuse
Agreed. I imagine there will be lots of debate on that in itself!
Report abuse
You will find the definition of who is considered local as part of the consultation document that was recently debated in the States. It clearly states who is and isn’t considered ‘local’ or should we say a qualified resident.
I would actually link through to the document in question for you to read for yourself, but the states seem to have a new website, so I can’t actually find the document in question.
Report abuse
Good idea. Looking forward to seeing what people consider to be their rights.
Report abuse
Good idea Mr Guille.
I will be fine whatever the outcome since am more local than the rest of you.
Happy days.
Report abuse
Haven’t read the full article but did Graham Guille actually suggest anything specific about what those rights, above what is there already, for locals in regards to open market dwellings should be? Or does is he just taking the lazy approach and want other people to do the work, make suggestions, draft it up and bring it back to the table so he can criticise it again? I’m happy to be enlightened. Hopefully he had some specific suggestions.
Report abuse
Agreed, I reckon a ‘local’ is someone with the stamp in his/her passport declaring no right of abode or work in the EU. That would be a true local with no English ( or other foreigners) blood going back to the great grand parents.
Report abuse
Erm, has Deputy Guille even bothered to read the proposal?
I can tell you, I have, and as a local I know exactly what my rights would be, and I’m very happy with what is proposed.
And what rights is it he’s suggesting locals need? We have the right to own and live in any property on the Island and for as long as we want. We have the right to work without restrictions imposed on us or our family. I’d say we have it fairly good.
And under the new law, we’d have even better rights as locals to being able to live abroad and then return to the Island at any time of our choosing – not like with the current restriction of losing your local status after being away from the Island after 10 years.
Report abuse