I was a Deputy previously as far back as 1997 when I topped the poll in the Castel Parish.
I left the States as I had a full-time business to run and I thought my political days were behind me. Then I thought, if I am not willing to stand one further time for what I believe, then nothing will ever change for the better, and I will only have myself to blame.
My family could not be more committed to the future of Guernsey. Tourism has been in my blood all my life. My maternal grandparents and my parents, through hard work, built up and developed successful hotels and restaurants. I continued that all my working life, and now my eldest son has taken up the reins. We as a family are in the Hospitality Sector for the long-term. I have also travelled extensively and have seen how that Sector has developed in many countries. Sport has also always been one of my great loves. In my time I have been Chair of both the Guernsey Football Association and the Guernsey Cricket Association.
Manifesto
What difference can I make?
I hope with my experience I can help and contribute. I am a “cup half full” person, but I know that our beloved Island is facing many challenges. In the space permitted I can only address some of them.
Our Government System
We witness endless debates, and most seem to end up with no real conclusion. We need a slimline States. With effect from 2029 Election I would reduce the number of States members to 25, comprising 24 Deputies and 1 Alderney Representative.
Our Housing needs and Planning System
I am dismayed at the ongoing fiasco such as Leale’s Yard and the ridiculous zoning such as Heritage of the Castel Hospital which should be reversed now. All unoccupied buildings should be taxed at such a rate so as to ensure they are occupied.
Our Tax System Public Spending
I say No to GST or increasing Income Tax. We must be more efficient. Those of us who work in the Private Sector can see clearly that there is too much waste in the Public Sector. We can cut States spending. We need an independent audit by business people to ensure every penny of public money is necessary to be spent, and is wisely spent.
I am certain that there is a level of Public Sector management that could be trimmed. We have a shortage of workers to fill vacancies in the Private Sector. I do not doubt that anyone made redundant in the Public Sector, if able, would obtain a position in the Private Sector.
We must ensure that our Revenue Department collects more promptly outstanding tax. We need to recover more tax from the really high earners. I would immediately stop those who shelter their income in corporate structures being able to do so.
I would impose, as other jurisdictions do, a luxury tax on items such as high value boats, motor vehicles and aircraft.
I would reintroduce an annual road users tax which would be applied to all vehicles, whether petrol, diesel or electric. In return for which I would freeze duty on fuel for the next 4 years.
Aurigny/Airport/Harbours
If we are so lavish in our support of the Bus service, why are we demanding Aurigny make a profit? It should be run efficiently, but it should be seen as the gateway to Guernsey PLC.
We should look to create both a deep-water berth for cruise liners, and a non-tidal marina for larger pleasure boats. Let private enterprise pay for it in return for long-term leases.
I would replace the Dorniers tomorrow. There are better options. I would look to leasing a jet to put back on our flagship route. It would show we are a jurisdiction that means business.
We should look to obtain more and sustainable Heathrow slots. I believe by having fixed fares at a lower rate we would encourage air travel.
Education
The closing of the Grammar School was a disaster, both educationally and for social mobility. We need to look again at providing better education opportunities for those who have lost out by these changes.
Immigration
We must encourage workers who contribute so much to our various employment sectors to feel welcome. We cannot manage without them, but we must also ensure that our Health, Housing and Education Sectors are not over-burdened.
Health
We have no option but to support our ageing population, but health costs will soon prove to be more than we can afford. We must investigate compulsory health insurance schemes. We must also ensure we run our health service as efficiently as it can be.
Finally, I promise that I would both fulfil my four-year term, and devote my energies to improving the lot of Islanders. I am fed up watching from the outside the debacle that is the States. I thus want to contribute from inside. With my skills and experience, if elected, I would seek a serious position because I know I can lead a team.
Please vote for me.