Rosie Henderson

Manifesto

Guernsey deserves stronger leadership and smarter decisions.
I’m asking for your vote and will work hard for the island.

I support restoring the Grammar School to offer a state option equal to private education.

Instead of new taxes such as GST, we should focus on savings through better estate management.

Affordable housing must support both first-time buyers and states tenants.

Our airline is a vital lifeline and must run efficiently with standardised aircraft.

I am not Guernsey born, however my parents brought me here at 9. I did my last 3 years at Ladies’ College. During my early years my parents were very political. My grandfather Major Archibald Church MC DSO Cross of Vladimir ++ had been the Labour MP for Leyton East.

After working in Oxford I flew off to the USA and later married. I started a business buying optics in the UK from Gaskill and Chambers and selling them in the US. A lot of money was made.

I returned to Guernsey in 1975, bought a cottage and worked with various organizations. I had become a “tax expert” in the US. Doesn’t mean quite the same as it does here. I tried to get into the Tax Office here. Michael and I married in 1987 and I joined him in his business sometime later. I was a Stockbroker and we both worked long hours. In the retail world I learned huge amounts - design, costing, margins, colours. A very steep learning curve but I enjoyed it enormously.

AND SO TODAY  I try to do my bit as I always have done. I had a privileged background and now I try to give back. I’ve worked with GSPCA as a warden. Samaritans as a Listener. Al-Anon - I was a St Peter Port Douzenier for 9 years - missing only 2 meetings out of approx 100. Attended the two obligatory parades each year. Volunteered for everything I was capable of doing.

EDUCATION  

The State system should have at least one school which equals or surpasses the private schools. This would improve the Island’s offering to professional people moving here.  The fact that their children have to be sent to Private Schools increases the cost of living, which could discourage them from taking a job here.  The Education offering needs to be revised so that each child receives a good education.  We have schools for the less academically able - we need a school for the academically gifted.  Bring back Grammar School.

HOUSING 

The States have, over the past year or so been talking of “affordable housing.” Many have thought that meant housing built for sale to first-time buyers.  It is not it is the building of houses for States tenants. Nothing wrong with that, but that means that first-time buyers are still left without affordable housing.  Both need to be addressed, and if that means working long hours looking at solutions, so be it.

CONNECTIVITY 

We are so fortunate to own our own airline. We have secured a lifeline which is undoubtedly incredibly important.  As I see it the lifeline is Guernsey to and from Southampton – Guernsey to and from Alderney -  Guernsey to and from Jersey and Guernsey to and from Gatwick.  All else is icing on the cake and should be used only if economically viable.  As I see it: Guernsey - Gatwick, Guernsey - Southampton, Guernsey - Jersey and Guernsey - Alderney. Every effort should be taken to purchase or lease planes which require the same spare parts.  This will save time, money and the need for experts in a multitude of planes in our fleet.  I would, if in Government, ask if the input from Deputies is welcomed or a burden.  If a burden, then recommend stepping back and leaving management to those that know their business.

TAX OR GST?

The wrong question was put to the people; it should have been Tax, GST or savings.  I believe the choice would be saving millions by the better management of the Island’s estate.  It is not only a savings in human resources, but is also looking at what is owned and the intelligent use of resources.

“When elected, I will work hard and be available to anyone with a problem and I’ll try to help. If I can - I will.”