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The British and Irish Lions Head Coach's recent two-day tour of Guernsey facilities ahead of a possible training camp this summer has left the island "divided", with the former Chief Minister saying he felt "uncomfortable" about the special exemptions.
The Telegraph reported last week that the Lions are hoping to enjoy a 10-day training camp in Jersey and Guernsey that allows the rugby squad freedom to bond over a beer.
Those reports came after Gatland visited Jersey earlier this year to scout sports facilities which could be used as part of a contingency plan if the summer tour of South Africa had to be moved to the British Isles due to the pandemic.
As part of the initial talks with Guernsey, Gatland was given special permission to visit the island last week so that he could tour the facilities on offer.
"This was a short visit over two days that was very tightly controlled, so we were comfortable it could be done safely," said Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink.
"Measures including a post-travel test result, test on arrival, testing on each day, remaining in a hotel room with room service for meals and only leaving to visit a specific location or drive around the island in a car, were put in place. I thank Mr Gatland for his full co-operation."
Pictured: A quote attributed to Dr Brink in a States press release said that the process used during Gatland's visit had been used "many times during our management of the pandemic where there has been a justifiable need for someone to visit the island but not complete the full self-isolation requirements.”
Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache said the trip was necessary, as without it there would be no chance of the Lions visiting this summer.
"While there is no guarantee that the British Lions will visit in June, what we could guarantee was that they wouldn’t be able to unless their Head Coach had been able to satisfy himself that the rugby and necessary facilities on-island were appropriate for their needs," he commented.
"We don’t want to get people’s hopes up in case it doesn’t happen, but this is potentially a fantastic opportunity and would provide the island’s economy with a significant boost at a time when we need to explore all possibilities."
The visit has however divided the public opinion in Guernsey.
Former Chief Minister Gavin St Pier addressed the issue in a series of tweets on Saturday, saying that, while the Lions' visit could prove a "real summer sporting coup" for the island, he felt "uncomfortable" with the special exemptions and that they risk the "perception of ‘one rule for us etc’ when so many have sacrificed so many important events in last year because of self-isolation rules which have kept us all safe".
Decision rare example of poor COVID comms, probably for understandable reason (British Lions’ confidentiality,) but it lacks empathy and emotional intelligence in #GuernseyTogether spirit. Hope government will acknowledge should’ve been handled differently showing lesson learnt. https://t.co/CZTwQVpo6G
— Gavin St Pier ???????? (@gavinstpier) April 4, 2021
"Only time and hindsight will tell if decision right one but regret that it’s divided and polarised," he added. "Both those who see exciting, optimistic, bold opportunity and those who are angry and resentful have valid reactions that we should respect rather than seeing other view as ‘wrong'."
He later described the decision to allow the visit as "a rare example of poor COVID comm", adding it lacked "empathy and emotional intelligence in #GuernseyTogether spirit" and that the Government should acknowledge things should have been handled differently "showing lesson learnt".
Pictured top: Footes Lane and Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland. (National Assembly for Wales)
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