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From learning to expect the unexpected to not trusting the French...These are just some of Jersey politicians' key takeaways from 2021.
When Express posed the question, 'What's the biggest lesson you've learnt this year?', here's how a selection of the island's elected Deputies, Constables and Senators responded...
Pictured: "As far as covid is concerned, never assume anything and expect the unexpected."
"The pandemic has affected our lives in obvious and more subtle ways. When we look back to the heady days of 2019 we realise the world has changed perhaps forever.
"Meeting family, friends and business associates face to face is less frequent and whist cherished is also regarded with some caution.
"Travel, something many of us took for granted is now a logistical nightmare with at best an uncertain chance of success! There is more focus on our personal health and perhaps a greater awareness of our own mortality.
"On the plus side there is a sharper awareness of the importance of environmental issues and the need for action not just words.
"We now value even more our vital local networks and parish communities in looking after the less well off and those in need or lonely.
"Away from our own shores (and despite our constant grumbling) when I see the strife, death, mayhem and destruction elsewhere in the world we should value the fact that we live a in a beautiful island and a community by in large at peace with itself.
"Finally, as far as covid is concerned never assume anything and expect the unexpected."
Pictured: "Crisis can also be an opportunity," according to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
"Learning never stops. For me, reviewing my performance and improving accordingly is a professional duty. I have made mistakes and learnt lessons and made changes.
"The lesson most related to Covid - 'plan for the best and prepare for the worst' - is something I needed to incorporate into my private and public life.
"I fell into despair on occasion and failed to plan public and private fun events. Balancing that with doing regular LFT tests and accepting these plans may be wasted in a second is a challenge I have to embrace. Something enjoyable or constructive is always there for me and I have to accept whatever that is.
"Crisis can also be an opportunity. Jersey is globally connected and suffers and benefits from these connections in an unequal measure. It has become clearer than ever to me that we need to broaden our trade partners beyond our immediate neighbours and enhance our ability to be self-sufficient."
"I also learnt that family and friend's are the most important thing in my life and no matter what is happening in this world I must make time for them."
Pictured: This year's fishing negotiations clearly left their mark on the Home Affairs Minister.
"Don't trust the French."
Pictured: "We must step up our communications so that everyone is aware of any problem areas."
"It has been a very challenging year in the infrastructure department, many members of staff have been seconded to assist with Covid related projects and are now returning to the department.
"I have been criticized for authorising the Nightingale Hospital but as we did not have vaccinations at the time it was a sensible insurance policy.
"Transport has been very problematic with trying to resurface major roads whist keeping the traffic moving, there are a few roads that cannot be patched anymore and have to be completely resurfaced.
"We must step up our communications so that everyone is aware of any problem areas."
Pictured: "The good folk of Trinity have turned out to elect a Parish Deputy since 1857, and our present Deputy will be the last in the line. Shortly to become part of a Super Constituency I remain to be convinced that this will not have a detrimental effect on the turnout."
"My surviving thoughts from 2021 apart from the ongoing Covid situation will be the Assemblies decision to adopt the Electoral Reform proposed by PPC.
"As many islanders have already commented the loss of the Senatorial seats and the Island wide mandate is regrettable. For me and many of my Parishioners the biggest regret is the loss of our own Parish Deputy.
"The good folk of Trinity have turned out to elect a Parish Deputy since 1857, and our present Deputy will be the last in the line. Shortly to become part of a Super Constituency I remain to be convinced that this will not have a detrimental effect on the turnout."
Pictured: "As a former journalist I've always understood the need to listen and to communicate with openness and transparency to both inform people as well as to generate and maintain trust and confidence."
"Last year I talked about the power of collaborative working and I think that has continued to be one of Jersey's many strengths throughout 2021.
"For me, the lesson of 2021 has been the balance between information and emotion; a debate cannot always be won purely on the facts; as many are swayed by emotion and other things. As a former journalist I've always understood the need to listen and to communicate with openness and transparency to both inform people as well as to generate and maintain trust and confidence.
"This has been very apparent this year. Sometimes the amount of information available can be overwhelming, however people's powers of perception should never be underestimated."
Pictured: "... to have strong and effective government you need strong and challenging scrutiny"
"The key thing that I have learnt this year is it's never too late to learn!
"Returning to scrutiny early in 2021 after five years or so in government has shown me how the scrutiny process both politically and through its hardworking officers has grown and become a far more cohesive unit.
"The old adage that 'a change is as good as a break' has been true to me and has refreshed my passion for representing the public.
"It has reminded me, if I needed reminding, that to have strong and effective government you need strong and challenging scrutiny and if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected next year, I would be only too happy to contribute further to scrutiny.
"I look at my grandchildren and realise that I want an island to be proud of and one that will give them the opportunities I was lucky enough to have."
Pictured: "We politicians believe and hope that we can do much for the island – it's time that we all work together on major issues that affect us all."
"My role as minister with responsibility for sport has highlighted again how important it is in all our lives. Whether we play, watch, or volunteer, sport brings us all together. And that's been really important over the last year.
"Seeing the British Lions over here and the youngsters' faces when they were watching them train was uplifting. It's important that young people have role models, and where better than sport?
"Whether sport is played individually or as a team, everyone strives to do their best. And that's similar in politics. We politicians believe and hope that we can do much for the island – it's time that we all work together on major issues that affect us all.
"That leads me into party politics, a subject that has become something of a hot potato in the Island over the last year. Having been elected for a political party in the UK, I fully understand some of the issues currently being discussed, and think it is the way forward to achieve faster decision making."
Pictured: "... patience is not always a virtue, at least in relation to the States and Government... it is imperative that we use our privileged positions to highlight and act on and implement change."
"Last year I said that and my key lesson from the year, was the kindness and necessity of our island communities, particularly our Parish communities.
"And in turn, this lesson has highlighted for me how it is important it is to use the influence that we have in the States to make sure that the services and institutions that are so vital to the Island and Islanders are maintained and given the priority, infrastructure and support they deserve.
"Building on this the key lesson I have learn is that patience is not always a virtue, at least in relation to the States and Government, and that it is imperative that we use our privileged positions to highlight and act on and implement change.
"I have tried to do this through my daily work in the Parish, and through actively taking Propositions and Amendments to the States on Road Safety, Women's Safety, Mitigating the use of Palm Oil and asking questions. Challenging the status quo.
"I have also learnt that a sense of humour and developing a thick skin are great assets."
Pictured: "Jersey politics has those who will criticise if you consistently question or speak out, but that is our role and I will continue to question and drive debate."
"I have learnt that in politics, if you genuinely believe in something, you have to persevere in order to make the positive change you want.
"Jersey politics has those who will criticise if you consistently question or speak out, but that is our role and I will continue to question and drive debate.
"Family and community are the most important parts of our lives. Too many families experienced insecurity in their lives this year and we must ensure we address the inequalities that the pandemic exposed much more directly. Investing in children, families and our communities is vital and builds security for us all.
"I hope that next year we can win the argument over addressing our role in climate change as an opportunity to build a better and safer island and allows Jersey to be a world leader and provides the economic benefits this could bring for us all. Not just a few regressive tax measures and tinkering with our infrastructure.
"I am pleased to see political parties developing so that the election will give genuine choice built upon open and transparent policies rather than generic wish lists."
Pictured: "For me the last two years have shown how vulnerable we humans are, and need to recognise we can't control everything."
"The virus has surprised us by continuing to evolve with as yet unknown effects and the spectre of future variants hangs over us in the new year.
"The lesson for Government is to ensure greater resilience and preparation against future public health risks. Faster decision making, clear public messaging and early actions are all necessary
"We have learned there can be no certainty. We all have to become more flexible, be open to change and prepared to adjust for the unexpected.
"For me the last two years have shown how vulnerable we humans are, and need to recognise we can't control everything.
"We all now see how life is precious and our spirits are lifted by the huge efforts people have made to help others.
"Nobody could doubt now we all depend on each other , and how our ensuring our collective and individual wellbeing, mental, and physical health needs are met and tolerance and respect, are essential in any civilised society.
"I would like to see our future government fully embrace the need to provide, support and nurture these needs in developing future public policy.
"I would like to see less emphasis on our society pursuing self-interest and financial gain which inevitably is likely to disappoint. Working with all of us towards a more kinder, fairer more equal society.
"My last lesson is to achieve lasting change requires longer term commitment from politicians, a task which transcends one government.
"That will require hard work, patience and determination with a readiness always to listen to the other point of view. An optimist's view perhaps, but my hope for the future."
Key lessons of 2020 from Jersey's politicians
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