Just three of Guernsey’s deputies have no committee role in the new States. But each of them has told Express how they intend to serve the island over the next four years with a focus on collegiate working a common theme.
Deputy Chris Blin is in his second term of office.
Having led the Overseas Aid and Development Commission between 2020 and 2025, he had set his sights on leading Economic Development during this term. However he was defeated in a contested election for the Presidency, with Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller coming out on top.
Deputy Blin said that hasn’t deterred his primary aim in politics – which remains to serve the island, to help “deliver the best possible outcomes”.
“Although I was not successful in securing a position on a couple of principal committees this term, I remain fully committed to working constructively with all of my political colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for our island,” he said.
“Now in my second term, I can utilise my clear understanding of how the States operates and of the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress,” he added.
Deputy Blin had worked on the wind farm project in the last States.
He told Express that he hopes to continue working on that topic over the coming four years.
“I have expressed my interest in taking on the political lead for the wind farm project, which I believe presents a significant financial opportunity for the bailiwick but am also ready to support committees on specific initiatives and special projects where my experience and perspective can add value. I will continue to play my part in driving positive and constructive change.”
Deputy Rob Curgenven is in his first term of office, having been elected after his first time standing for the States.
Deputy Curgenven has previously lobbied Home Affairs over concerns about police officers’ behaviour and other matters. He had wanted to work on the committee to effect change politically – but was denied a seat on Home Affairs after other deputies campaigned against him.
“There has been much controversy over my unsuccessful bid to sit on the Committee for Home Affairs, following a nomination from President Leadbeater,” acknowledged Deputy Curgenven.
He has said that he is undeterred in his hopes to effect change for the good of the island and will work with his political colleagues to achieve that.
“While I am disappointed that I did not get the opportunity to work as closely with Deputy Leadbeater and others as I may have liked, I both respect and fully support the decision of the Assembly. We are very lucky to live in a democratic society where a wide range of views can be shared, even if we may disagree strongly with them at times.
“Following this decision, I have been contacted by many of my peers offering a shoulder to lean on, including Deputy De Saumarez, for which I am hugely grateful.
“I hope that throughout this term I am able to, working with my peers, continue to best support the people of our island.”
Deputy David Goy is also in his first term of office, having campaigned on a mission to close tax avoidance loopholes, and other financial challenges.
He had hoped to serve the States on one of the principal committees but was not nominated by the Presidents. As a backbencher, he said his “priorities and focus remain unchanged regardless of whether I’m on a committee or not”.
Deputy Goy gave eight examples of the priorities he will work on over the coming four year term of office.
Many of these concern the economy and the island’s independence, including closing tax loopholes of the wealthy, establishing infrastructures that will allow Guernsey to successfully diversify beyond U.S. controlled SWIFT, diversify beyond finance, and expanding Guernsey’s outreach to attract investments into the island from beyond the UK/EU, especially from Asia’s biggest economies, and in all areas (not just limited to finance), and gain greater foreign policy independence from the UK.
He wants to deter the use of residential properties as ‘wealth storage’ by the wealthy through a monthly levy on vacant/chronically underutilised houses, and promote the development of more affordable housing through an island-wide, annually revised Housing Type Quota.
He also wants to work on establishing strategic food and energy reserves so that the island can withstand geopolitical shocks and crisis, and establishing gradual energy independence for the island through renewable tech (e.g. tidal power).