There are increasing calls from members of the public for a peaceful protest against GST.
Filmmaker Lars Janssen said the tax – which forms part of the latest tax reform proposals from Policy and Resources – was a “lazy and short-term” option, which risked being the “cork that finally sinks the island’s economic prospects”.
Mr Janssen called for an “island-wide day of peaceful action and solidarity”.
“Guernsey does not want GST, does not need GST, and does not require it under any alternative name,” he said.
In an open letter published by Express, Mr Jansenn said a protest would be a “last resort” to close the “growing gap between the electorate and its elected representatives”.
It would be “a powerful and unmistakable statement that public concern has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored or dismissed”.
He also accused Deputies of failing to take into account the impact of GST in Jersey, saying that island’s experience should “serve as a warning, not a blueprint”.
Mobilising
While Mr Janssen didn’t set a date for a proposed protest, a Facebook poster called for a protest to be timed with July’s States meeting, where the tax reform proposals are due to be voted on.
“If we’re going to do something it really should be before or right at the start of that, while it can still make a difference,” they said.
“The last time we mobilised we managed to at the least delay it and even indirectly caused a vote of no confidence.”
Delays make problems worse
While many people have said they would support a protest, others have questioned whether it could make things worse.
One commenter said: “Every ‘delay’ exacerbates our problem and makes our financial situation worse.
“We have already kicked this can down the road for over 20 years…… has that made the problem go away?
“No, it’s made it more urgent and more acute.”
