Due to be presented in a private ceremony at the Bailiff’s Chambers attended by the Lieutenant Governor tomorrow, the award aims to recognise Gary Burgess’s career in journalism, particularly his work during the pandemic.
Mr Burgess, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer nine months ago, recently retired from ITV Channel, where he began working in 2011 in Guernsey, and from his role as a radio presenter on Channel 103, to spend more time with his family and make memories.
Pictured: Gary Burgess in the Channel 103 studio, where he was presenter, and with his husband, Alan.
Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq praised the “household name” for his “rigour” and “ability to explain complex matters in a way that is readily understood”, which he said had been “reassuring to people in a difficult time.”
He added: “His love for the island he has chosen as his home is obvious and unquestioned. As Gary has now taken the decision to step back from work due to his personal circumstances, I thought that it would be appropriate to present the silver seal to him to reflect his contribution to island life and the profession of journalism.”
Mr Burgess said it was hard to find the right words to “express both what a surprise and what an honour it is to receive this award.”
“It has been a pure privilege to try to be a useful guide to the unprecedented events of the past 18 months through my reporting on TV, in print and online. The kindness of islanders throughout and particularly in recent days as I pare back my work is overwhelming. You can only imagine how much this further honour from the Bailiff means to me.”
After Mr Burgess opened up about his terminal prognosis, a crowdfunder was set up to send him on a dream cruise with his husband, Alan.
But Mr Burgess said that, as the pair could afford the holiday themselves, the money should instead go to charity.
Like so many, Macmillan Jersey have been so touched by @GaryBurgessCI story. Gary’s openness about his cancer prognosis, and living his best life for his foreseeable future. We are so blown away by the generosity of Gary, Alan and the general public! A heartfelt thank you pic.twitter.com/1eMVZEZEZQ
— Macmillan Jersey (@Macmillanjersey) December 9, 2020
In the end, more than £30,000 was raised for cancer support charity Macmillan Jersey.