Vote Jon Wilson

Manifesto

Sustainability and Diversification

Guernsey residents by and large enjoy a high standard of living with a natural environment that is second to none and which benefits us all. The island is safe with low levels of crime and has a strong GDP per capita.

We should take nothing for granted, however and work towards ensuring that the quality of life we enjoy is sustained over the long term.

To do so we must:

1. Look beyond the financial sector

Guernsey derives much of its GDP from the finance sector. The financial industry globally is however, facing increasing regulatory headwinds. If Guernsey’s financial sector were to suffer, whether by reason of geopolitical pressure on offshore financial centres, competition from other jurisdictions or poor decisions on island, this would negatively impact almost everything around us.

If we were to put emphasis and focus into developing other industries, Guernsey would be far better placed to weather storms and could mitigate the risks of an attack against it.

The ‘Blue Economy’, focussed on our unique marine environment, offers much for this island to explore and profit from. Local natural resources are a largely untapped source of economic growth for our island.

2. Embrace the global sustainability trend to deliver local benefits

Sustainability is a key element of future business. The demand for businesses to act with integrity and strong environmental and social principles should be at the forefront of any company strategy. It is about doing the right thing. We all acted with strong principles during the lockdown and the result was that we successfully eradicated the virus.

This sense of community will permeate throughout the social fabric of the future to hold businesses and States departments to account and will provide the island with the diversity and sustainability vital for us to create long-lasting island wealth and strength for years to come.

3. Fund the recovery and reward sustainability

A large borrowing requirement will be necessary to see us through the recovery phase following the lockdown. The important factors are how the money is spent and the repayment program.

How can we repay the debt in a few years and not burden future generations and subsequent States members with the money we need to put our lives back on track? I would propose viable solutions that do not increase the tax payable by individuals.

Mental Health and well-being

The States should excel in promoting access to sports and social events for all. This will serve to strengthen social fabric, reduce a sedentary lifestyle and create enjoyment. This in turn will guard against isolation and poor physical and mental health.

Supporting entrepreneurs

Creative business owners are likely to be the lifeblood of the island. They should be supported with all conceivable resources.

Self-sufficiency

The lockdown showed Guernsey folk to be responsible and adaptable in the face of adversity. It showed that as high a level of self-sufficiency as possible in such times is of critical strategic importance. Hedge veg and local businesses became lifelines If we could go much further, revitalising agriculture and investing in more natural sources, this would make our island greener, quicker, at the same time as protecting our independence. Wave and tidal power are potentially major power sources for maritime nations and the advantages of these concepts are relatively high efficiency and relatively low cost.