Father. Husband. Lucky to be living in Guernsey. Deputy in the States of Deliberation, Guernsey’s parliament. Previously Chief Minister (2016-20) (he/him/his)🌈
On Monday, I said that if we went into lockdown, the island would go stir crazy. I never imagined it would happen on day 1. This person needs help. Let’s hope there is someone out there...
#GuernseyTogether
Just been for a run. It’s very quiet out there. Saw some lone cyclists, a few runners and couples out walking. Very few vehicles.
I love you Guernsey.
Thank you. Thank you.
#GuernseyTogether
Been asked to share, sent on behalf of Mayor of
@Kyiv
@Vitaliy_Klychko
by his Brother
@Klitschko
on being given news of £500k aid from Guernsey in response to Ukraine’s needs:
"We appreciate this generosity from your island. We will never forget who our friends are in life👊”
With thanks to
@NickJVermeulen
for his initiative resulting in first 50 full face visors designed to ICU spec being delivered to the PEH this morning - given global shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) this is great news. Thanks so much!
#guernseytogether
On behalf of so many, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to express their support, either publicly or privately.
It is deeply appreciated.
We won’t get everything right, but we promise we’ll make the very best decisions we can at any given moment.
#guernseytogether
It’s weird, followed UK/world news my whole life but in last week not at all. There is only one story; and I have no capacity for any information other than that which is relevant to us and the task in hand, namely making the very best decisions for our community day-by-day.
After a very unusual week in Guernsey politics, 2 messages: thanks for all your support, I will respond in due course to you all; and please don’t be angry - hang in there! I’m not going anywhere. Enjoy your evening - now I’m off to put my feet up!
Thank you, thank you, thank you
#GuernseyTogether
- you made this possible in the middle of a global pandemic. First in a series of the Cobo Bay Balcony Gigs - amazing!
Less than 2 hours after I posted this, an amazing individual stepped up wanting to help - made introduction and in an incredible act of generosity, that kind person has funded next couple of months rent plus bit extra. Thanks so much Guernsey: you are fantastic!
#GuernseyTogether
Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. Truly humbled by result.
We have immediate challenges and no time to waste to deliver more decisive and effective government with new Assembly moving forward together.
Joining
@HeidiSoulsby
@PourchetRouge
on
@BBCGuernsey
at 0805
If British public choose to ignore public health rules and guidance and that increases UK infection rates, it will almost certainly, and very sadly, impact the speed at which we can reopen our vital travel connections to the UK.
Minimising re-infection must remain our priority.
We’ve done it. Well done
#GuernseyTogether
. Zero known active cases. But so long as the virus is active, we should expect some cases in the future. We should not fear that or regard it as failure. It will be a sign that our ‘test, track and quarantine’ strategy is working.
Today we have reached a milestone in our COVID-19 journey.
Today, we have no active cases in Guernsey.
So yes Guernsey, we are down to zero, but now is not the time to get complacent. Onwards and upwards.
#ZeroCases
#GuernseyTogether
#WellDoneUs
#WeveGotThis
As new coronavirus cases continue to rise globally, including resurgence in number of US states, Melbourne and Lisbon mean we are right to be very cautious in relaxing borders to re-open travel. We must not give up gains we have made so far for benefit of community
@DrNicolaBrink
SHOUT OUT to teachers and other education staff who have this week been there for the children of essential workers, showing again how interconnected we all are. Thank you!
#GuernseyTogether
Delighted tonight to receive very important confirmation that despite UK change in policy as result of being in delay phase, community testing WILL continue in Guernsey in accordance with our own policy, recognising that we remain in 'contain' phase. Good news indeed to end day.
The Honourable Margaret Davey, OBE
6th November 1939 - 6th December 2022
After a long life lived, my mum has been released from dementia that held her in its miserable grip for last few years.
Having lost her a couple of years ago, my emotion today is more relief than grief.
This is fantastic news! 9 consecutive days with no new cases and down to 12 active cases. This should help us concertina some of the exit phases -
but, please, PLEASE don’t jump the gun until the work has been done and decisions made. We must not be complacent at this point.
Updates on the latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage. There have been no new confirmed cases for nine consecutive days and currently 12 active cases:
I’m afraid you are not the first one to make that observation. So let’s get this out the way early. I’m also told I remind people of William Hague, Gru and Shrek. You choose.
Phase 4 has begun; time for
#NewProfilePic
Of the many images I’ve seen and loved in last few weeks this one - proud, strong, optimistic - for me connects the hardships of last few weeks with the hope of the recovery to come as we work
#GuernseyTogether
to
#ReviveAndThrive
Thanks for so many messages of support. We’re just public face/voice of entire public service mobilised to tackle Covid-19. New series of shout-outs, starting with a big one to public health contact tracing team:thanks so much guys!
@HeidiSoulsby
@DrNicolaBrink
Tomorrow
@stpierjane
emerges from 14 days isolation. It’s our 25th wedding anniversary. Offline and staycationing for 24 hours.
My best friend, rock and only true love. An amazing journey so far.
Whatever happens this week or in next 4 years we’ll
#MoveForwardTogether
(sorry!)
Counter-intuitively my anxiety has been growing each morning as I wait to receive daily update, as I only want us headed in one direction. Relief again today: 13 consecutive days with no new positives; down to only 8 active cases; will help expedite our recovery
#GuernseyTogether
Updates on the latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage. There have been no new confirmed cases for 13 consecutive days and currently 8 active cases:
Watching US events with horror. As a white man in predominantly white community I recognise that I am uninformed; I don’t know the lived experience for black and other minorities here or elsewhere. I need to understand; if you can help inform, pls contact me.
#BlackLivesMatter
Real life experiences shared with me, confirm that there is racism in our community.
#BLM
is not ‘woke’ or political correctness.
It’s about dignity, respect and equality.
Excellent article Gary.
”Faggots. Bum boys. Benders.”
Growing up gay in the 1980s, and reporting on issues of race in Jersey in 2020.
My column in today’s
@JEPnews
(one of three *very* contrasting columns in today’s paper on the same issue)...
SHOUT OUT to parents - the sun is shining but I know it can also be challenging to have your children at home when it wasn’t planned and the pressures that you are under.
#guernseytogether
Run this morning thro' Town. Busiest it's been since March. So, so proud that Guernsey is coming back to life; but, like others, regret loss of some of peace/quiet enjoyed peak lockdown. We mustn't lose opportunity to benefit from that in future; we don't have to build back same.
First Monday evening in 8 years not needing to prepare for major meeting on Tuesday. Put feet up and watched some TV with
@stpierjane
- literally cannot remember last time did that...
If anyone is seriously interested, I am sure we could have sensible dialogue about how to plan and execute safely - so off the wall and a bit crazy but would not dismiss out of hand...
SHOUT OUT - to the States of Guernsey Comms team - working round the clock to support our ambition to provide clear, consistent communications. Thank you!
#GuernseyTogether
Today is a day I always think of my late Brother, Justin. He would have been 56 today. I find that hard to imagine and don’t know whether that is a good thing or not.
Wow! It felt so good to be back
@BeauSejourGSY
this morning for something other than press briefing - 1st spinning class. May sound ridiculous but I actually found it a bit emotional to be back. I am so, SO proud of all you have achieved
#GuernseyTogether
. Thanks!
#LoveGuernsey
Yes, yes, yes. 18 consecutive days with no new cases; down to 4 active cases. Great news. I know some of you want us to move faster - all this really helps but each change must be well considered and planned for - proactive not reactive; under-promise and over-deliver.
The latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage. There have been no new confirmed cases for 18 consecutive days & currently 4 active cases: .
Morning all. Have a good day everyone! BIG SHOUT OUT to JESCC, the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre - thanks for all you are doing for us all.
#GuernseyTogether
@GuernseyPolice
Looking forward to a take away from China Red. An occasional but firm family favourite; but we have all decided that we want to support more local restaurants over the coming weeks in this way.
Open letter
“I have not lost hope. I am not despairing. I will continue to do my very best for those I serve - you, the people of Guernsey. I will take the time I now have to work with all those across our community with similar values and aspirations...we’ve got this.”
Receiving this news was no less sad for its inevitability. It was an honour to have known Gary and to have called him a friend. Among his many attributes, some - kindness, tolerance and optimism - many of us aspire to show more often but he carried with ease.
#bemoreburgess
THIS if for those who wanted us to relax our border controls weeks ago
A) obvious Europe opened up too early over summer to chase tourist $
B) history shows 2nd waves often worse than 1st
C) there’s no balance to strike between health and economy: contain virus best for economy
19 consecutive days with no new positive cases; only 3 (known) active cases. We're actively considering how this continuing good news should impact on our exit speed, borders/travel etc. There will be no hasty decisions; any changes will be planned, considered and communicated.
The latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage. There have been no new confirmed cases for 19 consecutive days & currently 3 active cases: .
I commend and support Civil Contingencies Authority for their swift response to identification overnight of unrelated community cases.
The evidence from China, Australia and New Zealand is ONLY way to respond to outbreaks is hard and fast.
We’ve got this as
#GuernseyTogether
For our community, I wish newly constituted Policy & Resources Committee every success as they tackle enormous challenges. I hope they make inherently difficult policy choices with wisdom; and seize many opportunities now presented
I will issue a further statement in due course
Question I'd now be asking: should Guernsey only allow essential travellers?
Notwithstanding rigorous self-isolation rules and we've capacity to test, trace etc, with increased risk of higher prevalence and new strain, I'd tighten. We've come too far and there's too much to lose
Everyone needs to shop but this isn't hard: if you can't maintain safe social distance in supermarket, go back another time for your own safety and that of others; if you persist with selfish, irresponsible stockpiling we won't hesitate to take more action to protect community.
Lots of you are out shopping today with way too many people buying more than they need and not enough social distancing going on.
Supermarkets are trying their best and making changes to help social distancing but they need the community’s help.
Wishing all in Jersey very best in difficult days and weeks ahead particularly, of course, for those who become ill. Thinking too of the businesses and individuals impacted by further restrictions. We can do nothing practical to assist but know we are with you in spirit.
#CIunity
Since Tuesday 1 December, 3 individuals have recovered and 56 new cases have been identified (1 through inbound travel, 4 through planned workforce screening, 21 through contact tracing, 29 while individuals were seeking healthcare, and 1 through cohort screening).
Pls remember we are still in Phase 3 this week.
For our community’s sake, following Bailiwick’s regulations & guidance - not personal instincts - remains very, very important to secure the huge gains made so far.
Thank you all, for the sacrifices we have made.
#GuernseyTogether
This is a reminder of what we're dealing with; this is a reminder of why we can't be complacent; this is a reminder of challenge in preserving normal life whilst allowing travel to resume safely. If it was easy, we would have done it by now. We're here for the difficult decisions
2 days ago we had our first new domestic
#COVID19
cases in
#FaroeIslands
since April.
These became 14 new cases yesterday & 38 new today! Seems that the origin is from 1 person.
Almost 1600 people tested yesterday, 3% of our population in one day! This is vital to regain control.
Have just discovered a major upside of the current situation: Sunday morning, house filled with my children's laughter, just as we were learning to adjust to an empty nest. I am sure the children will tire of it sooner that we will though...
@stpierjane
SHOUT OUT: to everyone in Pathology - thank you so much for the vital work and the long hours you are currently doing - we recognise its value and importance.
#GuernseyTogether
Well done
#GuernseyTogether
! Last positive case seeded on 21st April; no new cases for 20 consecutive days; down to 2 (known) active cases; no-one in hospital. Be under no illusions that this continuing progress is very good news for the rapid delivery of our exit from lock down.
The latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage: . There have been no new confirmed cases for 20 consecutive days. We currently have 2 active cases, neither of which are being cared for in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Good luck to those who start in new roles in
@Govgg
today
Challenges are significant; there aren’t easy solutions - whatever you might have thought/said! There’s much to learn about government: it’s not same as business
If I can help/share experience contact me - on beach...
Next scheduled press conference is on Monday. We will tackle head-on advice to business about who can/cannot open/operate and why: suffice to say at this point that as with all our decision making, it's soundly based on assessment of risk, advised by Public Health.
@HeidiSoulsby
I will offer myself on Monday to lead States’ Trading Supervisory Board with a radical programme of change and action. There is a massive job to be done there and I believe that’s the role in which I can serve best now.
"Let me be very clear, we may still need to lockdown - and we might need to do it soon....We will do it - and we will have no hesitation in doing it very quickly - if, and when, the evidence of infection in our local community shows that it is the right thing to do."
Deputy Gavin St Pier has written this Open Letter to the people of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, as we continue to work together to respond to the coronavirus crisis. Read it here:
With a new record yesterday for daily new coronavirus cases worldwide (183,000) and cases rising in some places where restrictions have been eased, even whilst Europe is improving, we would be foolish if we become complacent. Let’s stay in a good place
#GuernseyTogether
SHOUT OUT: to everyone who is missing family and loved ones outside the island. We don’t know yet how long travel is going to be restricted or changed but I know it’s tough for all us and we are thinking about how to address all these issues.
#GuernseyTogether
After an unusual week in politics, two messages: thank you for hundreds of messages - I will reply to them all in due course - I’ve plenty of time to do this! And don’t be angry or despair. I’m not angry and I’m not going anywhere. Have a good evening. I’m off to put my feet up!
I have declined an offer to serve on P&R with mix of Lyndon
@letocq
@HeidiSoulsby
or
@HelyarMark
for a number of reasons: this is my successor’s committee now; he deserves space to do job he’s wanted to do differently for so long, without me looking over his shoulder.
Today is a milestone day for Bailiwick of Guernsey: 14 consecutive days with no new positives; 8 active cases remaining. We are in strong position which tees us up very well as move through exit phases (next media briefing: 1300 Friday 15th, tomorrow) and subsequent recovery.
Updates on the latest COVID-19 testing results can be found on our dedicated webpage. There have been no new confirmed cases for 14 consecutive days and currently 8 active cases:
Thanks to all public servants for what you do everyday to serve your community, whilst ignoring the drumbeat that you are overpaid, lazy and useless.
This year has proved how vital, literally, our public service is.
I salute you.
Went for hour’s walk yesterday afternoon with 2 daughters and dogs; so pleased that everyone we met rigorously observed minimum 2m social distancing rule - amazing how we have all adapted so quickly. Thanks Guernsey. Keep it up to save lives! Have a good day.
#GuernseyTogether
No. From the beginning, Guernsey has not followed anyone - and we don't intend to start now. We will decide what is right for us and when it is right.
#GuernseyTogether
It’s not February in Isle of Man today. Pleased to see 2 Aurigny aircraft on tarmac at Ronaldsway airport. So proud that our 2 island communities have been able to set up the air bridge which has been so well supported in both directions for the benefit of both islands.
Deeply proud to have been able to represent whole Bailiwick. Very moving: silence began with (very loud) cannon from Horseguards; only sound then was screech of frightened starlings from trees. Last Post reverberating round Whitehall is spine tingling.
#WeWillRememberThem
“core instruction has not changed: you must not leave your home except to exercise, to buy necessary food and supplies, for medical appointments or to work - where that work is essential...priority was, is and will remain the protection of you and your families...”
LOFT UPDATE: I've revised the Loft Strategy and decided to align it with Phase 4 of the Lockdown Exit Strategy.
(Although in more positive news, I did manage to get make significant progress on veggie patch last weekend.)
I've spent the evening preparing for a press conference tomorrow with
@HeidiSoulsby
and
@DrNicolaBrink
Probably afternoon - time to be publicised as soon as confirmed. Apologies no SHOUT OUTs this weekend - time ran away from me each day...will resume tomorrow.
#GuernseyTogether
New Zealand’s ‘go hard and early’ Covid policy reaps economic rewards
Australia also posts strong figures as both countries benefit from reining in virus
1/
via
@financialtimes
So today I had the glorious privilege of delivering some festive cheer and spreading some kindness from our lovely community to the even lovelier
@GaryBurgessCI
BREAKING NEWS: Guernsey’s parliament will not be suspended from mid-September. Relocate you and your business with
@LocateGuernsey
or just take a break from it all with
@VisitGuernsey
Either way you will receive a warm welcome in the
#islandofstability
Thanks to the many - especially those outside Guernsey - who have taken time and trouble to congratulate us for taking strong public line on
#StolenPapers
promoting our exemplary standards. We now need level playing field with rules applied globally, consistently and objectively.
End of day two.
And we want to tell you a story about something we witnessed today*
Please read the attached.
This is the best of us coming through.
We're in this together.
Not in it for ourselves.
*Mascara warning.
Thanks everyone in
@Govgg
working so hard over weekend as continue around clock to plan and manage our response to Covid-19 threat. Community should expect within next 24 hours further advice and changes in relation to travel and public gatherings.
@HeidiSoulsby
@DrNicolaBrink
I will be standing to be the President of the States’ Trading Supervisory Board. This is the job I would really like to do next and where I can contribute the most.
Thanks to
@HeidiSoulsby
and
@VoteParkinson
for agreeing to propose and second me.
I had some personal travel booked for tomorrow for couple of days which I won't be taking - it's all wasted but I would much rather that than inadvertently pick up COVID-19 and bring it back into our community knowing that if cannot contain this, our health services will not cope
We know that: this will have significant social/economic impact; travel partners may not cancel/move bookings; costs may not be recoverable but please follow this advice. This is not about individuals but the whole community. If we can contain now, we may avoid more drastic steps
Result of NZ referendum is no surprise. Communities are well ahead of their politicians everywhere on subject of improving individual’s end of life options.
Said it before and will say it again: this is an inevitable social change - we can choose to be ahead or behind curve.
Congratulations to New Zealand on securing a new
#AssistedDying
law that allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults the option to control their death.
Thanks to the Fontaine Massive Lockdown 2020 for inviting me to join their celebration of entering Phase 5 this evening. What a fantastic local community in own right. Real honour to be invited in. Spot the odd one out. Or ‘Where’s Wally?’ Take your pick.
#GuernseyTogether
On behalf of so many, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to express their support, either publicly or privately.
It is deeply appreciated.
We won’t get everything right, but we promise we’ll make the very best decisions we can at any given moment.
#guernseytogether
Comms do not need to be original, slick or expensive; they need to be authentic, honest and frequent.
My firm belief has always been if you leave a void, it will be filled - and it’s better to fill it with your own messaging than a lot of social media speculation.
Have I missed it or have we heard nothing from our leadership over the weekend? I’m certain hospitality bosses have not been having a nice weekend at home with plan to communicate with their team at 7.45 a.m. on Monday morning. They been explaining, re-assuring and communicating.
I still find it a little surreal that it this signature yesterday which has so fundamentally changed the rights and lives of Islanders today. An opportunity too to thank all those who worked at pace to facilitate, not least lawyers whose mettle was tested in drafting regulations.
Well done
@HeidiSoulsby
- more great recognition and coverage for Guernsey in UK media!
@DrNicolaBrink
and I will be talking to
@BBCNews
live later this afternoon - around 1720 for my slot, not sure about Nikki. Thanks to
@EuanDuncanGSY
for facilitating.
"All restrictions have gone!"
After 51 days of no new
#coronavirus
cases, Guernsey has exited phase four of its lockdown plan.
@HeidiSoulsby
says pubs and restaurants can cease social distancing measures and serve customers.
#COVID19
latest: