Chris Blin

Personal Statement

I want to build Guernsey better, stronger and smarter. I am a business owner and was a Douzenier for four years. I am the father of two boys. I went to Elizabeth College then graduated in Languages and Economics. I am a qualified teacher. I own Accent Multilingual Services and the recruitment agency Personnel Appointments. I have experience in hospitality, finance and retail businesses. I am independent of any parties.

• I want to strengthen and diversify our economy and support our finance sector
• I am prepared to vote against GST and any additional taxes this term
• I want renewable energy to be an important focus of our future
• I will be a champion of SME businesses, hospitality and tourism
• I will support partnerships with eco-initiatives because local produce is best

Manifesto

THE ECONOMY:

Guernsey is vulnerable to global economic change and Covid has heightened this. I want to strengthen and support finance. Going forward, I want government to prioritise a vibrant tourist and hospitality sector. Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and I want government to remove the barriers that stifle growth. I want major investment in our infrastructure and public private partnerships to do this. This model can also enable the renewable energy sector I believe we need.

TAXATION:

I am opposed to GST in Guernsey as it is a regressive tax that hits those on low incomes the hardest. I will fight the introduction of any additional taxes this term.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

De-carbonising isn’t a threat but a business and environmental opportunity. I want to reduce our reliance on importing energy from France by forging public private partnerships to make Guernsey a hub for renewable energy.

Solar panels must be widely used and not face unnecessary planning hurdles. Government buildings must lead the way on this.

I want to speed up the electrification process for vehicles. While this is taking place we must outlaw noisy and polluting forms of transport to improve life for everyone.

We have too many derelict greenhouses. Covid has taught us we need food security to reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on imports. An incentive would be to zero-rate the TRP of glasshouses that produce food for local consumption.

I want the States to build partnerships with the growing number of local eco-initiatives to decrease our dependence on imported food.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

One of my first priorities will be to focus on getting our sea defences repaired. The hole in the wall at Fermain and the landslip at La Vallette are dangerous and a legacy of wasteful government that can’t prioritise.

I want a new definition of Aurigny’s purpose because we cannot continue to sustain its losses. We should own the airline but it needs to be managed by professional operators under a Service Level Agreement.

I am in favour of government acquiring the vital freight and passenger ferries the Island needs. I see them being run along the lines of the model I advocate for Aurigny.

All properties should have access to fibre optic broadband.

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY:

Tourists need a reason to visit. I want to forge investment partnerships with local stakeholders, e.g. Festung Guernsey, to capitalise on our military history. I will push for the creation of a Victor Hugo Visitor Centre because his legacy is an important tourist draw yet successive States have ignored this opportunity. Guernsey’s hotels, restaurants and bars are essential to our economy. I intend to help the sector by extending opening hours and changing our Population Management regime to make it easier to attract staff.

GOVERNMENT:

The States needs to be less intrusive and more dynamic and efficient. Instead of creating laws we should be removing unnecessary legislation.

Government needs to set the strategy and framework but leave the “doing” to the parish douzaines.

Government must become more business like and live within its means. It needs to abandon the “we’ve always done it that way” principle and be open to cost efficient working.

EDUCATION:

I support the three-school model with a 6th Form Centre. The smart use of IT can make up for any learning that can’t be delivered across three schools.

NURSES AND TEACHERS:

I want a Population regime that attracts and retains these professionals and I will fight for nurses to be paid what they deserve.

HEALTHCARE:

I advocate opening negotiations with the British government to bring back the full reciprocal health agreement.

LET’S BUILD GUERNSEY BETTER:

I believe Guernsey can do better and government needs to be more decisive. It’s time to get the basics right, like education and coastal defences. At the same time we need new ideas and ventures. I believe in our island which is why I want to serve as an independent deputy. Thank you for reading my manifesto and please do contact me to discuss my views.