Victoria Oliver

Personal Statement

Born in Guernsey. Educated at Blanchelande College, Millfield, and then Bristol UWE with Honours. During 14 years, as a qualified Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), I worked for Savills and GVA. I delivered advice and negotiated multimillion-pound deals bringing value to both client and company. As a deputy, I am a member of Home Affairs, University Working-Party, Seafront Enhancement Area, Property Portfolio Subcommittee and Vice President of Development & Planning Authority.

• Welcome entrepreneurs – ensure Guernsey remains attractive to investors while diversifying the economy
• Transparency on spending – Spend our hard earned taxes efficiently
• Education – Forget buildings think of educational outcomes
• COVID19 – Ease travel restrictions when it is safe to do so. Meanwhile help the travel and hospitality industry

Manifesto

I am not afraid to put my head above the parapet. Leave me to fight your corner. I have courage of conviction. I have represented you in the States with authenticity and commitment. I prioritise looking for a solution rather than focusing on a problem. I promise that I will always vote with common sense and integrity. I will take time to listen. Together we can achieve a better Guernsey and make a difference.

Economy

We need more action and less words. In my professional career, ensuring value for money is ingrained in everything I do and only spend what we can afford. Being a small island, we need to work harder to ensure value for money. It is important to save, Covid-19 has shown us that. We must build a stronger future by investing so that the taxpayers burden is reduced.

• We should be taking advantage of Brexit
• Support the tourism & hospitality industries during Covid. Revive once safe.
• Make transport links easier & affordable
• Proper asset management of our property portfolio
• Support & encourage small businesses to ensure a diverse economy
• Invest in fibre-optics broadband
• Clear or fix abandoned greenhouses to revive the growing industry
• Only use outside consultants when necessary
• All contracts should be offered to local companies, keeping money local
• We need a strong economically driven population management
• Better retention of our current skilled workforce.

Education

We need a strong system in place to allow every child to reach their potential. I voted for selection, the decision has been made, we must move on. The pause and review will help design Guernsey’s secondary system from the ground up. I prefer a 3-school model.

• A good teacher can do more for children than any new building
• Stop wasting vast sums of money
• Adopt a system where the highest achievers, healthiest & happiest children are
• Smaller class sizes
• Offer academic and vocational courses for reskilling our workforce to achieve their goals & aspirations.

Health

Health is a strong personal issue to me. Due to a misdiagnosis, I am lucky to be alive. The outcome from this has forced to improve the tracker system which will streamline patient’s information.

• COVID19 has taught us the value of our doctors & nurses.
• Finalise nurses pay to a fair wage, so they will remain on island
• Mental health needs to work as a multi-agency to protect vulnerable people
• Complete the disability legislation
• Make medicinal cannabis available
• To ensure our pensioners get a fair income, good health, social care & are not forced to sell their homes for long term care.

Environment

We need to invest in a greener future. The Environment should be working for and with the people of Guernsey not against them, protecting future generations.

• Climate change propositions need actioning
• Protect Green spaces & Heritage
• Create drinking fountains
• Encourage solar, electric cars & bikes
• Replace a tree for tree when felled.

Housing and Development

I believe that the States should look to improve the process of buying and selling. The current system is outdated and is the most expensive process according to the Housing Review. I want to encourage and help First Time Buyers.

As Vice President of Development and Planning Authority I have excelled and saved money. Because of my extensive professional experience I have:-

• Agreed to enhance fast track decisions which will reduce waiting time
• By digitally recording minutes, it has saved officers 3 days’ work, every meeting
• Moved to an online approach saving vast amounts of paper
• The IDP needs reviewing to protect our countryside & heritage more
• I want Section 46 to be passed to force derelict buildings to be cleared i.e. Idlerocks.

Government

I want an open and transparent Government.

• All committee meetings should be recorded & available publicly
• Limit the time a deputy speaks in debate
• Bring the States into the 21st Century while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

Vote for Victoria Oliver for common sense.