Bailiwick Council meets for the 8th time

On 26th March 2018, the eighth Bailiwick Council meeting was held in Guernsey.

The Council discussed a range of current intra-Bailiwick issues, including constitutional and international relations matters, such as the islands’ work engaging with the United Kingdom (UK) Government on its exit from the European Union (EU), including customs matters and the World Trade Organisation. 

The Council also discussed a range of local Bailiwick matters, such as co-operation on maritime matters including fisheries, as well as issues relating to economic development and the sustainability of small islands. 

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Al Brouard, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for Bailiwick matters, who said: 
“With the negotiations intensifying between the UK and the EU about the UK’s exit, it is vital to ensure that we continue to strengthen the relationships between our three islands. The Bailiwick Council provides the opportunity for open and honest tri-lateral discussions between the three governments of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark on a wide range of matters which are not only of interest, but of real significance to us all.” 

Tony Barnes, Deputy Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee in Alderney said:
“Alderney welcomes the opportunity for further engagement with the States of Guernsey that the Bailiwick Council provides, as well as the opportunity for discussions with Sark on a wide range of topics that are of interest to all three islands. There are both domestic and national topics that are relevant to all three islands such as in the sphere of marine management, and the Bailiwick Council provides a forum where our experiences and views on these matters can be shared.” 

Conseiller Stephen Taylor, Chairman of the Policy and Performance Committee in Sark said:
“Sark benefits significantly from greater dialogue with Guernsey and Alderney, and the facilitation of discussion on issues which are of interest to all three islands. The Bailiwick Council provides an opportunity to share our experiences and learn from each other, and Sark benefits from having a forum in which we can seek advice from Alderney and Guernsey and benefit from the support we are offered.”