Debbie Duport, Dance Teacher: Five things I would change about Guernsey

Friday 16 February 2018

Businesswoman Debbie Duport is passionate about the island in which she was born, raised her family, learnt to dance and taught thousands of others to dance too.

A wife and mother of two daughters, Debbie is now also a proud Nana to Oscar and Esme, so in between dancing and family duties she rarely has any spare time! Express managed to catch up with her after one of her many popular dance classes to find out her thoughts on the island and Debbie told us what five things she would change about Guernsey.

1. Town Seafront

Outside of dancing Debbie is a keen socialiser with her friends and family. She recognises the potential of the island and the unique 'al fresco' atmosphere that could be created in St Peter Port:

"I think the town sea front should be closed from April to October to allow more permanent summer fun, with entertainment and coffee shops. It would be nice throughout the summer to enjoy a glass of wine... or two....on our unique harbour side waterfront." 

Debbie added: "So that parking would not be an issue then I think the Odeon should be made into a multi story car park." 

Pictured: File image of a previous Seafront Sunday

2. Transport and Ports

Debbie loves getting off the rock, both for work to attend Zumba events or training, but also to enjoy holidays or weekends away with her husband or daughters. 

"It is so expensive to get off the island; it would be great to get cheaper flights/boats for everyone traveling to and from Guernsey; especially inter island.

"It would also be great to see entertainment at the airport on arrival or something Guernsey specific, maybe a donkey character. We also need something for children to play with while waiting at the airport."

Pictured: Guernsey Airport

3. Better facilities for families

As a parent; and now a grandparent, Debbie has noticed some things Guernsey is lacking in or could do with improvement:

"We certainly need more toilets and baby changing rooms in the island, I have grandchildren now so I notice these things more!

"I also think more pavements to make it safer for pedestrians and families with buggies, it would also encourage more walking.

"There needs to be more stuff for children/teenagers to do, we need an activity place or themed park sort of thing."

Pictured: Baby change facilities

4. Sunken Gardens

Debbie identified an area in town that she believes could be used better, saying the Sunken Gardens could be utilised better and treated as a haven for relaxing while also being a focal point for social events attracting a wider audience:

"The sunken gardens in town could have a band stand for musicians or entertainment."

Pictured: The sunken gardens in Town

5. New build houses and offices

Debbie thinks there are too many new builds happening in Guernsey and she'd like to see more of a focus on her ideas above, rather than prioritising developments which she thinks may not be needed:

"I think we need to stop building new flats and offices until all the existing ones are filled up. There are so many redundant buildings in the island that could be used." 

Pictured: Office space in Guernsey

Debbie laughed and said she did have a sixth suggestion, which we at Express could get on board with too: "free gin and tonic when getting off the bus!" 

If you'd like to share your views on your 'five things to change about Guernsey' let us know! Email editor@bailiwickexpress.com