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With the 2025 General Election just six months away, the current Chief Minister has used his Christmas message to urge people to register to vote.
Having previously said he would not be standing for re-election, Deputy Lyndon Trott has said the next 12 months will be "a big year for Guernsey".
The second fully island wide vote is due to be held in June, with the electoral roll now open for registrations.
More than 5,000 people signed up in the first four days after it was opened at the beginning of the month, and the Policy and Resources President hopes many more will do the same.
"...I would like the take this opportunity to encourage everyone to register on the Electoral Roll and then exercise your democratic right to vote – a right that many of our ancestors fought for us," he wrote in his Christmas message to the Bailiwick.
"To quote former US President Barack Obama ‘There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter’ and in a small community such a Guernsey your vote carries even greater weight."
As well as encouraging people to vote, Deputy Trott has shared his thoughts on 2024 and the coming year.
"Christmas is a time of reflection and hope and, while Guernsey is currently going through a challenging period in terms of public finances, there remains a huge amount for us to be optimistic about," he said.
While stating that the Bailiwick remains a safe place in which to live and work, Deputy Trott has acknowledged the challenges that persist.
These include resolving the housing crisis, the sustainability of public services, infrastructure investment, and economic growth, to name but a few which he says will be priorities for 2025.
Deputy Trott has also highlighted the work of those who will continue running the islands' public and emergency services over the festive season.
"There are too many to name, but I think of the emergency services, healthcare staff including nurses both at the hospital and in the community, and carers," he wrote.
"We owe such staff a debt of gratitude, not only during Christmas but throughout the whole year. From a personal perspective my mother is in full time dementia care, and I am so grateful to those who will be looking after her this Christmas. I’m sure such feelings are shared by many islanders whose loved ones are in a similar situation."
Deputy Trott has also acknowledged those who may struggle this Christmas and has shared his own words of advice.
"There are unfortunately islanders for whom Christmas is a very difficult time. This could be through loneliness, bereavement or financial challenges. If you are struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. We are blessed with some wonderful charities in Guernsey who can help in addition to our excellent public services."
Christmas message: Much to be positive about as the new year approaches
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