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Herm's population has received a happy boost with the arrival of a baby on New Year's Eve.
Roman Shaun David Lewis was born on 31 December 2023 at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey.
But he lives in Herm, with his parents Joe Lewis and Alicia Kaye. All three are now back at home.
Herm Island shared the great news on social media, along with congratulating new dad Joe on his recent promotion to the role of Head Chef for the entire island. That means as well as being busy with nappies, feeds, and cuddles, he will be responsible for overseeing the kitchen teams working at The White House Hotel, the Mermaid Tavern, and the beach cafés from April.
The island community used the social media post to share their "huge congratulations" with mum Alicia and dad Joe, calling baby Roman "the island's newest gorgeous little Hermite".
"We wish our newest Herm family a very bright and happy future together," said the post.
He was followed by the arrival of one baby on New Year's Day.
As the youngest member of the Herm community, Roman is going to join the small number of young children in the island.
As well as enjoying all of the benefits of living on the 'jewel in the crown' of the Bailiwick, Roman and others born in Herm since 2019 have rights not previously afforded to older children and adults after the States of Guernsey approved a change in the law to make it easier for people born and raised in the smaller islands of the Bailiwick the chance to live in Guernsey for work or education.
If Roman and his parents are still living in Herm by the time he comes to start school he will be expected to start lessons in September 2028, potentially adding to the throng being educated in the island's classroom.
The Herm School was closed last year when pupil numbers dipped to just four with predicted numbers as low as just two children from September 2025 before increasing to six pupils again from September 2027.
ESC reclassified it as a classroom, attached to Vauvert Primary School in St Peter Port sharing a headteacher and other resources, when it reopened in October following community and political opposition to the decision.
Herm's leaseholder has previously said the attraction of living and working in the small community is reliant on facilities like a school.
“I am hugely relieved that common sense has prevailed. It has been devastating to the island community and the future viability of Herm Island to be faced with the loss of our school,” he said.
Both Mr Singer and his wife Julia are very supportive of their island's residents, with Mrs Singer recently telling Express: "We love being here, it's our home.”
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