"Government money, on island, benefitting Guernsey businesses"

Friday 06 November 2020

Repairs to the Fermain Wall, Havelet Slipway and the Cow’s Horn Steps could become a priority, as the Policy & Resources Committee vowed to place a "lawful emphasis" on employing local contractors to carry out a series of "practical capital projects".

Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache shared the news as part of a general update on the committee's mandate during the first ordinary meeting of the new States’ Assembly.

“We would be careful not to overheat the construction industry,” he said. “At the moment we know it is very difficult to get a tradesperson, but that will pass and there are very few long-term building contracts which will sustain our construction industry going forward.

“We will come back with a Capital Programme that could well include matters which are already included in the current programme, but which may be accelerated, such as the Havelet Slip, the Fermain Wall and the Cows Horn steps, just to name a few.”

Pictured: Having inherited 406 action points from his predecessor, Policy & Resources President Peter Ferbrache has chosen to focus on "key issues and achievable objectives" to be worked on over the coming months.

He added that the projects would have a “proper, lawful emphasis in favour of Guernsey businesses:"

“We want the work to be carried out by Guernsey companies and a Guernsey worforce, and for that money to recycle in our economy.”

This emphasis on local talent was echoed by Economic Development President Neil Inder, who also gave an update on the Committee’s objectives.

He emphasised localisation during his speech, explaining that he wanted to ensure that “when the taxpayer is funding a project, big or small, as much of that funding goes to local employers and local workers as possible.

“That is essential for recovery. We must do this. There is little or no excuse for any government agency to put any creative work outside of Guernsey.”