Guernsey needs to "build back better" before funding more Overseas Aid

Tuesday 15 December 2020

The 2021 budget report debate takes place this week, and the President of the Overseas Aid and Development commission will be speaking against two amendments to it.

Deputy Chris Blin has discussed amendments 7 & 6 with the Commissioners of the OA&DC and will be arguing against the transfer of funds from General Revenue to the Overseas Aid and Impact Investment fund.

The two amendments lodged against the 2021 budget are as follows:

• Amendment 6: a request for £831,000 to be transferred from General Revenue to the overseas aid impact investment fund.
• Amendment 7: the request of a resolution that the 2022 budget for overseas aid returns to previously agreed levels.

“Guernsey’s ongoing commitment to Overseas Aid is incredibly important,” said Deputy Blin, “both from the perspective of the good work it does in the world as well as our obligations as a mature jurisdiction to assist those less fortunate.”

“We are grateful for the desire to support Overseas Aid shown by the members submitting these amendments, but the Commissioners and I cannot support them.”

Pictured: “It is by growing our own economy and building back better that we best ensure we can remain committed to Overseas Aid,” said Deputy Blin.

Deputy Blin doesn’t think it would be prudent to deprive the General Revenue account of capital during the “serious economic challenges Guernsey now faces.”

It will also be argued that to discuss 2022’s funding levels now will be premature. Deputy Blin said that Guernsey needs to bounce back before it can offer additional support overseas.

“We have asked the members who have laid these amendments to give them both further consideration, and we will be asking the Assembly not to support them as the Commissioners and I do not believe that it is the best way forward to assist Overseas Aid or help our community.”

Pictured top: £1 million was returned to the General Revenue fund in May this year.