A high flying career which led to Guernsey politics

Wednesday 05 February 2020

The Bailiff has confirmed there won't be a by-election to find a replacement for Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher ahead of the election in June, as he paid formal tribute to the St Peter Port representative who passed away recently.

The husband, father and grandfather, passed away on 23 January, having been taken ill just days earlier.

"I am sure that like me, you were deeply shocked to learn of the untimely death of Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher," said Sir Richard Collas. "It's so sad to see that where he was sitting when we met just three weeks ago, is now an empty seat. More than just an empty seat, this assembly is poorer for his passing. 

"Until the very end he was a very committed people's deputy and a very active member of this assembly."

Pictured: Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher's death was a surprise to all. Just weeks ago he was suggesting changes to the way Guernsey residents are taxed. 

Mr Kuttelwascher had been born in Czechoslovakia in May 1946. His family moved to England as a child, and one of his uncles became one of Britain's most successful pilots during the Second World War. That inspired a young Jan in his own career choices, leading him to train as a pilot.

He worked as a commercial pilot for 33 years for BOAC and BA, before working as an aviation examiner and launching other business interests.

Mr Kuttelwascher moved to Guernsey with his family in the 1990s and became "fully immersed" in island life, said the Bailiff.

Sir Richard told the States this morning that included his work with Age Concern, his time on the St Peter Port Douzaine and his years of service as a Deputy which began with his election to the States in 2008. 

Sir Richard reminded the current States that over the 12-years he served St Peter Port South, Deputy Kuttlewascher was initially involved in Scrutiny and Public Services, including leading successful efforts to challenge and encourage developments at Guernsey Airport, on waste management and other matters. 

Pictured: The Bailiff has suggested Guernsey Airport's runway should be named after Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher, if it is ever extended. 

Most recently, Deputy Kuttelwascher had done a lot of work to try and persuade his fellow States members of the merits of extending the length of Guernsey Airport's runway, including leading two debates during the autumn of 2019 which mean the States are now duty-bound to investigate the business case for doing so. 

"It feels somewhat apt that the last major item he presented to the States was the subject he had fought for throughout his political career," said Sir Richard.

"If the runway is ever to be extended, it will surely have to be named after him, in tribute to his dedication to the cause."

Sir Richard borrowed the words of former Deputy Andrew Le Lievre when he summed up his tribute to Deputy Kuttelwascher, saying:

"Deputy Kuttelwascher is an honest and open man, full of integrity. You get what you see. He is bold but not arrogant, forceful but not a bully, argumentative but not disagreeable. He might best be described as reliably persistent."

The Bailiff ended his tribute by paying his respects to Deputy Kuttelwascher's family.

"The island of Guernsey is no doubt a better place for his contribution, and as I have said, poorer for his untimely passing.

"Jan is survived by his beloved wife Andrea, their children Marika and Carl, four grandsons Trystan, Lucas, Griffin and Lachlan, and granddaughter Lily, to whom we extend our sincere condolences."

The Bailiff also referenced the upcoming island wide election in June, saying that as Deputy Kuttelwascher's death had come in such close proximity to the election he will not call a by-election to find a replacement for him in St Peter Port South. There will however be an election to replace him on the States Trading Supervisory Board so the States work can continue until June.

Pictured: Tributes were paid to three former politicians during this morning's States meeting. 

The Bailiff also led tributes today to two other politicians who served Guernsey over many years.

Barbara Gaiger, formerly Nicolle, died on 18 January, aged 97.

Having been born in Plymouth she served with the Women's Royal Air Force during the Second World War, before marrying famed 'commando' Hubert Nicolle who led a reconnaissance mission in his home island during the Occupation.

After they settled in Guernsey during the post war years, Mrs Gaiger first served the States as a Deputy for St Martins for 12 years from 1976. She served on the Children's Board, the Recreation Committee and others including the Civil Defence Committee.

One of her notable achievements was a campaign to ensure local residents who served with the armed forces did not lose their residential rights in Guernsey under the island's housing laws.

Outside the States she was the Bailiwick organiser for the WRVS, and a supporter of the RNLI.

Sir Richard said she was a "determined lady who fought hard for what she believed in."

Mrs Gaiger survived both her husbands and is herself survived by her daughter Jane, son Stephen, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

The Bailiff also paid tribute to former Douzaine representative Godfrey Le Messurier, known to many as Geoff, who died on the 15 January, aged 90.

An electrical engineer, he served the parish of St Andrews with distinction for many years, said Sir Richard.

He was elected to the parish as Constable in 1979, then served as Douzenier until 2013, including four years as Dean of the Douzaine. 

He dedicated 34 years to his parish said Sir Richard, and also served the island as Douzaine representative for St Andrew's to the States. 

He is survived by his wife Joan, children Anne and Mark and grandchildren and grandchildren.

Pictured top: Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher.