John Semenowicz: Five things I'd change about Guernsey

Friday 11 May 2018

St Sampson parishioner John Semenowicz is a member of "Guernsey Whig" and "like most people in Guernsey" he said he is "reasonably happy with the non-party political system" the island has adding that is what makes Guernsey so special and that "we do not need to follow everything the UK does."

But, he said, if we do find ourselves in a situation where political parties suddenly came in to being within the States of Guernsey, what type of party would suit the majority of the electorate? As a concerned member of the public he helped create what has been described as "a platform for the formation of a Whig party should the need arise" or a “political party in waiting”.

Describing himself as an optimistic person, Mr Semenowicz said that despite the "uncomfortable political sea change that appears to be happening around the world" Guernsey's best days are ahead of us, and we "simply need to put our faith in reason and progress, and on what unites us rather than what divides us here in Guernsey."

However, he did have some ideas for what he would change about Guernsey if he had the chance: 

1. Consensus politics

I would like to see Guernsey develop a more consensus form of politics, with deputies working together and which is more focused on hope for the future of all islanders. The essence of this belief is that we can move forward together in a positive direction, and that progressive Whig politics can assist in this process. Guernsey should be a place where politics is open to everyone and where we encourage more young people to engage with a focused determination to work together for the common good of all islanders.

I believe the time is right for a Whig-type agenda, delivered by a party of progress and rational thought with proportionate ideas and ambitions to champion those principles. It is my opinion that the Guernsey electorate have allowed themselves to get too consumed by single issues thereby missing the wider question of what Guernsey should be aspiring to.

2. Increased diversity

A change that recognises the benefits that a system gains from having a diverse range of inputs. Bringing together people with different opinions, experiences, and perspectives leads to better results.

We need to celebrate our diversity and the fact that so many people choose to make their homes here and contribute to island life, because I believe that the widest range of inputs are essential to deliver the very best outcomes. 21st Century Guernsey needs to develop a culture that is dynamic and robust, which encourages innovation and creative problem-solving.

3. Churches should take a step back 

I would like to see the churches taking less of a leading and privileged role in the island’s future.

Attitudes have changed towards religion and their influence needs to be curbed to allow more personal freedom and choice. In a modern secular society the Church of England has no right to maintain its privileged position and, in my opinion, funding and other specific benefits given by the States and the parishes, which are currently provided to the churches and those who administer them, should be redistributed.

In a modern democratic state, no one religion should receive a preferred treatment or endorsement.

4. Increased recognition of vocational education

I would like to see a change in attitudes towards vocational education and to break down the vocational/academic divide that exists in the minds of some people in Guernsey.

It is time for those who use academic achievement as the only measure of success and capability to climb down from their ivory towers and recognise that the educational landscape has changed. Employability is now the key to a successful educational programme and many of the former polytechnics are leading the way. Vocational qualifications should be a key part of Guernsey’s economy and by focusing too much on academic qualifications we are not allowing a part of the population to realise its full potential.

5. Bring back proper pub culture! 

My final change would be to stop the decline in pub culture. Local pubs once supported the cultural development of the communities they served, as well as simply being great places to eat, drink and socialise. Now look at the number of pubs that have closed down and see how many only fill up for the meat draw. More and more people choose to drink at home and this is due to the costs.

Let’s do something to reduce the costs and bring back the lost pub communities of yesteryear.

For more information on the “Guernsey Whig Party” head to the Facebook page.