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Former Bailiff Sir Richard Collas has been appointed as the inaugural chairman of the Guernsey Language Commission.
The Commission seeks to promote Guernésiais, or Guernsey French, as a unique aspect of the island’s culture, heritage and identity.
The States of Guernsey approved the development of the Commission in 2020. An open evening is now being held for anyone interested in learning more about the new Commission and how to get involved.
It will operate as a standalone body and be given responsibility for developing a strategic plan for the revitalisation of Guernésiais. The Commission will be allocated funding already approved by the States.
Pictured: the President of ESC, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, said she is "thrilled" with the latest development.
Committee for Education, Sport & Culture President, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, said her committee will act as a link between the States and the language commission.
“The Committee is thrilled that the new Guernsey Language Commission is now in a position to really start to increase the profile of Guernésiais and help people understand what a unique and special part of our island heritage it is,” she said.
“Sir Richard Collas is excited about the prospect of the Commission bringing together the vast amount of knowledge that exists around our native language to garner support for the long term. We are grateful that he is able to bring his talents and energy to lead the Commission through its early days.”
Pictured: the open evening will be held at Les Beaucamps High School.
Sir Richard said: "we have a wonderful opportunity to promote and raise awareness of our language, which is such an important part of our unique island culture.
“We have a heritage of which we can be proud and we owe it to our forefathers and to future generations to preserve and promote it. I urge everyone who is interested to seize the occasion by coming forward with their ideas and offers to help.”
The open evening will be held at 19:00 on 28 April at Les Beaucamps High School.
The event will also be live-streamed and those unable to make it will be able to watch it after the event. Further details can be found HERE.
Pictured top: Sir Richard.
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