Whistleblower line not aligned with 'Guernsey Together' ethos - CCA

Friday 29 January 2021

The States will not be setting up a whistleblower line to report breaches of lockdown or those spreading malicious rumours, with people urged instead to call the police directly or fill in a form.

The idea for a ‘whistleblowers’ phone line never came to fruition, but was set to be part of Guernsey’s exit plan last year.

Concerns were raised, however, that it didn’t align with the ‘Guernsey Together’ ethos. 

Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby said during Guernsey's last lockdown that an avenue was needed for the community to "channel their concerns.”

Express has been told that a phone line for ‘whistleblowing’ will not be instated. If people have any concerns about people not abiding by lockdown restrictions they should simply call the police.

Similarly, if people feel they have been the victim of online speculation, they should contact Guernsey Police. Bailiwick Law Enforcement had to release a statement on public speculation, after rumours circulated online about the origin of the latest outbreak.

Head of the Civil Contingencies Authority, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, has come down hard on both businesses bending the rules and people spreading false rumours.

“Unless you are a law enforcement officer, please do not pretend that you have all the facts when you do not.”

Pictured: “Businesses should follow guidance – do not try and get around the rules,” demanded Deputy Ferbrache.

It has been made very clear that bending and breaking the rules can lead to lockdowns being extended, an example of which being a case in Jersey where the opening of retail has been delayed by “poor behaviour”. 

So, if you have concerns about rules being broken, if you’re the victim of rampant speculation, or if you think a business is trying to get around the restrictions, you can either call the police on 725111 or, in the case of business concerns, fill in the following form.