No matter how thoroughly the Public Service prepares and plans for emergencies, the reality of dealing with one of this magnitude is truly sobering and the sense of responsibility weighs heavily. Finding a way through requires everyone to pull together. It is this that stands out to me above all else this year.

2020 has given us an opportunity to see in action the wealth of world class expertise and talent that the Bailiwick can rely on. How many of us have had to point out where the Bailiwick is on a map, those little dots somewhere between France and the South coast of England, but our achievements together as a community have been far from small.

This #Christmas we are truly counting our blessings. In a dark year, you have shone. Thank you, from us to you #GuernseyTogether #Winter2020 #MerryChristmas @MetroUK @TeleProperty @Telegraph @GMB @TheSTMagazine @timestravel @theipaper @SkyNews @VirginRadioUK @ParisMatch pic.twitter.com/XfNO2ubk1K

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) December 11, 2020

There are many unsung heroes who, in the face of adversity, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. We have demonstrated just how well we can work together, private, public, third sector and most importantly the community. It is this that we need to learn from as we move forward. We really are stronger together.

We’re going to need that strength as, like every other place in the world we work out how to recover from this pandemic. Early signs are cautiously positive, while we have undoubtedly been hit economically, the fact that since June we have been able to live as normally as could be hoped for in the Bailiwick has undoubtedly kept many local businesses going with some areas, like our housing marketing, demonstrating growth.

Our ability to follow guidelines and keep ourselves safe has meant that while our hospitality sector has been hit, initiatives like our Staycation campaign have been hugely popular and many of us have re-discovered our love for holidaying at home and in our sister islands.

We know that, for the most part, we are lucky but there are many for whom this Christmas will look very different. I’m sure you all share with me in sending our thoughts to all those who will face a Christmas without someone they loved as a result of this pandemic. We know that this time of year can be difficult for some in the best of years so this year we need to be even more mindful. There is help for you if you need it, you are not alone.

Pictured: Paul Whitfield, Public Health Director Dr Nicola Brink and Mary Putra from the States' Communications Team all received Royal Honours this year. 

We are allowed to feel festive, we are allowed to celebrate and with the arrival of the vaccine we are allowed to feel hopeful that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We still have challenges ahead of us but we will pull together and face those as a community just as we have done before.

It is truly ‘Guernsey Togetherness’ that has brought us, so far, arguably the best possible outcome in a truly imperfect year. Every flag you have hung, every rainbow you’ve coloured, every rendition of ‘jingle bells let’s stay well’ that you have sung, has played its part.

It only remains for me to say, Merry Christmas Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney, thank you for all that you have done. I wish you all the most peaceful Festive Season with you and yours and a hope for a better 2021 together."