Raise a toast!

Friday 08 May 2020

Government House is encouraging everyone to raise a toast to Guernsey's outgoing Bailiff this evening ahead of his retirement on Monday.

Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder will propose a toast to Sir Richard Collas in an online broadcast from Government House at 17:00 today.

Sir Richard has come to the end of an eight-year term as Guernsey's Bailiff, but Sir Ian said that a more traditional farewell event was not possible due to the impact of the corona virus.

However after years of service, he said the outgoing Bailiff deserved a proper thank you and farewell. 

"Sir Richard has been a hugely popular and well-respected Bailiff and I’m hoping that we can bring together as many people as we can online to thank him for his service to the Bailiwick and to wish him well in his retirement," said Sir Ian. 

Pictured: Sir Richard has presided over his last ever States meeting, and a video containing his farewell speech can be watched HERE. 

Sir Ian continued: "As with so many plans, the coronavirus pandemic has ruled out the more familiar retirement events that would have been organised for previous Bailiffs, which is a real disappointment. Having said that, an online farewell brings with it the opportunity to do something more inclusive and wide ranging, with islanders and friends from around the world coming together to pay their own personal tribute to Sir Richard."

The toast will be shown at 17:00 on Facebook HERE and via Youtube HERE. Everyone is also encouraged to post their own messages, pictures or video tributes to Sir Richard on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #cheerstothebailiff.

Invitations to join the toast (which does not need to be an alcoholic drink) have also been extended to officials, organisations and friends of the Bailiwick abroad.

Sir Richard will be replaced by the current Deputy Bailiff Richard McMahon from Monday 11 May. 

Pictured top: Sir Richard Collas.