Sam Field: Five things I would change about Guernsey

Friday 10 August 2018

Sam Field is a likeable Kiwi who has made Guernsey his home for almost 19 years. He is passionate about the island and best known for his work as Chairman of the Guernsey Bicycle Group.

With hobbies of sailing and cycling, and having married his new wife Fran, just three weeks ago, we caught up with Sam to find out what five things he would change about Guernsey.

1: Some polite “Rules of engagement” when moaning about politicians.

"I’m the first to admit I don’t agree with all our politician's views, votes and behaviours. No politician has run to deliberately make Guernsey a worse place, and just because their view of what is right may differ from yours doesn’t mean they should be subjected to torrents of abuse. If you disagree with a politician's view and are going to slate them, state why, and what you would do differently. And as the ultimate step, put your own name on the ballot paper and run for government yourself to do it better. The stresses and strains not only on our deputies, but their families, must be enormous and I congratulate them all on having the courage to put their heads above the parapet to try to make a difference to our island." 

2: Guernesiais should be compulsory at school, for a start.

"Guernesiais is part of our heritage, history and culture and is in real danger of dying out. Our patois is unique and should revered, protected and promoted as such. Teaching it in schools from a young age is but one part of protecting our island heritage for future generations. It is quirky and unique and the few phrases I can utter are loved by everyone the world over whenever I discuss it. I believe we stand on the edge of loosing our local language and should take steps to protect it before it is too late. In my birth country, New Zealand, the Maori language was undergoing a similar decline to Guernesiais, but is now a protected and promoted language and is undergoing a massive resurgence as Kiwis adopt Maori as part of their identity and heritage. I’d love to see the same on Guernsey."

Image courtesy of the Guernsey Language Commission Facebook page showing how Guernesiais is starting to be taught in some schools already.

3: More bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

"I have to say this one really don’t I! I find it so sad that kids are not able to cycle or walk a few hundred metres to school in safety. It's sad that adults don’t feel they can cycle or walk a mile or two to work, the beach, a café or the shops in safety. Tragically it is the generations that used to ride or walk to school that are the biggest objectors to any such change to facilitate this today."

"It’s no secret I chair the Guernsey Bicycle Group, who’s goal is to make it safer for kids to ride or walk to school. That’s all GBG would like to see really, more short trips being made safely on bikes or by foot or bus. There’s no anti car agenda, people rely on vehicles to lug tools around, deliver sofas and whatnot, the mobility challenged, those with families, I and my wife rely on our car (I know, it’s a shock to many I own a car!), but there is a public desire for it to be safer to allow our kids to ride and walk, for adults to ride and walk. And that’s what I would I love to see."

Pictured: Sam recently fronted a stay wider for the rider campaign.

4: More market places!

"Turn the Market back to a market! Fill it with butchers, bakers, florists, fishmongers, artists, cafes and artisan stalls. Create a hub of activity that draws people in. Allow the Mill St shops to have little porches outside their shops so they can have tables and chairs and create a café and artisan street."

"I’d love to see Albert Pier changed from a carpark to a market pier (obviously retain a few blue badge and parent and child parking spaces). Allow little cafes and bars along the harbour facing arm (they’d get the last of the evening sun!), give over space for market stalls so local traders could sell to cruise ship passengers, and with a few cafes and bars there the passengers could have a little libation while they wait for their tenders."

"On top of the facilities block I’d love to see a giant picture frame taking in the harbour and Castle Cornet, similar to the one in Cape Town (shown below). A perfect item for 'Brand Guernsey' to promote itself around the world."

Pictured: Giant picture frame in Cape Town

5: More positivity in Guernsey

"Guernsey is an amazing place to live and we’re lucky to live here! Nowhere is perfect, everywhere has its issues and challenges, and I get upset when I read comments that Guernsey is going to the dogs, that Guernsey is in the worst shape its even been and the likes. It’s not perfect, but when you finish work and head to the beach, or Herm, or your sports club, local park, local watering hole with friends or head home to relax we should count our lucky stars we live on a place as safe, peaceful and blessed as Guernsey."