Sark asks residents for help

Tuesday 31 March 2020

Sark's government is appealing to the island's residents to help it set up a hardship fund for those most in need.

Chief Pleas is asking that those in a stable financial position give what they can, so money can be sent to those struggling in the community as soon as possible.

Once it's up and running, the fund will be administered by the Sark Procureurs.

"This fund will be ring-fenced from the usual Procureurs' fund for ease of access by the Procureurs themselves, to ensure that help and support can be delivered to islanders most in need as swiftly as possible," a spokesperson for Chief Pleas said. "Sark Government would like to put out an appeal to any resident that feels they are in a position to contribute to this fund, to help us in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of our community is cared for."

Many of the island's businesses rely on tourism, which is likely to take quite a hit this year as the number of confirmed corona virus cases in Guernsey continues to rise.

The island, this week, announced all travel to and from Sark would be cancelled with immediate effect - including repatriation sailings. Boats will only run for authorised essential workers if it is necessary. 

"My thoughts go out to everyone who is struggling at this difficult time," said a spokesperson for Sark Electricity, which was recently sold to new owners. 

"However, I would like to ask if residents of the Bailiwick would consider making a donation, no matter how small, to the Sark Hardship Fund. Our economy is small and the ability of Chief Pleas to support those in most need is minimal. In times like these, our community's resources are being stretched extremely thin and will impact our residents right though the next winter, given our seasonal economy."

Any donations can be made out to 'Inhabitants of Sark' with the reference; Sark Hardship Fund.

Donators are asked to contact the treasurer for bank details on treasurer@gov.sark.gg.

Meanwhile, the island's Seigneur, Major Christopher Beaumont, has written an open letter to landlords, asking that they help to protect their tenants.

Pictured: Sark's Chief Pleas.

"Many of the lower paid in our community will be renting," he said. "Many will now be unable to earn a living as the Bailiwick has enforced a stay at home policy. I know this is causing stress amongst the most vulnerable members of the community and I am certain this number will grow as the current lockdown continues.

"Can you help your tenants at this time? I hope so. Your choices are many and will obviously depend on your personal circumstances. If you can grant your tenants a period when you do not expect to receive rent that would be ideal and noble. If this is too much for your circumstances, might you be able to offer a rent holiday for a term with a long period of time, when the loss can be added to future rents?

"I implore you to give as much as you can to those who need your help and, by virtue of being your tenant, need your protection. In this instance, your tenant's situation is not of their making and this is the time to go back to the period when we looked after our people as an obligation.

"This is not merely about this moment; this is about the future of a community in Sark."

Any Sark residents experiencing financial difficulties can contact the island's Procureurs by emailing procureurs@gov.sark.gg.

Further information can be found here.

Pictured top: Sark in the summer.