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Although we are but a small element of the global community, events elsewhere impact us.
Within the space of a year, there will have been elections in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and leading to our own General Election next June.
The decisions made by voters in other places can have an indirect impact on decisions made locally. It is almost like dropping a pebble into water. The direct effect is most obvious at the central point, being the consequences of the decisions made by those who govern us, but each ripple further out has the potential to affect the choices each of us then makes. Whilst we might wish to be insular, we simply cannot ignore what happens in other places.
This is one of the reasons why the Christmas message of striving for peace remains as relevant today as it always has been.
Pictured: Guernsey's Bailiff in Masnières.
I recently visited Masnières, where the soldiers of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry suffered so many losses in 1917. It was an opportunity to reflect on the impact that wars have on communities whose brave personnel fight for the freedoms that we so cherish, but possibly also take too much for granted. This was also apparent when I had the privilege to attend events in Normandy in June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. With the passing years, the number of veterans who served at that time reduces, but the warmth of the welcome for those still able to attend was fantastic. It was a reminder to us all of just how brutal wars can be, which reinforces why we should all hope to see an end to conflicts, wherever they are taking place.
The modern world we inhabit is based on a set of liberties that are enshrined in our domestic law, as found for example in the European Convention on Human Rights. We rely on elections being free and fair. We are grateful for the freedom to express ourselves, whether privately or through the media. Our legal processes have to be fair and just. We respect everyone’s right to a private and family life. Without these Convention rights, we would all be poorer, just as happens in other places where regimes are not as tolerant. It is why we continue to give thanks for the sacrifices made by so many in the past, enabling us to live freely.
During the pandemic, our enjoyment of these freedoms was affected. However, one of the consequences was that there was a renewed focus on community spirit. That focus may have diminished a little since, which is why I would encourage everyone to seek to re-capture that sense of community spirit. I believe we would be a stronger community if we each took time to do some little act of kindness, especially if it benefits those members of our community who are vulnerable or less fortunate than the rest of us. Part of the Christmas message can be represented by the parable of the Good Samaritan, who went out of his way to assist the victim of robbers. By showing mercy on this person, the Good Samaritan helped him, but also gained personal fulfilment. We can all do the same.
It is inevitable at this time of year to look back on events across the year and then to look forward to what the next 12 months may bring.
Pictured: The Bailiff accompanied the King on his trip to Guernsey.
I expect that the highlight of the year for many was the visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in July. It is always special when our Sovereign comes to the Bailiwick. It was so pleasing to see so many people out and engaging so positively with them both. It was a memorable day and we were blessed with good weather. Throughout the visit, as well as the traditional events on the occasion of the first visit of a Monarch, it was wonderful to be able to show Their Majesties what makes the Bailiwick such a great place. Various groups explained about our traditions, language and how we endeavour to conserve our environment. We now even have Royal Golden Guernsey Goats! There was a real sense of community that day.
Throughout 2024 I have again enjoyed getting to meet as many people as I can. Our community continues to evolve and I would like again to pay tribute to those charities and other organisations which do what they can to ensure that the wellbeing of members of the community is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. For some, Christmas is not the joyous occasion it is for so many of us, but those who aim to make a small difference so that it is more bearable deserve our praise and thanks.
In 2025, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation. For those who were in Lager Lindele, in Biberach, the camp was liberated a little before the Occupation ended. The Guernsey Deportees’ Association will mark that anniversary. Sadly, the number of people with memories of all these events continues to reduce, which is why I hope that those who can will think about contributing to the Island Memories Project, a joint venture between Guernsey Museums and BBC Guernsey, so that what can be preserved is available for future generations. We can learn lessons from the mistakes of the past. These 80th anniversary events will be significant for us all, offering the opportunity to reflect on what had to be endured at the time and to celebrate the joy of freedom from belligerent occupation.
Whatever else lies ahead in 2025, I do hope you share my view that we have much about which to be grateful and that we should do what we can to support one another, enjoying living in our fantastic Bailiwick.
In that spirit, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
