Guernsey States committee presidents elected

Guernsey's deputies are deciding who will lead the thirteen political committees today (4 July).

The newly-elected Guernsey States Assembly filed in the Royal Court today, ready to vote in new leaders for the different government sectors.

Economic Development

The presidency for Economic Development was first on the agenda.

Two deputies put their names forward - Sasha Kazantseva-Miller and Chris Blin.

Kazantseva-Miller, who was in ED last term, had backing from Policy and Resources. Newly elected Chief Minister Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez stood to introduce her.

"As one of its (Economic Development's) hardest-working members of the term that has just come to an end, she is very familiar indeed with the committee's mandate.

"She is very well placed to hit the ground running.

"Having spoken with her at length, I can reassure members that she is absolutely brimming with ideas on how to take it forward."

Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said:

"I am a real bridge builder, I bring energy, experience and a track record of getting things done.

"Guernsey's economic future demands fresh ideas, strategic thinking, deep collaboration and relentless follow-through, and that is what I am here to offer."

Meanwhile, Chris Blin, the former head of Overseas Aid, was proposed by Deputy John Gollop.

During Blin's speech, he said he would make artificial intelligence a 'cornerstone of our economic growth strategy.'

"AI is reshaping industries, improving productivity and creating new opportunities, and Guernsey must not sit back.

"We should establish an innovation hub, attract start-ups, investors and talent."

Kazantseva-Miller: 32 votes

Blin: 6 votes

Education, Sport and Culture

Paul Montague, a teacher of 30 years, was the only deputy to stand for the role of President of Education, Sport and Culture.

The newcomer to politics was nominated by the head of P&R, Lindsay de Sausmarez.

During his speech, he said that although he currently lacks political experience, his time as an educator will help him make good decisions.

"A strategy that lacks operational understanding is a strategy destined to fail.

"The best strategic thinking is rooted in the experience of those who deliver and receive the services.

"Strategy and operation are not opposites; they are partners in good governance."

Paul Montague: 35 votes

Employment & Social Security

Tina Bury was the only candidate in the election for the presidency of Employment and Social Security

She was proposed by Lindsay de Sausmarez.

Addressing her fellow states members, Deputy Bury said:

"I'm not shy of the leadership challenge, and a challenge it will be.

"ESS is a complicated and wide-ranging mandate.

"As was said in this vote in 2020: 'This is not a job on which to cut your political teeth, ideally it is a job for somebody who is already familiar with the massive policy agenda faced by ESS'."

Votes: 37 votes

Environment & Infrastructure

Single candidates running for Committee presidencies continue, as do nominations from Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez.

The Head of P&R proposed that Deputy Adrian Gabriel take on leadership of Environment & Infrastructure.

He was a part of the committee last term.

In court, he promised to work to protect our island for future generations.

"This week, we have seen record temperatures in mainland Europe exceed 45 degrees.

"Climate change is here, and we know one of its effects is sea level rise.

"We live on an island and we are all acutely aware of the impact (of climate change)."

Votes: 35 votes

Health and Social Care

A doctor-turned-deputy, George Oswald, has been elected as Guernsey's President of Health and Social Care.

He was proposed by Deputy Gavin St Pier.

Oswald spoke to the assembly, highlighting 'the demographic time bomb' (ageing population) and young people's mental health as key issues.

He also said he saw his presidency as 'the natural progression' in his medical career.

Votes: 37 votes

Home Affairs

A three-way battle for Home Affairs presidency slows down the election pace in court.

Marc Leadbeater, Simon Vermeulen, and Jayne Ozanne all want the job.