Outgoing harbour leader warns of States 'inertia'

The outgoing head of the Guernsey Development Agency (GDA) said the government's failed to deliver when it comes to infrastructure and development.

Peter Watson announced his resignation as chair of the GDA earlier this month - making clear his frustrations over funding and a lack of progress.

Watson has now outlined the four potential options facing the States, saying it could either "Keep Calm and Carry On", "Let it Quietly Collapse", "Provide Immediate Support", or "Change its Core Mission."

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said that while she shared Peter's frustrations, it was not the case that no action had been taken.

She added: "We met with the GDA on Friday morning and had a constructive and useful discussion about the way forward.

"It was an important opportunity to recognise the work already undertaken and focus on the practical steps needed to continue making progress.

"While I very much share Peter's frustrations, it's just not the case that no action has been taken.

"The core problem remains the missed opportunity in making a strategic decision over our future harbour requirements back in June 2021 - something that we have this term made a super priority - but despite that, a significant amount of work to support the delivery of the GDA's vision has been progressed by the States."

"For example, key decisions have been made in areas such as the Electricity Strategy, Future Water Storage and Inert Waste, and the Harbour Action Area Local Planning Briefs, all of which are fundamental to the GDA's plans.

"Similarly, work on the Leale's Yard and Braye du Valle redevelopment, flood defences, and the island's Hydrocarbons Importation and Storage Strategy is well underway, and these too will shape and support what the GDA deliver.

"The work carried out by the GDA is really valuable and is certainly worth progressing.

"The issues are largely a matter of sequencing, timing and practicalities. While some elements are dependent on wider strategic decisions by the States, there are also areas that can and should continue to progress, and I'd like to make sure that happens."

While demanding clarity from the States, the Chair offered a prediction on the outcome, Watson said: "If I were a betting person, my money is firmly on Option 1 or Option 2. Decades of history tell us that inertia is the default setting."

The Chair aimed to force a public debate on whether the States was genuinely committed to the island's future development or content with continued stagnation.

"The public deserves to know if their elected officials have the courage to choose Option 3, or if they are going to let another opportunity collapse into dust," Watson added.

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