Bailiwick Podcasts

The Policy and Resources committee has begun a public campaign, explaining its approach to broadening Guernsey's tax base. A necessary action, it says, to tackle a looming £85 million deficit: most notably this includes a push once again for a Goods and Services Tax (GST). The idea has been controversial both publicly and within the States. One Deputy who has been consistently critical of P&R's approach to taxation reform is Deputy Chatles Parkinson, who is a qualified accountant and has written extensively on taxation. He spoke to Express about his concerns and the alternative approach which he says could save the island from GST... ★ Support this podcast ★

The annual De Putron quiz is returning as a completely live, in person event this year. The inter-school quiz has been a popular and challenging date in the calendar for students from both Guernsey and Jersey for 15 years. We spoke to one of the organisers of the event, Megan Thoume from Orchard, who told us why the event has been so successful... ★ Support this podcast ★

Jersey is too crowded. Jersey needs more skilled workers. Jersey must protect its environment. Jersey has an ageing population. Jersey doesn't have enough homes. All those statements are true, and they all rotate around how many people live here. Welcome to the great population problem. Jersey hasn't solved it, it just smashes all targets set, and passes the problem onto the next guy. The trick is not to be the Minister when the music stops. Well, next week that Minister is Deputy Rowland Huelin, and he is bringing a Population Policy to the States for approval. Today he joins James Filleul on Politics Disassembled... ★ Support this podcast ★

Express speaks to Jersey-born actor Timothy Renouf about starring alongside Claire Foy and Paul Bettany in the deliciously scandalous new BBC series, 'A Very British Scandal', how being a rat sparked a love of performance, serial killers, covid vs Netflix filming, and why coming from a small island shouldn't limit big screen dreams... ★ Support this podcast ★

The impact of covid is starting to ebb away and the entertainment industry has plenty of catching up to do. Last year saw Alderney Week cancelled, as well as a variety of events at St James. With 2022 looking more hopeful, Express caught up with some of the organisers of live entertainment in Guernsey to get their thoughts on the future. ★ Support this podcast ★

Politics is power, and on this week's Politics Disassembled podcast, we'll be playing a bit of Game of Thrones, States-style. This week, info leaflets are landing on doormats to prep you for the June General Election, the first of a new kind of election in Jersey which sees Senators gone, nine new districts and 'none of the above' on some ballot papers. Who's going to cling onto power? Can we beat Boris at 'party games'? We'll be unpicking the key issues on the politics pod... ★ Support this podcast ★

The Royal British Legion has been supporting ex-service personnel emotionally and financially for decades and the Guernsey branch has recently launched a mental health support service for people in the island. Express spoke to the chair of the welfare team, Marlene Place, and the chair of the central RBL committee, Ben Rowe, about the service and why it has been launched. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the first of Bailiwick Express's new political pods - this week, Samarès Vs Plémont. Not a battle of two well-known Jersey places, but a venting of voices on the health service, sparked by a row over the right location for rehab care. It's been a week of Ministerial U-turns, what was described as a catharsis of strong views on the state of the health service, and finally... an ultimatum: bring back Samarès, or there may be a vote of no confidence. Editor James Filleul unpicks all that with the studio guest, Senator Steve Pallett... ★ Support this podcast ★

It's no secret that the aviation industry has been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. Express speaks with Airport Director Robin MacRae to find how Jersey is bouncing back. ★ Support this podcast ★

Experts in the UK tasked with valuing the record-breaking 2,000-year-old Le Câtillon coin hoard started with a figure of £2m... so how did the island end up paying more than double? And could this decision have kickstarted the creation of "casino metal detecting"? Express speaks to Andy Brockman, UK archaeologist and Editor of investigative publication The Pipeline, about the "explosive" precedent the island has set and the impact it could have on future finds both on the island, and across the water... ★ Support this podcast ★

The President of Policy and Resources, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, recently announced that he is unlikely to stand for the top job again. Express wanted to find out why, so we invited him in for a chat. During our conversation we discussed rumours, avoiding social media, and P&R's intention to buy Guernsey its very own ferry... ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club brought Panto back after two years. But between covid restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing, cast absences and restricted audiences, the road to the stage was as icy as the kingdom of the Snow Queen, the subject of this year's show, as Director Debbie Taylor explained. ★ Support this podcast ★

With the festive coming to a close and islanders thinking about throwing old items out, one man is encouraging both the Government and locals to be more aware about what they can reuse and repair. Inspired by the BBC series of the same name, Nigel Crespel has spent the last year repairing items for islanders from 'The Repair Shop' overlooking the English Harbour, and has already had droves of islanders looking for a fix. Express sits down with him during a day of work at the shop to discuss all things sustainability, and what Jersey can do to bring itself into a more recycle-friendly future. ★ Support this podcast ★

While Jersey now celebrates the festive season much like the rest of Europe, things used to be very different. Express chats to local Jèrriais expert Geraint Jennings about the weird, wonderful and heart-warming traditions that have died out... and the ones he'd like to see return! ★ Support this podcast ★

Express speaks to the chair of the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority, Chris Bolt, and the Chief Executive, Michael Byrne. We discuss the future of regulation in Guernsey after the GCRA's split from the JCRA, the £1.5 million fine handed to the MSG, and why most of their work goes unnoticed by the general public. ★ Support this podcast ★

Senior Government policymaker Steve Skelton explains what is the Carbon Neutral Roadmap - a key document that sets out how Jersey will reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases to net zero by 2050. ★ Support this podcast ★

Next week, St. Helier parishioners will be asked a £6.5m question: should they agree to sell a significant amount of land to the Government to make way for the new hospital's (controversial) access road? Express spoke to Procureur du Bien Public Geraint Jennings - one of the individuals responsible for the Parish's finances - to understand, how did the negotiations work? What happens if the deal falls through? And where will the money go if it goes ahead? ★ Support this podcast ★

In a recent letter to the politicians reviewing the Government's funding plans, the co-founder of children's dental charity, Super Smiles, said that "immediate" action to reduce "inequalities" in the island's dental services needed to be taken. She said that "children are waiting seven years for Orthodontic treatment and in the community department over 5,000 children are awaiting a dental appointment." In this week's Bailiwick podcast, Sarah Pollard discusses the issues raised in her letter around Jersey's oral healthcare for children. ★ Support this podcast ★

The community redevelopment project being undertaken at La Vallette is nearing completion, with the charity responsible excited for opening up a true community space for St Peter Port. 'Vive La Vallette' was set-up in 2019 with the sole intention of wholly redeveloping the area and the facilities that serve the children and ladies' pool. It's now set to open for Easter 2022 and Express spoke to one of the charity's community leads, Helen Bonner-Morgan about the journey so far... ★ Support this podcast ★

So close yet so far... New procedures introduced in the wake of Brexit are threatening links between Jersey and its closest neighbour, France. From stricter customs checks on the importation of produce to passport requirements dissuading French nationals from visiting the island, could Brexit be the end of the French Connection? Christine Bonhomme, Manager of the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche, shared her concerns about the future of cultural links between Jersey and France. ★ Support this podcast ★

The 26th annual UN summit on climate change (COP26) has come and gone, with Guernsey represented as one of hundreds of jurisdictions looking to make serious inroads in tackling climate change. We were represented at the event by two deputies, one of which was the President of Environment and Infrastructure and self-proclaimed environmentalist, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez. She sat down with Express to talk about the event, what Guernsey is doing right, and wrong, and why she remains so passionate about leading us to a sustainable future... ★ Support this podcast ★

COP 26 is done, climate change has had its week leading the news agenda...now that happens next? Is it all blah, blah blah...or are enough people now calling for lasting, meaningful change? Locally, we have the trade-off between carbon neutrality and net zero - and a focus on, basically, how much you use your car, how often you fly, and how you heat your home. So, what's happened to recycling? Rather than worrying about what bin to put our plastic bottles in, should we really be thinking about all the new stuff we'll buy for Christmas, which a few steps down the road, we'll then be taking to La Collette to be 'recycled'. On this week's pod, we look at behaviour change and the curse of 'newness' with Emma Richardson-Calladine, who was the recycling manager with the Government for around 14 years, but has now moved into her own consultancy - called Waving Back - focusing on sustainability. ★ Support this podcast ★

Today marks the 103rd anniversary of the Armistice - the end of the First World War. Many will know something about the trenches, the Battles of the Somme and Ypres and the bloody slaughter of troops on both sides. But what was the impact of the Armistice in Jersey, how was it celebrated and what were the longer term repercussions? Express met local historian Ian Ronayne to find out the answers to these questions and more ... ★ Support this podcast ★

While we were all on lockdown, shielding ourselves from the effects of coronavirus last year - one group continually put itself in the line of fire. Nurses and carers continued to venue out in the community, providing assistance to islanders from all walks of life. It wasn't an easy ask, though - there were PPE struggles, Government communications difficulties, and an impact on workforce wellbeing. Coming out of covid, the care sector has learnt a lot, but is also facing new challenges in the form of an emerging recruitment crisis, and soaring costs. Express took the pulse of the sector with Family Nursing and Home Care, who shared the challenges and joy of caring... ★ Support this podcast ★

The 26th UN summit on climate change, COP26, is well underway, with hundreds of nations coming together in Glasgow this year to tackle climate change. To give his insight on the event so far expert economist, strategist, and local advocate for sustainable finance, Dr Andy Sloan, came in to talk to us. He's the founder of the International Sustainability Institute and sits on the board of the ESI Monitor, he explained the important role Guernsey plays in a diverse global issue. ★ Support this podcast ★

Independent shop owners at the Bridge remain unconvinced that Leales Yard will be developed anytime soon, arguing that the Co-op's hold on the land has stalled the redevelopment that the area "is crying out for". Express spoke to several business owners, to better understand why the development has taken so long and what it has meant for the area. ★ Support this podcast ★

How does a school stripped to the bone make ends meet when there's nothing left to cut? Which children is the underfunding of schools hitting hardest? What does 'putting children first' really look like? And do Ministers even care? Philip Le Claire, Chair of the Board of Governors at Haute Vallée, had this to say... ★ Support this podcast ★

It's a difficult time at the prison. While an ambitious programme to transform the service and introduce a new 'Seven Pathways' approach to reducing reoffending is underway, budget constraints, staffing and morale struggles, and the pandemic are all posing problems... Six months into the job, Express spoke to Prison Governor Susie Richardson about how she's balancing these pressures... ★ Support this podcast ★

You'd think that Herm Island couldn't get any more zen, but its gardening team have proved otherwise. The island beat out stiff competition to win one of this year's RHS community awards after developing its new 'Zen Garden' - a peaceful oasis built within an old quarry. We hopped over to Herm to meet with the gardening team, and discuss the inspiration behind their horticultural creation... ★ Support this podcast ★

A new Heritage report on the legacies of slavery in Jersey, released to coincide with Black History Month, has shown a number of people and places throughout Jersey's history have been linked to the transatlantic slave trade. One of the conclusions the report reaches is that No. 9 Pier Road, the Victorian House which forms part of the Jersey Museum, was built on proceeds accumulated from the trade. Following one of the report's recommendations, Jade Ecobichon-Gray, a member of the Jersey Heritage Diversity Group and founder of Mindset Matters Social Wellness Consultancy, will be guest curating an exhibition on Jersey's links to the slave trade, opening at No. 9 Pier Road in August 2022. She joins Express to talk about what the new report's findings mean for the island, and how Jersey can begin to include previously excluded voices in its heritage going forward. ★ Support this podcast ★

Reports detailing serious bullying allegations, staff shortages, buildings which are no longer fit for purpose, and a new hospital which is still, at least, five years away. The daily challenges for senior managers in Jersey's health department only seem to worsening; but it is also the one part of government which quite literally affects the lives and wellbeing of every single person in Jersey, a role which also comes with the biggest price tag. It is rarely out of the news, and after 18 months of a pandemic and fears about a bad flu season to come, Express took the opportunity to sit down with Group Managing Director, Rob Sainsbury, to get his views on the current health of Health. ★ Support this podcast ★

The States has made a political decision committing to local quarrying for the next 30 or so year. The proposed site at the Chouet Headland was preferred to a reliance on full importation of aggregate - which some say would only have moved the environmental questions "out of sight, out of mind". Others have questioned whether the decision simply delays the inevitable, with the Headland the last identified site for quarrying. Express spoke to Ronez Director Steve Roussel following the debate to discuss the issues at stake, the alternatives that are being developed, and what comes next in a project Ronez first raised with the States seven years ago... ★ Support this podcast ★

This week saw young people directly address Ministers about their "traumatising" experiences of mental health care, with their key aim to put an end to children being admitted to adult facility Orchard House. Keeping an eye on that issue over a number of months has been Patricia Winchester, CEO of advocacy charity My Voice, who told Express about her concerns, but also why she is hopeful that change may be coming... ★ Support this podcast ★

An unexpected new sports drink is being campaigned for in Guernsey, and has received the support of dozens of prominent sports men and women. Milk. Good ol' fashioned milk. It's being championed as an isotonic drink by the Guernsey Dairy, who tell us that a glass of it can replenish our salts and support our muscles after strenuous exercise. The Dairy has launched a campaign; 'Raise a Glass to the Health of our Island', and it hopes to change the perception of milk. We spoke to Jon Taylor from the Guernsey Dairy, and Daniel Jehan from Badminton Guernsey, to learn more about milk as an isotonic alternative. ★ Support this podcast ★

Are you wondering why we've got a bank holiday on Monday? Express asked Stuart Nicolle, Senior Archivist at Jersey Heritage, about the riotous history of the holiday, and how those events 250 years ago shaped democracy as we know it today... ★ Support this podcast ★

Express discusses the Belfast City Council Chief set to become the Government of Jersey's first ever female CEO, and examines the difficult process in appointing her... ★ Support this podcast ★

Sure has this week announced £37.5m plans to make Guernsey a digital leader through the creation of a fibre to the premises broadband network, which will directly reach every property in Guernsey with a faster, more reliable connection than is available currently and offer the possibility of 1 gigabit-per-second coverage. We spoke to Sure Group CEO Alastair Beak to discuss the economic benefits, the short-term costs, the long-term vision and what this means for 5G tech in Guernsey. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Civil Contingencies Authority took power last year to guide Guernsey through the covid pandemic and implement a series of rules and regulations that have changed our lives. But its existence has been called into question by a sitting Deputy, who has asked the Chair of the CCA what constitutes an emergency and whether or not we're still in one. The Editor of the Express, Aaron Carpenter, took time out of his schedule to make sense of the situation, and ask the question: What comes after the CCA? ★ Support this podcast ★

Bailiwick Express meets Claire Boscq, the newly appointed CEO of the Jersey Hospitality Association, to find out more about her and to hear her vision for an industry which has been badly bruised by the covid pandemic... ★ Support this podcast ★

Express explores Jersey's greenhouse gas emissions, how they've changed over the past 30 years, and some of the more unusual sources... If you want to learn more, you can read our in-depth Insight analysis by clicking HERE. ★ Support this podcast ★

Anthony Horowitz is best known for his suspense and mystery novels, from Alex Rider to James Bond, and his latest work casts its eyes to the Channel Islands. Horowitz's latest book 'A Line to Kill' is based in Alderney and concerns a murder, an island-wide lockdown and the "turmoil" surrounding a planned power line. ★ Support this podcast ★

Express meets Stuart Penn, a disabled athlete, civil servant and motivational speaker, to discuss the next stage of the island's disability strategy, which is asking all islanders - disabled or not - to share their views and experiences... ★ Support this podcast ★

Earlier this year, the Housing Minister Deputy Russell Labey published his Housing Action Plan which included proposals for right sizing, tighter controls on buy to let investors and a fair rents policy. But the plan left out Housing Trusts out of mix, despite the Jersey Homes Trust providing just under a thousand homes since its creation. We spoke to Michael Van Neste who has been at the head of the Jersey Homes Trust for 25 years to discuss what role they can play in the supply of homes, what they need to succeed and whether or not there is a housing crisis in Jersey. ★ Support this podcast ★

The medical cannabis industry continues to grow, with demand increasing as the stigma around it continues to fall away. Several clinics now supply hundreds of patients in the island, and we spoke to representatives from one of them: Integro Medical Clinics Limited Specialist Nurse, Sophie Hayes, and Senior Medical Consultant, Dr Anthony Ordman, spoke to us about medicinal cannabis, and how it's being used to treat more and more people in Guernsey... ★ Support this podcast ★

With a target for carbon neutrality by 2030, how Jersey's bus service will transition to cleaner transport has been a key area of discussion for islanders. Though a trial for an electric bus took place in 2019, that particular model was deemed unsuitable for Jersey's roads. With more recent developments seeing the new town hopper service potentially powered by biodiesel, Express sits down with LibertyBus' director, Kevin Hart, to discuss the plans for the service over the next decade, as they look at the various eco-technologies on offer. ★ Support this podcast ★

Roy McGregor will be helping judge this year's Institute of Directors, Director of the Year Awards. He was the Country Head for all Credit Suisse operations up until 2016 and now focuses on consultancy work. Applications for the awards are being taken up until the 23 August, with an awards show being held in October. Mr McGregor discussed the awards with Express and what makes a Director, a good Director... ★ Support this podcast ★

A raft of new initiatives to make Jersey more cycle-friendly and encourage islanders to switch to greener modes of transport have been popping up recently. The latest is a proposal to better link the east of the island with town by changing the road between Georgetown and Don Road to include a contraflow cycle lane. To coincide with this, and the national Cycle to Work Day tomorrow (Friday 6 August), Express spoke to the Government's Senior Transport Planner about how the island is gearing up for a bike-friendly future... ★ Support this podcast ★

Hundreds of islanders could be suffering the effects of 'Long Covid' - including fatigue, joint pain and 'brain fog' - for up to three years, Jersey's Acting Medical Officer of Health recently told Express. 20% of islanders who have contracted covid-19, and who completed a recent Health questionnaire, said they had felt lasting symptoms. Apply that percentage to the 7,000 known cases in Jersey, that is 1,400 people in Jersey potentially suffering from Long Covid. We spoke to one young islander who still feeling the effects of covid 10 months on about her experiences, as well as her hopes for the future... ★ Support this podcast ★

It was a busy week for Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, and not for the reasons you might expect. Her predecessor lodged a legal challenge against her, after being made to self-isolate on his arrival into Guernsey from New Zealand. Dr Stephen Bridgman ultimately lost his case, despite claiming that the deprivation of his liberty was unlawful. Bailiwick Express Editor, Aaron Carpenter, was there for the full court hearing and explains what happened, what we learned from this very important legal challenge, and what it means for the future of the island and the CCA... ★ Support this podcast ★

It's not just been the hot weather which has been keeping islanders awake this week - people reporting speeding cars zooming past their windows in the small hours have been a regular feature on social channels. It's obviously not a new problem, but one which at best irritates people trying to get to sleep, and at worst has resulted in serious accidents. Express investigates. ★ Support this podcast ★