Bailiwick Podcasts

Guernsey's Bailiwick Express team takes a look back over the past seven days, to see which five stories resonated with you, the reader. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Government has today put forward a ‘mini budget’ worth £56.5m to help islanders deal with the cost of living crisis… But how much more money will that put back our pockets? Here’s what you need to know about it, disassembled in 5 minutes…

Delivering a 'mini budget' to help with the cost of living crisis, getting more homes built, unpicking OneGov, bringing forward plans for free period products and a new Cultural Centre, AND resolving the £800m future hospital question... Can the new Chief Minister and her team really do all this in 100 days?The countdown is on.Express disassembles Deputy Moore's 100-day vision in 5 minutes...Keep up to date by signing up to our FREE daily news email: https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/account-register/ ★ Support this podcast ★

From a strong election performance, which saw 10 party members get into the States, to comprehensively losing the battle for Chief Minister, it's been quite a month for Reform Jersey. Reform Jersey now dominates the Scrutiny panels - but doesn't have a single member in the Council of Ministers, despite being the only Party which worked at the election. Joining James Filleul on Politics Disassembled this week is Reform's leader, Deputy Sam Mézec. Did Reform win the election battle, but lose the war over securing real power? ★ Support this podcast ★

A decade ago, many Polish nationals were seeking help settling in Jersey... Now, with the pressures of Brexit, the pandemic, and the rising price of living locally, many are returning home, with implications for Jersey's workforce.There's also the matter of war in Ukraine - on Poland's doorstep - and the many refugees that need help as a result. Needless to say, a lot has changed since Magda Chmielewska became Jersey's Honorary Polish Consul in 2012 - but her enthusiasm for the role and determination to bring Jersey and Poland closer together has never wavered.Reflecting on her 10 years' service, she chats cost of living pressures, prejudice, and working together to solve local - and global - crises with Bailiwick Express Deputy Editor, Fiona Potigny... ★ Support this podcast ★

"The quality of education" at St Sampson's High School "is not good enough" according to a recently released Oftsed report. It's a damning indictment of one of Guernsey's schools and the fallout of the report has inevitably raised concerns within the teaching community, the student body, the political sphere and from parents of students. So what happens now? How does the situation get fixed? Express spoke to the Director of Education, Nick Hynes, and the Principal of the school, Vicky Godley, to find out if St Sampson's High can change, and if so, how... ★ Support this podcast ★

The votes have been cast, the main jobs have been filled...Election 2022 is just about to collapse wearily into a deckchair for the summer. With the notable exception of St Saviour, where the mysterious 'None of the above' may still cause a shock, the tide of the election has receded - leaving the former incumbent of the Chief Minister's chair high and dry, and Kristina Moore swimming off happily into the sunset. But where will she lead Jersey? Who is the real Kristina Moore? She says Jersey is now Back on Track, which is presumably A Better Way...but outside of three word slogans, what will it take to Get Kristina Done. Can she make the shift from Looking In to Leading? Jersey's new Chief Minister Kristina Moore joins James Filleul for Politics Disassembled. ★ Support this podcast ★

A relatively new aviation company is looking to bring electric aircraft to the Channel Islands within the next three years. GreenAir was launched in 2020, splintering off from a company called Harrison Aviation to focus the owner's intentions into the green aviation space. Express spoke to the owner, Mark Harrison, who has been working in the aviation industry for more than 50 years and is now pushing for a carbon neutral future. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Bank of England has increased interest rates yet again and it is having a substantial impact on Guernsey's mortgage market. While the situation is only getting better for those with property, the first time buyers are facing consistently increasing house prices. We spoke to head of lending at Butterfield Bank, Ed Jones, to find out how people should be preparing for mortgages and how they can best get on the property ladder. ★ Support this podcast ★

From the highest highs to the lowest lows... Here's everything you need to know about the Election '22 results in two minutes. Follow www.bailiwickexpress.com for the latest updates. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates in each of the districts. This Pod focuses on St. Ouen, St. Peter, St. Mary, where there are 4 seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, radio stations or on the app, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election 22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates in each of the districts. This Pod focuses on St. Brelade, where there are four seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, radio stations or on the app, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on St. Helier South, where there are 4 seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, radio stations or on the app, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on St. Helier Central, where there are five seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, radio stations or on the app, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on St. Helier North, where there are 4 seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order. Trevor Pointon is also standing, he was unable to take part in the pods. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, radio stations or on the app, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to Express's Election Disassembled Pods. In the run-up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates, in each of the districts. This podcast focuses on St.John, St.Lawrence and Trinity, where there are four seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order - Hugh Raymond is also standing in this district, but he wasn't able to take part in the pods. Stay tuned on election night to bailiwickexpress.com, our radio stations and social channels, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to Express's Election Disassembled Pods. In the run-up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates, in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on St. Saviour, where there are five seats available. Here are the candidates for you to choose from, in alphabetical order - Jeremy Macon is also standing in this district, but he wasn't able to take part. Stay tuned on election night to bailiwickexpress.com, our radio stations, app and social channels, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. ★ Support this podcast ★

Islanders can now learn Jersey's unique language online via the award-winning app, uTalk. Jèrriais teacher Susan Parker explains more ... ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates, in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on Grouville & St.Martin, where there are three seats available. Guy de Faye is also standing in this district, but he wasn't able to take part in the pods. Remember, polling day is the 22nd June, polls open at 0800. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the Express Election '22 pods. In the run up to polling day on the 22nd June, we'll be publishing a short statement from each of the Deputies candidates, in each of the districts. This Pod focusses on St. Clement, where there are four seats available. Lindsay Ash is also standing in this district, but he wasn't able to take part in the pods. Remember, polling day is the 22nd June, polls open at 0800. Stay tuned on election night to Bailiwickexpress.com, or any of our social channels, and we'll bring you all the action, as it happens. ★ Support this podcast ★

Daniele Harford Fox recently took over as Principal of The Ladies' College. Born in England, her journey to Guernsey was via the United States, Kenya and Oxford University. She has a psychology degree and for a time worked as a Theatre Director. Daniele previously worked in a co-educational school but she is a passionate advocate for single-sex secondary education. In the latest Bailiwick Express podcast, Matt Fallaize spoke to Daniele about her background, her views on education and her ambitions for The Ladies' College. ★ Support this podcast ★

Express talks to Police Chief Robin Smith about the past year, the present challenges and the how he sees policing in Jersey developing in the future. ★ Support this podcast ★

Community Savings is a charity offering support to islanders in financial dire straits. It provides access to basic financial services, including mentoring and emergency financial support, and help members access mainstream banking services. At the helm of that crucial support service for the past 25 years has been Brian Curtis. The founder and executive chairman of Community Savings reflects on the past, present and future of the organisation as he prepares to step down... ★ Support this podcast ★

When Deputy Peter Ferbrache was elected as President of the Policy & Resources Committee, he said he wanted to lead a "States of action". That was 19 months ago. The States are now more than a third of the way through their term. In the latest Express podcast, we asked Deputy Ferbrache what the States have achieved so far and where they have under-achieved. We talked tax, housing, the cost of living, cannabis and the always thinly veiled rivalry with his predecessor, Deputy Gavin St Pier. ★ Support this podcast ★

Eight islanders hoping to take the role of Parish Constable won't have to face a fight for their seat... or will they? Meet Mr 'None of the Above'. This week, Bailiwick Express Deputy Editor Fiona Potigny and Reporter Hannah Voak disassemble this mysterious new addition to the ballot paper in 4 minutes... Want to keep up to date with all the latest election shenanigans? Sign up for our FREE daily news email: www.bailiwickexpress.com/account-register/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Deputy Heidi Soulsby has been in politics for 10 years. She has been a serial poll topper at elections and previously held one of the toughest roles in the States as President of the Committee for Health & Social Care. She is now leading the Government Work Plan, trying to build consensus in an Assembly which she admits is more tribal than any she has known before. In the latest podcast from Express, we asked her what the Plan is achieving and why she considers it so essential. ★ Support this podcast ★

It all started with two questions: Why aren't islanders with learning disabilities given more opportunities? And what can we do to help? The answer came in the form of Beresford Street Kitchen in 2017. As BSK turns five this year, Fundraising Manager Georgie Dodd reflects on the journey of the café with a conscience, serving Princess Anne, a brand new campaign, and the disability shattering stigma still left to be done in Jersey... Find out more about BSK's new 'Rise Up!' campaign here: www.beresfordstreetkitchen.je/donate/ Keep up to date with all the latest news and podcasts from Express by signing up to our FREE daily news email: www.bailiwickexpress.com/index.php/account-register/ ★ Support this podcast ★

The countdown is on. Today marks the official start of Jersey's pre-election period, with the big day six weeks away. That means, from now on, election candidates have to follow strict rules. What behaviour rules to candidates have to follow? How much can parties spend on campaigning? What's stopping Ministers from launching another vote-winning £100 voucher scheme? And why is the word 'purdah' controversial? This week, Bailiwick Express Deputy Editor Fiona Potigny and Reporter Hannah Voak disassemble election etiquette in 5 minutes... Want to keep up to date with all the latest election shenanigans? Sign up for our FREE daily news email: www.bailiwickexpress.com/account-register/ ★ Support this podcast ★

It was once claimed that the medicinal cannabis industry would be a massive economic enabler for Guernsey, that it would revitalise the growing industry and see the Bailiwick lead the way in cannabis regulation. That hasn't happened yet, and as mainland Europe starts to relax its laws surrounding recreational cannabis, it could never happen. The issues surrounding regulation are complicated. Some argue that it should be fully legalised, regulated and taxed. Some adamantly stand by it's classification as an illicit substance that should never be used recreationally. Who is right? To get a better understanding of the situation Express spoke to Gary Tucker from the House of Green. He's seen the evolution of the cannabis market first hand in the United States, developing from a black market commodity to the multi-billion pound industry it is now. ★ Support this podcast ★

Around one in 15 crimes reported to the police in Jersey is linked to domestic abuse and while the law already covers some of the behaviour associated with abuse in the home, such as assault and criminal damage - it doesn't recognise the longstanding coercion, control and other patterns that may form domestic abuse. That's set to change this week when the States debate a specific Domestic Abuse Law. But how difficult will it be to take action against acts that often take place behind closed doors between those whose lives are often tightly interwoven? ★ Support this podcast ★

Follow the money - if the story of the last few years has been dominated by a virus, the price tag has never been far behind. So, when you tot up the cost of covid, and then throw in Brexit, a new hospital, pension debt and the spiralling cost of living, as well as changes to zero/ten... The island's first female Treasury Minister, Deputy Susie Pinel, has held the keys to the strongbox throughout that time. This week, she announced she won't be standing again after 11 years in very senior roles in local politics. What will her legacy be... covid funding, hospital borrowing, changing the tax basis away from the prior year, or bringing in independent taxation? Deputy Pinel joined Bailiwick Express Editor James Filleul on the Politics Disassembled Pod this week.... ★ Support this podcast ★

It all started with a childhood passion... Express meets Curtis and Nikki Stanier, who have transformed their garden into a model train haven with a 6,600-strong online following. ★ Support this podcast ★

Formerly known as Brig-y-Don, charity Brightly has been supporting children and families in Jersey through some of their toughest times for more than 100 years. Express found out why the support and stability offered by the charity is needed more than ever right now, and their hunt for volunteers for a new initiative called Home-Start that could help "make an impact that will last a lifetime"... ★ Support this podcast ★

After two weeks of intense debate, the States Assembly passed the Bridging Island Plan last month. Express meets one of its authors, Kevin Pilley, to unpick what was decided and how it might impact our lives. ★ Support this podcast ★

A former inmate turned prison reform advocate, has commended the Channel Islands' approach to incarceration after recently visiting Jersey and Guernsey. Paula Harriott is the Head of Prisoner Involvement at the Prison Reform Trust, a group of campaigners who champion rehabilitation over punishment. She came to the islands to speak about 'lived experience' after spending four years in prison for drug posession. She spoke to Express about why rehabilitation is so important and why justice is never black and white... ★ Support this podcast ★

Octogenarian island sporting legend Tim Pollard opens up to Express about where his love of sport began, and his feelings about being selected for England's over-80s squad... ★ Support this podcast ★

The quality of food is only as good as the soil it grows in, and for decades the Earth's black gold has been degenerated through intensive farming practices. Everything from petroleum-based fertilisers, mono-cropping, and the fuel required to operate farm machinery has served to harm our environment and produce sub-optimal food. But Jock Pettitt, a self-proclaimed soil farmer, believes the mainstream methods of farming are not inevitable, promoting instead small-scale, widespread, and community centred organic farming. He believes that this can positively affect the environment in which we grow, and even provide greater flavour and nutrition from the produce. Express sat down with Mr Pettit to learn all about regenerative farming, the issues facing Guernsey's growing industry, and what makes soil great... ★ Support this podcast ★

Guernsey Cancer Support wants to make sure anyone affected - directly or indirectly - by a cancer diagnosis knows the group is open to them. The community peer group has been together for more than 12 years and offers people a place to discuss their concerns openly without judgement. Express met with one of the group's volunteer helpers, Joni de Kooker, to find out how the group can help those affected by cancer... ★ Support this podcast ★

In politics, they say timing is everything. On this week's Politics Disassembled podcast, Bailiwick Express Editor James Filleul speaks to Senator Ian Gorst - a two-term Chief Minister, and the man who took over at External Relations just before Brexit, and who is now dealing with Ukraine. But - he wasn't in the top job during covid. He is the man who recruited the island's controversial CEO, Charlie Parker, and oversaw the changes which backed-up his power. Now he sits on the Council of Ministers, but opposes their borrowing and spending plans. Senator Gorst has been at the top of Jersey politics for 14 years, and has confirmed he is aiming for another term... ★ Support this podcast ★

The Sark Chamber of Commerce held an event last week called 'Building Sark's Future'. During the event, the Seigneur of Sark, Major Christopher Beaumont, gave a presentation detailing the story of the island and how it has reached a tipping point in time. There has been a growing disconnect, according to Major Beaumont, between the direction of the island and its governing body, Chief Pleas. I spoke to Major Beaumont about the event, the issues affecting the island, and why the Sark Chamber of Commerce could become a leading voice for positive change in the island... ★ Support this podcast ★

As the situation in Ukraine worsens, the repercussions are steadily being felt more widely, and more deeply. Here in Jersey, we are braced for fuel prices to rapidly increase this year, in what's being described as the most volatile market in recent memory. Where does our fuel come from, and what can be done to soften the price rises? Will all this just accelerate our journey to becoming carbon neutral? To answer those questions, James Filleul is joined on the News Pod this week by Director of ATF Fuels, one of the island's fuel suppliers, Jon Best. ★ Support this podcast ★

We don't have much land in Jersey, but how we use what we do have will be decided in the next two weeks. In what could be the longest debate in States Assembly history - the agenda alone runs to 68 pages - our politicians will debate the Bridging Island Plan. It's a critical step in the major issues facing Jersey today, such as providing enough homes. Joining Bailiwick Express Editor James Filleul on Politics Disassembled this week is in the Environment Minister, Deputy John Young. He'll also be talking about the hospital, and his view that our current government system just doesn't work... ★ Support this podcast ★

Are personalities dominating in politics? Is the States Employment Board dysfunctional? Do we need a Cabinet Office? Was the change to Ministerial Government the right thing? And does the CEO have too much power? Alongside a team of Ministers past and present, Senator Tracey Vallois has just published a review which picking apart the bad bits of Government - and suggests how to fix them. As well as analysing the machinery that keeps the public service ticking, the former poll topper opened up to Deputy Editor Fiona Potigny on the Politics Disassembled podcast about her 14 years as as both a Minister and backbench challenger, and why she's now finally saying goodbye to politics... ★ Support this podcast ★

Will it be third time lucky for Le Masurier with their new £120m Les Sablons proposals for St. Helier? We're talking about the two acre site between King Street/Broad Street on one side, and Commercial Street on the other. A few years ago it had permission to become offices called J1...and then it was the preferred option for the new Government HQ. Neither happened. But now Le Masurier has bounced back with plans for hundreds of apartments, an apart-hotel, cafes and bars. To explain why this time, they believe their plans will rejuvenate that part of St Helier, the firm's MD joins James Filleul on the Bailiwick news pod. ★ Support this podcast ★

Politics is about policy and decision making but is driven by characters. Deputy Carl Meerveld is undoubtedly a character of Guernsey politics: outspoken, controversial and combative - a divider of opinion - to some, in touch with the public like few of his colleagues; to others, an insufferable showman. In this States' term, he is also at the centre of many of the biggest debates inside government. We took the opportunity to sit down with Deputy Meerveld for an in-depth conversation about his life in politics. ★ Support this podcast ★

Children's rights and family law expert Advocate Darry Robinson speaks to Express about care proceedings, Children's Services and how the processes could be improved to better protect children from long-term harm... ★ Support this podcast ★

The island has set up five citizens' panels to work on subjects from mental health, the hospital to climate change, with a cost from a few thousand to a few hundreds of thousands. But isn't that what we democratically elect politicians for? And if we appoint islanders to make recommendations instead, are they accountable, what process do they follow and how do we control costs? Those are all issues with the Government watchdog, the Public Accounts Committee has ruled on this week - have the panels worked, or do they already need a shake-up? The Politics Disassembled Podcast this week is with the PAC Chair, Deputy Inna Gardiner... ★ Support this podcast ★

Prices in the UK are rising faster than at any rate in the past three decades. Express asked Co-Op CEO Mark Cox what the impact will be in the Channel Islands. ★ Support this podcast ★

In three weeks, the States will debate a proposal to create a 900-square-kilometre Marine National Park in Jersey's territorial waters. Express speaks to Freddie Watson of Blue Marine Foundation, a charity that has campaigned for the park's formation, to find out why he thinks it's an important step forward. ★ Support this podcast ★

Big gov versus essential controls - it's a debate which is played out in many guises in Jersey politics, but perhaps nowhere feels closer to home than when its about, well, your home. Proposals to make minimum rental standards mandatory for all landlords were narrowly defeated in the States this week, their opponents said they were too expensive, too complex and unnecessary as the right protections were already there. On the pod this week we speak to Reform's Deputy Rob Ward, who along with Senator Kristina Moore, was one of the architects behind the plans. He'll also be talking free schools means, population policy, propaganda and party politics. ★ Support this podcast ★