The St Pier Suspension: A Democratic Failure?
An uninvolved deputy spent two and a half hours reading material about this case and asked me to examine it, as well. It was, in their words, ‘chilling to democracy’.…
The Do-Nothing Deputy
‘The People’s Deputy’ was a title specifically chosen to emphasise the democratic nature of the role. The ‘People’s’ prefix highlighted that these individuals were elected by the public, distinguishing them…
Can the States deliver real reform in the public sector?
In his recent Guernsey Press Politics Podcast, new States chief executive Boley Smillie spoke of efficiency savings and better IT systems While these operational improvements have their place, Guernsey’s civil…
Sister’s Appointment to Senior Crown Role Raises Eyebrows
The appointment today of Hilary Pullum as HM Comptroller (HMC) and Deputy Receiver General—serving under her sister, Megan Pullum, HM Procureur (HMP) and Receiver General—has reportedly sparked “public concerns,” according…
Cannabis as an Exit Drug: A Path Away from Harder Substances
For decades, cannabis has been framed as a “gateway drug,” a substance that leads users down a slippery slope toward harder, more dangerous drugs like heroin or cocaine. This narrative,…
A New Dawn: Lessons from Guernsey’s 4/20 Event
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DEPUTIES TINA BURY, MARC LEADBEATER, CHRIS BLIN, AIDAN MATTHEWS, GAVIN ST PIER; ORGANISER BRUCE CARUSO; AND ME Before being reshaped by Christianity, Easter was a pagan…
Spin
I read this: https://www.bailiwickexpress.com/news-ge/home-affairs-apologises-for-mistake-in-police-chief-statement/ piece in Bailiwick Express with interest. It’s based on this media release: I’d expect the States to handle claims of the former Chief Office lying under…
Who’s Standing for (Guernsey) Election?
Less than 7 weeks away (14 May) and the majority of current politicians (‘Deputies’) are keeping mum over whether they intend to stand. So, while we wait excitedly for news…
Lies or Incompetence?
Everyone agrees that lying is wrong, but pinning down what counts as a lie has kept linguists, philosophers, and lawyers busy for centuries. For this article, a “lie” requires two…
Institutional Sadism: When Power Corrupts Without Cause
A Culture of Unchecked Power Guernsey’s government should serve the public with integrity, adhering to the Nolan Principles of conduct. Yet, reality often defies these ideals. Public bodies quietly erode…