Friday 21 July 2017
On 19th July 2017, the sixth Bailiwick Council meeting was held in Guernsey.
The Council discussed a range of current intra-Bailiwick issues, including constitutional and international relations matters, such as the islands' work engaging with the United Kingdom (UK) Government on its exit from the European Union (EU).
The Council also discussed a range of local Bailiwick matters, such as co-operation on maritime matters including fisheries, as well as issues relating to transport between the islands. Consultation on pan-island initiatives was also explored to help all the islands to be aware of policy development at an early stage.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Al Brouard, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for Bailiwick matters, who said:
"With the negotiations well underway between the UK and the EU about the UK's exit, it is more important than ever to have a strong relationship between the three islands of the Bailiwick. The Bailiwick Council provides the opportunity for open and honest tri-lateral discussions between the three governments on a wide range of matters which are not only of interest, but of real significance to us all."
James Dent, Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee in Alderney said:
"Alderney welcomes the opportunity for further engagement with the States of Guernsey that the Bailiwick Council provides, as well as the opportunity for discussions with Sark on a wide range of topics. Now that the UK's negotiations with the EU have begun, it is of paramount importance that we continue to strengthen our engagement with the other islands in the Bailiwick and ensure Alderneys' interests are taken in to account."
Conseiller Charles Maitland, Chairman of the Policy and Performance Committee in Sark said:
"Sark benefits significantly from greater dialogue with Guernsey and Alderney, and the facilitation of discussion on issues which are of interest to all three islands. It also supplements Sark's existing bilateral relationship with Guernsey. It is helpful to share experiences and views so that when we need to work collectively as one Bailiwick we ensure that we have a constructive and productive relationship with clear lines of communication."
