Wednesday 06 May 2020
Islanders and friends from far afield are being invited to come together online to drink a toast to Guernsey's Bailiff Sir Richard Collas on his retirement, and to upload their own messages and tributes.
Guernsey's Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder will propose a toast to Sir Richard in an online broadcast from Government House at 5 p.m. on Friday 8th May 2020.
His Excellency explained: 'Sir Richard has been a hugely popular and well respected Bailiff and I'm hoping that we can bring together as many people as we can online to thank him for his service to the Bailiwick and to wish him well in his retirement.'
The Lieutenant-Governor said that a more traditional event at Government House had been planned for Sir Richard: 'As with so many plans, the coronavirus pandemic has ruled out the more familiar retirement events that would have been organised for previous Bailiffs, which is a real disappointment. Having said that, an online farewell brings with it the opportunity to do something more inclusive and wide ranging, with islanders and friends from around the world coming together to pay their own personal tribute to Sir Richard.'
Sir Richard Collas was sworn in as Bailiff of Guernsey in March 2012 (see notes 1&2), and was appointed Knight Bachelor in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours list. He will retire from the appointment on Monday 11th May 2020.
Sir Richard is the 89th Bailiff of Guernsey, which is an office that dates from the late 13th Century (see note 3). The Bailiff, who is appointed by the Monarch, is Guernsey's leading citizen and representative in non-political matters, with functions embracing judicial and civic duties, and a more limited but important parliamentary role. His Excellency commented: 'The ancient office of Bailiff is particular to the Channel Islands, so this toast is also an opportunity for islanders to celebrate their unique identity.'
The toast to Sir Richard need not necessarily involve an alcoholic drink. A glass of Guernsey milk or water, or any other soft drink is perfectly acceptable.
The toast will be shown at 5 p.m. on Friday 8th May 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/govgg/ and www.youtube.com/statesofguernsey. To ensure those without internet access can also take part, it will also be broadcast on BBC Radio Guernsey. Islanders are then encouraged to post their own messages, pictures or video tributes to Sir Richard on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #cheerstothebailiff. Invitations to join the toast have also been extended to officials, organisations and friends of the Bailiwick abroad.
