Relationships between Guernsey, Alderney and Sark to be reviewed

An independent panel will examine whether the relationships between the Bailiwick islands are fit for purpose.

A panel of experts will review the constitutional and economic links between Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

The five members of the Bailiwick Commission were chosen by the three island governments but will work independently.

They will gather evidence about the working arrangements and make recommendations to overcome challenges and make the most of current opportunities.

The five commissioners are: Sir Robert Neill KC (Chair), Dr Lisa Cameron, Lord Carwyn Jones, Professor Caroline Morris, and Philip Rycroft.

Individuals and organisations will be given opportunities to engage with the commission and help inform recommendations.

The final report is expected by the end of September 2027.

Guernsey's President of the Policy & Resources Committee, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez says this will strengthen historic connections.

“Over recent years, the Bailiwick has shown its strength when united for a common purpose – for example, when facing the Covid-19 pandemic or developing the islands’ response to Brexit.

"The Bailiwick Commission will consider how to ensure that the relationships between the Bailiwick islands are fit for purpose so that we can best meet the challenges and opportunities ahead in our increasingly complex world.

“The calibre of the Commissioners is exceptional, and they all have a genuine interest in the task in hand.

"Collectively, they have the experience and knowledge to undertake this inquiry, under the strong and distinguished leadership of Sir Bob Neill.

"I encourage as many people as possible to engage with the Commission when it launches its work and gathers evidence."

Alderney's Chair of the Policy & Finance Committee, Jeannie Cameron, says it has been set up in the right way:

"It is important that the Commission is being established by the islands themselves, rather than suggested, or somehow imposed on us, by any 
other government.

"However, it is also right that all of the Commissioners are from outside the Bailiwick so that they can be fully independent once the Commission’s work is underway.

“As we all know, one significant element of the relationships between Alderney and Guernsey is the 1948 Agreement which is now almost 80 years old.

"Its provisions could usefully be reviewed as part of the Commission’s work to ensure the quality and future resilience of the two islands’ constitutional and economic relationships."

Sark's Chair of Chief Pleas' Policy and Finance Committee, John Guille, welcomes the establishment of the Commission.

"It provides an opportunity for everyone on Sark to engage with an independent panel of experts on the key challenges facing our community, such as access to and the cost of healthcare, and the delivery of services.

"The concept of a Commission is not new and builds on previous dialogues, such as those chaired by Lord Wolfson.

"What is different this time is the clear focus on community input, which will be essential to its success."