The Big Debate
Young voices lead the discussion on Guernsey’s future at Big Debate
‘This house believes that on a small island like Guernsey, global issues are more important than local ones,’ was the motion discussed on Monday 23 September at The Ladies’ College’s third Big Debate.
Chaired by Principal Daniele Harford-Fox, the debate welcomed Tom Fletcher, Principal of Hertford College, the University of Oxford, and former British Ambassador to Lebanon and foreign policy advisor to Number 10, who proposed the motion alongside Lower Sixth student, Eva. Sir Richard Collas, retired Bailiff of Guernsey and former Governor of The Ladies’ College, opposed the motion with Upper Sixth student, Abigail.
Tom Fletcher argued that Guernsey’s future lies in addressing global challenges such as technology, climate change and pandemics. He said: ‘No man or island can stand alone in today's world. The next financial crisis, the threats of artificial intelligence and the climate crisis won't skip past Guernsey. To face these global challenges, we need to look outward and prepare this next generation to be part of the solution.
‘Being a good ancestor means preparing for a future that is interconnected. It's about unleashing the talent of young people here in Guernsey so they can help us respond to these global challenges. We cannot afford to stay local when the world is knocking at our door.’
Lower Sixth student, Eva supported the motion alongside Tom and reflected on Guernsey's history of adaptation in times of change. She said: ‘It’s dangerously close-minded to think local issues like GST have more impact than global threats like mass redundancies or pandemics.
‘In another 50 years, we won’t be asking questions like 'should we redevelop the harbour?' The pivotal issues that will shape our future are far more significant and they demand a global outlook. We, as young people, are ready to take on these challenges.’
In contrast, Sir Richard Collas opposed the motion and argued for the importance of prioritising local issues. He said: ‘The global stage may set the context, but it's the local issues—housing, jobs, community—that matter most to the people of Guernsey. Our success has always come from looking after our own first while adapting global opportunities to our island’s unique needs.
‘We must remember that Guernsey’s strength lies in its people and its geography. Global issues are important, but the solutions we need must be tailored locally. We cannot solve the world’s problems if we don’t first take care of our own.’
Abigail expanded on this, pointing to Guernsey’s pressing local challenges, such as housing affordability and demographic shifts, which directly impact the lives of islanders. She said: ‘If we don't address these local problems, focusing on the global stage becomes irrelevant. Our survival depends on prioritising what happens here.
‘Our deputies are elected on their ability to address local policies, not global issues. If local concerns weren’t the most important, we may as well be governed by the UK. But the truth is, our small island’s issues are significant and must take precedence.’
Ahead of the debate, the audience showed a strong preference for the global perspective. However, the debate ended with the initial vote tally shifting and becoming more balanced, with the audience reflecting on the arguments made by both sides.
The event highlighted that while Guernsey's local challenges are significant, the island’s connection to global issues is equally vital. The debate showcased the thoughtful engagement of Guernsey’s next generation as they grappled with the future of their island and its evolving role within the global community.
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