The Briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

All the latest from The Quarry newsroom.

Dig Deeper

An aging fleet of tankers sail around the world, shifting oil and other goods in defiance of international sanctions.

In doing so they help keep revenues flowing for Russia, Iran and Venezuela, using deceptive tactics like manipulating tracking software, frequent name changes, false flags and opaque ownership structures to help evade detection.

Known as the dark or shadow fleet, they need insurance cover to be able to enter ports. And that is where companies like Maritime Mutual have come in. Maritime Mutual is headquartered in New Zealand, with offices and associated companies around the world, and its links to Guernsey are strong...

Dig This - a podcast for Guernsey

In episode 19 of the Quarry podcast, host Nick Mann is joined by Guernsey Training Agency CEO Simon Le Tocq and Tech Entrepreneur Ian Campbell, to explore the burgeoning role of AI in Guernsey.

The discussion, which featured a real-time AI assistant named Emma, painted a picture of an island at the outset of a significant technological shift, one that could act as a liberator for the local workforce and a catalyst for stalled economic growth.

It includes practical examples of the steps businesses should be taking to adopt AI and talked about some of the limitations. 2026 is expected to see the next step as agentic AI evolves - are you ready?

This episode is part of a series where The Quarry has partnered with the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce People and Skills Working Group to deliver podcasts about the current workforce shortage and the future skills gap.

Listen to this episode on Spotify

In other News

Les Bourgs Hospice requires new funding solutions due to increasing operational costs.
The annual operating cost of the hospice is £2.8 million, with 85% allocated to patient care.
Demand for hospice services has risen significantly, requiring more complex care and staffing.
The hospice's reserves were drawn down by £1m in 2024 and £250,000 last year and cannot assure long-term financial stability.
The hospice plans to explore partnerships with government and health entities for future sustainability.

The second edition of the Employers’ Disability Charter has been launched by the Guernsey Employment Trust.
The Charter aims to foster inclusive and accessible workplaces for disabled and neurodivergent individuals.
It outlines eight commitments for employers, including inclusive recruitment and guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants.
The updated Charter reflects evolving legal obligations and greater awareness of disability issues since its first launch in 2017.

Young writers can enter the 12th edition of WriteStuff competition.
Entrants challenged to write 300-word story on the theme The Letter.
Panel of judges includes award author and illustrator.
Guernsey Literary Festival takes place from 23 April to 3 May.

Wendy Wilson will retire as Headteacher of St Anne's School in Alderney in August 2026.
She has dedicated her career to education, beginning in the late 1980s.
Wilson joined St Anne's School in 2016 and became Headteacher in May 2022.
She planned her retirement to spend more time with family and friends.
There will be opportunities for the school community to celebrate her contributions before she departs.

New licensing scheme aims to improve animal welfare and public safety.
Existing dog walking and commercial boarding establishments can apply for a licence from 31 January 2026.
Businesses applying before 30 April 2026 receive a transitional period until 31 January 2027.
New businesses established after 31 January 2025 must be licensed before opening.
Scheme includes a public star rating system.

• Brittany Ferries confirms 08:15 departure to Guernsey, following a successful season with 55% route growth.

• Total passenger business through Saint Malo port increased by 14.1%, while freight traffic rose by 48.1% compared to 2024.

• 15,000 passengers transported between Poole and Saint Malo via Guernsey in 2025.

• Plans to further increase passenger and freight traffic are in place.

• CEO says rival DFDS jumped to conclusions in announcing its slot.

The Guernsey Scottish Association will celebrate its 67th Burns Night on 31st January.
The event will feature pipes and drums, haggis, poetry, and ceilidh dancing.
Special guests include The Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon and Deputy Bailiff Jessica Rowland.
Organised by Gill Mabbett and sponsored by Titan Wealth, the event aims to raise money for local charities.
The Association, founded post-World War II, currently has 300 members and promotes Scottish culture.

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