The Briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

All the latest from The Quarry newsroom.

Eight months since launching Guernsey's only independent news outlet, we discuss the lessons we've learnt so far and what's to come.

Talking to co-founder Warren Mauger, Editor Nick Mann explains:

people will pay for quality in-depth stories and to support a project they believe in, we need to build on that momentum.
letting people control how they consume news will be vital for the future, we're experimenting with that now through our paid members' exclusive app.
the need to move beyond superficial use of AI to instead focus on empowering research and coding new information rich products.
how we are moving to our next phase, in-person events to show people what we're doing, why and to hear their feedback.

States agrees that by-election should take place on Wednesday 29 April.
Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Rouxel announces he will stand.
His manifesto will outline “radical economic policy ideas” to improve the local business environment.
Vice President Brooke Kenyon will act as interim President until Chamber’s March AGM.
Carl Meerveld also expected to stand.

Ongoing work aims to establish flood defences on the Bridge to support local housing.
Flooding risk from sea-level rise is a consideration for nearby housing sites.
Environment and Infrastructure is seeking a contractor for site investigations.
Design of flood defences will address cost-effectiveness and visual impact.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel emphasised the importance of these developments for the economy.

Consultation for a legitimate interest access framework for beneficial ownership information.
The framework aims to provide access to those with a legitimate interest, including journalists and NGOs.
The proposal includes safeguards for privacy and data use, targeting financial crime prevention.
The public is invited to submit responses by 10 April 2026.
UK has called for full public access.

An online tax reform calculator has been launched by the Policy & Resources Committee.
The tool allows individuals to assess the impact of proposed tax reforms on their finances.
The Committee is currently reviewing alternative tax reform options, with recommendations expected in summer.
The calculator estimates the effects of tax changes using individual anonymised data.
No personal data is collected or stored during the calculator's use.

Guernsey's total greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.8% to 292.6kt in 2024.
Emissions have been reduced by 50.8% since 1990, when they totalled 594.2kt.
Transport remains the largest single source of emissions, contributing 37.3% of the total.
Commercial and domestic combustion accounted for 22.6% of emissions in 2024.
A provisional estimate projects emissions to further decrease to 288.3kt in 2025.

Brittany Ferries has partnered with Islands Unlimited to market inter-island sailings.
The service will operate up to five days a week between Guernsey and Jersey from March to October 2026.
This initiative aims to improve inter-island tourism and connectivity.
The collaboration follows the service’s successful introductory season in 2025.

The States Assembly & Constitution Committee is conducting a survey on island-wide voting.
The survey is open to all Guernsey residents aged 16 and over.
It aims to gather opinions on the electoral system following the 2025 General Election.
Responses will help track changes in community views since a similar survey in 2023.
Survey completion is encouraged before the 23rd March deadline.

Economic Development has granted Floral Guernsey £15,000 annually for three years.
The funding aims to support the long-term sustainability of the charity.
Changes in public funding necessitated the establishment of this new approach.
Floral Guernsey is seeking corporate sponsorship to enhance local green spaces.
Initiatives for 2026 include the launch of the Bailiwick in Bloom awards.

James Way has been appointed as the new Harbour Master.
He takes over from Jerome Davis, who retired.
Way has over 20 years of maritime experience, including roles in the Royal Navy.
His local roots in Guernsey include past positions at Guernsey Ports.
Acknowledgement of Jerome Davis's significant contributions to maritime operations.

Art for Guernsey announces an exhibition focusing on Sir Claude Francis Barry.
The exhibition will run from 6 March to 4 April at the Art for Guernsey Gallery in St Peter Port.
Barry, a British Post-Impressionist, is noted for his atmospheric landscapes and unique artistic style.
The exhibition will feature works from a private collection that have not been publicly displayed for years.
Artists and community art initiatives are encouraged to engage with the exhibition to promote local culture.