The Briefing

The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry

All the latest from The Quarry newsroom.

Dig This: a podcast for Guernsey by The Quarry

Guernsey's workforce could be boosted by 4,500 more employees, its GVA increased by £410m. a year and tax revenue increased by about £89m, a report released by PwC in July argued.

But it would need to match the employment rates seen in New Zealand.

This episode discusses those findings, what the barriers and what the opportunities are.

PwC Chief Strategy Officer Leyla Yildirim, Alexander Daniels Recruitment Consultant Blair Howitt and Korinne Le Page from the Chamber of Commerce's People & Skills Working Group joined The Quarry’s editor Nick Mann.

In other news...

Housing Committee launches Housing Site Availability Framework to track development progress across Guernsey
Framework developed in partnership with Guernsey Building Trades Employers Association following industry feedback
System consolidates housing site information into single document, updated at least twice annually
Provides breakdown of homes by size and tenure, plus current development stage for each site
Aims to improve planning and coordination between government and construction industry

Guernsey hosted a high-level roundtable on private capital's role in global security investment
Lord Stuart Peach, former UK Defence Chief and NATO Military Committee Chair, attended the discussions
The roundtable explored opportunities for the proposed multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience Bank
Guernsey has already authorised three defence funds aimed at rebuilding NATO capabilities
The initiative forms part of Guernsey's Finance Sector Growth Strategy 2035 to remain a leading international finance centre

Home Affairs extends STEP permits expiring from 3rd April 2026 until 31st January 2027
Extension applies to all sectors and requires application through the Population Portal
Committee reviewing total STEP duration following hospitality sector representations
Extension designed to maintain business continuity through summer and Christmas seasons
Committee warns extension does not guarantee permanent change to four-year permits

New barrier system will restore fishing access to Alderney breakwater slipway after Storm Goretti damage
Fishermen will have unhindered access to undamaged slipway while breakwater remains closed to public
Large holes on lower walkway and risk of falling debris from upper wall create ongoing safety concerns
Some areas appear intact but have hidden structural damage with unsupported sections
Public access barriers will remain until repairs make breakwater safe for pedestrians

Princess Elizabeth Hospital launches new Corridor Gallery in partnership with Guernsey Museums
Free 24/7 art space located on Level 2 near Day Patient Unit showcases rotating exhibitions
Inaugural 'Blue Spaces' exhibition features water-themed artworks to promote wellbeing
Initiative aims to provide moments of calm for patients, visitors and hospital staff
Companion exhibition 'Lost in Nature' opens at Guernsey Museum at Candie on 25 April 2026

Grow's Green Miles walking challenge running throughout May, asking participants to walk at least one mile daily
Over 30 routes available from cliff paths to L'Ancresse Common, with accessible walks clearly marked
Nature Commission partnership will provide guided 'look out' walks focusing on local wildlife spotting
Challenge begins 1 May with BBQ and ends 31 May with craft market for participants to celebrate together
Funds raised support Grow's £800,000 annual costs helping adults with learning disabilities build independence

MSG launches annual medical bursary offering £2,000 per year for up to five years to Guernsey residents
Previous winner Aron Thomassen credits the bursary with enriching his university experience at King's College London
Applications open from 1 April to 31 May for students starting UK medical school this autumn
Applicants must submit 1,000-word essay and commit to 20 working weeks at MSG during their studies
Selection process includes panel review, shortlisting and interviews in early July

Brittany Ferries reports 29% increase in passenger numbers in first year of Guernsey operations
Company now holds 52% market share of Channel Islands sea travel from France and UK
Condor Ferries operations being fully integrated into Brittany Ferries brand with improved services
States of Guernsey praises partnership success, describing it as cross-government collaboration
Plans announced to expand links with other Channel Islands through local ferry operator partnerships

Guernsey and Jersey have officially joined the 'Millenium – 2027 European Year of the Normans' celebrating 1,000 years since William the Conqueror's birth
The launch took place at the British Embassy in Paris with representatives from both bailiwicks and the Region of Normandy
Over 40 projects are planned across the Channel Islands including exhibitions, festivals, concerts and educational events
The celebration highlights the islands' Norman heritage dating back to when they were part of the Duchy of Normandy in 1066
Events will showcase Norman law, customs, traditions, arts and the ongoing cultural ties between the Channel Islands and Normandy

Guernsey Water has completed replacement of 80-year-old water main on Mill Street and Mansell Street
The old cast-iron main burst twice in 2025, including flooding a local business
300 metres of pipe replaced with larger, more durable plastic infrastructure
Project completed despite wettest February since 1976
Part of £7.8m annual investment in upgrading water and wastewater systems

Grow hosting Easter Saturday Artisan Market from 10am-1pm on 4th April
Local artisan stalls featuring coastal homeware, stationery, handbags and beauty products
Family activities include face painting and Easter prize competitions
On-site food options with homemade cakes, hot cross buns and café facilities
Garden centre stocked with summer bedding plants and vegetable starter packs

Free ABCD cardiovascular health checks launching 1 April through partnership between Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG and Public Health Services
Programme screens for high blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular heartbeat and diabetes in residents aged 25-70
Cardiovascular disease is second leading cause of death in Guernsey and Alderney, accounting for 26% of deaths
Drop-in clinics will run at community locations including Guille-Allès Library and the Chest and Heart Centre
15-minute checks require no appointment or GP registration, with first clinics on 2 and 7 April

Bailiwick Commission formally commenced work on 24 March and launched public survey
Survey seeks islanders' views on inter-island relationships and runs until 15 May
New website at BailiwickCommission.gg provides information and updates on the inquiry
Commission planning visits to engage directly with communities, organisations and governments
Final recommendations will be presented to the three Bailiwick Governments

The Rockhouse will be a multimillion-pound Social Sports and Wellness District at Victoria Avenue
The facility features two spaces: 'The Club' with pickleball, golf simulators and augmented darts, and 'The Studios' with Pilates reformer studio and infrared mat sanctuary
Membership pricing starts from £15 monthly for social sports and £14-£35 for Pilates classes
A fundraising scheme has raised £8,000 for Ace Cheerleaders after they were forced to leave because of the development
The wellness studio opens in 50 days with The Club due for completion by August 2026

Two young people were arrested on suspicion of arson after a blaze at Leale’s Yard

Elizabeth College Junior School won the Year Six final with 27 points, defeating St Mary's Primary School (19 points)
Les Beaucamps High School claimed the Year Eight trophy with 27 points in a close contest against Victoria College (25 points)
The inter-island final was held at Jersey Museum
The challenge tests pupils' general knowledge, mathematics and creative thinking skills across multiple rounds

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