> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry - URL: https://www.thequarry.media/the-weekly-briefing-from-the-quarry-44/ - Published: 2026-04-28T15:45:34.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-28T15:45:33.000Z - Author: Nick Mann - Tags: The Briefing The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry 0:00 /0 1× ### [Providence collapse: the fallout continues a decade on as manager fined and banned](https://www.thequarry.media/providence-collapse-the-fallout-continues-a-decade-on-as-manager-fined-and-banned/) Published 28 April 2026 - Patrick Moroney fined £35,000 and banned from finance for eight years for role in Providence Group collapse, a Ponzi scheme causing over £100 million in investor losses - According to court papers, Moroney approved bank transfers breaching scheme rules, was dishonest with creditors, and provided false financial figures while managing Lumiere Fund Services Limited - The Providence Group collapsed in 2016 after falsely promising high returns from Brazilian debt factoring to investors worldwide - Court of Appeal found Moroney's human rights were breached due to two-year delay in Royal Court judgment, leading to reduced sanctions from original £45,000 fine and permanent ban - Case spanned multiple court appeals since initial 2021 sanctions, with final determination returning regulatory authority to the Guernsey Financial Services Commission ### [What Guernsey voters really wanted to know: inside BallotBot conversations](https://www.thequarry.media/what-guernsey-voters-really-wanted-to-know-inside-ballotbot-conversations/) Published 28 April 2026 - BallotBot, our AI candidate guide for Guernsey's by-election, handled 685 anonymous conversations with voters since launching in late March - Assisted dying was a consistently queried topic, though it barely featured in candidates' manifestos or public debates - Voters asked about disability policy, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusive employment repeatedly - Users frequently tested the bot's impartiality by asking it to rank candidates or judge their character, which it consistently declined to do - Query patterns suggest genuine research behavior, with activity surging in final days before polling as voters made late decisions. [Visit our dedicated election site for information on every candidate and where they stand.](https://election2026.gg/?ref=thequarry.media) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/0b/480bfed6-f3f7-4a48-9efe-fae23adf5d03/content/images/2026/04/election_2026_polling-1.png) ### [Cannabis linked to 16% of mental health admissions at Oberlands Centre](https://www.thequarry.media/cannabis-linked-to-16-of-mental-health-admissions-at-oberlands-centre/) Published 28 April 2026 - 18% of admissions to the Oberlands Centre in 2025 were linked to cannabis use - This represents an increase from 16% in 2024 - The Princess Elizabeth Hospital cannot identify cannabis-related admissions due to its clinical coding system - Emergency department drug-related attendances do not specify the substance involved - The Oberlands Centre separately records mental health diagnoses and reasons for admission ### [Import licences for cannabis prescriptions fall 77% as island services expand](https://www.thequarry.media/import-licences-for-cannabis-prescriptions-fall-77-as-island-services-expand/) Published 28 April 2026 - Import licences for cannabis-based medicines dropped 77% from 798 in 2024 to 186 in 2025 - On-island cannabis clinic prescriptions rose from 6,741 in 2022 to 19,778 in 2025 - A cannabis-only pharmacy opened in 2025, enabling more patients to access prescriptions locally - Import licences peaked at 4,275 in 2021 before declining as on-island services expanded - Health and Social Care does not hold detailed prescribing data for individual GP practices or cannabis clinics ### [Guernsey inflation rises to 4.0% as heating fuel costs soar and low-income households face highest price increases](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-inflation-rises-to-4-0-as-heating-fuel-costs-soar-and-low-income-households-face-highest-price-increases/) Published 28 April 2026 - Guernsey's inflation rate rose to 4.0% for the year ending March 2026, up 0.6 percentage points from December 2025 but down 0.2 points from March 2025 - Fuel and light prices soared 14.7% annually, the largest increase of any category, driven primarily by kerosene prices, whilst tobacco rose 12.4% following new excise rates - Low-income households faced the highest inflation at 5.1%, whilst owner-occupiers with mortgages experienced the lowest at 3.6%, creating a 1.4 percentage point disparity - Housing costs rose 4.7% annually, contributing 0.9 percentage points to overall inflation through increases in rents, water charges, Tax on Real Property and waste costs - The quarterly inflation rate accelerated sharply to 2.1% in the three months to March 2026, compared to just 0.4% in the previous quarter ### [Professional dog walkers and boarding establishments reminded to apply for animal welfare licence before end of April](https://www.thequarry.media/professional-dog-walkers-and-boarding-establishments-reminded-to-apply-for-animal-welfare-licence-before-end-of-april/) Published 27 April 2026 - Commercial dog walkers and boarding establishments such as kennels and catteries must apply for animal welfare licences by 30th April - Businesses applying by the deadline receive a transitional period until 31st January 2027 to make improvements whilst continuing to operate - New businesses and those missing the deadline must obtain licences and pass inspections before commencing or continuing operations - The licensing scheme aims to protect animal welfare, ensure public safety and promote ethical practices - Most businesses have already applied and inspections are underway, with officials impressed by standards observed so far ### [Les Bourgs Hospice launches raffle to win electric car in 35th anniversary celebration](https://www.thequarry.media/les-bourgs-hospice-launches-raffle-to-win-electric-car-in-35th-anniversary-celebration/) Published 27 April 2026 - Les Bourgs Hospice launches raffle to win a Ford Puma Gen-E Select electric car worth over £25,000 - Tickets priced at £35 each to mark the hospice's 35th anniversary in 2026, with proceeds supporting patient care - Prize donated by TrustFord Guernsey, which raised over £5,000 for the hospice in 2025 - Draw will take place at TrustFord's Family Fun Day on 12th September 2026 - Tickets available at hospice charity shops and community events including Liberation Day and the West Show ### [Lost in nature exhibition opens at Guernsey Museum](https://www.thequarry.media/lost-in-nature-exhibition-opens-at-guernsey-museum/) Published 27 April 2026 - 'Lost in Nature' exhibition opened at Guernsey Museum, running until 5th July 2026 - Exhibition features nature-inspired artworks from the museum's collection, plus soundscape by Flexagon and video installation by SkyWave Media - Inspired by partnership with Health and Social Care Arts and Health Programme - Self-led wellbeing walking guide for Candie Gardens to launch during Well-Geeking Week, 25th-29th May - Entry free with Discovery Pass ### [E&I to pilot a tougher approach to how it spends money](https://www.thequarry.media/e-i-to-pilot-a-tougher-approach-to-how-it-spends-money/) Published 23 April 2026 - Committee for Environment & Infrastructure piloting priority-based budgeting to align spending with agreed priorities and demonstrable value - 1.8 million bus journeys recorded in 2025, with Stagecoach covering 1.3 million miles and carrying over 1.7 million passengers in first full year - Committee maintains over 400 kilometres of road network and managed 4,000 enquiries resulting in 1,252 road closures in 2025 - Strategic Infrastructure Plan being developed to provide coordinated framework for transport, energy, water, coastal defences and land use - Solar capacity reached over 4MW by end 2025, narrowly missing 5MW target, while offshore wind programme moves into delivery-focused phase ### [Guernsey public sector sickness absence rises to 67,000 days in 2025](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-civil-service-sickness-absence-rises-to-67-000-days-in-2025/) Published 23 April 2026 - Sickness absence across Guernsey's public service reached 67,000 days in 2025, up from 63,000 in 2024 and 60,000 in 2023 - Average sickness absence per employee rose to 11.4 days in 2025, compared to 11.0 days in 2024 and 10.8 days in 2023 - Long-term sickness absence now accounts for 52 per cent of all sickness days, with 117 employees on long-term absence as at 31 December 2025 - Non-work-related stress accounts for around 20 per cent of all sickness absence and 25 per cent of long-term absence - Guernsey's absence rates sit between Jersey's 8.8 days and Northern Ireland's 13.4 days per employee, though direct comparisons are difficult due to different workforce compositions ### [Trading board sets goal for self-reliant businesses by 2029](https://www.thequarry.media/trading-board-sets-goal-for-self-reliant-businesses-by-2029/) Published 23 April 2026 - States Trading & Supervisory Board sets goal for unincorporated businesses to be financially self-reliant by end of 2029, with 1% annual real-terms reduction in operating costs - Board warns of navigational risks with Black Rock land reclamation project and calls for further data collection and modelling before firm decisions - Deputy Helyar says Aurigny's role must be defined clearly as either commercial airline or strategic asset with corresponding funding model - Trading group has stabilised finances after pandemic losses, with unincorporated businesses now forecasting operating surpluses for 2025 - Board calls for greater delegated authority over capital projects and fees to reduce bureaucratic duplication and speed up decision-making ### [MyGov failure "does not define the States of Guernsey, but it must define what we will no longer tolerate"](https://www.thequarry.media/mygov-failure-does-not-define-the-states-of-guernsey-but-it-must-define-what-we-will-no-longer-tolerate/) Published 23 April 2026 - MyGov programme wasted more than £21 million in a systemic failure of governance and accountability, with almost nothing delivered despite years of operation - P&R responds after investigation found key supplier was embedded in Programme Board overseeing its own work, whilst staff who raised concerns were marginalised - Chief Executive has set out comprehensive reforms including clearer project ownership, stronger procurement discipline, and leadership accountability at all levels - Revenue Service transformation also closed after £24 million investment over a decade, with fundamental challenges remaining despite new systems being delivered - Digital & Technology Advisory Panel to be appointed imminently to provide independent oversight, with members serving at no cost to taxpayers ### [States sell fuel tankers to fleet operator in confidential deal](https://www.thequarry.media/states-sell-fuel-tankers-to-fleet-operator-in-confidential-deal/) Published 22 April 2026 - States of Guernsey have sold fuel tankers Sarnia Cherie and Sarnia Liberty to James Fisher Everard in confidential deal - Sale proceeds will enable full repayment of remaining loan from original 2008 purchase - Vessels were bought to ensure fuel supply security when few NAABSA vessels existed worldwide - Other suitable vessels now regularly deliver to Guernsey, removing need for States ownership - JFE confirms intention to continue including Guernsey in vessels' trading operations ### [Guernsey to launch Normandy programme for Europe-wide garden festival](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-to-launch-normandy-programme-for-europe-wide-garden-festival/) Published 22 April 2026 - Guernsey will launch the Normandy programme of the 2026 Rendez-vous aux Jardins, a European garden festival running 5th-7th June - More than 10 gardens from across the Bailiwick will participate, including nine in Guernsey, two in Sark, and one in Alderney - This year's theme 'The Five Senses in the Garden: The View' focuses on sight and how gardens frame landscapes and perspectives - Participating venues include Victor Hugo's Garden, Government House's Victorian Walled Garden, and Sausmarez Manor's subtropical gardens - The festival showcases over 2,800 parks and gardens across Europe and highlights cultural ties between Guernsey and France ### [Guernsey Ports begins £300k pontoon replacement at Albert and Victoria Marinas](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-ports-begins-300k-pontoon-replacement-at-albert-and-victoria-marinas/) Published 22 April 2026 - Guernsey Ports is investing £300,000 to replace ageing pontoons at Albert and Victoria Marinas over eight weeks - Work begins with Victoria Marina's north-east corner, followed by Albert Marina's 'U' pontoon - The pontoons date back to the 1970s and have reached the end of their design life - The project follows £2.5 million investment over two years, replacing 200 marina berths - New pontoons will feature modern electrical infrastructure, water supply and safety lighting ### [Public Health partners with Skcin to offer skin cancer awareness training](https://www.thequarry.media/public-health-partners-with-skcin-to-offer-skin-cancer-awareness-training/) Published 22 April 2026 - Public Health partners with UK charity Skcin to offer skin cancer awareness training to beauty and health professionals - Ten free training spaces available to islanders, with reduced fees for enrolments until end of May - Guernsey's skin cancer incidence rate is 95% higher than England's, according to Public Health - Local beauty therapist Racheal Day says training has increased her confidence in recognising concerning skin changes - Training teaches the A-E rule for identifying possible melanoma signs and is open to members of the public ### [Inter-Island Quay gangway removed for essential maintenance repairs](https://www.thequarry.media/inter-island-quay-gangway-removed-for-essential-maintenance-repairs/) Published 22 April 2026 - 36-metre passenger gangway at Inter-Island Quay removed for essential maintenance - Gangway separated into three 12-metre sections for welding repairs to aluminium frame - Work expected to take around one week to complete - Passengers will use steps to access quay during maintenance period - Repairs address winter storm damage and ongoing wear and tear ### [Guernsey's reservoirs remain full despite huge variations in rainfall patterns](https://www.thequarry.media/guernseys-reservoirs-remain-full-despite-huge-variations-in-rainfall-patterns/) Published 22 April 2026 - All 14 of Guernsey's reservoirs are currently at full capacity despite variable 2026 rainfall patterns - January saw 170% of average rainfall and February was the wettest since 1978, while March was the driest since 1990 - One billion litres of surplus water had to be discharged to sea in February alone due to capacity limits - Guernsey Water says no changes to current water usage are required and the system is performing as designed - Businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead for potential water efficiency measures as part of summer planning ### **ICYMI: Dig This - a podcast for Guernsey by The Quarry** **Episode 28: Can Guernsey become a global innovation lab?** ## Guernsey Gazette [St Pierre du Bois parish is raising household refuse collection charges to £147.80 and levying £88,577 in rates for parish services in 2026.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/8869?ref=thequarry.media) [Torteval Parish residents will vote on May 13, 2026 to approve £50,741 in local taxes and £61,000 in refuse collection charges.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/8876?ref=thequarry.media) [Forest Parish residents will vote on May 13th to approve £72,287 in owners' rates and £97,500 in refuse rates for 2026 parish services.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/8849?ref=thequarry.media) ## GFSC notices [Publication of a Notice of the fact of a Prohibition Order and a Discretionary Financial Penalty](https://www.gfsc.gg/news/publication-notice-fact-prohibition-order-and-discretionary-financial-penalty-2?ref=thequarry.media) --- ### Games by The Quarry Try our weekly cryptic crossword and other puzzles. 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