> ## 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-60/ - Published: 2026-08-19T15:55:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-19T15:55:28.000Z - Author: Nick Mann - Tags: The Briefing ### Dig This Continuing with our coverage from Dig Deeper - The Quarry live, where we explored our cultural links with France, the opportunities they create and how they could be strengthened. This time in conversation with Guernsey Arts Community & Public Realm Officer and Vale Earth Fair Collective member Jade Kershaw. You can also listen through [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/5lv3GQjq1W4MNr1YiQuHzd?ref=thequarry.media) or [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quarry/id1820584696?ref=thequarry.media). ## In other news... ### [Guernsey complaints panel rejects two-thirds of cases with no formal procedures in place](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-complaints-panel-rejects-two-thirds-of-cases-with-no-formal-procedures-in-place/) Published 19 August 2026 - Guernsey Complaints Panel rejected 68% of 22 complaints received between 2019 and July 2026, with only two cases reaching a Review Board determination - Panel operates without formal written policies, guidance, or training materials, relying solely on statutory law for decision-making processes - No data recorded on critical procedural aspects including evidence requests, opportunities for complainant responses, or how disputed facts are handled - Average processing time of 349 days (11 months) from receipt to closure, with data only available from 2022 onwards - Review Boards have narrow remedial powers limited to requesting committees reconsider matters, unable to order specific remedies ### [Guernsey to introduce £2.20 excise duty on vaping liquids from November](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-to-introduce-2-20-excise-duty-on-vaping-liquids-from-november/) Published 19 August 2026 - Excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml on vaping liquids to be introduced in Guernsey and Alderney from 9 November 2026 - Duty applies to all vaping liquids regardless of nicotine content, with medicinal vaporised products exempt - Passengers can bring up to 50ml for personal use without paying duty; amounts above this limit will be charged - Flat-rate charge designed to keep system simple for businesses and importers - Move aligns Guernsey with Jersey and the UK, both introducing similar duties in 2026 ### [Vale Earth Fair announces volunteer reunion and warm-up gigs ahead of 50th anniversary festival](https://www.thequarry.media/vale-earth-fair-announces-volunteer-reunion-and-warm-up-gigs-ahead-of-50th-anniversary-festival/) Published 19 August 2026 - Vale Earth Fair hosting volunteer reunion at Vale Castle on 24 August at 6pm for past and present helpers - Free Warm-Up gig at the Yacht on 29 August featuring Hammermaid and Monolith - Free Wind-Down gig on 31 August with Its Own Animal, Grant Sharkey and Le Beaubo - Main festival takes place on 30 August with six stages of local, Jersey, UK and French acts - Festival celebrating its 50th anniversary with tickets still available online ### [Tattoo parlour to become bakery in St Peter Port conservation area](https://www.thequarry.media/tattoo-parlour-to-become-bakery-in-st-peter-port-conservation-area/) Published 19 August 2026 - Planning permission granted to convert a tattoo parlour at in Mansell Street, into a bakery selling goods cooked on-site - Made by Fairies Bakery will operate 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday with baking from 6am; no hot food for consumption on premises - Strict noise control condition imposed requiring plant machinery to operate 5 dB(A) below background noise levels to protect neighbours - Site located in conservation area near protected building; officers concluded proposal will contribute positively to area's vitality - Previous café application withdrawn earlier in 2026; premises has changed use multiple times since 2018 ### [Castle Bridge to close for eight months as £6.2m reconstruction begins](https://www.thequarry.media/castle-bridge-to-close-for-eight-months-as-6-2m-reconstruction-begins/) Published 18 August 2026 - Castle Bridge will close from 7 September for an eight-month, £6.2m reconstruction project - The 95-metre bridge and approach bridge will be replaced to secure long-term access to Castle Cornet, the Breakwater and the Lighthouse - Castle Cornet will close from 7 September, with the new bridge expected to reopen in late May 2027 - Parking arrangements around Castle Emplacement will be revised, with viewing spaces temporarily converted to two-hour parking - Historic 19th-century granite piers supporting the bridge have been strengthened and will be retained as part of the new structure ### [Guernsey healthcare sees mixed results as admissions rise 16% and complaints increase 27%](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-healthcare-sees-mixed-results-as-admissions-rise-16-and-complaints-increase-27/) Published 18 August 2026 - Inpatient admissions rose 16% to 18,715 whilst formal complaints increased 27% to 189 in 2025 - Emergency Department achieved 88% four-hour target compared to NHS England's 74%, with 10% conversion rate versus NHS's 23% - Gastroenterology achieved 34% reduction in waiting lists through refined pathways and increased CT colonography scans by over 50% - Outpatient and inpatient contract waiting times reached 61% against 95% target, though 94% of routine patients seen within six months - Hospital modernisation Phase 2A costs exceed £130m budget by tens of millions, prompting affordability review and prioritisation exercise ### [Artists invited to celebrate Guernsey's iconic trees in new exhibition](https://www.thequarry.media/artists-invited-to-celebrate-guernseys-iconic-trees-in-new-exhibition/) Published 18 August 2026 - Art for Guernsey launches open call for exhibition celebrating the island's iconic trees, running from November 2026 - Artists working in any medium can submit works responding to trees, woodland or themes including ecology, heritage and climate - Submissions due by midday on 23rd October at Art for Guernsey Gallery, with £10 entry fee per artwork - Exhibition supported by professional services firm Praxis, one of the largest independent financial services groups in the Channel Islands - Selected artworks will be presented for sale, with proceeds supporting community and education projects [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/48/0b/480bfed6-f3f7-4a48-9efe-fae23adf5d03/content/images/2026/08/guernsey-record-3--4.png)](https://record.thequarry.media/?ref=thequarry.media) ### [Guernsey applies for US Qualified Jurisdiction status to strengthen insurance sector ties](https://www.thequarry.media/guernsey-applies-for-us-qualified-jurisdiction-status-to-strengthen-insurance-sector-ties/) Published 18 August 2026 - Guernsey Financial Services Commission has applied for US Qualified Jurisdiction status with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners - The island had 549 licensed insurance entities as at 31 December 2025, including 327 non-cellular insurance companies and 222 protected cell company cells - Financial services contributed £1.3 billion and accounted for 40% of Guernsey's Gross Value Added in early 2025 - The application details Guernsey's regulatory framework, supervisory approach and cooperation arrangements with international regulators - Guernsey has signed 84 memoranda of understanding with regulators and was upgraded to the IAIS Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 ### [Titan Wealth acquires tax advisory specialists LTS](https://www.thequarry.media/titan-wealth-acquires-tax-advisory-specialists-lts/) Published 18 August 2026 - Titan Wealth to acquire remaining 51% stake in tax advisory firm LTS, having held 49% since May 2024 - Deal subject to approval from Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority, value undisclosed - LTS will continue operating under existing brand with same team serving clients - LTS Guernsey office to relocate to Titan Wealth premises at 20 New Street on 24th August - Acquisition follows Titan Wealth's purchases of Ravenscroft's wealth management business and Advisa Wealth in 2024-2025 ### [Court Falaise affordable housing development to begin from late August](https://www.thequarry.media/court-falaise-affordable-housing-development-to-begin-from-late-august/) Published 18 August 2026 - Guernsey Housing Association to begin Court Falaise development on 24 August, delivering 70 affordable housing units - Temporary traffic lights at La Charotterie from 24 August 2026 until end of March 2028 - Pavement outside site to close with controlled crossing for pedestrians, wheelchair users and pushchairs - Additional time built into bus services from 7 September to mitigate delays from traffic lights - La Charotterie to close for several days from 21 October for crane installation ## This week's audio briefing The Weekly Briefing from The Quarry 0:00 /0 1× ## Guernsey Gazette [St Peter Port dog owners are reminded to pay their overdue 2026 dog tax of £10 per dog.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9051?ref=thequarry.media) [Seventeen Perwyn-associated investment companies have entered voluntary liquidation with creditor claims due by September 1st.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9066?ref=thequarry.media) [Borside Limited is seeking to transfer its company registration from the Isle of Man to Guernsey.](https://gazette.guernseypress.com/notices/9068?ref=thequarry.media) ## GFSC notices [Decision of the European Court of Human Rights](https://www.gfsc.gg/news/decision-european-court-human-rights?ref=thequarry.media) [The Commission welcomes NAIC announcement of Guernsey’s application for Qualified Jurisdiction status](https://www.gfsc.gg/news/commission-welcomes-naic-announcement-guernseys-application-qualified-jurisdiction-status?ref=thequarry.media) [Commission enhances website to improve access to information](https://www.gfsc.gg/news/commission-enhances-website-improve-access-information?ref=thequarry.media) --- ### Games by The Quarry Try our weekly cryptic crossword and other puzzles. 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