21 December: Mr Bronx returned to owners

People in Guernsey are being urged not to panic buy Christmas presents and food which may leave them financially worse off this festive season. 

The warning comes from the Manager of Citizen's Advice Guernsey, Kate Raleigh, ahead of the Christmas celebrations this weekend. 

She says proper planning can get islanders out of money troubles.  

Quote Message: The worst thing you can do is think 'Well I'll take the afternoon off, maybe have some lunch and a couple of drinks and then do the Christmas shopping', because after drinking your self control can go out of the window and you can spend more than you can sensibly afford." from Kate Raleigh Citizen's Advice Bureau

The worst thing you can do is think 'Well I'll take the afternoon off, maybe have some lunch and a couple of drinks and then do the Christmas shopping', because after drinking your self control can go out of the window and you can spend more than you can sensibly afford."

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"A more vibrant St Peter Port", including retailers opening more on both days of the weekend, would encourage cruise ship visitors to spend more, according to Committee for Economic Development member Jennifer Merrett

Let's take a look at the rather soggy weather for this evening.

Here's the forecast in Guernsey...

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And this is the outlook in Jersey...

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We don't even know what the island wide voting referendum will ask Guernsey residents yet, but already Deputy Neil Inder is suggesting the result should be ignored...

The owners of Mr Bronx will have to accept full responsibility for the behaviour of the dog that was last month judged by the courts to be a pitbull - an illegal breed in Jersey.

The Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Connetable Deidre Mezbourian, says the decision has not been taken lightly and should not be seen as a precedent for others to follow.

Quote Message: I have reached the conclusion that the most appropriate course of action is to offer the return of Mr Bronx to its owner, Mr Gomes, under the agreement that stringent conditions are observed and that Mr Gomes accepts full responsibility for the dog’s behaviour. This decision has not been taken lightly and it is most certainly not to be regarded as a precedent, should similar circumstances be encountered in the future. The conditions under which Mr Bronx is to be returned have been compiled with the professional input of the agencies previously mentioned and are the result of careful consideration of this exceptional case. As is the case in the UK with similar situations, these conditions take account of legal requirements, as well as our duty to preserve the safety of the public." from Connetable Deidre Mezbourian Assistant Minister for Home Affairs

I have reached the conclusion that the most appropriate course of action is to offer the return of Mr Bronx to its owner, Mr Gomes, under the agreement that stringent conditions are observed and that Mr Gomes accepts full responsibility for the dog’s behaviour. This decision has not been taken lightly and it is most certainly not to be regarded as a precedent, should similar circumstances be encountered in the future. The conditions under which Mr Bronx is to be returned have been compiled with the professional input of the agencies previously mentioned and are the result of careful consideration of this exceptional case. As is the case in the UK with similar situations, these conditions take account of legal requirements, as well as our duty to preserve the safety of the public."

Jersey surfers have been taking advantage of a strong winter swell over the past few days and braving chilly waters to catch some waves.

The States Employment Board is facing a vote of no confidence, related to the sacking of Dr Amar Alwitry in 2012.

This has been submitted by Deputy Mike Higgins, but also has three signatures from other candidates.

They are:

• Senator Sarah Ferguson 
• Deputy Geoffrey Southern 
• Deputy Jeremy Macon

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After a day in Westminster giving evidence of the impact of Brexit on the Channel Islands, Jersey's chief minister says it was a "valuable opportunity to engage with an important Parliamentary Committee."

The top politicians from Jersey Guernsey and the Isle of Man all made the trip to London to represent the Crown Dependencies, and spoke about the effects of Brexit, including financial markets and fishing.

Quote Message: “This hearing was a valuable opportunity for me and my fellow Chief Ministers to engage with an important Parliamentary committee and to share some views on a matter of great importance to Jersey. As the impact of the UK’s Brexit decision continues to be assessed, it is in the interests of all Islanders that Jersey continues to engage with the UK on this issue, and I hope that the information I was able to provide was of assistance to the Committee.” from Senator Ian Gorst Chief Minister

“This hearing was a valuable opportunity for me and my fellow Chief Ministers to engage with an important Parliamentary committee and to share some views on a matter of great importance to Jersey. As the impact of the UK’s Brexit decision continues to be assessed, it is in the interests of all Islanders that Jersey continues to engage with the UK on this issue, and I hope that the information I was able to provide was of assistance to the Committee.”

Guernsey's policy and resources minister has told a House of Lords Select Committee that Brexit won't impact on offshore finance in the way that it might affect the City of London.

Deputy Gavin St Pier joined colleagues from Jersey and the Isle of Man at Westminster yesterday.

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He told the committee that being outside the EU meant finance houses in Guernsey were able to explore the potential advantages of Brexit.

However, he also expanded on the fact that Guernsey has seen market access restricted, with an application made by Guernsey to market investment funds in the EU being delayed by the European Commission.

Fisherman who are trying to make a living out of their catches are going to be most affected by new quota controls, the president of the Guernsey Fishermen’s Association has said.

Jersey's assistant minister for home affairs says the decision on the future of confiscated dog Mr Bronx was a "difficult and complex case".

Mr Bronx will be reunited with his owners after being confiscated at the start of the year and judged to be an illegal breed last month.

Connetable Deidre Mezbourian thanked customs officers for their help amid what she described as "unwarranted public criticism for simply doing their jobs".

Quote Message: This has been a difficult and complex case, and I am grateful to the many members of the public who have expressed their views. However, I would like to leave no doubt that this decision has been reached as a result of the advice received and on consideration of the particular aspects of this case. I would also like to thank all the agencies who have worked hard to ensure that an appropriate outcome could be achieved. In particular, I am grateful to the Customs and Immigration Service, whose officers have received unwarranted public criticism for simply doing their jobs and upholding the Island’s laws."

This has been a difficult and complex case, and I am grateful to the many members of the public who have expressed their views. However, I would like to leave no doubt that this decision has been reached as a result of the advice received and on consideration of the particular aspects of this case. I would also like to thank all the agencies who have worked hard to ensure that an appropriate outcome could be achieved. In particular, I am grateful to the Customs and Immigration Service, whose officers have received unwarranted public criticism for simply doing their jobs and upholding the Island’s laws."

Jason GomesCopyright: Jason Gomes

Jersey

• A vote of no confidence has been proposed against Jersey's States Employment Board, relating to the contract termination of Dr Amar Alwitry, who was sacked before he'd even started
• Business leaders in Jersey are asking the Planning Minister to reconsider plans for a tax on new buildings and facilities
• The new Jersey Police headquarters has been built two weeks ahead of schedule - but they won't be moving in until the spring

Guernsey

• Guernsey's policy and resources minister has told a House of Lords Select Committee that Brexit won't impact on offshore finance in the way that it might affect the City of London
• Work is underway on Guernsey's first ever referendum, which will focus on island wide voting  
• Condor Ferries says the current forecasts for Friday predict an "adverse weather front" passing through the English Channel, potentially disrupting Christmas travel plans

Business leaders in Jersey are asking the planning minister to reconsider plans for a tax on new buildings and facilities.

Deputy Steve Luce is looking at introducing a levy to pay for new roads and green space.

He wants to share the cost fairly between developers and taxpayers.   

ThinkstockCopyright: Thinkstock

Cathy Elliott from the Chamber of Commerce says it's another burden on builders and anyone who wants to extend their home.

A Guernsey telecoms provider says the island receives more widespread 4G coverage than the UK.

According to the National Infrastructure Commission, the UK ranks 56th in the world for 4G availability, but Sure says Guernsey would rank third - if it was included - based on the fact that there is 95% coverage.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The operator says it's also taken advantage of low band frequencies which were freed up after the analogue TV switch off to provide better indoor coverage.  

Santa has received a very special letter from Oliver this Christmas which also included his blankets and dummies.

Guernsey Post have received Santa's reply, but have no address to send it to!

If you know who Oliver is, please get in touch so that we can forward it on...

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A vote of no confidence has been proposed against Jersey's States Employment Board, relating to the contract termination of Dr Amar Alwitry, who was sacked before he'd even started.

But what actually happened?

• Eye consultant Amar Alwitry was due to start at Jersey's General Hospital in December 2012 but was told a week before by the States Employment Board his contract had been terminated
• Mr Alwitry said he had queried the safety of certain practices, and claims he was told by senior staff at the hospital to "put up or shut up" when he suggested it would be unsafe for him to operate on a Friday unless senior colleagues could provide emergency care over the weekend
• A government complaints panel found the withdrawal of Dr Alwitry's contract was "contrary to law, unjust and oppressive"
• Those findings were rejected by the Jersey government
• Dr Alwitry - with the British Medical Association's "full support" - said he would take legal action unless he received compensation
• A vote of no confidence is lodged against the States Employment Board by Deputy Mike Higgins

Vulnerable Islanders are being urged to get a flu jab from their GP after a red alert was triggered at the Hospital.

Four Jersey politicians have proposed a vote of no confidence in the States Employment Board.

The motion has been headed up by Deputy Mike Higgins and is related to the sacking of Dr Amar Alwitry, a Consultant Ophthamologist.

Dr Alwitry was due to take a post in December 2012, but his contract was terminated before he started, after he queried certain practices.

A complaints panel said his treatment by the States was "appallingly shabby", but his contract termination was upheld.

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The employment board is the employer of all public employees in Jersey and is chaired by the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst.