Channel Islands Live: As it happened

Guernsey politicians who decided to cut grant funding for arts and sports events before going back on the decision have been explaining why.

The initial reduction was a reflection of too much of their budget going towards tourism and not supporting other areas of the economy, the Committee for Economic Development said.

The committee has, however, acknowledged the issue should have been handled better, in a "more consultative and timely fashion".

Quote Message: Given the pressure on the committee’s budget and the level of overall support provided to tourism relative to the rest of the economy – £2.58m in 2017, roughly 40% of our total spend - and the need to support other types of economic activity (as outlined in our recent economic vision policy letter), we decided by majority to reduce the events funding from £156,750 to £100,000, and by majority that this funding should be focused upon Taste Guernsey and Floral Guernsey." from Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher Vice President of the Committee for Economic Development

Given the pressure on the committee’s budget and the level of overall support provided to tourism relative to the rest of the economy – £2.58m in 2017, roughly 40% of our total spend - and the need to support other types of economic activity (as outlined in our recent economic vision policy letter), we decided by majority to reduce the events funding from £156,750 to £100,000, and by majority that this funding should be focused upon Taste Guernsey and Floral Guernsey."

Islanders have been asked to help design a new mental health service for Jersey.

The Jersey Mental Health Network, started by the charity Jersey Recovery College, aims to connect anyone interested in the subject.

Rachel Williams from the Health and Social Services Department said efforts to bring people together to tackle issues with mental health have seen the island come on in "leaps and bounds" in recent years.

The charity has invited anyone interested in the project to attend workshops in the future.

As well as committing to maintaining grants for arts and sports events in 2018, Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development has said it will endeavour to:

• Improve its understanding of the "impact of all its activities across the economy", not just in relation to events
• Work with other committees and groups to achieve "a coherent and joined up approach to funding sports and arts in their various roles within the island’s economy and society"

After a largely clear and chilly start to the night across Guernsey and Jersey, it will quickly cloud over with rain arriving fairly soon after dark.

This will be persistent and rather heavy for a time.

However, it will clear away after around midnight then there will be some clear spells and a few showers. Minimum Temperature: 9C (48F).

BBCCopyright: BBC

Friday will be a mainly cloudy day with a few sunny spells at times and also some showers.

Although winds will be light, it is going to feel fairly chilly. Maximum Temperature: 11C (52F).

A Jersey teenager who was given an award for his voluntary service is meeting Princess Anne in London today to celebrate his achievements.

The Diana Awards recognise people who give up their time to help others.

Tom Hughes,16, won the award for his voluntary work with St John Ambulance.

He has volunteered for St John Ambulance for seven years and has completed more than 400 hours of duty at public events.

Cuts to grants for arts and sports events might not come next year, after a u-turn, but other areas of the economy may get less financial help as a result, the Economic Development Committee says.

It acknowledged it needed a better understanding of the value of sports and arts events, and should have handled the situation better.

But the decision to pause the budget cut in 2018 would "inevitably reduce the support we are able to provide to other parts of the economy", the committee said.

Quote Message: The committee is determined that, going forwards, funding to support tourism promotion is used in the manner which best drives economic activity, and that one sector is not favoured over and above the remainder of the economy." from Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher Vice President of the Committee for Economic Development

The committee is determined that, going forwards, funding to support tourism promotion is used in the manner which best drives economic activity, and that one sector is not favoured over and above the remainder of the economy."

Guernsey's senior committee has recommended the debate on the future of secondary education take place in mid-January rather than next month.

Deputy Lyndon Trott, Vice President of the Policy and Resources Committee, said this would allow more time "to ensure a properly informed debate on what is an absolutely crucial set of proposals for our island".

His committee gave the education committee £93,000 to work up an alternative proposal for a two-school model - as opposed to the committee's preferred three-school model.

Quote Message: There is a substantial risk that if the debate is rushed in December, that expenditure will have been wasted.

There is a substantial risk that if the debate is rushed in December, that expenditure will have been wasted.

Quote Message: The additional four weeks will also give the assembly the best chance possible to fully consider those proposals once the relevant deputies publicise them in full in mid-December."

The additional four weeks will also give the assembly the best chance possible to fully consider those proposals once the relevant deputies publicise them in full in mid-December."

Mr Trott said his committee differed from the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture belief that "such a short delay will have a material impact on the delivery of its proposals".

The driver of a car who died in a crash killing his girlfriend was drunk and travelling at more than 60mph (97km/h), an inquest has found.

Stuart Moorat, 27, and his girlfriend Georgina Le Prevost, 25, died in the accident in July.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Toxicology results showed Mr Moorat, who was behind the wheel of the BMW, was two-and-a-half times the legal driving limit.

The results showed his blood alcohol levels were 206mg per 100ml. The legal limit is 80mg per 100ml.

A toxicologist concluded Mr Moorat's alcohol levels were "consistent with intoxication" and "alcohol alone" impaired his driving skills.

Judge Graeme McKerrell also concluded the car had been travelling at no less than 60mph (97km/h).

People are the most important part of a school, not the buildings, so whether Guernsey has a three- or two-school model ‘almost doesn’t matter’, said the new principal of Elizabeth College.

Deputy Peter Ferbrache has not explained the reasons behind his resignation in his letter to the Bailiff.

The three-line missive to Sir Richard Collas simply tenders his resignation.

He will remain in place until his replacement is elected next month.

The resignation of Deputy Peter Ferbrache as Guernsey's Economic Development Committee President means a delay to a States debate.

Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher, Vice President of the committee, said: "As a result of this announcement, and the need for the assembly to elect a new president, debate on the committee’s economic vision policy letter will be deferred until the first appropriate date."

Quote Message: On behalf of the committee, we are very disappointed that Deputy Ferbrache has decided to resign from his post as president and we would like to thank him for all his work.

On behalf of the committee, we are very disappointed that Deputy Ferbrache has decided to resign from his post as president and we would like to thank him for all his work.

Quote Message: Deputy Febrache’s reasons are his own and it would clearly be inappropriate for the committee or its members to discuss them publicly until he has had the opportunity to comment." from Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher Vice President, Economic Development Committee

Deputy Febrache’s reasons are his own and it would clearly be inappropriate for the committee or its members to discuss them publicly until he has had the opportunity to comment."

Jersey's farmers could switch from growing crops to producing renewable energy to make the Island less dependent on imported electricity, the Environment Minister has said.

It is "unquestionable" that a regular and reliable UK air link is "critical" to the Alderney economy, according to the island's government.

Whether the Alderney to Southampton route should be considered a "lifeline" by the States of Guernsey has recently been called into question.

Yesterday islanders made attempts to hand in a petition signed by 500 islanders to Guernsey States' members.

Their government, the States of Alderney has thanked the organisers, and is calling for the Policy and Resources Committee in Guernsey to "stand by their commitments to view this route as an economic enabler".

In February both governments signed a memorandum of understanding - an non-binding agreement - that the route would be considered a lifeline, and therefore prioritised by the States owned airline Auringy.

A new politician could take up the reins of economic development next month after Deputy Peter Ferbrache's resignation as president.

But what is the committee responsible for?

• Promotion and development of business
• The island's reputation as a centre for commerce and industry
• Securing and promoting air and sea links to and from the Bailiwick
• Inward investment by companies and individuals
• Labour skills necessary to sustain economic prosperity
• Competition, innovation, diversification and regulation in the economy
• Broadcasting and the media
• Safeguarding and ensuring the sustainability of living marine resources

The RNLI has responded to a statement from the former crew of the St Helier lifeboat station in which they say a director of the charity suggested the move to an independent lifeboat.

A spokeswoman said: "It’s been a really difficult year for everyone involved, during which there has many different meetings and conversations, however, we’re really focusing on moving forward now and our priority is to get a lifeboat service up and running in St Helier as soon as possible."

• Former crew claims RNLI 'suggested' independent station
• RNLI: 'Good progress' on restoring St Helier lifeboat station

Deputy Peter Ferbrache's resignation comes as his committee has been heavily criticised for its decision not to continue providing grants for arts and sports events.

The advocate is not someone who would be described as a shrinking violet and has spoken out against a 'lack of progress' made by the States.

• President supports suggestion opportunities are being missed
• Ferbrache 'frustrated' over lack of progress and would consider his position
• President clashes with predecessor over policies

As yet the reasons for his resignation are unknown.

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He remains the president of the Economic Development Committee until his successor is appointed.

Deputy Ferbrache was elected to the States in 2016 and continues to represent the St Peter Port South district.

He previously served in the States of Guernsey from 1994 to 2000.

An older woman was injured in St Helier after falling from her mobility scooter as two men stole her purse yesterday.

It happened at about 18:30 on Clarendon Road.

Officers said the men fled with the silver purse toward Palmyra Road and the woman was left "shaken and distressed".

One of the men was described as wearing a dark grey hooded top with a cap underneath, both are thought to be in their late teens to early twenties.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

The chief executive of the RNLI has said the St Helier harbour master and the States of Jersey were consulted before the charity withdrew the all-weather lifeboat from Jersey and closed the station.

Paul Boissier said: "This decision [to close the station and remove the lifeboat] was not rushed, but made after talks with key partners including the States of Jersey and the Harbourmaster to ensure contingency plans were, and continue to be, in place."

The lifeboat was removed last Friday following a meeting earlier in the week where the crew announced they wanted to become an independent station.

The crew said the move was made due to a complaint against an RNLI manager not being upheld by the charity.

Mr Bossier also commented on the funding of the RNLI in Jersey following the split of the old crew.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Quote Message: There is a restricted fund balance of nearly £7m for Jersey. As less than 1% of this amount is specifically restricted to St Helier Lifeboat Station, the majority of these funds will remain restricted to the RNLI’s activities on the island as the RNLI still operates the station at St Catherine’s, a seasonal lifeguard service and aims to reinstate a lifesaving service at St Helier." from Paul Boissier Chief Executive, RNLI

There is a restricted fund balance of nearly £7m for Jersey. As less than 1% of this amount is specifically restricted to St Helier Lifeboat Station, the majority of these funds will remain restricted to the RNLI’s activities on the island as the RNLI still operates the station at St Catherine’s, a seasonal lifeguard service and aims to reinstate a lifesaving service at St Helier."