Not sharing election course material 'isolating'

Charlie Murray says he has been left "completely isolated" after "begging and pleading" for course material

A young islander has said he feels "completely isolated" after "begging and pleading" for course material which has been given to people attending a free course for aspiring election candidates.

Charlie Murray, 20, said he wished to stand in the upcoming election and had continually asked for course handouts because he was unable to attend the free evening sessions run by the States of Guernsey.

The course, which is open to interested members of the public as well as prospective candidates, was designed to teach people how government worked in Guernsey, rather than to debate politics, the States said.

The States has now said if potential candidates ask for the information from the sessions, it will be made available to them.

The States of Guernsey said 31,301 islanders were registered to vote in the 2020 election

Mr Murray said: "I've been begging for a way to attend or some content from them, but unfortunately, due to my job and my work commitments I can't attend on the days that they are."

The weekly evening sessions at St Martin's Community Centre cover topics including finances and parliamentary scrutiny, as well as giving people the chance to meet current deputies and visit the States chamber.

Mr Murray said only offering evening sessions was "completely isolating most of the public from running".

"If you aren't free in an evening and have kids to look after, what are you meant to do? Nobody who does a night shift can attend, people who have limitations in getting to Saint Martin's on a Thursday evening, can't attend."

Colette Falla is the most senior civil servant organising the election and said they would be happy to "share the core information from the sessions" if people got in touch with the team.