Guernsey captain's legacy could inspire new film

Producer José Palma said the proposed film would focus on "the contribution between the two countries"

Research for a potential feature film about celebrated Guernseyman Captain William Le Lacheur has started in the island.

Throughout the mid-19th Century, Capt Le Lacheur left a lasting legacy in Costa Rica for his role in establishing the nation's coffee trade.

Producer José Palma said the proposed film would focus on his story and "the contribution between the two countries".

During his visit to the island, Mr Palma also helped to launch a fundraising campaign by the Guernsey Society to restore Capt Le Lacheur's headstone in London' Highgate Cemetery.

'On our money'

Mr Palma said: "A lot of people don't realise the impact that Captain Le Lacheur - someone from Guernsey - had in our country. He used to be on our money.

"We have come here to meet people who are descendants, meet the people of Guernsey to be able to tell this story authentically."

During the 1800s, Capt Le Lacheur's Guernsey-built ships sailed between London and Costa Rica, carrying commerce, opportunity and cultural exchange.

"We're trying to focus on the Costa Rican side where we have a war or a campaign in 1855 and 1856 against North America, in which we would not be able to win if it wasn't for the contributions of Captain William Le Lacheur over the years with Costa Rican families and the exportation of coffee," Mr Palma said.

"Coffee became a key to the sovereignty of Costa Rica."

He added the island has preserved a lot of history which was "beautiful" and "made the job easier" to show off Guernsey's identity.

During the 1800s, Capt Le Lacheur's Guernsey-built ships sailed between London and Costa Rica

For the fundraising campaign, the Guernsey Society added Capt Le Lacheur's Highgate memorial had fallen into "serious disrepair" and restoration costs were estimated at £20,000.

The Guernsey Society said his gravestone was "an important link to Guernsey's cultural heritage" and faced potential loss without urgent conservation.

Keith Le Page, chairman of the Guernsey Society, said: "Captain Le Lacheur is one of Guernsey's great figures; someone whose vision, compassion, and enterprise helped shape the future of another nation.

"His story deserves to be remembered, and his memorial preserved for future generations."