Praise for hospital's support for Fairtrade

Deputy Al Brouard said the plaque is used to certify that products meet certain basic ethical standards

Guernsey's health and social care committee (HSC) has been awarded a plaque in recognition of its commitment to purchasing Fairtrade goods.

The Fairtrade Supporter Plaque was presented to committee president Deputy Al Brouard at Princess Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday.

The hospital now uses more Fairtrade certified products after the HSC reviewed factors such as annual spending and pricing for items such as tea, coffee and bananas.

Brouard said there had been an annual increase of more than 180,000 servings of Fairtrade products at the hospital since the review.

Fighting exploitation

"The use of Fairtrade products within HSC will remain under review, hopefully to increase but, with value for money and quality a key consideration,” he said.

The Fairtrade Guernsey steering group and the overseas aid & development commission presented the plaque.

Deputy Chris Blin, president of the overseas aid & development commission, urged other States committees, businesses and the public to consider making the switch to Fairtrade products.

Hannah Davis, secretary of Fairtrade Guernsey, said: "Guernsey is a Fairtrade island and the support of the committee demonstrates this."

The Fairtrade mark aims to fight exploitation and poverty, and to safeguard the livelihoods of international farmers.