Government shake-up begins

Most of the States changes will come into effect in 2004

Work is due to start on Monday by Guernsey's States on introducing radical changes to the way the island is governed.

Members of the States spent three days debating the proposals put forward by the finance and constitution committees.

The changes will see a complete restructuring of the system of government.

However, most of the changes will only come into effect on 1 May, 2004.

Airline debate

After three days of special debate, the States of Guernsey agreed to buy the airline Aurigny and make radical changes to the way the island is governed.

It was also the first time the States held a meeting outside their chambers.

The special sitting of the States at Beau Sejour started with an emergency debate on whether or not to purchase Aurigny.

There were some concerns by some that the acquisition was being rushed through.

However, the importance of guaranteeing links with Gatwick Airport persuaded members to go ahead, with the point being made repeatedly that there would be no conflict between the States' role as operator and regulator.

New departments

The machinery of government debate then saw 35 amendments, which were all dealt with.

But, with only 11 months before the election of a new States, the hard work begins now for the finance and other committees before they are swallowed up for ever by the new-look States' departments.

There will be nine departments which will have responsibility for delivering services.

A further three committees will look after the development of States' procedures and departmental constitutions, scrutiny of policy and services and public sector pay negotiations