Call for douzaine changes

A serving douzaineer is calling for a full review of Guernsey's parish system, along the lines of the Harwood Report.

The Harwood Report looked into the workings of Guernsey's political system.

Ten representatives of the parish douzaines - the parochial governments - are elected to the States by the members of the douzaine.

David Gorval, who has been a parish official in the Forest for the past 12 years, said he thought the douzaine's work is in need of a similar review.

There's lots of things that we should actually look at David Gorval

Mr Gorval said douzaines do a lot of good but he thinks they need to be more open about their activities.

He also wants to see changes in the way parish elections are run and how the dean of the douzaine is selected.

"I think we've got to have a proper report and look into it," said Mr Gorval.

"Do we actually need 10 douzaines now? And should the Dean be elected?"

The dean is currently selected internally by the douzaine.

"Do you pay your constable now, do you have a different constable every year?" asked Mr Gorval.

"There's lots of things that we should actually look at."