STANDBY TO CELEBRATE THE SEA

Guernsey is to celebrate its close relationship with the sea throughout 2005, as part of a nation-wide, nautical initiative. Culture and Leisure Minister, Deputy Peter Sirett, fired Castle Cornet’s noonday gun today at the official launch of SeaGuernsey 2005. Deputy Sirett is also a member of the States of Guernsey’s new Event Group, which is a joint interdepartmental steering group, bringing together politicians and top civil servants from two government departments. Deputy Stuart Falla, Chairman of the Event Group, said that there is much to celebrate: ‘SeaGuernsey 2005 is something that every one of us can get involved with and enjoy. As islanders, the sea defines and shapes our coastline, our characters and our fortunes and it’s that central presence in our lives that we shall be showcasing throughout the whole of next year.’ The celebrations will form part of SeaBritain 2005, which was launched last autumn. Guernsey joins Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, plus a long list of English coastal towns, who have all signed up to the initiative. Deputy Falla explained: ‘SeaBritain 2005 is a major, national celebration that aims to attract visitors from both home and overseas. Guernsey will certainly be in good company but we believe that there are few places that can match our outstanding maritime pedigree. The Bailiwick has the potential to stage the ultimate, yearlong programme of nautical events, which is exactly what we are aiming to do. This will be Guernsey’s year, with something for every single islander and visitor.’ One of the main inspirations for SeaBritain 2005 is the 200th anniversary of Nelson’s victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar, which falls on 21st October 2005. The year will be particularly significant for the Royal Navy, which will stage an international Fleet Review off Spithead, Portsmouth, in June, along with ships from many of the world’s navies and merchant fleets. Deputy Falla commented: ‘We shall be working closely with VisitBritain to create and promote a programme that will have a strong appeal to visitors. The close links between Lord Nelson and Lord de Saumarez, plus our incredible trading and privateering achievements, are part of our enviable nautical heritage, whilst our outstanding beaches, coastal waters and general passion for the sea make Guernsey a premier maritime destination. Our strong bond with VisitBritain will help us to get these points across to potential visitors, as part of SeaBritain 2005.’ Mr David Quarmby CBE, Chairman of SeaBritain 2005, welcomed the news of the launch: ‘We’re thrilled that Guernsey is joining in on SeaBritain 2005. You have such a fantastic story to tell about the islands’ history and heritage and what the sea has meant to you, as well as offering such a great experience to the sea-loving visitor. We will be pleased to promote Guernsey and your events programme on our website www.seabritain2005.com as part of the nation wide celebrations.’ The Event Group also includes Deputy Peter Sirett, Culture and Leisure Minister and Deputy Mike O’Hara, who sits on both departments. They are joined by the Chief Officer of Commerce and Employment, Mr Nigel Lewis, as well as the Chief Officer of Culture and Leisure, Mr David Chilton, plus the Chief Executive of VisitGuernsey, Mr Stuart Pinnell. Mr Falla said that SeaGuernsey 2005 would include a wide range of activities: ‘The programme will take in the full sweep of maritime interests, including history, art, culture, sport, leisure, food and drink plus some things that have never been seen before in Guernsey. As part of this we aim to create some fresh, new events that will have a life beyond 2005.’