Monday 14 December 2020
The President of the Overseas Aid & Development Commission, Deputy Chris Blin, will be speaking against two amendments laid ahead of the 2020 Budget Report debate, relating to funding for the OA&DC.
Deputy Blin has discussed both amendments with the Commissioners of the OA&DC who are agreed that, while they appreciate of the spirit with which they have been presented, the current economic challenges and uncertainty mean it would not be right to support them.
Deputy Blin said:
"Guernsey's ongoing commitment to Overseas Aid is incredibly important, both from the perspective of the good work it does in the world as well as our obligations as a mature jurisdiction to assist those less fortunate, but also because it reinforces our position on the global stage as a good global citizen. This is something the Commissioners and I are passionate about.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has hit us all hard but the impact has been greatest on those with the least resources to prevent, control or mitigate its effects. This is why, at this time perhaps more than ever in its 40 year history, the work of the Commission remains urgently needed.
The Commission, under the previous President, former Deputy Emilie McSwiggan, returned £1m (May 2020) to General Revenue and it was also agreed that there be a reduction of 25% on the budget funding for 2021 - (£831,000) which was confirmed by the Commissioners and myself following my appointment as the new President.
We need to make sure that we do everything we can to put Guernsey's own finances back on a secure footing, and on a path to recovery. Our commitment to helping those in the least developed countries should take a longer term view than just a single year's budget. It is by growing our own economy and building back better that we best ensure we can remain committed to Overseas Aid, and that we can meet the long-term targets set by previous States.
Amendment 6 to the Budget requests £831,000 is transferred from General Revenue to the Overseas Aid Impact Investment Fund.
Amendment 7 requests a resolution that the 2022 budget for Overseas Aid returns to previously agreed levels.
We are grateful for the desire to support Overseas Aid shown by the members submitting these amendments but the Commissioners and I cannot support them.
Amendment 6 goes back on the agreed budget reduction and would deprive the General Revenue account of £831,000 which was surrendered by the OA&DC to assist our community in meeting the very serious economic challenges Guernsey now faces.
Amendment 7 requests that the Assembly debate 2022's funding levels prematurely. We have been working closely with the Policy & Resources Committee which has gratefully accepted the reduction of next year's budget and they have confirmed that the start point for 2022 funding will be in line with the previously agreed commitments as per amendment 7.
We have asked the members who have laid these amendments to give them both further consideration, and we will be asking the Assembly not to support them as the Commissioners and I do not believe that it is the best way forward to assist Overseas Aid or help our community."
