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Guernsey Election Candidates |
The National Trust of Guernsey, in co-operation with the Guernsey Heritage Trust, has pledged to endorse those candidates in the coming Guernsey elections who promise to safeguard the island's beauty, history and heritage.
In a unique initiative the two organisations say they will support only those would-be States members who agree to subscribe to the tenets of the 2003 Edinburgh Declaration.
Besides endorsing these candidates the two bodies say they intend to monitor their actions and decisions if they are elected to the States. In a letter to all who are standing National Trust President, Michael Eades, quotes Declaration 3 of the Edinburgh Document. This calls on Governments and non-Governmental organisations 'to work together more closely to address the problem of the progressive loss of culture and natural heritage.'
The Declaration goes on to say that both should develop joint initiatives 'to raise public understanding and concern.'
Candidates, all of whom will also receive copies of the Edinburgh Declaration, have been given a deadline of Wednesday 14 April to state whether they support its tenets and, if elected, whether they will act accordingly.
Eminent architectural historian Marcus Binney recently accused the States of Guernsey of being 'careless of their heritage.' In an article in the Times newspaper he labelled the market development 'an ill considered property deal' and said that the 'remarkable' Regency prison 'has been bulldozed.'
At a Press conference today (Tuesday 30 March), Advocate Eades explained that National Trust of Guernsey had certain statutory objectives. 'These are summed up in our Mission Statement which says the Trust aims to preserve and enhance the island's natural beauty, its historic buildings and its heritage. The tenets of the Edinburgh Declaration chime in perfectly with this.'
Advocate Eades said that both Trusts wanted to encourage the island's heritage to be regarded as a major issue by candidates and voters alike.
Further information on this Press release from Marguerite Talmage on 246700.
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Note to Editors
A Press conference giving further details on the above will be held at St James on Tuesday 30 March at 11am to which you are invited to send a representative.