The island of Guernsey is currently grappling with a troubling situation regarding its youth and their prospects for the future. Young residents like Myles Duquemin are expressing deep concerns over their ability to afford living on the island. Myles articulates the feelings of dismay shared by many others, remarking, “I just don’t know if I’m going to be able to afford to live here.” The sentiments reflect an alarming trend identified in a recent study by the Guernsey Community Foundation (GCF), which reveals that many young people are feeling increasingly isolated in a community that no longer seems viable for their aspirations.
This pivotal report is the first of its kind and stands out for its reliance on both previously published data and a survey that engaged about 3,000 islanders. This extensive research aims to comprehend the underlying factors driving young individuals away from Guernsey. Among the findings, the rising costs of living emerged as a prime mover, making the idea of establishing a future on the island appear increasingly untenable. The challenges highlighted in the report resonate throughout the community, underscoring the pressing need for attention and intervention.
Myles, who shares that his family roots on the island run deep, further communicates the emotional weight of the situation. “It doesn’t make me feel great,” he admits, noting the familial connections he has there. Many of his friends have already departed for broader opportunities, leaving him worried about potentially isolating himself as well. The prospect of never returning due to financial barriers adds a heavy layer of apprehension to his situation. With memories and bonds forged in his home, the thought of losing that connection due to economic realities is haunting.
Illustratively capturing this scenario, Lilleth Tolley, a student studying digital forensic investigation at a university in Stoke, also reveals similar sentiments. She acknowledges the challenges of returning to Guernsey after completing her education, calling that prospect “not realistic” based on current living costs. Lilleth elaborates on the issue of skyrocketing property prices, stating, “they’re just completely unaffordable to the average person.” This assertion is underscored by statistics showing the average rental property in Guernsey costs £2,037 a month—an increase of 50% from just five years ago. Such figures paint a dire picture of the local housing market and illuminate the larger crisis confronting the community.
Lilleth’s observations extend to her peers, many of whom once intended to remain in Guernsey but are now grappling with difficult conversations about leaving the island for the UK. “There are serious conversations going on,” she says, as friends contemplate saving up to seek better opportunities elsewhere, fundamentally reshaping the social landscape of the island.
The conclusions presented in the GCF study foster critical reflections about the generational gap that seems to be widening under the weight of economic strain. Many parents in Guernsey feel inclined to support their children’s independence as they turn 18, but the cost of living does not facilitate such autonomy, exacerbating feelings of frustration and helplessness. A notable divide appears between the aspirations of the island’s youth and the harsh economic realities they face.
The situation is dire and demands urgent attention. With a growing consensus that Guernsey is becoming increasingly inhospitable to its younger generations, local authorities must carefully consider the implications of these findings. Addressing the rising cost of living may require innovative policies and community support initiatives designed to retain talent and foster a sustainable environment in which young individuals can envision their futures on the island. The voices of Myles, Lilleth, and many others are pivotal in underscoring this challenge, creating a narrative that calls for immediate action to secure the viability of Guernsey for successive generations.
