PEOPLE’S DEPUTY
Thank you to the 9,427 islanders who gave me their vote and returned me to the States of Deliberation for my third term. As in previous terms I will work to do my best for the Bailiwick of Guernsey and all its people.
About Me
I was born in Guernsey and, apart from around three years away, I’ve lived here all my life. I started working life with 10 years in local finance. After taking a trial flying lesson at the Aero Club, I became hooked and eventually left the finance industry to become the chief flying instructor at the club. I pressed on and gained my Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence and in due course I flew as a 737 Captain for British Airways. However, my most enjoyable flying was as a Trislander Captain for Aurigny, including on the legendary JOEY. I stopped commercial flying in 2012 when I was honoured to be elected as a People’s Deputy for the West. In 2020, I was elected again in the first full island-wide election
I believe life is one long learning opportunity so after some years of pursuing different Open University courses, I took the plunge and gained a master’s degree in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Construction. Due to family circumstances when I was growing up, I left school at 17 to go into work, so finally getting round to gaining a degree was a moment of personal achievement at the age of 51. In 2020 I completed the Institute of Director’s Certificate in Company Direction. The discipline and content of these two qualifications has stood me in good stead for the demands of being a deputy.
Voluntary work has included working as a Director of Safer and the Women’s Refuge, a position I held between 2017 and 2020. In 2018, I was honoured to be elected as the President of La Société Guernesiaise for a two-year term. Additionally, I served on the Independent Monitoring Panel for the States’ Prison and spent 15 years flying as a pilot for Channel Islands Air Search for which I was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for Voluntary Service.
My experience spans across economic, environmental, social and political issues. I believe that all people should be treated fairly and with respect. I’m not afraid to put my head above the parapet or ask seemingly obvious or difficult questions of anyone. I have friends across the political spectrum and enjoy lively conversations, and I’m open to hearing new evidence that changes my mind.
In my spare time I swim and make pottery and I’m always up for a game of scrabble.
It is unlikely that people will agree with every single one of my views, but that is no doubt true of every candidate for political office. What I do promise, however, is that I will always base my views on evidence, research and the views of the community. I also understand that sometimes what the evidence might show is right for another country might not be right for Guernsey and a balance must be struck.
“Yvonne cares strongly about Guernsey and all sections of our community. With her wide experience of life, she will bring insight and wisdom to all that she has to decide in the States Chamber and the Committees of Government.”
Sir de Vic Carey, Proposer.
“Yvonne has led the Scrutiny Committee with professionalism and skill since 2020. She is a hardworking and effective deputy.”
Chris Green. Advocate and former deputy.
If you have any questions relating to my role as a deputy, do feel free to contact me at yvonne.burford@deputies.gov.gg