Emma Martins, Guernsey’s Data Protection Commissioner is in the hot seat today, reflecting on how 2020 has been for her both personally and professionally, her idea of a good Christmas and her hopes for 2021.
How has this year been for you personally?
A real mixed bag. Earlier in the year, like so many people, having to juggle a swift move to home working and having children needing to do schooling online was certainly a challenge. I have also missed being able to travel to see friends and family. Against a backdrop of such a scale of human suffering, it is uncomfortable, but nonetheless true, to also say that there were moments where a calming of the frantic pace of normal life, especially during the beautiful Spring months, was welcome. Time previously taken commuting to work was taken walking in the lanes and on the beaches. I have always been grateful to call the Channel Islands my home, but never more so than this year.
How has this year been for you professionally?
I know we have all exhausted our hyperboles this year, but it really has been extraordinary. When we went into lockdown our office had just started a big project which involves a new administrative system and website so on the face of it, there could not have been a worse time for us to have to focus time and energy on responding to the crisis. But the reality has been very different to what it could have been.
The way all the staff responded, including one who joined us the very week we went into lockdown, has been humbling and inspiring. I am left with a sense of huge pride and gratitude to them all for not only coping with the extraordinary and swift developments, but also for delivering above and beyond and for doing so with such determination and good humour. As a result, despite the year being very challenging, it has also been very productive.
What’s your ‘hot take’ for 2020?
Never let it be said that we cannot change our lives, processes, lifestyles, attitudes. If ever we have had a lesson in how responsive, resilient and enterprising human beings can be, it has been during this time. Also, Carpe Diem. It has long been my mantra but again, the events of this year have reminded me to really try to live a life of integrity and kindness, and to cherish those you care for because you never know what is round the corner, for them or you.
Tell us your hopes for 2021
I think 2020 has served to remind us to be grateful for and appreciative of things that we perhaps took for granted before. I hope that 2021 allows the world to recover; encourages us to be bolder in our vision of change and more grateful for those things that matter the most to us.
I would like to think that the pandemic has also prompted a bit of a re-evaluation of how we recognise and value people. It has really brought focus to people who have been instrumental in responding to the crisis and getting us through it – such as care-workers, scientists, supermarket staff, among others.
What would you like to see the States of Guernsey focus on first in 2021?
If the economy is healthy, then Government will be in a better position to look after its citizens. We need the vulnerable to be protected and cared for; we also need our local economy to recover quickly. The Bailiwick has shown how focused and nimble it can be in the face of adversity; lessons I hope we can continue to benefit from in future.
Data is increasingly powering the economy and I firmly believe that the Bailiwick can position itself strongly by taking data governance seriously. We can either lead from the front or get left behind in what is the fourth industrial revolution.
What does a perfect Christmas for you look like?
I admit to being a Christmas freak – I just love it. It’s the one time of the year when it’s ok to do absolutely nothing but play Monopoly, watch movies and eat mince pies. We all need proper down time and Christmas has always been mine.
My favourite thing to do at Christmas-time is to, as a family, take a weekend trip to London to see the lights and a west end show. I will miss doing that this year, and my heart goes out to businesses that rely on Christmas trade. Let’s hope we can make up for it next year.
Do you prefer Christmas or New Year?
Definitely Christmas. New Year is great but I am not a night owl so am always at risk of nodding off whilst watching Jools Holland.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
Without hesitation, It’s a Wonderful Life. The simple but powerful story and the beautiful acting always brings a tear to my eye and makes me hug my kids tight. That said, it’s only officially Christmas in our house once Home Alone has been on.
Are you ready for Christmas or do you wait until the last minute to get organised?
I am usually pretty organised but there are always a few things that need doing last minute. I absolutely hate shopping, of any sort, so getting that out of the way means we can hunker down and watch It’s a Wonderful Life on loop!
What would you like Santa to leave under the tree for you this year?
A vaccine for everyone.
