“This house believes AI should be the number one priority for the States of Guernsey,” was the motion discussed on Tuesday 3 November at The Ladies’ College’s fifth annual Big Debate.
The debate, chaired by Sir Richard Collas, retired Bailiff of Guernsey and former Governor of The Ladies’ College, brought together students and guest speakers from business and government and formed part of the AI Sprint event series.
Callum McCutcheon, Director at PwC, proposed the motion alongside Upper Sixth student Charley Bisson, whilst Deputy Sally Rochester opposed it alongside Lower Sixth student Amelia Blundell. Sides were assigned to the speakers by the organisers ahead of the debate.
Opening the proposition, Callum argued that prioritising AI was not about identifying Guernsey’s biggest challenge but determining the most effective first step towards addressing the island’s wider economic and social pressures.
He highlighted AI’s potential to support economic growth, improve the efficiency of public services and prepare future generations for a changing workplace, particularly on an island with limited resources and a shortage of specialist skills.
Mr McCutcheon said: “Small places like Guernsey don’t get to wait and see. When we’re slow, our size is our weakness, but when we’re quick, it is our greatest strength. So, let’s be ambitious. Let’s aim for Guernsey to be the best small place in the world to learn, to work and to build a business with AI. Not the biggest, the best.”
Supporting the proposition, Charley Bisson further explored how AI could improve the efficiency of government departments, including the processing of planning applications and tax returns.
She argued that carefully implemented AI systems could help reduce administrative backlogs, allowing public sector employees to dedicate more time to complex cases and wider priorities. She also emphasised the States’ responsibility to protect young people through education, appropriate legislation and greater awareness of the risks associated with emerging technologies.
Charley added: “Burying our heads in the sand and hoping for the best does not mitigate these risks but instead makes our community more vulnerable. Love it or loathe it, AI is ever evolving, and with the proper implementation, has the potential to streamline government services to increase efficiency.”
Chosen to oppose the motion, Deputy Rochester outlined three central arguments stating that government should prioritise outcomes rather than tools and enable technological innovation rather than lead it. She added that Guernsey faces more immediate challenges, including housing, fiscal pressures and demographic change.
Deputy Rochester said: “Artificial intelligence is undeniably powerful, but it does remain a tool, and a tool should never become more important than the outcome that it delivers.”
Whilst recognising AI’s potential to improve public services, she argued that the States should create the conditions for responsible adoption, working alongside businesses and the wider community without diverting attention from existing priorities.
Amelia Blundell reinforced the opposition highlighting how governments around the world have incorporated AI into their strategies without making it their number one priority.
Drawing on international examples, she raised concerns about the financial and ethical risks of introducing AI into government decision-making, including the potential for bias, errors and costly implementation failures.
“Currently, the States of Guernsey interpret existing laws, such as the data protection laws, to govern AI use on the island. These have worked adequately thus far. With the limited resources of the States of Guernsey, specialised AI legislation should not be prioritised over the States’ other responsibilities to the community, as adding new legislation risks complexity, duplication and cost,” Amelia said.
Before the debate began, an initial audience vote recorded 31 “pour” the motion and 54 “contre”. The final vote saw support for the proposition increase to 38, while 44 voted against, leaving the opposition victorious despite the narrowing margin.
Principal of The Ladies’ College, Daniele Harford-Fox, said: “In a moment where people are replacing their written voice with the generic tone of AI, it feels important not only to engage in face-to-face discussion but to build our ability to use our actual voices to connect and explore ideas.
“It was amazing to see Amelia and Charley hold their own on the night alongside experienced voices, demonstrating their ability to research and articulate complex arguments, but also to listen, challenge and respond thoughtfully. My thanks go to all four speakers, Sir Richard Collas, our audience and everyone involved in making this event possible.”
Pictured: Left to right – Deputy Sally Rochester, Amelia Blundell, Sir Richard Collas, Daniele Harford-Fox, Callum McCutcheon, Charley Bisson. Credit: The Ladies College
