The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a group of islands located in the Bay of St. Malo in the Channel Islands. A bailiwick is a legal area which is administered by a person or body of people called "the bailiff." The Channel Islands consists of two bailiwicks: the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of three different jurisdictions, those being Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark. The islands in this Bailiwick includes all of the inhabited islands of the Channel Islands with the exception of the island of Jersey. By name, the islands which make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey are Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Brecqhou, Crevichon, Lihou, and Jethou, as well as the uninhabited islands of the Casquets and Burhou, off the coast of Alderney, and the waters which surround all of the above islands.
Although the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency and the bailiff is appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom, it is not actually part of the United Kingdom. It is considered a remnant of the Duchy of Normandy which is separate from, but not independent of, the UK.
The bailiff, who is generally an attorney, is the overseer of the Royal Court and is available to cast a deciding vote of the judges cannot come to agreement on a judgement. He or she will also sometimes make decisions about cases which are based on preference or principle instead of established facts.
The Sovereign also appoints the lieutenant governor, who is designated as the official representative of the Crown in the Bailiwick.The lieutenant governor presides over all state meetings.
The chief minister, however, is elected rather than selected, and due to this fact, it is the most senior political position in the Bailiwick. Officially known as the President of the Policy and Resources Committee, which deals with Guernsey's day-to-day operations and the Bailiwick's external affairs.
The defense of the Bailiwick of Guernsey is the responsibility of the United Kingdom. It is not a member of the European Union, but it is treated like a member for the purposes of free trade.
The official languages of the Bailiwick of Guernsey are English, French. and Norman French. It has no flag.
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Recommended Resources
Channel Islands Occupation Society (Guernsey Branch)
The Occupation Society was established to study all aspects of the German military occupation of the British Channel Islands during World War II. The Society organises tours and presentations throughout the islands and France. Featured are details about its Occupation Museum, fortifications, programmes, German personnel, and publications.
http://www.ciosguernsey.org.gg
Provided by the States of Guernsey, this guide to the islands of Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney includes an outline of the islands, maps, flights and ferries to and from Guernsey, guest accommodations, and package deals. Information about the history and culture of the Bailiwick of Guernsey is offered, with photographs and contacts.
https://www.visitguernsey.com
Presented by Centenary House, the Guernsey Directory contains up-to-date white page residential and business listings for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, along with a yellow page section with advertisements for local businesses. Maps are also available.
https://www.theguernseydirectory.com
Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The regulatory body for the finance sector in the Bailiwick of Guernsey features information about its regulated and registered entities, consultations, warning, prohibitions and public statements, publications, legislation and guidance, as well as documents and forms.
https://www.gfsc.gg
Guernsey History, Arts and Culture
A profile and history of Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, is set forth, with information about local arts and literature, culture, and its floral and horticultural heritage. Local photographers are highlighted, as well as events, such as the Channel Islands Heritage Festival.
https://www.visitguernsey.com/history-arts-and-culture
As a joint initiative of the Royal Court of Guernsey and the Law Officers of the Crown, this site provides access to frequently used legal material and references, such as laws, ordinances, statutory instruments, Orders of the Royal Court, law reports, unreported judgments, and recent changes in laws and regulatory documents pertaining to Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and the bailiwick in general.
http://www.guernseylegalresources.gg/
The Guernsey Post provides postal operations to individual and business customers throughout the Bailiwick of Guernsey, including the smaller islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm, as well as providing a range of products and services. Its site includes a postage calculator, postcode finder, and mail tracker.
https://www.guernseypost.com
The purpose of the Society is to promote interest in all matters relating to the Bailiwick of Guernsey, including its history, current events and future plans. Its site includes membership information, meeting schedules, an online message board, family history data, a travel guide, and details about its various publications, some of which are available online.
http://www.guernsey-society.org.uk/
Offers an overview and history of the islands within the Bailiwick of Guernsey, including the islands of Alderney, Sark, and Herm, with links to additional information about each, particularly the options available to visit them.
https://www.visitguernsey.com/island-hopping
Philatelic Bureau of the Guernsey Post
Catering to philatelists, the Guernsey Post offers for sale its new and current issues of stamps, issues to be withdrawn, definitives, self sticks, and other products, which may be purchased through its online shopping area. Other resources include a history of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, its post office, and other aspects of island life.
https://www.guernseystamps.com
The official site of the Bailiwick of Guernsey offers an overview of its governmental structure, and provides details on commerce and employment, culture and leisure, education, the environment, health and social services, housing, taxes, and services. Online resources include online payments, and registration for workers.
https://www.gov.gg
