"Where's Matt?" Guernsey's Education President avoids green ribbon protesters

Campaigners were left disappointed when the President of the Education, Sport and Culture Committee did not face their protest ahead of this morning's (26 February) State's meeting.

People Power Guernsey say Deputy Matt Fallaize had agreed to receive a signed petition from their online campaign, supporting the requête to 'Stop and Review' the current education reforms.

Deputy Mark Dorey was the only member of the Education Committee to face the crowds. Credit: ITV Channel

Only one member of the Education Committee, Deputy Mark Dorey, walked through the protest this morning.

Student Angel Perkins planned to hand the petition to Deputy Fallaize.

Mother and daughter, Diane and Angel, are not happy with the current education plan. Credit: ITV Channel

In a statement sent after the states meeting had begun, Deputy Matt Fallaize says a personal appointment kept him away from the protest this morning.

Chief Minister Gavin St Pier accepted a petition as did Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, one of the deputies leading the motion to halt the two-school education model.

Chief Minister Gavin St Pier accepted the ring binder of 5,770 signatures calling for states to pause and review the current education model. Credit: ITV Channel

It is a landmark States week with members set to be debate the new two school model and six amendments laid with it.

If the move to 'stop and review' the new education model is successful - which set out plans to build one 'super school' based over two separate campuses - it could halt five years of reforms.

The Education Committee says the setback could cost the taxpayer up to £11.3 million. However campaigners and supporters of the requête say it is more important to set the right long term future of the island's education.