DEPUTY Anne Pryke has been re-elected unopposed in Trinity.

Though the seat was uncontested, the Deputy was praised by the Constable, John Gallichan, cheered by a full hall of parishioners and deemed a GST – a ‘genuine, sincere Trinitais’ – by proposer Michael Vautier, who said that she well deserved to serve a second three-year term.

In response, Deputy Pryke said: ‘I feel very honoured to be re-elected, it is a real privilege. It has been a steep learning curve and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. ‘When I was first elected I said I wanted to be actively involved in parish life and I hope I have achieved that. I am very proud to be involved in a parish which has such a great community spirit.’

Deputy Pryke, who for the last two years has also acted as Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment, said she intended to retain her role at the heart of the parish. She said: ‘I believe passionately in our Island and in its traditions, and I continue to be president of Trinity Youth Club, which is becoming an even more exciting project with the Youth Café moving a step closer.

‘In the summer I brought a proposition to rezone sites in Trinity for retirement homes and homes for first-time buyers, which I would say has been my most important achievement, because it is crucial that we have homes for our young people with strong Trinity connections.’

There were approving nods as Deputy Pryke spoke of her hopes for the next three years of her tenure, and parishioners warmly welcomed plans to continue with regular surgeries. ‘We are going to be facing many issues in the coming years, like dealing with the effects of the credit crunch, and because of that we need to make sure income support is fully funded to support those on low and middle incomes,’ said the Deputy.

‘Health care is set to improve across all ages, but we must also ensure that good insurance schemes are in place to fund residential and nursing care, so that no one will have to sell their home to fund health care in their old age. Over the last three years my door has always been open, and I aim to continue with regular surgeries, but I always hope parishioners will continue to give me their thoughts and comments.’

Nomination paper:
Deputy Anne Pryke (54)
Address: Roslyn, Rue de Catel, Trinity.
Occupation: States Member.
Proposers: Michael Vautier, Peter Williams, Angela Le Sueur, Lewis Rondel, Mary Dunford, Susan Jones, Jean Cadin, Cyril Le Brun, Ruth Picot, John Cabot.

• Picture: Deputy Pryke with the Rector, the Rev Geoff Houghton, and the Constable, John Le Sueur Gallichan (00599380)