Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom visits Guernsey

Wednesday 16 October 2024

The Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Teodoro Lopez Locsin Jr, visited Guernsey this week.

This is the first visit by Ambassador Locsin since he was appointed to the post in August 2022 and the first official visit to Guernsey of any Philippine Ambassador.

Whilst in Guernsey, the Ambassador met the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Trott, and other members of the Policy & Resources Committee, the Committee for Economic Development, the Committee for Employment and Social Security and the Committee for Home Affairs. The Ambassador also visited the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, meeting with members of the Committee for Health & Social Care and with Filipino nationals working within healthcare. Meetings with politicians focussed on the local Filipino community's valuable contributions to Guernsey, particularly within the hospitality, health and finance sectors.

The Ambassador visited various sites that reflect the history and culture of the island, including Candie Museum, the Priaulx Library and Castle Cornet where he fired the noon day gun. The local Filipino community held an event which provided a further opportunity for the Ambassador and others from the Philippines Embassy to meet those living on the island.

Deputy Trott said:

"I was delighted to be able to welcome the Philippines Ambassador for his first visit here.

"The number of Filipinos living in Guernsey has grown in recent years, particularly since Covid and Brexit, with many having come as key workers to fill roles in our healthcare and our hospitality sectors which are vital to Guernsey's success and way of life. My colleagues and I welcome and recognise their involvement in our island's community and economy.

"I look forward to Guernsey's government continuing to engage with His Excellency and the team at the Embassy in London in the future."