Constables are elected for a 1 – 3 year term. It is
compulsory for a Constable to serve one year. In
order to ensure continuity, it is recommended that, as far
as possible, six months shall elapse between the election
of one Constable and the election of a new colleague.
Eligibility - Candidates must be a British subject, not
subject to any legal disability, having had his/her
residence in Guernsey for one year immediately prior to the
date of nomination, and being ordinarily resident at the
time of his/her nomination in the parish in which he/she is
nominated for office. A Constable shall hold office
for so long as he/she continues to reside in the parish.
Douzeniers are elected for a maximum 4 year term. The
Douzaine comprises 20 members who retire on a rota
basis. Elections are held on the first Wednesday of
November annually (except when that day falls on Bonfire
Night – 5th November - when any election will take place on
the Thursday following. Eligibility is as above.
If a Constables or Douzenier dies, ceases to reside in the
Parish or is discharged from office by the Royal Court, the
resulting casual vacancy shall be filled by an election (if
it occurred more than 5 whole months before the end of the
term of office vacated). A person elected to fill a
vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the term of
office vacated.
Deans of the Douzaine – the Dean (Doyen) is usually the
longest serving member. A Dean is the Returning
Officer for the election of Constables and Overseers of the
Poor. He/she is therefore Chairperson when Electors
meet for this purpose. The Dean also presides at the
Parish Meeting dealing with secular matters. In
his/her absence, a chairperson shall be appointed by and
from among those Electors and Ratepayers present.
Procureur of the Poor - the Procureur of the Poor in St.
Peter Port administers a private fund at his discretion and
is elected every two years at the November Parish
Meeting. The current Procureur is Mr. Richard
Barneby, Contact Tel: 724102 or 07781-102040.
Schools Committee Members – there are two Schools
Committees in the Parish:
St. Peter Port Secondary School Committee and the Amherst
Infants & Junior and Vauvert Infants and Junior Schools
Committee. (N.B. Although the last committee refers
to both Amherst and Vauvert Primary Schools, the law has
not yet been changed to reflect this change in title!).
Eligibility is as above. Term of Office – 3
years. If a member is unable to complete his/her term
of office, a replacement shall be elected to complete the
unexpired term.