Welcome

Message from the Terry Waite CBE, Honorary Chairman

A few weeks ago, I met with a group of people met in London.  Although they came from very different backgrounds, they had experienced one thing in common: All had lost their freedom by being taken hostage. Some were in captivity for a matter of weeks, others spent over five years away from home. Loss of freedom can be experienced in many ways.  During World War Two, Guernsey lost its freedom through being occupied by a foreign power.  Many people have lost the freedom to walk or to be mentally active due to illness. In some countries freedom of expression is denied to people. This year the Channel Islands will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of freedom from occupation and the Guernsey Literary Festival has accordingly chosen the theme of Freedom for its annual children’s writing competition. We all hope that this will encourage everyone to value the various freedoms they enjoy and work responsibly for Freedom throughout world.

Terry Waite CBE
Hon Chairman
Guernsey Literary Festival