Paul Bourgaize

Mr Bourgaize was first nominated by Alison and Mark Swales for his continuing work in the community promoting and maintaining the island’s history. 
‘Everything he does is voluntary, if he didn’t do it people wouldn’t come to the island,’ said Mrs Swales. 
This is a similar theme across all nominations for Mr Bourgaize. One nominator described him as ‘a key promoter of the island’s tourism, bringing in countless tours and VIPs’.
Another said ‘he dedicated his life to Festung Guernsey, which has brought a lot of tourism to the islands’.
Mr Bourgaize co-founded Festung Guernsey in 2005. The volunteer group helps to restore and preserve Guernsey’s Second World War bunkers. The group also conducts several different tours of the island and has recently taken over the lease for the German Underground Hospital. Mr Bourgaize was also involved with the organisation of the Liberation military cavalcade, for which he gave up his evenings for several months. 
‘I’ve been interested in history since a young boy. My grandparents and parents were actively involved with the war,’ Mr Bourgaize said. 
‘People come from all over the world, but mainly Europe, to see the island’s fortifications – it’s important to get the information out there, to educate.’