The long-term resilience of Jersey’s economy is set to be examined and put to the test at this year’s IoD Jersey Annual Debate.
Picking up on key themes to emerge from last year’s IoD Jersey Annual Debate and its inaugural Mid-Year Review earlier this year, the Debate this year will examine just how sustainable Jersey’s economy is. Entitled ‘Is Jersey’s Economic Model Sustainable?’, the event, sponsored by law firm and long-term supporter of the event Carey Olsen, will take place on Thursday 20 September at the RJA&HS in Trinity.
Starting at 5.30 pm with a drinks reception, sponsored by HSBC, the event will feature Leo Johnson, Partner and Disruption Lead at PwC, as a keynote speaker. Panellists will include Geoff Cook of Jersey Finance, Tony Moretta of Digital Jersey and Scrutiny head Senator Kristina Moore.
With further visiting and local speakers and panellists set to be announced in due course, the event will examine Jersey’s tax environment and ask to what extent it should be revisited in order to meet the needs of a changing demographic and the evolving demands on island resources.
In addition, by analysing the evolving business and public-sector landscape, panellists will also discuss whether Jersey has the right ingredients to maintain its appeal as a centre for international commerce and whether it can continue to generate the levels of income the States of Jersey need to provide efficient and effective services to islanders in the long term.
Coming less than six months after the election of a new States Assembly, the event will also challenge panellists on interlinked areas such as Jersey’s approach to immigration control, public sector reform, and the Island’s response to pressures beyond its shores, including technology, natural resources and inevitable geopolitical shifts.
Returning moderator, renowned news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE, will ensure that attendees have the opportunity to question the panel of experts.
Commenting on this year’s Debate, IoD Jersey Chairman Chris Clark, said: “At our Debate last year, the overwhelming feeling was that there was a real need for Jersey to be thinking long term, looking seriously at its economic sustainability and considering how we can successfully create a diverse, vibrant, young and innovative economy.
“As we have come to expect from our Debates, we will be asking some really tough questions that will have widespread relevance to all of us, about the taxes we pay, who can live here, how our public services are run and how technology will impact our lives. It promises to be another fascinating Debate and I look forward to announcing further details in due course.”
The IoD Annual Debate will take place on Thursday 20 September 2018 at the RJA&HS from 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm and is open to all Islanders who have an interest in Jersey’s future. Individual tickets are £95 and tables of 12 can be booked for £1,080, including a two-course supper, through www.iod.je, while further information is also available through the IoD Jersey LinkedIn page and by following @iodjersey and #iodjsydebate on Twitter.
