Jersey’s Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Gerald Voisin, met the President of Guernsey’s Committee for Economic Development this week to discuss co-operation in areas of shared interest.
Deputy Voisin and Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller (pictured) expressed their continued commitment to inter-island connectivity, and options to improve the situation in the near future are now under consideration. While both parties have acknowledged the inter-island travel situation remains challenging, each have said they will work together, and with ferry operators, to identify opportunities for improving sea connectivity between the islands.
Cruise tourism was also identified as an area where greater co-operation could benefit both islands. This included working together to encourage cruise operators to include the Channel Islands in their programmes.
Deputy Gerald Voisin said: “From our discussion, it is clear to me that we share a desire to address the challenges facing inter-island connectivity, and I look forward to us working constructively towards that shared goal. Inter-island connectivity is important to businesses and community groups in both Jersey and Guernsey, and I am hopeful that we can find ways to make it easier for people to get between the islands.
“At the meeting, we both agreed to explore short- and medium-term options, and I look forward to the next meeting when we can reconvene and agree on the next steps, before making further announcements.”
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, States of Guernsey’s President of the Committee for Economic Development, said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Deputy Voisin to discuss how Guernsey and Jersey can work together to strengthen connectivity between our islands. Reliable and affordable transport links are vital for our communities, businesses and visitor economies, and it is important that we continue to engage constructively on the challenges we face.
“While there are no quick solutions, we share a commitment to exploring practical opportunities to improve connectivity by both sea and air and the opportunities to promote the Channel Islands tourism collectively and enhance the benefits that connectivity brings to both Bailiwicks.”
