Deputy Andrew Lewis has also called on the islands’ business communities to put more pressure on government to achieve a more harmonious relationship as he said it could be beneficial for all parties.
He made the comments after the States of Jersey and Guernsey failed to establish an inter-island passenger ferry service with Condor after the Sarnian government refused to pay its half of the cost to underwrite the pilot scheme.
Meanwhile, previous bids to set up a joint aircraft registry and to burn Guernsey’s waste in Jersey’s incinerator have also fallen flat.
‘It is partially hampered by having air and sea routes that do not work – we spend less time in each others’ islands.
‘Certainly if we wanted to work more closely on health and education, transport would need to be improved.
‘We have a lot more degree courses nowadays. I think it is around 20 so we could definitely help them with that but there would need to be a way for people from Guernsey to get over here easily.’
Deputy Lewis added that the islands will soon have to work more closely as both bailiwicks will need to negotiate deals before the UK leaves the European Union.
He said: ‘When push comes to shove we do have a track record of working well together but when it comes down to things such as ferries, things do not seem to work as well.’
