A PORTS of Jersey employee has been appointed as the Island’s new French Honorary Consul.
Harbour pilot, maritime standards manager and assistant registrar of shipping Pierre Chays – who came to Jersey in 2015 – took over the role from Christopher Scholefield.
At a hand-over ceremony this week, Mr Scholefield said: “It helps to be French and be a French national, to have been brought up in the French system in a French school and understand the operation of the French government. I, as a Jersey person, didn’t have the depth of knowledge and understanding that I know Pierre has.
“That’s why I think the French community in Jersey will see their consular service going up a gear because they will be looked after by one of their own.”
Mr Scholefield described the role as a “bridgehead for France and things French in Jersey”.
“While that can be time-consuming and difficult, it’s also a good thing, because I am absolutely convinced that there is everything to be gained and nothing to be lost from Jersey reinforcing its connections with France,” he added.
“I’ve been interested in the French community and residents here in Jersey for quite a while,” Mr Chays said, adding that he had “naturally” stepped forward for the role.
Mr Chays, who also works closely with the Maison de la Normandie and Alliance Française, added: “There are lots of different events taking place over the year for French residents and I was always involved in those events in some shape or form.
“So it helped [me] build relationships with not only the French residents here, but the French coming from France and understanding how we are representing them here on the Island.”
