INTER-ISLAND connectivity was among the key agenda items as ministers from Jersey played host to Guernsey’s new Economic Development Minister.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, who was elected as President of Guernsey’s Economic Development Committee following the recent general election, met with her Jersey counterpart Deputy Kirsten Morel, as well as External Relations Minister Ian Gorst.
Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Deputy Morel and Deputy Gorst and discuss a number of matters of mutual interest.
“I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together, particularly with inter-island ferry links, as well as exploring opportunities around open banking.”
Deputy Morel described the meeting as “the start of a strong and productive working relationship”, saying that he believed “good progress” could be made on ferry connectivity between the islands over the coming months.
Prior to the Guernsey election held in June, Deputy Morel had been involved in several public disagreements with the Guernsey politician who formerly headed up Economic Development, Deputy Neil Inder. This followed the collapse last October of a joint tender process for a new partner for ferry services to the islands.
During the recent visit, the three ministers and officials also discussed the potential for digital and technical collaboration during a visit to Digital Jersey.
Deputy Gorst added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Kazantseva-Miller to Jersey, and I look forward to working with her on matters of mutual interest.
“As international financial centres, Jersey and Guernsey already work closely together on areas of common interest, and it is clear that our political working relationship will grow stronger.”
