SENDING aid and people to support development work overseas is an important example of Jersey exerting ‘soft power’ on the world stage, according to the King’s representative in the Island.
The Lieutenant-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd shared his views on this tool of international relations – which is broadly defined as using persuasion, typically through economic or cultural influence, rather than military ‘hard power’ – in a Bailiwick Podcast, which is released today.
In a wide-ranging conversation which can be accessed via the Bailiwick Express website – covering such topics as the ability of the finance industry to be a positive force globally, the role of the Royal Family to exert influence, and the growing military might of China – His Excellency explores how he thinks Jersey can build trade and cultural links with other jurisdictions, including the UK.
Against a backdrop of both the United States and the UK cutting their foreign aid budgets, the Lieutenant-Governor said that the Island should continue to fund development projects, such as its support – though Jersey Overseas Aid – in countries including Rwanda, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
He said: “If there is anything that we should be proud of, it is the moral cause of Jersey Overseas Aid. We provide quite a lot of impact on the ground, and I saw it for myself in Zambia very recently, with our dairy programme there.
“We are making enormous differences to some very poor villagers, whose lives have been transformed by the ability to produce more and higher quality milk through the genetics of the Jersey cow.”
He added: “At the end of the day, if we are to be respected as a jurisdiction – which has its own legislature and judiciary – we have a moral obligation to have at least some aspect of our GDP put over to foreign aid.
“It is a very effective source of soft power and an effective way to build relationships and gratitude. When other countries look at Jersey, they can say ‘well done, Jersey, you are doing your bit’. It is money well spent: every pound has impact.
“Long may it continue. I do hope Jersey continues to deliver through JOA. Over 1,000 people have also volunteered, and they bring those skills and experience back to Jersey.”
JOA – which has an annual budget of just under £22m – is holding an event on Wednesday 1 October at the Royal Yacht Hotel to launch its 2026 Volunteer Programme.
Next year, JOA will select three teams of 12–14 Islanders to volunteer in Nepal, Malawi and Zambia.
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, who chairs of JOA, said: “Our volunteering programme is about far more than building schools or homes. It is about building relationships, learning from our partners, and standing alongside communities as they shape their own futures.
“It embodies the values of partnership and mutual respect that lie at the heart of international development.”
Tickets for the free event can be accessed here.
