The rural economy has a major impact on the landscape and environment of the Island providing a real sense of place and purpose. It is essential that our vision for the countryside provides rural businesses with stability and certainty. Our vision must recognise the economic, environmental and social importance of the sector whilst encouraging businesses […]
Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or […]
In the 12 months since taking office, in addition to business as usual across the whole portfolio, the Economic Development Department has delivered a number of projects. In March, Visit Jersey opened for business and assumed responsibility for marketing the Island and has since delivered the first Tourism Strategy for over ten years. In July […]
PFCO October 2015 – Latest Inflation figures published by Stats office of +0.1% is lower than expected. Underlying inflation as measured by RPIX is the lowest on record (since 2000). This is encouraging. Fuel bills, fares/travel, motoring, household goods, clothing and food prices all lower than in June and all (except fares and travel) below […]
Islanders will be aware of operational problems that have arisen again with the Condor Liberation in recent days. Whilst delays and cancellations earlier in the week were weather-related, today’s cancellations are as a result of technical problems with the vessel. I have included below an update from Condor Ferries received on Saturday 19th September 2015 […]
I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to talk to the Jersey Chamber of Commerce outlining my policy and position on growing Jersey’s economy and attach my speech (below). I would like to thank the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and all who attended. Draft Speech to the Jersey Chamber of Commerce – 11th […]
Bermuda, Jersey and other British offshore finance centres would have six months to open their books or face international blacklisting if Labour wins the general election, Labour Leader Ed Miliband has declared. He obviously does not know that: 1. Jersey has been providing law enforcement & tax authorities around the world with information on beneficial ownership for many […]
Jersey’s Council of Ministers has set out their strategic priorities for 2015 – 2018. The four key areas are: Health and Wellbeing, Education, Economic Growth and Jobs and St Helier: Click here to view a short video introduction to the strategic priorities
I am once again honoured to have taken the oath of office for Senator today to serve the island for a further term. The oath, as administered by the Bailiff, is as follows: “You swear and promise before God that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of Senator; that you will be faithful […]
Today (Friday 22nd Aug 2014) after being nominated by my son Alex! I dutifully undertook the MND Ice Bucket Challenge with members of the team from the Jersey Motor Neuron Disease Association and my old pal Harry McRandle from the JEP. Together we were raising awareness and funds for essential research to combat this little understood […]
In what appeared to be a good idea at the time, I agreed to participate in The Rock White Collar charity boxing event on Saturday 28th June. I expect many of you would pay handsomely to see a States Member take a few legitimate shots from mainly younger and fitter opponents whilst contributing to an inspirational […]
– I am sorry I did not post an entry in December – it appears to have been the busiest month of the year for me! December saw two very busy States sessions culminating with the Plemont debate the outcome of which is now well known. You can read my speech here I was also pleased […]
The States are being asked to consider alternative options for the location of the new Police HQ. Although Green Street is the preferred location and the building a bespoke design of the Police themselves there appears to be a general mood against? Please let me know your views ..
– I have attended two of the Electoral Commission’s public hearings (St Brelade and St Helier). The recommendations have received mixed reviews but I have to say that most people want to retain the Island Wide Mandate in one form or another. On Tuesday 13th November I lodged my Proposition asking the Chief Minister to […]
– Today the Electoral Commission presented their Interim Report and it is exactly as I suspected. Whilst I agree that they are on the right track I can not subscribe to their recommendation to ask the people if they want to retain the Connetables but NOT ask the same question of the Island Wide Mandate […]
– The second half of September and early October has seen a proliferation of meetings on subjects including; Historic Child Abuse (Committee of Inquiry), Health – the presentation of the new health strategy, Tourism Strategy and the creation of a Tourism Board, Fire Sprinklers in private homes (a sensible idea), and the Fiscal Policy Panel’s […]
– Senator Le Marquand (Home Affairs Minister) has been on leave for a couple of weeks so, as his Assistant Minister, I have been rather more busy than usual. Meetings I have attended include; Children’s Policy Group, Police HQ re-location, Customs and Immigration Controls and two meetings with Minister of State for Justice, Lord McNally who […]
– Today saw the Royal visit of HRH the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. The States of Jersey convened in a special sitting in the Royal Square this morning where a warm and friendly welcome was extended by he Bailiff to the visiting Royals. An appropriate and equally warm reply was presented by the […]
– A day that will live in infamy … We were deafeated (narrowly) by Guernsey States Members today in the annual Cricket Challenge in Guernsey. Nevertheless, our hosts were most generous and a great day was had by all. In my enthusiasm to field a low drive from Guernsey’s opening batsman I twinged something so […]
– I was present at my first meeting of the Justice System Board today which was very interesting. I continue to feel slightly uncomfortable though that we do not have any real political accountability or responsibility for Justice and certain areas of related Policy. I need to think more about this and discuss with my colleagues […]
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