Parish – Island – International
It is no secret that I would like to see seasonal passenger boats running between Gorey and Carteret again – just like we had in the 70’s/80’s, where during the summer months on good tides suitable for day-trips, Gorey was buzzing with French visitors and Carteret brimming with Jersey folk. I remember the coaches waiting to take visitors to St Helier or around the island and back again to catch their boat home.
So when Ports of Jersey held a Consultation afternoon for ‘stabilisation works’ of the landing area, I took the opportunity to raise the issue at the Counsel of Ministers to see if we could investigate the rejuvenation of the area, rather than a ‘closing down’ scenario.
Of course there are challenges (and investment) involved. The current terminal doesn’t meet today’s border control standards, there has to be separate offices for staff to conduct checks, control desks, search facilities, digital services and support from the Home office. But there is good news, some French companies are showing an interest in exploring this kind of investment. Deputy Kirsten Morel and I are planning to pursue the idea with Ports in these coming months.
Speaking of our French neighbours, Deputy Kirsten Morel and I attended a pan-island Brittany Summit in October – a constructive day full of great discussions from the EU/UK ‘reset’ and Youth Mobility, to Fishing Licenses, energy co-operation and immigration. And did you know there is now a “Hot-desk” available to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark provided by Brittany, right in the heart of St Malo? It offers a shared space with two meeting rooms accommodating between 12 – 30 people for businesses and groups who wish build stronger economic, cultural and community links with Brittany and beyond.
Back on the water but not quite reaching France – I was honoured to join the Lieutenant-Governor and his wife Dr Karen Kidd on our bi-annual visit to Les Minquiers which forms part of the Parish of Grouville. It was a good day, where we inspected the beautiful islands – which make Grouville the largest Parish at low tide. We raised flags and enjoyed the great hospitality of the hut owners.
There’s also been plenty happening in my International Development portfolio. In brief — I introduced our Patron, the Lieutenant-Governor, to several of our projects in Zambia. In October, we launched our Community Work Projects for 2026, offering volunteers life-changing experiences. Next years projects will be taking place in Nepal, Zambia and Malawi. We also opened up a new 18-month internship opportunity and took part in a Philanthropy Conference in London, organised by Jersey Finance Limited — where the brilliant Rory Stewart was the keynote speaker. Jersey Overseas Aid had a fantastic presence there, highlighting how Jersey’s financial expertise can make a real difference to the poorest communities, not just the wealthy.
As I write, we’re preparing for another Jersey International Development Network (JIDN) event — open to everyone which are always free of charge. Our last session of the year focuses on our Dairy for Development programmes, and later I’ll be representing JOA at a Gurkha Welfare Trust event — an organisation we’re proud to support and who, in turn, support us through our community projects.
One of the highlights this autumn was giving the opening address at the JCG Model United Nations Youth Conference. JCG Students were joined by De La Salle, Hautlieu and Victoria College who came together to form committees on Youth, Human Rights, the Environment, Health, and Politics.
It was inspiring to see so many young people spending their Saturday discussing global issues with such enthusiasm and insight. Under the impressive leadership of Secretary General Alena Clyde-Smith, the event gave students a valuable chance to strengthen their leadership, communication, and listening skills.
As I told them: “When the UN talks about reform, innovation and youth inclusion — it’s talking about you. For you are not just leaders of tomorrow, you’re leaders in training today.”
And finally — a big cheer for Ballet d’Jerri, who recently performed at the Jersey Opera House for the first time. If you haven’t seen them yet, do go — their contemporary performances are outstanding, and as Jersey’s first ballet company, they’re doing a wonderful job representing our island both at home and abroad.
As this is my last article this year, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the parish groups, organisations and volunteers who give their time so generously. You keep our communities not just ticking over — but thriving. I’m deeply grateful to each and every one of you who get involved in Parish life.
And finally, if you’d like to chat with me, or with any of your other Deputies or the Constable in person, please come along to one of our Parish Surgeries (dates are listed in this magazine). Everyone’s welcome.
Email: c.labey@gov.je Tel: 852488
Serving the Parish, Island, and International Community — with pride and passion.
