Newsletter Spring 2026

This year much of my work has centred on education, leadership and strengthening Jersey’s international profile which I firmly believe are critical to our Island’s future.

In January, I had the privilege of opening a Conservation Livelihoods conference in Cambridge, hosted by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) alongside Durrell. Conservation Livelihoods is one of JOA’s three core pillars of sustainable development, alongside Dairy for Development and Financial Inclusion. Welcoming delegates from 19 countries reinforced something I have long championed — that Jersey is recognised globally, sharing our knowledge and experience in our three focus areas and delivers on practical, measurable impact.

Since launching JOA’s Conservation Livelihoods programme in 2018, Jersey partnerships supported by Jersey have helped drive sustainable change for more than 532,000 people across fragile environments including afro-alpine forests, rangelands, river systems and wetlands.

In 2024 alone, projects helped protect more than 162,000 hectares of forest, supported over 250 community groups, and strengthened incomes through sustainable forest products, improved market access, renewable energy and business training — while tackling human-wildlife conflict. Across six partner countries and Madagascar, 17 active projects are now supporting more than 388,000 people directly and training over 18,000 frontline workers and community facilitators. Some of the outcomes shared from the conference can be found on www.joa.je

Knowledge sharing and building future leadership continued through the Jersey International Development Network — a JOA-hosted event open to all Islanders. This time we welcomed UNICEF as our guest speakers. During their visit, we introduced them to the revitalised Jersey Youth Assembly, under the very able leadership of Molly Gladwin at the States Greffe. Watching young Islanders debate global development challenges alongside international experts was a powerful example of the next generation stepping forward with confidence and global awareness.

Political and civic education was one of the recommendations of the Island Identity project. If Jersey is to remain confident internationally, we must continue investing in our young people’s understanding of their island,  and its place in the world.

I have also been working closely with UNICEF to continue offering JOA supported, two-year UN Professional Officer placements for local people, building on our partnership with UNHCR. Over the past five years, we have supported Islanders working on the front line in places such as Cox’s Bazaar, Lebanon, Cairo and Kyiv. These opportunities build careers, while also building Jersey’s global reputation and networks.

One of the most meaningful moments this quarter was visiting Grouville School to speak to Year 5 and 6 students about my role as Minister for International Development. I was genuinely humbled by their knowledge, curiosity and compassion — a tribute to their teacher Sam Hall and headteacher Nicola Turner.

The students presented me with a book containing 160 beautifully handwritten postcards sharing their thoughts on supporting developing countries. It was one of the most moving reminders that Jersey’s future lies in the values we pass to the next generation.

Alongside my international work, I continue to lead the Island Identity project (www.islandidentity.je) I have recently finalised a new Island Identity brochure, which will be available through the Parishes, the States Bookshop and online. This work is about ensuring Jersey tells its own story, something I believe is increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.

Closer to home, and over the winter I have been working alongside Deputy Rose Binet and the “Save St Martin from Solar Farms” group. I am pleased the proposals for ground-mounted solar panels have now been withdrawn by Jersey Electricity. I strongly believe renewable energy must be delivered in ways that protect our landscape, prioritising rooftops and car parks rather than productive agricultural land.

Finally, as this will be my last article before the election period, I want to say how much I have enjoyed serving both St Martins as well as Grouville this term. I was initially apprehensive about effectively doubling my workload, but working alongside fellow Deputies and continuing to meet so many wonderful Parishioners has been a real privilege.

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