Friday 1st November 2024
The Jersey Chamber Weekly Update
Dear Subscriber,
Anyone remember a ship called the Pacific Princess? If you are of a certain generation, you will be getting all misty-eyed at the mention of this vessel. In case you are more mystified than misty-eyed, it was from the TV series The Love Boat.
Sadly, despite the nine tender months of a process, there is little love between us and our neighbours right now, when shopping around for a boat service. That's taking 'pinch and punch' a tad too far.
Yes, Chamber warned again on the costs of delays, but we also recognise the importance of getting this once in a 15-year contract right for islanders and businesses. In stating the blindingly obvious, we have clearly said that our government must choose the operator who can offer the best service, provide fleet improvements during that time-frame and offer a high level of financial stability.
Chamber wants the best operator. Clearly everyone has an opinion on who that is, and my inbox is fairly evenly split between those telling me Chamber favours DFDS, and those claiming Chamber is supporting Condor (Brittany Ferries).
Actually, we've done neither.
We just want the right decision (soon would be good), based on sound advice from the very best due diligence to allow the ED Minister to make the right decision for Jersey. Will that news be today or Monday?
Guernsey going early (they decided some time back), has made it all a little awks and turned up the heat on inter-island relationships. This is serious business with everything at stake.
It could be your weekend earworm. From the crew at Chamber, enjoy.
