Friday 15th November 2024
The Jersey Chamber Weekly Update
Dear Subscriber,
Boats, Budgets and Boks
'Look Boss de plane… de plane!' With apologies to those that don't remember Fantasy Island, now the fog has cleared we might get sight of a ferry service past March.
Are we any clearer or closer to a ferry service – well yes… and no. Clearer as we have some clarity on the challenges faced by the Economic Development Minister in trying to clamber over the chaos and complications of the tender process.
All credit to him for providing that insight. I have to say the feeding frenzy of commentators and media sitting on the sidelines have probably played themselves to a standstill now.
So, perhaps a moment of calm in order for Government to crack on and choose.
It's budget time in Jersey and the States sitting is usually the longest one of the year. States members will sit on Monday 25th November to clear public business and facilitate Question Time. Starting on Tuesday 26th November (with the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday blocked off in case they need it), States members will address the budget and the thirty odd amendments, and often amendments to amendments and surprisingly sometimes the amendments to the amendments of the amendments will keep the Bailiff on his toes in reminding the States Members what they are voting for. All will be viewable online and will be a marathon watch or listen.
The big details are here.
Finally, watching the Boks destroy all in front of them in the rugby autumn series does have me and others reflecting on what we do well and what we could enhance. Sports tourism is a thing, and something for which we have the right venue, environment and facilities to provide real growth and a positive reputation. And hurrah huzzah to those who have fought hard to make it so. As has been pointed out this week though, it's not just for giant Boks but the bog-standard bods too – and their supporters.
We have plenty to market and plenty more we could offer with the right investment and facilities.
Fantasy Island Mr Roarke? Perhaps it could be Reality Island.
Ring the bell Tattoo, it's time for the weekend!
