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Jersey's government has invited Condor Ferries to extend their contract for seven months as work continues to find the “best solution” for the island's long-term ferry services.
Jersey's Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel made the statement this afternoon, a week after Guernsey’s States threw a months-long process to choose the new ferry provider for the Channel Islands into disarray by announcing their preferred bid was Brittany Ferries, the parent company of Condor Ferries.
Jersey's politicians have this week been considering "additional legal advice" and having "further positive discussions" on whether the island would choose Danish shipping giant DFDS to provide ferry services to islanders for the next 15 years or stay with the incumbent.
Jersey's Ministers have been in crunch talks to focus on "operator ownership, financial viability and future investment in vessels".
Deputy Kirsten Morel's latest statement said: "In the interests of the public, the hospitality industry, and to protect our economy, we have invited Condor Ferries to confirm a 7-month extension to the current Operating Agreement.
"This will bring certainty by enabling Condor Ferries to publish its summer schedules.
"Following the breakdown of the joint Channel Islands tender process, we have invited both final bidders, DFDS and Brittany Ferries, to work with the Government of Jersey as we find the best solution for our long-term ferry services."
It follows an exceptionally strongly worded letter sent yesterday from Jersey Hospitality Association chair Malcolm Lewis to the island's Chief Minister.
He said: "I am both shocked and disappointed by the indecision and at times, incompetence that has been displayed so far by the Government of Jersey and some of its officers during the ferry tendering process."
Mr Lewis added that there was "considerable anger" among the JHA's membership about how the situation had developed and "it can only have done massive harm to the stability and confidence of not only the hospitality industry itself, but the island as a whole".
READ: Click to read the Jersey Hospitality Association's letter in full.
Jersey's Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel has raised concerns about the selection process, with panel chair Deputy Montfort Tadier saying: "We believe islanders have a right to expect that timely due process is applied to the current negotiations.
He encouraged Deputy Morel to call a special States meeting to consult with all States Members on the "preferred way forward" and "bring some transparency to the process".
States Assembly meetings are covered by what's known as 'parliamentary privilege' – this means that States Members cannot face legal action for any information they share during the course of the meeting, even if it would ordinarily be confidential.
Such a meeting would allow the Minister to speak freely about the information he has been privy to, and what has led to significant hesitation in reaching an agreement with Guernsey on a preferred provider. However, no such meeting has been called since Scrutiny's request.
Pictured: Jersey's Deputy Kirsten Morel and Guernsey's Deputy Neil Inder have been leading negotiations for their islands on the ferry contract.
Hours after the latest update from Jersey, Guernsey's Economic Development President confirmed that the island is forging ahead with its plans to "protect Guernsey services in the future".
"We note Jersey’s announcement," said Deputy Neil Inder.
"We will continue our discussions with Brittany Ferries and with the government of Jersey, follow developments closely and ultimately make sure that we continue to take steps that protect Guernsey services in the future, whatever the outcome in Jersey.
"As stated since making our decision, we hope Jersey joins us in a single solution but respect it is their decision to make.
"I would also take this opportunity to clarify that Guernsey’s position is that the joint tender process did not break down. Joint scoring was closed by both islands prior to the Committee for Economic Development making its decision."
Guernsey to finalise "Guernsey-only" approach to ferry contract
Jersey received "additional legal advice" regarding ferry contract
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