Deputies attend talks with other Crown Dependencies in Jersey

Sunday 14 November 2021

A group of seven States' members was in Jersey this week to discuss common interests and future co-operation with counterparts from the other Crown Dependencies.

Representatives from Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man discussed small islands' population policies, skills and healthcare models.

Guernsey's delegation was led by Deputy Steve Falla, who is in his first term in the States. It included four other first-termers - Deputies Chris Blin, Sue Aldwell, Andy Cameron and David Mahoney - as well as Deputies Carl Meerveld and Rob Prow, who are in their second terms. They were supported by the States' small parliamentary team of officials.

This was the second meeting of the biennial Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Crown Dependencies Network. The Isle of Man hosted the first event in 2019. Guernsey is due to host the third event later in the current States' term.

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Pictured: Guernsey's delegation to the conference with the other Crown Dependencies was led by Deputy Steve Falla, who is Vice-President of the Committee for Economic Development and a member of the Committee for Employment & Social Security.

"It's an opportunity to step away from day to day politics and focus on key topics - small islands' population and skills and healthcare models - in a way which is not possible without this sort of event and not only from a Guernsey perspective but also understanding the perspective of others," said Deputy Falla.

"One comes away from these events with real intent to reach out more to other jurisdictions. I'm aware that feeling can then be lost in the business of government. It is incumbent on us not to let that happen."

The first plenary session was on population and skills and Guernsey's contribution to this session was led by Deputy Meerveld. The second was on healthcare models and Guernsey's contribution was led by Deputy Mahoney. "Then there were opportunities for others of us to contribute to discussion," said Deputy Falla.

In total, the three islands sent 25 elected members to the conference.

Yesterday participated in tri-island plenary sessions on Small Islands (population and skills) and Island Health Care Models. Today, one-to-ones with some Jersey opposite numbers and media interviews. #deputydiary #crowndependencynetwork

— Steve Falla (@steve_falla) November 12, 2021

Pictured: Deputy Falla kept his Twitter followers up to date with meetings held at the conference.

In addition to the plenary sessions, there were opportunities for one-to-one meetings. For example, Deputy Falla, Vice-President of the Committee for Economic Development, met Jersey Deputy Kirsten Morel, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.

There was also a tour of Jersey's States' Chamber. Jersey has had a dedicated parliamentary building since 1887 whereas the States of Deliberation in Guernsey continue to meet in the Royal Court. 

"Their States' Chamber is very impressive," said Deputy Falla. "It's fair to say that both of the other Crown Dependencies have better facilities for politicians. In the Isle of Man, each member has an office, secretarial support and research support." 

Guernsey deputies in the Jersey Chamber pic.twitter.com/w6anlkn7B2

— Steve Falla (@steve_falla) November 11, 2021

Pictured: Deputies from Guernsey toured the States' Chamber in St Helier and were impressed by the facilities and support available to parliamentarians in Jersey.