Chief Minister's short-notice Rwanda trip sparks criticism

Monday 17 July 2023

The Chief Minister has been criticised by fellow politicians for missing this week’s sitting of the States Assembly to attend a conference in Rwanda following an "unexpected" invite – while her Deputy is off-island on holiday.

Several States Members questioned the late decision by Deputy Kristina Moore to take part in the Women Deliver event at the same time that Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel was also absent.

Treasury Minister Ian Gorst, who is acting as Chief Minister in the absence of his colleagues, said that Deputy Moore had received an "unexpected" invite to the Women Deliver conference, which took place every three years and where she was representing Jersey as a female head of government.

Deputy Gorst said: “The decision to attend was based on what the Chief Minister and her advisers felt was in the best interests of Jersey.”

He added that Deputy Morel was on a “long-planned” holiday coinciding with the end of school exams, and had only previously missed sittings of the Assembly "very infrequently, if at all".

Deputy Steve Luce said he was disappointed by the Chief Minister's absence.

He said: “I think it would be in the best interests of the Island for her to stay where she's been elected and answer questions from backbenchers, who get few such opportunities.”

Deputy Rob Ward questioned how the Chief Minister had prioritised her schedule, while Deputy Lyndsay Feltham asked why it had not been possible to attend the conference remotely.

The @ChiefMinJSY has signed a book of remembrance at the National Genocide Memorial in Kigali. @Kigali_Memorial commemorates the 1 million people who lost their lives in the tragedy in the space of 100 days in 1994. @RwandaInUK pic.twitter.com/gbvJlLXpeY

— Ministry of External Relations Jersey (@GlobalJerseyCI) July 17, 2023

Deputy Gorst said that his experience of attending such events was that face-to-face contact was “without a shadow of doubt” more beneficial than participating from a computer screen.

“This is a prestigious conference and offers the chance to show of Jersey in a very positive light,” he said.

The overseas trip has so far seen the Chief Minister sign a book of remembrance at the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, speak to Canada's Minister for Gender Equality and Youth, and hold what she described as "important discussions" with UNICEF representatives.

She also spoke to Rwanda's Minister for Trade and Industry, Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, about possible partnership opportunities.

This afternoon, Hon. Minister @Ngabitsinze received the Chief Minister of Jersey, @Moore4Jersey and his delegation. They discussed ways to strengthen partnerships in bilateral investment and trade. pic.twitter.com/kzr0Dc7s3r

— Min of Trade |Rwanda (@RwandaTrade) July 17, 2023

So frustrated by the Chief and Deputy Chief Ministers' absences was Deputy Ward that he refused to ask a planned question during today's States Assembly meeting.

He was due to ask Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel about the progress to re-establish the Ports Policy Group to provide clear direction to Ports of Jersey as "a vital States-owned body".

However, when the time came, Deputy Ward asked the Deputy Bailiff who would be answering the question, given that Deputy Morel was absent on pre-approved holiday.
He said the question time was bordering on "pointless".

Deputy Alex Curtis responded that the prepared answer was put together from a 'combination' of asking officers and seeking the input of ministers last week.

Dissatisfied with the response, Deputy Ward accepted the Deputy Bailiff's offer that he submit a written question on the matter instead, and the Assembly proceeded.