“Productive” discussions over links between Guernsey and Jersey took place yesterday, in a signal that the inter-island relationship may be starting to heal.
Jersey’s Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel was in Guernsey to meet his counterparts, Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development, and her Vice-President, Deputy Andrew Niles, to discuss how the islands can work together to improve connectivity in the wake of the islands’ split over the ferry tender and collapse of Blue Islands.
Discussions had begun when the President of Guernsey’s Policy and Resources Committee, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, had visited Jersey in August 2025.
However, there were fears by December that that collaborative spirit was waning when a new working group was established in Guernsey to improve ferry travel between the islands – but without Jersey politicians or Jersey’s main ferry operator, DFDS.
However, after DFDS expressed “surprise” at the announcement, both were later invited to join the group.
Guernsey officials indicated yesterday that collaboration was still the aim of the game.
“I would like to thank Deputy Morel for travelling to Guernsey for a reciprocal meeting to continue discussions around ways we can improve inter-island connectivity, trade and relations between the two Bailiwicks,” Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said.
“Connectivity is central to our economic prosperity as well as social, sporting, and cultural
interactions. The size of the islands and the diversity of operators and community needs mean it is a complex landscape to navigate. Since the election in 2025, our priority has been to engage with Jersey in a pragmatic and solutions-driven manner, and this was the focus of our discussions today.”
Deputy Morel said he was “grateful” to Deputy Kazantseva-Miller for hosting what he described as a “productive series of meetings”.
“It was a pleasure to spend time with her, Deputy De Sausmarez, and Deputy Niles. We began discussing areas of mutual interest when Deputy Kazantseva-Miller visited Jersey a few weeks ago, and today was productive in developing those discussions with the objective of benefitting islanders and businesses in both Bailiwicks,” he added.