Twinning arrangements can strengthen Jersey’s cultural connections and create new trade opportunities, according to the Assistant External Relations Minister – who has welcomed a move to formally recognise the Island’s connections to a maritime community thousands of miles away.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, who also serves as International Development Minister, made the comments after Deputy Max Andrews raised the possibility of twinning St Brelade with Gaspé in Canada.
For centuries, the region served many Jersey fishermen as the cod industry drew Islanders across the Atlantic.
Deputy Labey said: “We should always be open to twinning opportunities that celebrate Jersey’s historical links with other parts of the world.
“Twinning can strengthen our cultural connections and create new opportunities for trade and collaboration, and I would welcome a move to twin with Gaspé.”
St Brelade Constable Steve Pallett noted that “there are a lot of Jersey names that are still quite prevalent in the Gaspé area”, adding that “it seems a logical thing to do”.
Mr Pallett said: “The first thing will be to look at what we want to do with Gaspé, whether it will be a cultural link, or whether it is going to be some type of commercial link, or sporting link.
“We need to decide what type of relationship we want to have with them, because if it is just to send them a Christmas card every year then clearly that is not the same type of twinning arrangement that we have got with Granville, for example.”
