Author: Elise Meerpoel

The French Government announced in 2012 that it had given permission for the development of a wind farm off the coast of St Brieuc, Brittany. The development will take place in French waters, however turbines would be constructed up to the outer limit of Jersey waters to the south of the Island.

A formal public enquiry, initiated by the French government, started in France on 4 August to explore the project more fully. Anyone can make a submission to the enquiry.

Developers, Ailes Marines, presented their plans at a public meeting at Fort Regent on 6 September and have set up an exhibition at Fort Regent from 18 August until 29 September.

As part of the consultation, public enquiry commissioners came to Jersey on September 7, to record the views of Islanders and the Government.

People could also give their views to the public enquiry by recording comments on a paper register held at Fort Regent reception for the duration of the public enquiry. An online version was also made available for comments and questions until 29 September.

On 3rd September, the Bailiff of Jersey unveiled a stone in Guillemont which commemorates the men of the Jersey Contingent, Royal Irish Rifles, who fought and died there in September 1916 and all from Jersey who served in the Great War. Their hearts, like the heart of this stone, lie in Jersey.

The Government of Jersey and the Breton department of Ille-et-Vilaine held their annual summit in Jersey on 9 June 2016.

Since they signed a cooperation agreement in 2008, which was renewed in 2014, Ille-et-Vilaine and the Government of Jersey have met annually to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, and the President of the Conseil Départemental of Ille-et-Vilaine, Jean-Luc Chenut, jointly chaired the summit. Deputy Al Brouard, representing the States of Guernsey, also attended the summit as an observer, reflecting Guernsey’s increasing engagement with Ille et Vilaine.

Among the subjects discussed at the summit were: trade opportunities; construction; educational programmes; cultural and sports exchanges; and environmental issues.

 

The French Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Mrs Sylvie Bermann visited Jersey on 19 and 20 May.

During her visit, the Ambassador met the Bailiff, Mr William Bailhache, the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, and the Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, as well as other Ministers. She stayed at Government House as the guest of the Lieutenant Governor, General Sir John McColl.

The itinerary for the visit included the laying of a wreath at St Thomas’ Church in memory of French residents of Jersey who died during World War I, a reception for French nationals at St Helier Town Hall, and the presentation of the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur to Jersey D-Day veterans at the Old Library in the States Building. The Ambassador also visited Mont Orgueil, as well as attending meetings at the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche and the Alliance Française de Jersey.

During her stay, the Ambassador also met business and finance industry representatives, and was the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Bailiff. ​

 

On Friday 15 April, the President of the Departmental Council of La Manche Philippe Bas made his first official visit to Alderney and was welcomed by its President Stuart Trought. On the program of the day, besides the discovery of the island, thematic meetings and visits were held around the development of relations between Alderney and La Manche, improved maritime links with the continent, and renewable énergies.

For the third consecutive year, Jersey and La Manche shared a joint stand on the Normandie area of the International Agricultural show. A fantastic showcase to highlight once again the island’s iconic products, demonstrating the range available and their great qualities through tastings and promotional materials.

Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham visited the stand on 28 February, and the Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst attended the official launch on 1^st March, reaffirming the wish to work closely with the Department of La Manche and the Region of Normandy to the promotion of our régions.

 

From 2^nd April 2016 to 10th April 2016, Guernsey will host the Victor Hugo in Guernsey Festival. This festival is organised to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the publication, in 1866, of Toilers of the Sea, a worldwide famous novel written by Victor Hugo while in exile in the island (from 1855 to 1870).

The festival is organised by the “Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society”, and is supported by “Visit Guernsey”, the “Guernsey Art Commission” and “Hauteville House”.

The island wide festival will offer a range of activities from exhibitions to a seminar or artistic performances. The Festival will also associate schools, with a series of competitions related to art and Victor Hugo from January to April.

For more information on the events, please have a look at the programme here

Monique Gourdy, in charge of European and International Relations at Caen Rectorat came to Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. The objective of the visit was to discover the educational system in the Channel Islands, visit sites and meet with school teachers and head teachers. This visit enabled to identify ideas of cooperation at the primary, secondary and technical education.