24 January 2020
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, Constable Simon Crowcroft and the CEO of Digital Jersey will visit the USA next week to reinforce historical ties and enable future economic and cultural links.
The visit, taking place between Monday, 27 and Wednesday, 29 January will include the signing of a Twinning arrangement between St Helier and Trenton, New Jersey and a Memorandum of Understanding established between Digital Jersey and the New Jersey Big Data Alliance.
The Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré said: “The UK is due to leave the European Union this month and Jersey has developed a set of principles agreed by the Council of Ministers to define Jersey’s inclusion in any UK Free Trade Agreement. Whilst the UK and US work to form trade deals it is important that Jersey’s interests are remembered.
“This visit will promote Jersey’s unique economic interests and cultural heritage, maintain Jersey’s reputation as a well administered jurisdiction and reinforce the ability of the States Assembly and Government of Jersey to make decisions in areas of domestic policy. I hope the Memorandums of Understanding will enhance the economic, educational, and cultural links between Old and New Jersey.”
The Chief Minister will also attend an event supported by Jersey Finance, who opened their New York office in October 2019. The event, hosted by IFI Global will explore critical issues for fund managers in the rapidly evolving environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) landscape. He commented:
“The opening of Jersey Finance’s office in New York in October was a significant milestone, one that I have supported since its inception, and reflects the commitment we have as a jurisdiction to the USA. I am delighted to be attending this event as part of my official visit, to support Jersey Finance’s ongoing work.”
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will formally establish a Twinning Arrangement with Trenton, New Jersey, to strengthen existing relations and promote an understanding of the shared history between the two jurisdictions. Constable Simon Crowcroft, who has championed the historical relationship with Trenton, will sign the MOU with the Mayor of Trenton, Reed Gusciora.
Constable Simon Crowcroft said: “I’m so pleased to be signing this MOU alongside the Mayor of Trenton. We have worked hard to maintain our partnership over the years, and this MOU can now support the future work of the Trenton-St Helier Working Committee who will help to enable a greater understanding between the two jurisdictions of our shared history.”
Digital Jersey will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Jersey Big Data Alliance (NJBDA) to collaborate on the joint promotion of education, including student exchanges, research programmes, trade and investment that will drive economic development.
Chief Executive Officer of Digital Jersey, Tony Moretta said: “The arrangement between our two jurisdictions will improve opportunities in business, education and research. Today, Jersey enjoys the fastest broadband speeds in Europe and the third fastest speeds in the world, which links Island businesses to a global audience. I look forward to working with our trans-Atlantic partners as I’m sure we will share a prosperous future together.”
gov.je