01 May 2025
The Government of Jersey held its inaugural event at the British Embassy in Paris this
week, to mark the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Liberation.
Ministers from Jersey were joined by counterparts from the UK, France and Guernsey,
including representatives from the Franco-British Council.
The gathering presented an opportunity for cultural links past, present and future to
be explored, and Jersey’s ties to France were recognised through an exclusive display
of works by French artist and resistance fighter Claude Cahun – a Jersey resident
during the Occupation.
The event was also used to observe the progress achieved in Jersey-France relations
over the last two years, since a ‘hotdesk’ was made available for Jersey officials at the
Paris Embassy.
Minister for External Relations, Deputy Ian Gorst, said: “The reception provided a
fantastic opportunity to reaffirm the deep ties between Jersey and France.
“We are proud of our close partnerships with our nearest neighbour, particularly the
regions of Normandy and Brittany, which have flourished through collaboration in the
areas of heritage, education, the arts, and trade.
“I am delighted that we were able to celebrate these links together as we marked the
start of events for the 80th anniversary of Liberation.”
Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said: “This event
demonstrated the progress made in better connecting Jersey to Paris in recent years,
and through the work of Claude Cahun we learned how we can use lessons of the past
to inspire our future. We have many more exciting events planned for Liberation 80,
where we can celebrate our history and once again highlight our central position
within a range of international relationships and projects.”
Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said:
“We will shortly see the return of direct air links between Paris and Jersey,
strengthening further our potential for collaboration. We must now continue to develop
our international reputation and provide a greater range of opportunities for Islanders,
through tourism and commerce, education and cultural exchanges.”
Deputy Gorst and Deputy Labey also met British Ambassador Dame Menna Rawlings
and highlighted Jersey’s ambition to establish cultural and diplomatic footprints in
Paris.
Deputy Morel, meanwhile, held talks with Bruno Favel, a senior officer within the
French Ministry of Culture, to discuss Jersey’s cultural heritage and the Island’s
involvement in the 2027 European Year of the Normans programme.
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