Chief Minister misses Jersey States sitting for 'women deliver' conference in Rwanda

Jersey's Chief Minister and her number two are both missing the final States sitting before the summer break - sparking criticism from fellow politicians.

Deputy Kristina Moore has flown to Rwanda in East Africa for a conference about gender equality and women's rights, while Deputy Kirsten Morel has gone on a family holiday to Greece.

In an email to all States Members, Deputy Moore said: "I apologise to Members for my absence at the next sitting. I have accepted an invitation from the Rwandan Government to attend the "Women Deliver 2023 Conference" in Kigali from 17-20 July.

"My visit will include a programme of bilateral engagements aimed at further strengthening our relationship. I will therefore be requesting that I am marked as being on States business. The Deputy Chief Minister is on a planned period of annual leave."

The email Deputy Kristina Moore sent to all States Members.

Deputy Ian Gorst is acting Chief Minister in their absence.

However, other States Members are raising concerns that Jersey's two most senior politicians are away during one of the busiest sittings of the year, and the last before their six-week summer holiday.

One Deputy told ITV News: "States Members swear an oath to be at States sittings. Her primary responsibility is to be running Jersey, not swanning around at conferences that sound like they don't directly impact on Jersey."

Others have pointed out the fact that the St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter deputy will be absent from a debate that affects her own constituents, namely a vote on whether the government should look to buy land at Greve de Lecq in order to keep it in public ownership.

The Chief Minister will also miss a debate on the Environment Minister's proposals to set up a new landlord licensing scheme to crackdown on sub-standard rental accommodation, and another on the future of the controversial hazardous waste mounds at La Collette.

Deputy Ian Gorst is acting Chief Minister while Deputy Moore and Deputy Morel are both absent from the States. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Deputy Moz Scott of St Brelade has asked Deputy Moore to explain: "What process or criteria of prioritisation she uses to determine the circumstances in which she considers it acceptable to be absent from a States meeting, including whether any such process also takes into account the potential absence of the Deputy Chief Minister from the same meeting."

Deputy Steve Luce, who represents Grouville and St Martin, said: "I think it would be in the best interests of the Island for her to stay where she's been elected and answer questions from backbenchers, who get such few opportunities."

Environmental campaigners are meanwhile questioning why the Chief Minister has flown to Rwanda, when others are dialling into the Women Deliver Conference virtually.

Nigel Jones, founder of Jersey in Transition, said: "Flying to Rwanda is a huge step to make and leaves a massive carbon footprint. I wonder why on earth it can't be done on a Zoom call."

The Chief Minister defended her trip in an interview with ITV Channel's Clare Burton.

Responding to the criticism, Deputy Moore told ITV News: "Often Members do have business that conflicts with the timetable and I think this is a really worthwhile conference to be at.

"Today I have met with so many people, including the Minister for Trade and Industry of Rwanda, where we're in discussions and reaching agreement about a bilateral investment treaty between our two nations.

"I think the benefits certainly outweigh the disbenefits."

In a statement, the Government added: "The Chief Minister's attendance [at the conference] forms part of the Government of Jersey's ongoing commitment to addressing issues relating to gender equality and inclusion, and highlights the importance of working with key international partners to share knowledge and best practice.

"The Chief Minister flew from London to Rwanda via Cairo and is returning to London on Rwandair. In accordance with policy for Ministers travelling over 6 hours for official business, the Chief Minister is flying business class.

"Various options for the Chief Minister's travel were considered, and the final decision took account of cost and other practicalities. The Chief Minister's accommodation is at an accredited delegate hotel in Kigali, for three nights. The Chief Minister was already in London to attend the French Embassy for Bastille Day, so there are no additional costs for her travel from London to Jersey."

Meanwhile, Deputy Kirsten Morel's holiday to Greece was arranged before he knew the States would be sitting this week.

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