Jersey's Council of Ministers meeting to discuss ferry dilemma

Jersey's Council of Ministers met today to discuss how to proceed with the decision about its new ferry operator. Following the meeting, a statement was released.

It read: "The Council of Ministers has had positive discussions on our lifeline ferry services.

"The questions asked of the operators were in the best interests of Jersey’s public and were on crucial elements of operator ownership, financial viability, and future investment in vessels.

"We have sought answers to these questions throughout the process and the Council of Ministers is pleased to have received some clarity over the past 24 hours to validate the concerns of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development.

"We are now considering the answers and will make a further announcement on Monday."

Guernsey made the shock announcement on Wednesday that it would be picking Condor, owned by Brittany Ferries.

However, Jersey's Economic Development Minister says this does not mean the island will not be rushed into making its own decision.

Speaking to ITV Channel, Deputy Kirsten Morel, said: "We're not at the position of going with two operators. We're at the position where Jersey wants and needs more information from both operators to ensure things such as financial stability.

"We need to make sure we chose a provider who can provide services for the full 15 years. We don't want Jersey or Guernsey tax payers to be in a position where they are forced into some rescue packages."

It comes amid reports that Condor asked the government for a loan of £80M in the last year, with £10M needed up front to secure their services. This was allegedly rejected at the time.

Watch the full interview here...

When asked if he would pursue another operator if he can't get a guarantee that Jersey taxpayers will not be responsible for picking up a potential rescue deal, he replied: "There's logic in that but not something I'm willing to say at the moment."

Deputy Morel also added: "I'm not going to be pulled at the minute one way or the other (with who Jersey will select). What I want to make sure is whoever we appoint that they have the financial stability to last that 15 years, that really is for me the bottom line."

The Minister then said: "I'm not angry with Guernsey. I do understand that different jurisdictions and different countries have to look at their own interests.

"Guernsey has its perspective and that's absolutely fine, but I am determined that Jersey tax payers know I am acting for their benefit and on their behalf. That's the thing that really matters to me."

After this, he said he couldn't give a timescale on when the decision would be made.

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