18 May 2012
Senator Philip Ozouf and his Assistant Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, met Minister Gavin St Pier and Deputy Minister Jan Kuttelwascher at Sir Charles Frossard House in Guernsey.
It was the first opportunity for the Islands’ Treasury politicians to meet in person since Guernsey’s recent elections.
Senator Ozouf said “I was pleased to meet Guernsey’s new representatives and our meeting was a useful follow up to the discussions between Chief Ministers earlier this week.
“With this very positive start to our new working relationship I can see there will be opportunites for more inter-island cooperation. I look forward to the role the 2 treasuries can take in identifying future opportunities which will benefit both Islands.”
The meeting took place just 24 hours after the Chief Ministers of both Islands met for the first time, to discuss at a strategic level how the Islands can work together more effectively.
Guernsey’s Treasury Minister, Gavin St Pier, said “Among the ideas we want to explore is the potential for pan-island efficiency savings, given that Jersey has its Comprehensive Spending Review and Guernsey its Fundamental Spending Review.
“Achieving joint working can be challenging but the reward is more efficient and effective working in and between the Islands, which has direct benefits for taxpayers in both Guernsey and Jersey.”
Senator Ozouf added “Our discussions confirmed the spirit of cooperation adopted the previous day by the Islands’ Chief Ministers. We are keen to work together more closely and while there will be occasions when we need to act individually, we will now be looking for areas where we can combine to deliver services more effectively.”
There will be follow up meetings at political and official levels later this year.
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