09 October 2020
His Excellency Mr Robert Johnson, the US Ambassador to the Court of St James, has been in Jersey for an official visit. This is the Ambassador’s first visit to Jersey and reflects the increasing business, cultural and inter-governmental ties between the Island and the United States.
Mr Johnson held meetings with the Chief Minister, the Minister for External Relations and the Minister for Economic Development. He also met the Bailiff, Mr Timothy Le Cocq QC, and the Lieutenant Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.
While in the Island, Mr Johnson laid a wreath at Noirmont to commemorate the lives of 16 US sailors who perished during World War II on PT boats 509 and 503 off the coast of Jersey on 9 August 1944.
Mr Johnson’s visit also highlights the growing business ties between Jersey and the United States as he met representatives from Jersey Finance, Digital Jersey, Jersey Business and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as businesses operating in, or expanding to, the USA.
Local businesses from several sectors are increasingly engaging with their American counterparts, and Jersey is well-placed to build on these existing business ties in any future UK-USA Free Trade Agreement.
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome the US Ambassador, Mr Robert Johnson to Jersey. This visit gave us the opportunity to discuss how we can continue to strengthen the links between our Island and the USA.”
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, added: “This was an important and productive visit which has helped us to build upon the political and commercial objectives between our jurisdictions.”
The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, reflected on the Ambassador’s visit, saying: “This visit was a good opportunity to showcase the increasing economic ties between our Island and the United States and to discuss future opportunities for local businesses.”
The Ambassador commented on his visit: “It was terrific to come to Jersey, to learn about the Island’s history, and to discuss what we can do to enhance and strengthen our already very special partnership. I’m excited for what the future holds for both of us.”
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