Air and Sea Connectivity
Jersey has more air connections today than it did four years ago because I secured funding to grow our air connectivity.
This summer, we have scheduled flights to Paris, Bordeaux, Dublin and daily flights to Amsterdam, a major global hub.
We have also built a strong partnership with Jet 2, bringing more tourists to Jersey every year and have secured regional ferry sailings through partnership with the Department of La Manche.
Whilst there has been controversy over the award of the ferry contract, the reality is that it protects our lifeline ferry routes that bring us our food every day. It also provides for the building of new ferries and will see £300 million being spent on new ships in the coming years.
Tourism
The tourism industry is fundamentally important to all islanders' quality of life but it has been hit hard by Covid and Brexit, which is why I secured more funding to promote the island than any previous minister.
In 2025 and 2026, Visit Jersey was able to deploy £6.75 million to promote the island. They used some of this to produce Bergerac, which is promoting Jersey to millions of viewers around the world.
The transition to Loganair and DFDS in 2025, dampened demand but set us up well for this year and beyond.
So far in 2026, we have seen the most arrivals at the harbour and airport since 2019.
Business Support
Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of Jersey's economy but Covid and Brexit have made it hard for them to invest in themselves to become more productive and secure our economic future.
I am incredibly proud of the Better Business Support Scheme, which has exceeded expectations and seen more than £6 million invested in Jersey businesses, so they can be fighting fit for the future.
Investing in Jersey's Treasures
Two big projects that I championed and secured funding for are the Opera House and Elizabeth Castle.
After five years of closure following Covid and £12 million of investment, we've seen the Opera House reopen and more than 20,000 people join its audiences. The project was completed on time and on budget and today, islanders are able to take part in and enjoy performances in a truly magnificent setting.
More than £6 million was invested in the refurbishment of Elizabeth Castle, which is a vital part of Jersey's heritage and tourist industry.
Arts and Culture
I believe the arts and culture are vital to the quality of life in Jersey and that a cultural industry in Jersey will help attract young islanders to stay in the island.
As Minister, I have backed ArtHouse Jersey to create the first free public art gallery in the Island at Capital House and have been delighted to see them commission public art pieces that have captured the island's imagination. The Globe in Queen's Valley and Bubbletecture both delighted tens of thousands of islanders of all ages.
I am incredibly proud of backing the creation of Ballet de Jèrri. It has performed original pieces to thousands of islanders and provides inspiration to the many thousands of young islanders who go to dance classes.
Now, young dancers in Jersey can be inspired by professional dancers, showing them that a career in the arts is possible.
Breaking the Barriers to Business
I set the economy department to work on a project called 'Breaking the Barriers to Business'. My team has been working with other departments to reduce red tape and make it easier to do business in Jersey. As a result, I have removed laws that get in the way of the tourism industry, successfully changed the Alcohol Licensing Law, succeeding where three other governments have failed.
We have also succeeded in working with the Planning Department so that economic considerations are new properly taken in to account when deciding planning applications.