Senator Lyndon Farnham, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture has issued the following statement in response to the Press Release issued on Monday 22 June by the Jersey Chamber of Commerce:
“The Council of Ministers has consistently made clear our commitment to supporting Island businesses across all industry sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the hospitality and retail sectors. We have moved quickly to allow Islanders to safely access the services provided by these sectors, and our economic recovery strategy remains the highest priority at Ministerial meetings and in the new Economic Council, of which the Chamber President is a member.
“The Government continues to take account of the interests of all Islanders, including those who have been shielding and have ongoing concerns about the health impacts of COVID-19 and the reopening of our borders. We have already undertaken a comprehensive trial at Jersey Airport to introduce a testing regime on arrival, supported by track and trace, and this will pave the way for the opening of our ports in a manner that continues to protect our Island, while sustaining our valuable visitor economy.
“In March, at the outset of the pandemic, we responded rapidly by launching the largest package of financial support measures ever created by a Jersey Government. This has included over £37 million already paid out through the Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme. Fiscal support packages are continuing to evolve as we work through the pandemic, and will underpin the Government’s strategy of continuing to support our economy into the recovery period.
”I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the Jersey Hospitality Association and all other representative bodies and Island businesses to ensure we rebuild our economy and see a fast return to economic wellbeing and prosperity.”
Government of Jersey Press Release.