The Chief Ministers of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have reaffirmed their commitment to working together on a range of key international issues.
Allan Bell MHK, Senator Ian Gorst and Deputy Peter Harwood held positive discussions today (Friday 7 February) during a meeting of the three Crown Dependencies in Douglas.
The trilateral meetings take place on a regular basis, providing the Crown Dependencies with a forum for discussion in addition to their interaction around the British-Irish Council summits.
Banking reform was high on today’s agenda, with the Chief Ministers agreeing to continue to work collaboratively on an issue that is of the utmost importance to the economies of all three islands.
Other matters of mutual interest were discussed and the three Chief Ministers described the trilateral meeting as ‘positive and productive.’
Mr Bell said:
‘The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have many issues in common, particularly on the international front, and it is always useful to share views and experiences with our colleagues in the Channel Islands.’
He added:
‘By working cooperatively and responding collectively to the international agenda all three islands are now in a much better position. There is strength in unity and we are continuing to present a very powerful message to the global community.’
Senator Gorst said:
‘We appreciate that by taking a unified position and negotiating collectively we can achieve significant progress internationally. We have witnessed the benefits of this approach in terms of our responses to the G8 and tax transparency agendas. The Crown Dependencies will continue to act in the best interests of their own economies, but it is important to recognise that we are competing globally rather than against each other.’
Deputy Harwood commented:
‘As well as discussing the evolving international agenda, the trilateral meetings also help to identify common social challenges across our three island communities. It is vitally important that Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man continue to share their experiences. The three Chief Ministers have built up very good personal relationships and we will continue to work jointly and learn from each other in the months and years ahead.’
