Jersey chief minister warns of bumpy start to DFDS ferry service
The joint ferry tender process with Guernsey ended with the islands going their separate ways, as Jersey opted for Danish firm DFDS and Guernsey chose Brittany Ferries.Farnham said Condor had served the island for decades but it was time for a new start."I think that short-term inconvenience will benefit us in the medium- to long-term," he said."It is time for a change and it will be a little bumpy they always are when new ferry services come into play and it's going to take them time to settle the timetables down the fleet learn how we like to operate."We have the lifeline freight services, that's not going to be done in five minutes... it will be a bit of a bumpy ride for a few months."
'Important process'
When asked if the uncertainty caused by the ferry tender process had affected the optimism some people had for his government, Farnham said: "No, I don't think that at all."I think some islanders might have been frustrated at the process but many, many islanders will understand that it's an important process."
The chief minister defended his role in the process and disagreed he could have shown more leadership.Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel also faced intense scrutiny.Farnham said: "I provided support as I do for all ministers and came forward and led with Deputy Morel as we got to the end of the process."I might take more of a back seat in in in relation to putting myself in front of the camera because I'm too busy for that."I would rather focus on getting things done than make videos of myself every five minutes."
Speaking about the infrastructure plans, the chief minister said Project Breakwater would be led by Health Minister Tom Binet.He said the project included plans for a new hospital and the refurbishment of Fort Regent.However, there are no details on how the project will be funded.Farnham said costed plans would be revealed to the public in March and ministers including the treasury minister would be briefed shortly."That's one of the mistakes we've made in the past, we've announced projects without having a way to pay for it and then they've tended to flounder," he said."So when we do deliver it we are aiming to have a fully funded, fully detailed proposal."
Farnham also praised his Council of Ministers' differences, suggesting their range of views were a strength rather than a weakness."When we disagree, we debate more and that leads to better decision-making," he said."All of the ministers, whatever their political views are mindful that we're all working for the best interests of islanders and not for our ourselves."
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