News
23 Feb 2018
First official visit of President of La Manche in Guernesey and Jersey
The President of Departmental Council of La Manche, Mr Marc Lefèvre, visited the Channel Islands, where he met with Ministers to discuss matters of mutual interest; including Brexit and the trading, educational and cultural links between the Channel Islands and the region of La Manche.
The strong relationship between the Channel Islands and La Manche has developed exponentially over the past two decades, with a formal partnership agreement between Jersey, Guernsey and the Normandy region renewed in September 2016.
Mr Lefèvre, who is a vet by profession, was the Mayor of Saint-Mère-Eglise for over 30 years, alongside diverse roles within the departmental government of La Manche. He has hosted the visit of many political figures from the Channel Islands and Bailiffs across the years, including during milestone anniversaries of D-Day in his capacity as Mayor.
Whilst in Guernsey, the French delegation met Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Ian Corder, and the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard Collas, who formally welcomed Mr Lefèvre on his first official visit to the Island.
Mr Lefèvre also met with Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations, and other senior politicians to discuss the current areas of cooperation with the Department of La Manche, which include areas such as tourism, cultural initiatives, educational links and digital opportunities.
Mr Lefèvre then travelled to Jersey where he was hosted at a welcome dinner by the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir William Bailhache.
During their stay in Jersey the French delegation met with the Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache; the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham; the Minister for Planning & Environment, Deputy Steve Luce; and Education Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke. The Ministers discussed diverse matters of cooperation with Mr Lefèvre including the development of cultural projects between Jersey and La Manche, and the ongoing success of existing educational programs.
Mr Lefèvre also met formally with the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Stephen Dalton, and attended a lunch hosted by the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst.