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It’s a time when Jersey’s place in the world is being ripped up and re-written. The only certainty is that major change has been unleashed across our nearest neighbours, the countries with which we do the majority of our trade, and from which come the majority of our visitors. How we relate to those countries around us is now the most important issue facing the Island.
In Connect this month, we take a close look at our ‘shop-window’: the Jersey brand. Given the current context, there has never been a more important time for the Island to be thinking hard about how it presents itself. The Brexit decision comes just a few weeks after the Island had the digital equivalent of a ‘wardrobe detox’, and came up with a new look, a new plan, and a new promise of 1m visitors a year by 2030. Take a look at page 6 for more on how Jersey presents itself at a time when major judgements are being made about how it looks.
At times of severe uncertainty, just as there are doubts, there are always opportunities. In Connect this month, we profile a local businessman who has been adept at sniffing the wind, spotting the opportunities, and making the most of them. Tony Le Tiec’s story starts on page 20; from advertising sales, to selling printers, publishing, insurance, financial services and property, Tony has watched, waited and taken his chances when they came.
In many ways, it’s the attitude which Jersey needs now as the post-Brexit world begins to take shape. As we have done through the centuries, we must wait, watch carefully, and then grab the opportunities as they emerge, which they undoubtedly will.
But look, there is one certainty. This is Connect’s fiftieth edition. We are no longer the ‘new kid on the block’; but we will continue to act as exactly that. While stability gives confidence, having a young mind which embraces change, thrives on it, and loves building something new is what’s needed when all else is uncertain. Connect will continue to do just that; I hope Jersey can too.
