Minister to talk about future of Jersey’s economy

Friday 10th July 2009, 2:59PM BST.

Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean

ECONOMIC Development Minister Alan Maclean (right) is the guest speaker at the Institute of Directors Jersey lunch on Tuesday.

Senator Maclean will be presenting his thoughts on the future of Jersey’s economy – predicting the unpredictable?

In doing so he will focus on the underlying causes of recent rapid change in the economy and the implications for Jersey.

The lunch at the Grand Hotel, which takes place from 12.15 pm, is open to non-members and bookings can be made by contacting Kirsten Higgens, IoD branch secretary, telephone 610799 or jedirector@localdial.com.

The IoD is also preparing for its annual debate, which this year will focus on pan-Channel Island issues including the economy, the government and an ageing population.

The date set for the Jersey debate is Thursday 1 October and a similar debate, featuring several of the same panel members, will follow in Guernsey the following month. Both events will be moderated by presenter Alastair Stewart.

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1
Rob Roy

July 11, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Does AM still drive around in his Porsche 911? In touch with the concerns of the electorate, not.

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2
Nick

July 15, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Whilst understanding your comment Rob Roy, I would rather he travel around in a car that shows he might have some entrepreneurial flair (In order to be able to afford it)than if when arriving at work he was to be found getting out of the back of the local skip lorry in his Oxfam sourced suit!(I suppose even this is a matter of opinion, but either way is wholly irrelevant). I do however think that to be truly patriotic he should choose something that is at least made in GB and therefore keeping jobs (and the know how to be able to do them) going a little closer to home (I suppose even that depends on your personal loyalties). We need to be careful as to what is expected of our politicians? It is quite right that this should differ according to the remit, particularly that of an Economic Development Minister.I am sure that Mr Maclean has some relevant career experience (Which I hope is only part accountancy based,but that is just my, and Henry Ford’s, personal opinion)that enables him to know a good idea or course of action, when he sees it?
As far as predicting the future is concerned,like most of the rest of us, if he has the “All seeing eye” I am sure the last thing he would be doing is being Economic Development Minister!Although I apologise if I am underestimating his public spiritedness.I think he would be out there buying up widget factories or whatever his 100% accurate foresight told him was going to be the thing. All I will say by way of chucking my hat in the ring on this prophetic bit is that this Island has done well in the past from being a reliable middle ground.It has served all the Channel Islands well for several centuries, since before even some of the big economic players on the world stage were even in existance as countries! (USA/Germany/India/African Countries/Australia/Canada to name just a few)There will always be a role for a place which as far as humanly possible can be regarded as secure “Neutral” ground, with a sound and well tried and understood Legal system and infrastructure,a well educated (Literate)population,good lines of communication and a noticeable degree of that rare factor “Common sense”. As long as our Economic Development Minister whoever he is bases all his assessments of the future on that understanding of this Island’s strengths then he will not be found wanting. If however like some (Dare I mention accountants)he believes everything should be done on the cheap with zero risk and preferably 100% guaranteed success, or not at all! then he is going to be a disaster.

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