Chief minister disappointed in Jersey over air registry row

JERSEY had ample opportunity to be part of the Guernsey-run Channel Islands Air Registry, which is launched today, according to Guernsey's chief minister.

Deputy Peter Harwood said Guernsey had pressed ahead only after Jersey had withdrawn from what was intended to be a joint venture.

Jersey Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean last week criticised Guernsey's branding as 'misleading and inappropriate'.

Jersey now plans to set up its own aircraft registry next year and is threatening possible legal action to prevent Guernsey's use of the CI name. Deputy Harwood said he was aware of Senator Maclean's disappointment that a joint registry had not been possible.

This was something that he and Commerce and Employment Minister Deputy Kevin Stewart had discussed with Jersey Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst and Senator Maclean when they met last month in Jersey.

'Before, during and since that discussion, Guernsey's position has been consistent and clear,' said Deputy Harwood. 'We are pressing ahead with our aircraft registry after Jersey withdrew from the joint venture we had previously envisaged.'