What next?
In 2011, I believe the most pressing concerns for Jersey, and my key priorities for the year are;
Reforming Government – this year we have a once in a lifetime opportunity, to change the way that we do things. We need to make savings and reduce the overall cost of running government, and at the same time, think more creatively about how to provide better services. Keeping our spending prudent, responsible and sustainable is essential to protect Jersey for future generations. Equally we are lucky to have the high quality public services we do, and that is a valuable asset that we must protect. I believe it is possible to find this balance, and that it is essential
Regenerating Jersey – every area of the community has been impacted by the global crisis. It has been extremely tough for many. But there are now signs of recovery, and it we must seize the opportunities that come with that. Financially, I believe we can regenerate through diversifying, through;
- developing new areas of expertise
- entering new global markets
- creating new ways to market and innovate our existing products and services
It is also time for us to regenerate socially, and culturally, to use the past as inspiration for celebrating the present and creating the future. Even though times have been hard, we must continue to invest time and resource into protecting our heritage, supporting events, sport, culture and the arts. To be a wonderful place to live, Jersey needs these things as much as it needs good services and financial security, and they must not be neglected. In 2011, we must focus on reenergizing our Society, through
- Supporting new creative vision
- Refreshing existing valuable, contributions
- Celebrating cultural diversity
Creating a vision – it is also time, for us collectively, as a community of people united in our love of this island, to focus on what we do want. The past few years have understandably been a time of differences, and debate. This has been hard, and it has also been useful. I feel that now, we must find a way to set our eyes on the horizon, and build a common vision that will benefit us all. I know that there is the capacity for many different types of people, businesses and lifestyles to thrive in Jersey, and to support each other. I want to work with the community to define more precisely, exactly how we can do this.
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