States of Jersey Deputy Kristina Moore has spoken of the value and relevance of the Commonwealth ‘family’. Deputy Moore was speaking ahead of the Tynwald Commonwealth Day dinner on Friday March 15, at which she was guest speaker.

She said: ‘Commonwealth Day and the events surrounding it is an opportunity to celebrate the Commonwealth, while to be representing the States of Jersey in the Isle of Man presents an opportunity for our two ancient democracies to share experiences. The core values of the Commonwealth – among which are democracy, human rights and rule of law – remain extremely relevant in these challenging times. And the more we are able to meet across the Crown Dependencies, the more we can help each other, because we are all having to work smarter and be more creative.’

Deputy Moore went on to praise the work of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and of its chairman, Lord Marland, in bringing Commonwealth member nations together to drive trade and investment.

A tour of the Legislative Buildings led by the Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, prompted Deputy Moore to say: ‘Visiting the chambers gave a real sense of how democracy in the Isle of Man operates.’  She went on to say that against the background of International Women’s Day on March 8, she found it interesting to learn how the Island had long been a champion of women’s rights, pioneering votes for women in 1881.

Deputy Moore continued: ‘Jersey and the Isle of Man are facing many similar cost-of-living challenges, so I was pleased to meet members of the Tynwald Youth Select Committee and hear about their inquiry into affordable housing. As yet we do not have such a committee in Jersey but I believe there is a need for one as a means of giving young people a voice on matters that most affect them.’

-ends-

For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685511
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im