|
Press Release
Address by Councillor Mike Summers OBE
at the Falkland Islands Government Annual Reception
10 June 2008
It is a very great pleasure to be here in London on the occasion of the FIG Annual reception at Lincoln's Inn, and to be able to welcome you all to this important event.
This time last year we were in the midst of the 25th Anniversary commemorations both here and in the Islands; events that were at times emotional and always moving, which enabled us not only to honour those who paid the ultimate price for freedom, but also to portray to the world the gratitude of Falkland Islanders to Her Majesty's Government and her armed forces, for the professional and effective manner in which they acted to restore the rule of law and democracy to our Islands. And we were also able to demonstrate how the Falklands has moved on in the last 25 years from a failing grant-in-aid economy to a self confident society, economically self sufficient in all but defence.
The final commemorative event of the year was the highly successful SAMA pilgrimage of families and veterans in November, which saw Islanders and visitors participating together in commemorative and celebratory events, which saw veterans getting to know and making friends with Islanders, reliving old memories, coming to terms with often harrowing experiences, and addressing the crucial question - was it all worth it? To a man and woman the answer has been a positive yes; we are grateful for that, and will continue to drive forward with energy and commitment to develop our industries and our community with ever more success.
Though you would hardly believe it to read the Penguin News, the economy continues to flourish. It has to date been a successful fishing season, with catches of all major species well up to expectations. The tourism industry continues to grow, with a 16% year on year increase in cruise vessel passengers. In agriculture, prices for both wool and meat are on the rise. Exploration for hydrocarbons continues, and by this time next year we should be in a position to either report on or announce the arrival of a drilling rig in the Islands to take us to the next stage.
We are of course not insulated from world events, and the ever increasing price of fuel and basic foodstuffs will be felt in the Islands as everywhere else. But it is at least comforting to know that, in fish and in meat, we are in the supply chain, and able to take advantage of better commodity prices. The discovery of our own oil would do no harm either, but that is still to come.
Restricted external communications remain a constraint on development, but it is hard to see any easement in the short to medium term in the relationship with our aggressive and difficult neighbour. Negotiations with the FCO and MoD to improve access to and quality of the air-bridge are ongoing, but frankly show only limited signs of delivering a better service. Without more capacity northbound we will remain constrained in what we can achieve as a community, and leave ourselves exposed to further restrictive action by the Argentines. The smart thing to do is to increase the quantity and quality of north-south capacity so that east-west communications are no longer critical. To do this independently would be everyone's ideal outcome - we don't bother the MoD and they don't bother us - but a joint approach is the only practical solution at present, so we hope for more positive discussions to come.
In addition to our anniversary visitors we have been able to welcome to the Islands this year Marriott Lesley, the FCO Director responsible for the Falklands, a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, a delegation from the UK branch of the CPA, and of course the FCO Minister for the Overseas Territories Meg Munn. All of our visitors are important to us, but particularly our Parliamentary colleagues whose continuing support is so vital.
In this context I would like to mention that this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the FIG office in London, and to pay particular tribute to Sukey Cameron and all the staff who play a key role in keeping our contacts live. They, along with the Falkland Islands Association who first organised this reception over 3 decades ago, play a valuable role in providing the focus for the friends of the Falklands.
And whilst in recognition mode, I would like to congratulate David Tatham, Chairman of the FIA, on the publication of the much awaited Dictionary of Falklands Biography, and Dr Graham Pascoe and Peter Pepper on the imminent publication of their major academic work on the real History of the Falkland Islands, which I feel sure will go far to dispel many of the myths pedalled by others about the early days of settlement.
We have also had this year two visits from the Foreign Office negotiating team on the new Constitution, and I am delighted to be able announce to you here tonight that full agreement has been reached between the Legislative Council Select Committee on the Constitution and the FCO on the content of the new draft Constitution. This provides for some important new developments in the human rights chapter, most particularly to enshrine in the body of the Constitution the right to self determination for non-self governing territories in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. It also substantially advances internal self government and the promotion of democratic government, by making it a requirement that the Governor consult, and accept the advice of Executive Council, on all matters except international affairs, defence, the administration of justice, and good governance issues. This draft will now go to final public consultation in the Islands prior to final submission to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House, and the Privy Council hopefully in October. The new Constitution should be effective from 1 January 2009.
Year on year this event has grown in numbers of friends, supporters and Islanders coming together in a common cause, to support the people of the Falkland Islands in achieving their legitimate goals of freedom and self determination. I thank you all most sincerely for the time, effort and dedication you all put into securing and preserving the Falklands for future generations.
For information on the Falkland Islands please visit www.falklands.gov.fk or contact Abby Smith or Katie Liddell on 020 7839 2140 or falklands@keenepa.co.uk
|
