News

Tipped as a potential “world-class ecotourism destination”, the Falkland Islands is getting noticed. Last year’s record breaking cruise ship season proves that the Islands are appealing to a wide range of visitors, but the stakes remain high. Tourism is the Islands’ second largest industry and it’s vital that the Tourism Strategy succeeds. The Tourist Board is looking for a General Manager who will make sure it does. The GM will be responsible for every aspect of the Strategy, from executing various programmes to managing the tourist office, and will have to report progress to the Board of Directors. To apply download the job description and the Selection Criteria and then email your CV and covering letter to jettycentre@horizon.co.fk before the closing date of 27 October.

The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) was represented at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton from 27 September – 1 October. Sukey Cameron MBE, the FIG UK Representative, was joined on the Falkland Islands stand by the Hon. Mike Rendell MLA, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and his wife, Phyl Rendell, who is the Director of Mineral Resources for FIG. The Conference provided an opportunity for FIG representatives to update Government ministers, MPs and other delegates on recent developments. Visitors to the stand included Bob Ainsworth MP, Secretary of State for Defence, and Chris Bryant MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, FCO with responsibility for the Overseas Territories. FIG will also be attending the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester from 5-8 October.

Photo below shows Phyl Rendell, Director of Mineral Resources; Hon. Mike Rendell MLA; Bob Ainsworth MP, Secretary of State for Defence; and Sukey Cameron MBE, FIG Representative (© Gus Campbell Photography)

Photo below shows Sukey Cameron MBE, FIG Representative; Hon. Mike Rendell MLA; Chris Bryant MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, FCO with responsibility for the Overseas Territories; and Phyl Rendell, Director of Mineral Resources

A group of 170 Argentine next of kin will visit the Falklands on 3 October, with another group of 205 visiting on 10 October, to attend the official inauguration of the Argentine Memorial at the Cemetery at Darwin, East Falklands. The joint military and civilian operation to prepare for the two visits has been overseen by Government House, with elected representatives, in the hope that the arrangements will allow for a suitably dignified event.

Rockhopper Exploration announced on 22 September that it has a very real prospect of taking part in a multi-well drilling campaign for oil in Falklands waters in 2010.  Executive Council has approved two Environmental Impact Statements for exploration drilling, prepared by Rockhopper, subject to submission of operational addendums which will include details of the drilling contractor, drilling units, and where, when and how many wells are to be drilled.

The Public Accounts Committee Bill 2009, which will give elected members additional power for independent review of public service provision, was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 18 September.  The Bill enhances democracy in the Falkland Islands by providing an additional layer of independent review of the Government’s expenditure.  The Bill can be read here.

The Stage 1 Report on the review of the Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCo) is available to download here.  The review consists of two stages: (a) an economic impact analysis, and (b) a business case analysis (turnaround modelling).  This report covers the first segment of the review. Stage 2 of the review is currently underway and will be delivered by the Falkland Islands Development Corporation, presenting options and recommendations to achieve FIMCo’s future viability and sustainability as a commercial enterprise.

The latest issue of Falklands Focus is available to download here with articles on drilling for oil, the Argentine next of kin visit, the Islands Plan, the record breaking tourism season, the diversification of the Fishery, and a focus on the Review of Government.

The Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB) is now officially part of the social networking phenomenon Facebook. The new Falkland Islands page allows FITB to take the destination to a huge and diverse audience and get involved with online conversations and communities. Facebook’s virtual community provides a platform for people to share photographs, stories, travel experiences and connect with friends and family. Become a fan of the Falkland Islands by visiting www.facebook.com/naturesbestkeptsecret.