Falklands : Executive Council Report for November2006
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 22.11.2006 (Article Archived on 06.12.2006)
Acting Governor, Harriet Hall, updates us on what happened at this important meeting.
Executive Council – 16 November 2006
The Governor chaired the November meeting of Executive Council but as he was going to be away this week he asked me to sit in and listen so that I could make this report.
The Governor began by welcoming the new Commander British Forces, Brigadier Nick Davies, to Executive Council.
It was a very short agenda with a few routine papers such as PRP applications. In addition there was discussion on four more weighty issues.
One of the first topics discussed was a proposed change to the Tax Ordinance so that civilian individuals recruited locally to work at Mount Pleasant will in future be subject to Falkland Islands tax. Those recruited overseas – which is the majority of workers – will still be exempt from paying tax. Councillors have discussed this subject previously and, whilst wishing to show their support for the work of British Forces by waiving the charge of income tax for those employees who travel from overseas to work here, they have decided that it would be appropriate for locals to continue to pay tax in the same was they would if they were working in Stanley.
The release of new plots for housing was considered and Councillors decided to release seven plots on Hansen Hill which will be available for sale. Councillors did want to remind people that a new housing strategy is in preparation which may see a change in the future with regard to the release of plots. That strategy is due to be considered at Executive Council in January.
Councillors also considered the work of the Customs and Immigration Department. This Department is put under a lot of strain at this time of year in particular which the high number of cruise vessels visiting the Falklands. The requirement to clear all vessels at their first landfall in the Falklands is particularly onerous. Councillors therefore decided that cruise vessels which first call at sites in Camp that are not a designated customs port should be allowed to clear Customs provisionally by sending paperwork, including full passenger lists, 24 hours in advance to the Director of Customs. The paperwork will then be formalised, and passengers’ passports will be stamped, when the vessel arrives at a designated Customs port such as Stanley, Port William or Fox Bay. Of course, if the Collector of Customs has any concerns about the vessel’s paperwork he can withhold permission for such provisional clearance and arrange for a Customs Officer to attend at the point of first call.
The final significant item of business to be addressed was a change to the ceremony in which Falkland Islands status is awarded. In future individuals who are granted status will be required to pledge their loyalty to the Falkland Islands in a ceremony to be held in the Council Chamber. The new pledge reads: I - name - pledge my loyalty to the Falkland Islands and will respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will obey its laws and fulfil my duties and obligations under its Constitution’
Finally, ExCo agreed the dates for its meetings, and the meetings of LegCo next year.
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