Falklands : Falklands Forum Held in London
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 19.04.2007 (Article Archived on 03.05.2007)
Over Two-hundred delegates learned about how the Falklands have developed since 1982.
FALKLANDS FORUM HELD IN LONDON
By J. Brock (FINN)
The Falkland Islands Government has hosted a one-day Forum, entitled 'Opportunities for the Future', in London on 18 April 2007 at the QEII Centre in Westminster. Organised to raise awareness of the Islands and their promising commercial growth, the programme is hoped to promote investment prospects, particularly in the areas of oil and mineral exploration, fisheries, agriculture and tourism.
ITV Presenter Nicholas Owen, the Chairman, opened the session with a brief introduction, with Cllr Michael Summers speaking for 20 minutes about self determination and constitutional development. Another 20 minute presentation was given by the Government’s Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Simpkins, who spoke about the economic overview of the Falklands. This section was sponsored by the Standard Chartered Bank. Following the theme, Cllr Andrea Clausen talked about infrastructure and development.
This first morning session provided a comprehensive introduction to today's modern, self-sufficient Islands and their achievements in the 25 years since the Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982.
After coffee Dr. John Barton, FIG’s director of Fisheries, Dr. Brendan Gara, FIDC’s Aquaculture Development Officer, and Mrs Cheryl Roberts of Consolidated Fisheries gave a comprehensive presentation about Balancing commercial activities and conservation in the fisheries and aquaculture industries. This section was sponsored by Consolidated Fisheries Ltd.
After a keynote speech by Dr. Kim Howells MP, Mrs. Phyl Rendell, Director of Minerals and Agriculture, gave a presentation about the Agricultural industry in the Falklands entitled “Sustainable Diversification and the Environment.” The half-hour session also included a presentation by Mr. Neil Judd, FIG’s Senior Agricultural Advisor.
An hour session entitled “Oils and Minerals – The Way Forward,” featured presentations by Dr. Phil Richards of British Geological Survey, Dr. Phil Stone of British Geological Survey, Mrs Phylis Rendell, Director of Minerals and Agriculture and Mr. Lewis Clifton of Byron Marine Limited. Byron Marine Limited sponsored this section of the Forum.
Finishing off the presentations were Ms. Debbie Summers of Sulivan Travel who spoke about “The Unspoilt Archipelago” and Cllr. Janet Robertson who’s topic was “Towards a Secure and Sustainable Future.”
Before the Chairman’s closing remarks there was a 45-minute session on doing business in the Falkland Islands. There was a panel discussion and a question and answer session with Cllrs. Summers, Clausen and Robertson Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Simpkins, Director of Minerals and Agriculture Mrs. Phyl Rendell, and Director of Fisheries, Dr. John Barton.
Over two hundred delegates attended the Falklands Forum. In 2000 at the first Falklands Forum attracted 150 delegates.
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