Falklands : CPA Delegation Enthusiastic About Falklands' Economy
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 19.02.2008 (Article Archived on 04.03.2008)
A team of four UK Parliamentarians have concluded their visit to the Falkland Islands.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN)
From left to right, Mr Holms,Lord Jones,Mr Ennis, and Lord McColl
CPA DELEGATION ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT FALKLANDS’ ECONOMY
By J. Brock (FINN)
A four man delegation of Members of Parliament has just completed a familiarisation visit to the Falklands. Mr Geoff Ennis, MP (LAB). Mr Paul Holms, MP (LibDEM), Lord Nigel Jones (LibDEM) and Lord Ian McColl held a press conference at the Malvina House Hotel on Monday afternoon to go over some of the highlights of the trip and give a brief outline about what they got from it and what they will take back for debate in Parliament.
Mr Ennis began by saying that he had a thoroughly fruitful visit and enjoyed the hospitality. It was his first visit and he felt very well looked after. He felt that the Councillors were doing a very good job and that the delegation came with an open agenda for items they wanted to report on back in the UK.
When asked about the three challenges that face the Falklands, Cllr Summers told the MPs they were “Argentina, Argentina, Argentina.”
The delegation were impressed with the Falklands’ main industries of Fisheries, Tourism and Agriculture. They also commented that they were pleased with the facilities at MPA and their use for training and for the defence of the Falkland Islands. A full programme was enjoyed by the delegation while they were at MPA.
All visiting Parliamentarians expressed their support about plans in place when the hydrocarbons industry begins exploratory drilling in the waters around the Falklands.
Lord Jones expressed the view that unless hydrocarbons are found the Falklands won’t get tarmaced roads. Mr Holms went on to say that it might be a blessing in disguise for the lucrative eco-tourism trade.
Mr Ennis expressed his support for Councillors plans to have the world’s first wholly organic island state.
The delegation expressed a willingness to help break down fossilised views about the Falklands stemming from the 1982 conflict. To help with this Lord Jones will propose an open meeting in parliament with 20 Members from both houses in attendance. He is hoping for feedback from Councillors. He also mentioned the impact that an airport in St Helena would have on the lives of the Saints here as well as tourism.
The delegation expressed the wish to have a next of kin visit to the Falklands but would not be drawn on whether the Falklands should allow an Argentine charter flight to bring them over. Lord Jones said that the Argentine ban on charter flights should end and that would be beneficial both to the Falklands and to Argentina with Tourism and Fisheries being better off. He went on to say that he noticed a positive entrepeneurial spirit. All delegates hoped that whatever economic benefits the Falklands had in store, not to sell ourselves short.
Finally Mr Ennis said that he hoped for the chance of a polite exchange of views with the Argentine President when she visits the UK.
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