Falklands : Falklands GPC Brief for Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 18.09.2009 (Article Archived on 02.10.2009)
A GPC brief was held on Wednesday, 16 September 1009 – several days early - due to an urgent matter. Prior to his coming to brief the media, Cllr Simmers had a meeting with H. E. The Governor Mr Alan Huckle.
GPC BRIEF FOR WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2009
By J. Brock (FINN)
A GPC brief was held on Wednesday, 16 September 1009 – several days early - due to an urgent matter. Prior to his coming to brief the media, Cllr Simmers had a meeting with H. E. The Governor Mr Alan Huckle.
Cllr Summers said he was prepared to speak about an incident that happened on Wednesday morning in Vigo, Spain at the First World Summit on Fishing Sustainability. He would also speak about the Next of Kin visits due to take place on 03 and 10 October 2009.
Other items discussed at the meeting were: Changes in access to the outer islands, Mature student degrees, Partnering with Morrisons
Meetings during the month included: One with the Speaker of the House about Standing Orders, anEDS Corporate Meeting, One on accounts with Sonny Jose and with the Chief Executive to discuss his progress on achieving objectives set for him.
Next of Kin Visit:
LAN has agreed to fly 375 next of kin on two flights on 03 October and 10 October 2009. The rest of the seats are open to regular passengers. There will be no other flights and no charter flights. Passengers who wanted to fly on these flights will be contacted in due course to see if they still want to fly on those dates.
Partnering Agreement with Morrisons:
Discussions with the Director of Public Works produced a list of projects over a number of years that Morrisons have completed here. Figures show that of the £20 Million there has only been a discrepancy of £109,000.00 or 0.5% over budget.
The Fisheries Conference Incident:
The Falklands had a lot to offer to the First World Summit on Fishing Sustainability held in Spain but petty politics got in the way. Instead of working together to manage sustainable fish stocks the Argentines chose to protest the presence of the Falklands delegation. “Clearly, the Argentine and Spanish attitude on management of the fish stocks is in nobody’s interest,” said Cllr Summers. He went on to say that there is little one can do in the face of this set-back. The private sector, however, has expressed concern to Cllr Cockwell and Chief Fisheries Scientist Sasha Arkhipkin. One possibility is for the British Ambassador to strongly protest to authorities in Spain about the incident.
Chief Executive’s Objectives:
On an interim basis there has been a review on progress of the 14 sectors to the paper to ensure Tim Thorogood is up to date in his tasks. Cllr Summers said that by in large his objectives have been met.
Revision of Standing Orders:
Changes in standing orders are needed because the Legislative Council has changed into a Legislative Assembly. A code of conduct needs to be incorporated into the standing orders. Councillors would be expected to sign an agreement to abide. Shortly there will be a system of dealing with complaints through a complaints commissioner.
Funding for Mature Students:
An adult wanted to study for a degree at a UK university but FIG had no policy for funding the person. The Director of Education has been invited to write a policy. Councillors agree to fund this person through his first degree.
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