Falklands : The Hon Mr Roger Edwards: Motion for Adjournment Speech 23 July 2012
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 30.07.2012 (Article Archived on 13.08.2012)
Mr Speaker, Honourable members, It seems everyone wishes to be the last to speak. In rising to support the motion I will start by letting the listeners know that has been 3 weeks since I returned from my travels to the United Nations? Firstly I went to Ecuador for the pre-C-24 meeting.
The Hon Mr Roger Edwards: Motion for Adjournment Speech 23 July 2012
Transcript by J. Brock (FINN)
Mr Speaker, Honourable members, It seems everyone wishes to be the last to speak. In rising to support the motion I will start by letting the listeners know that has been 3 weeks since I returned from my travels to the United Nations? Firstly I went to Ecuador for the pre-C-24 meeting. I was then joined by my Honourable Colleague Mike Summers and two young Islanders for lobbying in Washington and in New York. We then spoke at the United Nations Committee of 24 before Mike Summers and I went on to lobby in Canada.
As has been expressed earlier I do believe that we are getting our message across. I think we are winning the Public Relations War against Argentina and we do see people walking away from previously signed up to agreements with Argentina. And I think that is good for us.
But one thing I would like to point out is that while at United Nations in New York, we were joined by a further four of our youngsters. For the first time, we felt that 30 years after the Falklands War we tried to look forward and not back. And so we were joined by some of our youngsters – the two lobbyists plus the other four making a total of six. And I must say they were bright, articulate with a passion for the Falkland Islands. And I must say that I do honestly believe that with people like this our future and the Falkland Islands’ future is assured. And I would wish to thank them and thank the rest of the young community of the Falkland Islands because they are our future.
It was pointed out after the Committee of 24 by my Colleague, Mike Summers that the Argentine President turned up with a total delegation of 96 plus TV, Press, and Radio – so a total of about 120 people. In fact it filled one third of the room in the United Nations. But as Mike pointed out, we, with a total delegation of 8, to match that, the Argentines would have had to turn up with a delegation of 80,000.
I was not here during June. As I said, I was away on business with the United Nations. But I would like to thank all those who oversaw, took part in or in any way supported the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations and also the 30th Anniversary of the Falkland Islands being, again, under the flag desired by the people.
Part of the public relations is the Referendum. While away we are continually asked if we are speaking on behalf of all the people, some of the people or what have you. I always reply that we are speaking on behalf of all the people. And so the forthcoming referendum is very important. It has already fired the imagination of the public around the Falkland Islands. And we must ensure that the question is simple, is straight forward and that we are able to get as close to 100% turn-out as possible. Otherwise we will lose the effect of that referendum.
I support also the thanks that have already been expressed for the ‘well done’ the congratulations for our shooting teams overseas. Even with our motorcyclists that go overseas, I think the Falkland Islands even punch well above our weight when they go overseas be it the youngsters, be it our specialist teams and so on. And I am always very proud of the people that go overseas representing the Falkland Islands and I congratulate them all.
I welcome Group Captain Alistair Craig at his first meeting of Legislative Assembly.
Mr Speaker, I support the Motion for Adjournment.
|
