Falklands : Cllr Summers Reviews Recent Meetings at Gilbert House
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 31.01.2006 (Article Archived on 14.02.2006)
Cllr. Mike Summers chats with the media about recent meetings with Councillors at Gilbert House.
CLLR. SUMMERS REVIEWS RECENT MEETINGS AT GILBERT HOUSE
By J. Brock (FINN)
On Friday afternoon Cllr. Summers invited members of the Media to Gilbert House for a press conference, where he explained about some of the meetings that Councillors had over the past six weeks.
On 13 January in the morning, Councillors discussed the budget strategy held over from the December EXCO. Councillors were satisfied with how the budget strategy was written and there were no major changes. The user pays method of rendering products and services were confirmed. Sharing resources and people were discussed and invest to save projects were discussed. Cllr. Summers confirmed that some departments would make savings, others would break even and some would be over-budget. An assessment would be made in early February. It is hoped an overall 5% savings can be made.
During the afternoon of the 13th Councillors discussed the Constitution. They went through the latest report to identify areas that needed more work. This work would take place in February, March and April. In March the discussions will centre around human rights and fundamental freedoms and the EU Convention on Human rights. In April Councillors will work on how EXCO is conducted, an ombudsman and Public accounts. After April Councillors will inform and consult with the public on what they have drafted. In September a final report will be sent to the FCO. A team of 2 or 3 from the FCO will visit the Falklands.
Advances will be sought for internal self government and there will be further discussions on the role of the Governor. Immigration policy will also be looked at with a possible moratorium on permanent residence permits as well as full time Councillors. Prior to the final report there will be a series of public meetings and consultations. However, there is no proposal for a referendum as the changes are not considered to be that significant.
On 17 January 2006 Councillors met with Katherine Royal from the British Embassy in Buenos Aires and Rebecca Stevens from the Falklands Desk in Whitehall. Cllr Summers gave no detail of their meeting but it is thought that the FCO staff members were on a familiarisation visit.
Cllr Summers then said that the recent visit of HMS ENDURANCE to Ushuaia was a one-off and probably initiated by the Captain and not a trend set by the MOD. Councillors noted with displeasure that the ENDURANCE hadn’t made a port call to the Falklands in two years. Also, remarks by some Argentine war veterans not being able to visit the Falklands were noted. Cllr Summers pointed out the open secret that veterans can come as often as they wish but they are not funded and must find the money to come to the Falklands on a commercial flight.
The first Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, paid a courtesy call and Mike Richardson of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission visited as well. He had assessed the opening of the Argentine Illex Season and the impact it would have on the Falklands season due to begin mid February.
On the 24th of January there was a meeting on Education where further education and higher education were discussed. A short paper will be produced to show the alternatives should the Education Department budget be cut. It could mean means testing potential students. Mr. Summers added that there was difficulty recruiting a Director of Education because the salary was not considered to be competitive enough. A better salary would have to be found within the education budget.
At GPC held on Wednesday, 25 January, Legco papers were discussed as well as lay members effectiveness on various committees. The eight primary committees would probably not have lay members. HMSC has lay members as well as the Planning and Building Committee. Other lay member participation will be under review. There was a lengthy discussion about the Islands plan as it has a broad mandate and six major capital projects Councillors would like to see go ahead. They are: a wind farm, sewerage disposal, Ferry, camp communications, dockyards and a port.
Other items are housing infrastructure, the 2007 25 Anniversary of Liberation, external air links, the air-bridge, town centre, green areas, tourism centre and agricultural programmes. Also listed are a constitutional review, balanced budget, the Camp economy and integrated transport.
The MPs programme was discussed as well as the Prerogative of Mercy Committee. This could be the topic of discussion during the February public meeting. It was decided that presentations and the discussion of pre-determined subject matter would take 15 or 20 minutes and no more. The rest of the meeting can be open for items the public bring up.
Immigration was discussed with a moratorium on permanent residence permits the subject of a moratorium. This aspect of the immigration policy is under review. PRP gives certain rights to UK Nationals. Those who are naturalised have Falklands Status. Cllr. Summers said it didn’t make sense to carry on with the system if it needs improvement.
There were discussions on how to help the Falkland Islands Association, a review of the Employment Programme. It was announced that Cllrs Richard Cockwell and Richard Davies would go the CPA Conference in Nigeria.
The make-up of the 2007 Committee will include Cllr. Janet Robertson and Lewis Clifton. That committee will meet in March. It is hoped we can have high profile visitors – maybe a Royal visit.
Finally Cllr Summers suggested that the media contact portfolio holders after EXCO to discuss what went on during the meeting. H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce has a good overall report but detail can be obtained with a one to one interview with Councillors.
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