Falklands : Falklands Governor Takes Up the Sword
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 28.08.2006 (Article Archived on 11.09.2006)
H. E. the Governor Mr. Alan Huckle has taken the oath of office and made his first speech to the nation.
Photo (c) J. Brock (FINN) Mr. Lewis Clifton OBE, the Speaker of the House, hands over the sword of office to H. E. the Governor Mr. Alan Huckle.
FALKLAND ISLANDS: SWEARING IN SPEECH: 28 AUGUST ’06
GOVERNOR ALAN HUCKLE
Lewis Clifton hands the sword of office to H. E. the Governor Mr. Alan Huckle
Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen –
First, may I say how honoured and pleased I am to have been appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands (and also, to complete the honour, Commissioner for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands).
When first approached, I knew that this was not an offer that I would wish to turn down. There were those in Anguilla, where I was then the serving Governor, who could not understand why I would want to trade the Caribbean sun for the gales of the SW Atlantic. But they had not experienced, as I had – if only for a short time – the haunting quality of these islands and the warmth and friendliness of the Falkland Islanders. My recent familiarisation visit only served to reinforce my earlier impressions and my desire to come here. And, having been here for two days, my wife, Helen, told me quietly that she will be happy here.
I am conscious of the weight of history connected with the Falklands and the fact that I follow some fairly illustrious Governors. Issues affecting the Falklands command high level attention in London – as I am finding out. The Governorship is a big job – and I hope, on your behalf, to do it well. I bring some experience to bear, not least from my time as head of the Overseas Territories Department between 2001 –4 (and my service in the Foreign Office emergency unit during the Falklands conflict in 1982). And I believe that I am the first Governor of the Falklands, who has been a Governor before - at least in living memory (so I should know the tricks of the trade!) But I come with no preconceptions and know that I have much to learn about the islands and those who are fortunate enough to live here.
As Governor, I wear several hats. I am the representative of Her Majesty the Queen – hence the uniform, which I am privileged to wear. There is a strong Royal connection to the Falklands and the Queen continues to pay close attention to the affairs of the islands, as my wife and I discovered during our audience with her.
I am also a representative of Her Majesty’s Government and will be responsible for communicating London’s views and requests to you. In this role, I hope to be as open and transparent as possible with your elected representatives, and more widely, in what should be a mutual policy of “no surprises”.
Equally importantly, I shall, as your Governor, seek to reflect the views of islanders to London and elsewhere as honestly and, where necessary, as strongly I can to ensure that islander wishes and interests are taken fully into account on all matters, which might affect the Falklands.
On internal affairs, I hope, within the parameters of the Constitution, to take an appropriately light touch. There may be issues, which appear at first sight to be internal but which, because of the islands’ particular circumstances, have an international dimension, on which therefore I may have to become more deeply involved but it should always be possible to work these through amicably with Councillors. And it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that the existing high standards of good governance are maintained throughout the public sector.
Good working relationships will be important – with Councillors, with the Chief Executive and members of the public service, with Commander, British Forces and his staff, and more widely with the community as a whole. I hope that Government House will be friendly and accessible – and both Helen and I shall try to get out and about as much as possible, in Camp as much as in Stanley, to get to know you all better. We shall certainly try within the first few months to visit all departments and key facilities in and around Stanley and to visit as much of Camp as we can. We have much to learn about the islands and hope that you will give us your time and have the patience to guide us on matters of importance to you.
Next year will be important for the islands as the 25th anniversary of the conflict. It will be a time for commemoration and reflection, rather than celebration, although the bravery of those British soldiers, who fought and died in the defence of freedom and the right of self-determination in the face of armed aggression must be acknowledged and honoured. The islands will, however, be under a media spotlight. We must manage any commemorative events sensitively, if only to acknowledge that Argentine families will also want to mourn their dead and come to terms with the results of conflict.
It will also give us an opportunity to show the progress that has been made since 1982. The islands are developing well economically and opportunities for further growth abound. There is an air of confidence and pride in the islands, which is a credit to you all. We need to get this across to the media to show that this is a vibrant society that has moved on.
Relations with the Government of Argentina are now more difficult than we would wish. My understanding is that the Argentine Government are becoming increasingly impatient that there has been no progress towards a transfer of sovereignty to Argentina over the islands. But the British Government’s position on this has been consistent and clear. There can be no question of any transfer of sovereignty without the agreement of the islanders.
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, made the point unequivocally in his message to the people of the Falkland islands on the 20th anniversary of the Falklands conflict: “ In all our dealings with Argentina, we are absolutely clear that the sovereignty, security and right of self-determination of the Falkland Islands and its people are not open to negotiation or compromise”. This message will not be subject to change.
There is, therefore, no room for manoeuvre on sovereignty unless the islanders change their minds. That is why the so-called “sovereignty umbrella” is so important, since it allows sensible, co-operative measures to be agreed with Argentina without compromise to their sovereignty claim. Stable relations with Argentina and other South American countries are clearly desirable for the future development and well-being of the islands – and there have been several mutually advantageous agreements with Argentina, negotiated under the “sovereignty umbrella”. But if the Government of Argentina decides to put increasing pressure, be it diplomatic or economic, on the Falkland Islands or those having dealings with the islands, this can only harm relations and make the negotiation of future such agreements that much more difficult. Such pressure can only be counter-productive.
I hope, therefore, that the Government of Argentina will recognise that there continues to be benefit in co-operation on practical matters of mutual interest under the “sovereignty umbrella” without resort to other, unwelcome pressure, which will not succeed.
That said, Helen and I look forward to a happy, fulfilling time on the Falklands Islands. Every Governor brings his or her own style to the job. It will be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Howard Pearce (and Caroline), who were so well loved on the island. But we shall try to earn, as they did, your respect and confidence – and as Governor, I shall certainly try to serve you well. Thank you.
28 August 2006
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