Falklands : Governr Huckle's Report on Executive Council (21/09/06)
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 26.09.2006 (Article Archived on 14.11.2006)
H. E. the Governor Mr Alan Huckle reviews his first meeting of Executive Council.
GOVERNOR’S REPORT ON THE MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2006
This was my first full meeting of Executive Council as Governor and, given the quality of the discussion, I look forward to many more.
There were several items of economic importance to the Islands. First, Executive Council authorised the necessary FIDC expenditure to implement the Falkland Islands Wool Review and Strategic Plan and to set up a Wool Co-operative. I know that this is a contentious issue and shall leave it to Councillors to comment further. But since I understand that this topic has led to some heated debate, I hope that people will not resort to threats or personal abuse. There is no coercion. It will be open for farmers to decide themselves whether or not they wish to join the new co-operative.
Executive Council also agreed in principle to move ahead on setting up a national aquaculture development programme, pending EDF9 funding, and to establish two new energy saving schemes to promote solar thermal hot water systems and high efficiency condensing boilers. Funding for these schemes will be considered at the Budgetary Review in November, which will set the strategic priorities for expenditure in the next financial year.
Executive Council also decided to lower the starting pay rate for new apprentices to £5 an hour, to provide further financial assistance to the Dairy, and to consider the recovery plan for Falkland Landholdings Corporation later on this year following a further Camp workshop. Council reviewed a report on the outcome of the public consultation on the Integrated Transport Study and asked the Transport Advisory Committee to take this forward. Key issues will be the capital programme for road construction and maintenance, including the provision of new infrastructure at Newhaven and Port Howard to support the ferry service; a review of coastal shipping and FIGAS freight charges in order to optimise the use of FIGAS for passengers and promote the use of shipping for freight; and a review of the air services provided by FIGAS, including the possible purchase of new aircraft.
Council also heard a report from the Government Secretary on the public consultations in Fox Bay on the future of the Government Agent post at Fox Bay and agreed that the post should be filled on a full-time basis along current lines. Separately, a Supplementary Appropriations Bill was authorised for presentation to the meeting of Legislative Council on 22 September.
On education, Executive Council approved in principle restructuring proposals for the education services and a revised plan for the Training Unit, submitted by the Director of Education, subject to further public consultation including consultation with teachers and the Board of Education. Key aims of the proposals are to provide a better career structure and succession opportunities within the education profession here and to undertake a strategic review of training needs in the Islands. Council also agreed in principle to change the eligibility criteria for Government sponsorship for further education to include assessment on commitment to study, attendance records, and attitude in order to instil greater incentives to achieve on the part of pupils. The Director of Education was asked to propose a revised system for this to Executive Council early next year.
On the legislative front, Executive Council approved the publication of the Criminal Appeals Bill and the substantial Police and Criminal Evidence Bill in the official Gazette for public consultation. Council also approved a new distribution of regulatory functions between the Director of Civil Aviation here and Air Safety Support International, based in London.
Finally, Executive Council discussed a draft report on our implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is required every five years. This is a substantial body of work and I commend those who contributed to it.
This was the final meeting for Commander, British Forces, Commodore Ian Moncrieff, before his departure on 14 November since he will be in London on official business at the time of the October meeting. Council members expressed their warm appreciation of his work with the civil community.
Government House
23 September ‘06
|
