Falklands : Prime Minister's Seasonal Message to the Falklands
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 26.12.2006 (Article Archived on 09.01.2007)
Unlike in previous years the Prime Minister's seasonal message was not broadcast in the Falklands.
Christmas message to the Falkland Islands25 December 2006
Tony Blair has praised the people of the Falkland Islands for their efforts in
tackling climate change.
In his annual Christmas message, he also reflected on the 25th anniversary of
the conflict with Argentina over the islands, which takes place in 2007.
Read the message in fullAs the year draws to a close, I'm glad again to have
this chance to send my best wishes to everyone on the Falkland Islands.
It's an opportunity as well to reflect on what has been, I know, a busy,
prosperous and sometimes difficult time and to look forward to 2007 with the
special significance that it holds.
Thanks to your efforts, the Falkland Islands' economy is in good health. The
sensible and long-term decisions you have taken to develop your fishing industry
are now paying off while tourism continues to prosper.
The islands are increasingly a destination for cruise ships, with some 45,000
visitors coming ashore in the last season. Given the stunning natural beauty and
wildlife of the islands and the hard work of the Tourist Board, I am sure these
numbers will increase. The improvement in air links which the Falkland Islands
Government are working hard to secure will also lead to a welcome increase in
tourist numbers.
I also want to pay tribute to the efforts being made on the Falkland Islands to
safeguard this wonderful environment and our planet as a whole.
The world is, I am pleased to say, waking up to the threat that mankind's impact
on our climate poses to us all. The disastrous costs and consequences of
ignoring climate change was underlined when we published the Stern review in
October.
But the principle that human activity can damage our planet and our way of life
will, of course, be of no surprise for those of you who have for years been
living with the hole in our Ozone layer.
The Falkland Islands Government is already investing in three major wind
turbines, which will provide up to 30% of the Islands' energy requirement. This
is an excellent project, crucial to securing your own future, and I hope that
you will continue to develop the Islands in this sustainable way.
Next year - the 25th anniversary of the conflict - will, of course, lead to
increased public and media interest in the Falkland Islands. It will be an
opportunity for you to demonstrate the successful development of the Islands
over the last quarter of a century.
But the main focus of the events planned in the UK and on the Islands will be a
fitting and respectful tribute to all those who fought in the conflict and, in
particular, to those who lost their lives defending your freedom and your right
to determine your own future.
I want to assure you that the British Government's determination to protect this
right is as strong today as it was 25 years ago. Based on the fundamental
principle of self-determination, we are steadfast in our commitment to uphold
your security and the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
At the same time, we will continue to work, despite the recent diplomatic
challenges in our relations with Argentina, for productive co-operation on areas
of mutual interest including, of course, the future security and prosperity of
the Falkland Islands.
May I end, as always, by wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and
peaceful New Year.
(c) Press Release from Downing Street
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