Falklands : Falklands General Purposes Committee Brief (19/12/08)
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 23.12.2008 (Article Archived on 04.01.2009)
A meeting of the General Purposes Committee took place at Gilbert House on Wednesday, 17 December 2008 and on Friday, 19 December Cllr Mike Summers, OBE briefed the media on what happened at that meeting and about other meetings Councillors had during December.
GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE BRIEF (19/12/08)
By J. Brock (FINN)
A meeting of the General Purposes Committee took place at Gilbert House on Wednesday, 17 December 2008 and on Friday, 19 December Cllr Mike Summers, OBE briefed the media on what happened at that meeting and about other meetings Councillors had during December.
On the agenda was: Freight to the West, the EU Meeting in Cayman, Demining in 2009, the Reduction in the Legislative Council budget by Reducing CPA attendance and the visit of General Sir Thomas Granville-Chapman.
Demining in 2009:
Councillor Summers said that the demining programme for 2009 was at an early stage and that as yet Councillors have heard very little from the United Kingdom about it. “We will hear more next year on the tender and team support,” he said. He went on to say that Councillors wanted representation whenever there are talks about our demining in the Islands so that the Falklands point of view could be put forward. The suggested list of representatives includes Cllr Birmingham with his portfolio on land use and the environment, Major Peter Biggs, OC FIDF, and Mr Anthony Payne, the Environmental Planning Officer.
Cllr Summers restated that it was the FCO that signed the Ottawa Convention for demining in the Falklands and that we were not given a voice in these discussions. Unfortunately, Islanders and not the FCO were given the reputation of being obstructive to the UK’s effort when the media picked up snippets (not from the Falklands) about Islanders thinking the work would destabilise the society. This label stuck with Falkland Islanders even though it is not true. “This item needs clarity,” said Cllr Summers, “We have always said we would be helpful in the demining process.” said Cllr Summers, “we need a full environmental assessment before any demining takes place,” he continued.
Areas like Sapper Hill may be OK but Cllr Summers said that Fox Bay would pose a problem with erosion. The technique used could vary between areas to be demined. And, in relation to this our planning ordinance also needs to be consulted. “Obviously we won’t go for the easiest and quickest way to demine,” said Cllr Summers. The Falklands have approximately 160 minefields.
Freight to the West:
Apparently there is a problem with delivering to the Southern part of West Falkland and Councillors have been asked to do something about it. The new freight system is in its early stages and it is not set in stone yet. FIDC have been asked to investigate the complaints to see if a change is necessary. There seems to be questions about the arrangements the private sector has in place but FIG does not envisage being involved in the freight service.
EU Summit:
Councillor Robertson reported that she thought the Cayman EU Overseas Territories Conference was poorly organised but useful. She said that nothing immediately came out of the conference but will in due course. The venue alternates between Brussels and one of the Overseas Territories on an annual basis.
Visit of General Sir Thomas Granville-Chapman:
General Sir Thomas Granville Chapman discussed long-term strategy with reference to the Falklands for 20 to 25 years hence. There are also long-term implications for the UK and the European Union as well as being the gateway to the Antarctic.
It is most useful for the UK and the European Union to have a fully developed democracy here as well as a keen environmental outlook. The Falklands remain strategically important to the UK
As for the air-bridge it is envisaged that the ideal would be an Airbus A-380 but this should take about 3 years to negotiate. Meanwhile FLYGOSPAN have a 2-year contract with the option to extend for another year.
Unfortunately, there has been no progress on the reduction in airfares for the civilian population here. Seats to the UK will be sold at Ł1498 with some freedom to sell at different rates but if we want to discount for students and children the cost must go up for others. We are still trying very hard to reduce the cost but it is hoped that the FCO will sign the JPS agreement, with some latitude in terms of how the ticket price is calculated.
Legislative Council Office Budget:
It has been decided to reduce Councillors’ attendance at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conferences in order to reduce expenses. One Councillor will attend one conference a year. This should reduce travel costs and association fees. It was thought that the focus of the CPA has changed from promoting parliamentary democracy to another political agenda.
Assemblymen (women)?:
Cllr Summers mentioned that locally the Councillors could remain appropriate even though the legislative body is known as an assembly. Outside the UK they could be known as Assemblymen (women).
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