Falklands : Falklands Summary of Executive Council Meeting Held on 24 March 2011
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 01.04.2011 (Article Archived on 15.04.2011)
The first was a planning appeal, so the Honourable Sharon Halford and I, as members of the Planning and Building Committee
Summary of Executive Council Meeting Held on 24 March 2011
The agenda was relatively short with only seventeen papers.
The first was a planning appeal, so the Honourable Sharon Halford and I, as members of the Planning and Building Committee, withdrew and were replaced by the Honourable Roger Edwards and the Honourable Bill Luxton. The appeal was upheld and a suggestion made that the Historic Buildings Committee review their policy on PVC and wooden window frames.
We approved the public relations work programme from Edelman which will mesh closely with our own plans, some of which are subject to agreement to additional funding in the forthcoming budget round.
Discussion of a paper outlining a proposed National Tourism Strategy was held over until the April meeting to give time for comment by the newly elected Tourist Board.
The FIDC budget was remitted to the general budget process.
The next paper, which has been publicised through SFC, proposed a rise in electricity charges which is a direct result of recent large increases in the cost of fuel. The rise was agreed. It was noted that without the displacement of some of the fuel costs by windpower we would have to pay an additional 7p per unit over the new price now agreed.
Members felt it important that there be public consultation on proposals to build or expand facilities at Gypsy Cove. It was felt that any plans entailing use of Stanley Common land that may affect the general public use should be widely discussed.
A small variation in a licence to hold land was agreed.
A proposal to establish a Post Office Committee was agreed. There is a Stamp Advisory Committee so this new committee will provide a route for more general postal matters.
Parking restrictions were agreed for the junction of Davis Street and Philomel Hill. It was suggested that a wider look at parking problems around town would be preferable to the current piecemeal approach.
Bizarrely we were asked to delay consideration of ratification of the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention. I think it fair to say we were happy to do so.
I declared my interest in the next paper which concerned the renewal of the MOU between FIG and Falklands Conservation. It was agreed in principle subject to clarification of a couple of points.
We approved a paper covering a tidying up amendment to the Government Management Code agreed at a previous meeting of Executive Council.
A paper defining skill based points for PRP applications was considered. We asked that the detail be refined so that the paper can come back to EXCO.
We agreed the establishment of a broad based Falklands Economic committee to advise on economic development issues.
An amended list of meeting dates was noted. When the original list for 2011 was compiled many of the overseas meeting dates are unknown so it has to be reviewed as we receive confirmation of those dates.
We were very happy to give EXCO endorsement to a proposal suggesting the renaming of a point on Pebble Island as Cape Coventry in memory of those lost on HMS Coventry in 1982.
Finally we approved staying on summer time as a trial this winter, subject to no serious drawbacks emerging before the change date. We expect to be able to confirm this week.
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