Falklands : The Election Manifesto of Norman Beasley-Clark
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 11.06.2011 (Article Archived on 25.06.2011)
“I would just like to mention at the beginning of my manifesto that the beliefs I shared with you at the last general election remain the same and I stand by them.
“I would just like to mention at the beginning of my manifesto that the beliefs I shared with you at the last general election remain the same and I stand by them. And if you would like a copy of that manifesto, I would happily supply one either by post or electronically.
I now want to focus on the remaining life of this government. I believe the current MLAs have managed to turn around our deficit budget in a remarkable space of time. It could create some envy among other countries.
However, we are, because of our geographical situation, more vulnerable to external economic pressures than most.
With the current world economic situation we may experience some reverses. However, with our current unemployment and the lowest for some time, with the current number of work permits in circulation, our forecast of a 2% growth in the forthcoming budget period, our economy is now in better shape to deal with the future, providing we keep it under control.
We must be mindful, though of spiralling inflation and the effect it has on the more vulnerable in our society – those on fixed incomes and young families.
Governor Nigel Haywood during his address on the state of the nation laid out the challenges that lay ahead. Our nation is no stranger to challenges. We had some 29 years ago.
Farmers on remote farms face them daily. Let’s supplement the challenge with opportunity.
We now have the opportunity to create a shipping service that ignores our close neighbours. We have the opportunity to explore independent air links. We do need a port facility to service our needs for the future. Let’s encourage investment in this project from the private sector by providing some form of economic development zone.
In agriculture I mentioned in 2009 we should stop playing lip service to the repopulation of Camp. There is still a great deal of disjointed thinking in that area that needs addressing urgently; it beggars belief that we do not have an agricultural apprentice scheme.
The same old chestnut on housing; we still have an urgent need for some more serviced plots of land.
With regards to medical care, it appears we are currently experiencing recruiting problems which impacts on the continuity of care. Perhaps it’s time we reviewed the FIG recruiting policies as a whole.
On foreign policy matters, Argentina does not recognise the Falkland Islands’ right to exist. The annual symbolic gestures and claims at the UN are now becoming more farcical, considering the dramatic events currently unfolding in Yemen, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Bahrain; all demanding change for democracy. Barry Obama said in an interview with Andrew Marr recently “the Berlin wall came down not because the Soviet Union or East Germany were overthrown militarily it was because people decided they were fed up and they wanted a life in which they had the opportunity and self-determination. He went on to say the United States stands on the side of those who, through non-violent means are trying to bring about a better life for themselves and their families. So it would appear the United States supports our claim, too.
I wish Dick Sawle all the best at the up-coming UN meeting. Our government must become far more proactive in selling the success story of the Falklands.
Finally, if elected I will strive to seek for far more transparency within government and for more accountability. I will also strive to achieve an improved flow of information from Government to the electorate.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish our potential ambassadors – the sportsmen and women – all the very best for the forthcoming Island Games; and, a sincere thanks to their sponsors. Without their support the team would be very much reduced.
Thank you.
(100X Transcription Service)
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