Falklands : Falklands: Summary of Executive Council Meeting 25 April 2012
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 05.05.2012 (Article Archived on 02.06.2012)
Many of the April papers are budget related so will not be reported in detail as they are referred to Budget Select Committee. These included options and priorities for road maintenance and an update on Budget policy thus far.
Summary of Executive Council Meeting 25 April 2012
By the Honourable Jan Cheek
The Honourable Ian Hansen was stand in for the Honourable Dick Sawle who is overseas.
Many of the April papers are budget related so will not be reported in detail as they are referred to Budget Select Committee. These included options and priorities for road maintenance and an update on Budget policy thus far.
The paper on the designation of Sea Lion Island as a National Nature Reserve was deferred for further consideration following concerns expressed by several MLAs.
There was agreement in principle to proposed changes to the Planning Ordinance to allow members of the public to address the decision making body. Details will have to be worked out to ensure that the process is not slow or overly bureaucratic. It will then have to join the queue for legislative drafting.
The designation of FV Tronio under the food hygiene rules was agreed, along with recommendations to streamline the handling of future designations.
Next we considered an information paper regarding the new psychoactive substances being imported in increasing quantities and at considerable cost. These volumes and cost indicate intention to supply rather than just personal use. We noted the information and encouraged its dissemination so that parents and others responsible for the young and vulnerable can be as well informed as possible. We instructed that countermeasures, including any necessary legislation be given the highest priority, above all existing priorities.
We noted the independently produced Human Rights National Action Plan which will be released by the group on this week.
Other legislation related papers included the proposal to repeal the Data Protection and Access to Personal Files laws which have never been applied. We also approved the Committees (Public Access) bill to go to the May Assembly Meeting.
We noted the summary of the public consultation on the proposals to regulate driving for hire and reward and agreed that the work on licensing taxi drivers go ahead. The decision on tour drivers will await more information from a tourist survey next season.
The FIDC Report and Financial Statements were approved and will be published shortly by FIDC.
We approved the Islands Plan 2012-17 although it should be noted that this outline plan is subject to regular review, and will reflect the policies of the Assembly of the day.
We also approved the Chief Executive’s action plan for the implementation of the ‘review of the review’. He was commended for the speed with which he had produced an excellent plan.
Two applications for Falklands Status were approved and we noted the final paper which was feedback from the consultation on the Port Project.
EXCO also approved a sum of money to be available on application to assist with community events celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
|
