By J. Brock (FINN)
At a swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Friday, 06 November 2009 H. E. the Governor Mr Alan Huckle warned new Assembly Members that “the days when Councillors could, as it were, criticise government from the sidelines are long gone.”
He went on to say that collective responsibility now rests firmly with Elected Members and theirs will not be a light or easy job. In the past few years tasks of government grew more complex and varied as our modern-day society developed and became more sophisticated. “You will need all your political skills to cope with the challenges ahead and your collective political leadership will certainly be tested,” he continued.
Mr Huckle urged Elected Members to coalesce as a group and to determine collective policies for the strategic direction of the Islands' government.
“You inherit from the previous Assembly a broad vision in the Islands' plan but some issues will brook no delay.” He said. He mentioned the budget for the next financial year by saying that we have seen budgetary deficits to over the last two years - last year's mainly because of the collapse of the Illex fishery- and current plans predict a deficit for this year, with reserves hit b y the global economic recession.
“As the various Green and White Papers issued by the previous Assembly have shown, we are beginning to live beyond our means,” he added.
An agreement next year on an economic development strategy buttressed by a rural development strategy, with any consequential adjustment so the tax structure will therefore be important should also fall within the remit of this Assembly.
“But, as mentioned in the election debates, this is not a time for making policy commitments without considering carefully their budgetary implications, said the Governor. “Gone are the days when we could count on the financial cushion afforded by fishing licence revenues. We now face a harder reality,” he said.
“Oil, if it comes, will create as many challenges as it will benefits. But there is a possibility that the current oil exploration round will be inconclusive. Better not to count our chickens before they are hatched, warned the Governor.
He finished by saying there is much to be done to protect and sustain the continued development of the Falkland Islands as a prosperous, forward-looking society. “You will bring, in different ways, considerable expertise and skills o the task,” he said.
“I wish you every success and merit the trust that has been placed in you by the electorate,” he said and finished off by saying that he’d better stop now or “you will all want a right to f reply.”
There is a week full of activities for the new Assemblymen and women. The Chief Executive has developed an excellent briefing programme over the next few weeks and there will be a meeting of Legislative Assembly on Friday..
The Attorney General administered the Oath of Office for both Legislative Assembly and Executive Council.
