Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, in rising to support the Motion for Adjournment I would just like to briefly address an overseas trip as well; and that was the Cricket tour that was recently taken by the Cricket team and myself in the Caribbean. I would like to take this opportunity to publically mention and congratulate and thank the team for all their enthusiasm, not only in the sport but their exemplary performance as ambassadors for the Falkland Islands. They were wonderful; they made many friends and in particular the three captains of the team and gave up much of their spare time, which was at a premium to attend interviews and television interviews, radio interviews and newspaper (interviews). And I thank them all for that.
Of course from the political point of view there were some very useful contacts made. It was very interesting that all of the addresses and question and answer sessions that I fronted were if a question was asked, I answered every one What do you know about the Falklands? The answer was invariably the War. For the last 30 years people really didnt know what we have done, what we have been up to so it was very enlightening for them and it was very gratifying for me and the others to be able to tell them exactly how weve moved on and where we are.
I dont know what the final cost to the Falkland islands Government for this tour but I am sure it was well worth every penny and great value for money as far as public relations for the Islands go. I believe that funding for our sports should now be an essential part of the budget process in the future. I do believe there is a proposal coming to Executive Council for the possible creation of a National Sports Council. And I think the figure quoted, if done on a percentage basis of revenue, I may be wrong about this, I cant remember where I heard it but I think the quotation was something like £350,000.00 per annum to be spent solely on sports and exercise facilities. And I will absolutely support this type of expenditure by FIG not only because its an investment for our youngsters health and indeed I think their social behaviour in future but sport of any kind is a great medium between countries if handled correctly. And I say that because unlike certain sporting bodies from certain countries, the Falkland islands were invited on these tours. We were invited to do TV shows and radio shows and newspaper interviews. We didnt demand anything. We could have done a lot more if we had more time.
When we were away one of the things we were asked about is the size of the Falklands. Not many people know how big the Falklands are. And I think if you are in Europe you would probably say, half the size of Wales. If you are in the Caribbean you say Jamaica and when passing through Miami and being asked about it we said Connecticut. And thats just why I would like to mention the fact that last week when there was a tragic shooting in Connecticut it jumped out at me because I used the word so many times; and that tragic shooting culminating in 27 deaths, most of them youngsters. And while we can look forward to a peaceful and happy Christmas without families, I hope I speak for all of us when I say that there are those not so fortunate.
I would just like to reiterate what the Honourable Jan Cheek said. (She) mentioned David Jenkins and I would also like to thank him for all his efforts made in a very difficult job that hes been in and I wish him luck for his new position.
Mr Speaker I would just like to finally wish everyone in the Islands everyone in Camp and in Stanley and all those stationed at Mount Pleasant a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Thank you.
