By J. Brock (FINN)
Councillor Philip Miller, who is a first time Councillor elected in 2001, has resigned from Legislative Council for personal reasons. He had been away from the Islands during the Budget meeting of Legislative Council for medical treatment and felt that he could not give his full attention to Legislative business until he was in better health. Following is the content of his letter of resignation.
It is with considerable regret that I am obliged to tender my resignation as a member of the Legislative Council as of the end of September 2003. My reasons for this are purely personal but I do feel obliged to provide an explanation for a decision that has been extremely difficult for myself and Sheena.
You will be aware that I was away from the Falklands for the best part of three months earlier this year, at a critical time of the year. Regrettably, the reason for my absence, which is of a medical nature, has not gone away. And, it will be necessary for me to be away again next year for a similar period, and possibly again the year after.
I found it extremely difficult to keep in touch with all the goings on in the Falklands for so long. And, one feels less and less able to contribute to the governance of the Falklands and, even less, represent the interests of the people who elected me.
It would not be fair on to repeat the circumstance in the coming years. It is also unfair to lumber my colleagues with the extra work.
This last two years have been enjoyable and instructive and have not diminished my wish to be involved in Falklands politics in the future. As soon as personal circumstances permit, I would like to offer myself for re-election. In the meantime, I will endeavour to remain involved in local affairs so far as time permits.
Councillor Miller was instrumental in getting legislation passed to regulate burning in Camp. His keen intellect and devotion to his constituents will be a hard act to follow. There is no date yet set for a bye-election. Readers will be kept informed.
