EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, 27 AUGUST 2003
Executive Council had a long agenda for its meeting last Thursday.
Following a paper on immigration matters, Councillors decided to lift the moratorium on applications for Permanent Residence Permits. The moratorium had been imposed last year as a result of the possible serious economic consequences of the decline in fishing licence revenue. Happily the economic situation of the Islands is now more positive and Councillors decided that there was therefore no need to maintain the moratorium. They did however consider that it would be important to explain fully the factors, which are taken into account when considering the grant of PRPs. These include an assessment of the applicant’s involvement in and commitment to the local community and whether or not the applicant has skills, which are needed, on the Islands. They asked for a revised application form and guidance notes to be prepared for discussion at the September ExCo.
Councillors also considered the question of licence fees for the first fishing season next year. Following advice from the Renewable Resources Assessment Group in London who are the Government’s advisers on fisheries conservation and management and discussions in the Fisheries Committee, they decided on a level of fees for a variety of licence types. Most of these showed no increase from this year’s prices. However ‘C’ type Loligo licences are to increase by 5% and ‘F’ type Skate licences will increase 2%.
One item, which was discussed at length, was the latest developments in the Gordon Forbes case. As the case is ongoing I cannot comment in detail but I can say that Councillors considered all aspects of the case, including the financial implications, very carefully.
For many years now the Crown Agents Stamp Bureau in London has been responsible for producing and marketing stamps issued by the Falkland Islands. However a new company has been created called Creative Direction and, following extensive discussions with both them and with the Crown Agents, members have decided to ask the Postmaster to enter into a contract with Creative Direction for the production of Falkland Islands stamps. Creative Direction has been established by someone who has a lot of experience in the philatelic world, including with the Falkland Islands Philatelic Bureau and he will be working closely with Pobjoy Mint who have produced commemorative coins for the Falkland Islands.
As usual ExCo considered a number of applications connected with planning and environmental issues. They gave agreement in principle to start discussions with FIC and a member of the public over the possible development of sites currently under the three different ownerships for housing in West Stanley. This would help meet Stanley’s projected need for housing and also make it possible to retain Stanley Racecourse in its current location. A fuller assessment of technical and financial aspects will be needed as the plan will entail construction of a new road to West Stanley and will also involve a ‘land-swap’ between FIG and FIC.
ExCo considered a number of other important items under the planning and environment heading. They agreed the listing of five historic buildings as being of special architectural or historic interest under the terms of the Planning Ordinance 1991. The buildings are 4 Drury Street, 21 Fitzroy Road, 14 Pioneer Row, Mount Rosalie Dip and Shallow Bay Old House. They appointed Mr Andy Douse, the Conservation Strategy Officer, as a member of the Environmental Committee. They also considered the proposed designation of three National Parks. On this topic, Members considered carefully a number of factors. These included access to the proposed areas, Government’s liability in the case of accidents to people in designated areas, the costs associated with National Parks. They also took account of the views expressed by the public at the meetings and in correspondence. One of their main concerns was the possible cost to Government as a result of designation. They decided not to designate two areas – Wickham Heights and Hill Cove Forest. However they supported in principle only at this stage the designation of Hill Cove Mountains as a national park and asked for more work to be done on costings, including the production of a 'no cost' option.
ExCo also considered a paper on the introduction of a new Code of Practice as to Disclosure in Criminal Investigations. This is to be introduced following the coming into force of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Ordinance 2003. The Falklands Code is based on the English Code, with minor modifications to adapt it to the particular requirements of the Falklands. Essentially the Code sets out how evidence, which is gained during a criminal investigation, must be recorded and retained and how it must then be used in the case of a prosecution.
Under Human Resources, Councillors approved the proposal to combine the Management of the Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of Agriculture and to appoint Mrs Phyl Rendell as the new Director. The proposal came about because the current Director of Agriculture indicated that he would be leaving the Falklands at the end of his current contract. The chance to use this opportunity to help streamline the Civil Service structure was identified. Councillors considered very carefully the effect that this change would have on the working of the two departments. As the new role would be managerial and would be supported by a Senior Agricultural Adviser post they decided to approve the proposal. This will result in significant savings for FIG, although it is too early at this stage to give an exact figure.
