FINN (COM) DAILY RECORD: 27 NOVEMBER 2003
(With Relevant News from FIBS)
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: Thursday, 27 November 2003
SUKEY RECEIVES MBE FROM PRINCE CHARLES:
Sukey Cameron (SC) has received an MBE. The Falkland Islands Government Representative in the UK received the honour on Tuesday in recognition of her public service to the Islands. I caught up with her yesterday to find out about the day.
SC: It was a fantastic day. As a surprise and a present to me, a friend of mine had laid on a limousine service to collect myself, my two nieces and my brother, Donald, from the office and drive to Buckingham Palace. It was nice to be able to go in style. Waiting for the award was quite nerve racking because it was very ceremonial. Time didn’t drag and it was very interesting to speak to some of the other recipients, including two Military people who had both been to the Falklands. So, that was quite interesting. The Prince of Wales gave me my MBE and said that he was particularly pleased, given his connection with the Islands. He said that he still had very fond memories of his visit. And, I said that we hoped that perhaps some day he might visit again. I wonder if he will think about that.
SG: You are obviously meeting in the right circles because I gather you were also at the state opening of Parliament.
SC: Yes. The Overseas Territories representatives are now all invited as a right to the state opening, so we met this morning for a Champaign breakfast and then headed off for the Palace of Westminster. Unfortunately, it was pouring with rain so we felt very sorry for all the Military people who were on guard – all the coachmen and everything because it was really, really miserable. However, we were fine because we were inside and had a wonderful view of all the procession and all the ceremonial that goes on at the State opening. And that was followed by a Champaign reception at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. It’s been a bit of a celebratory week, really.
ILLEX EXCLUDED FROM FALKLANDS HIGH SEAS LICENCES:
Illex will be excluded from the Falkland Islands High Seas Licences from the time the Islands’ Illex season closes on December 31st. The Licence limitation was recommended at a meeting of the Fisheries Committee yesterday. Director of Fisheries, John Barton, confirmed that the early part of this period was already excluded from Falkland Islands High Seas Licences. The extended period will prevent Falkland Islands vessels from catching small Illex very early in the season. Mr. Barton said while this had some conservation benefits, it would need other fleets to do likewise to get the full benefit.
BILL RAMMELL:
In the Islands for the rest of this week is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Overseas Territories, Bill Rammell, MP. It’s Mr. Rammell’s first visit to an overseas territory and he has a packed programme for the next few days. He will be visiting Government Departments, from the Hospital to the Community School, meeting politicians and Camp residents and is expected to get a taste of parts of Islands life from shearing to EOD Minefield demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Councillors are off on their travels again, with Mike Summers and Jan Cheek due to leave the Islands today on official business. The pair are off to an EU forum in Brussels and, after that, a busy schedule of meetings in London. Cllr. Summers will be giving a talk at the Adam Smith Institute and will be in Whitehall on Battle Day, the 8th of December. There will also be meetings of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council and the Falkland Islands Parliamentary Dining Club, which gathers together all the MPs who had ever visited the Islands.
ARGENTINE PRESS ITEM SPARKS FOREIGN OFFICE QUESTION:
The UK Foreign Office says no special talks are taking place over talks between Argentina and the Falklands. But they admit discussion on the subject of South Atlantic flights is a regular part of regular diplomatic contact between the British Ambassador, Sir Robin Christopher, and the Argentines. A Foreign Office Spokeswoman told News Direct that the situation on flights discussions hadn’t changed in recent weeks and the Foreign Office position remained that any changes in flights would only be made with the agreement of Islanders. The news comes after fears that Argentina will try and restrict charter flights to the Islands, cutting off the main link that feeds passenger exchanges to cruise ships. Reports in the Argentine press earlier this week said that Sir Robin was prepared to enter into negotiations on the matter.
(100X Transcription Service)
