MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Islands pay tribute to “fierce champion of Falklands’ tradition”

Jane was born in 1950 and lived with her partner Rob at the ‘Old Bakery’ in Stanley

“Fierce Champion of Falklands traditions,” Jane Cameron was remembered by her Falklands friends and her family at a Memorial Service held in Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley yesterday.

Granddaughter of a Falklands Colonial Secretary/Governor and sister to the Islands Government Representative in London, Sukey Cameron, Government Archivist Jane died of her injuries on Boxing Day, following a car accident near Trelew, Argentina on November 11.

‘Beagle’ project colleagues Petra Niegeman also died in the accident and the ship’s doctor Charles Boissevain was seriously injured. Radio reporter Marten Minkema suffered minor injuries.

Jane, who was born in the Falkland Islands and studied in the United Kingdom, returned to her place of birth in 1989 where she took up the previously non-existent role of Government Archivist.

Describing the gargantuan task ahead of her, Jane’s brother Donald Cameron told the congregation that his sister’s work began with a mountain of cardboard boxes stored in Government House and the Secretariat and filled with dusty historic documents.

Over the next 20 years Jane became well known for her dedication to preserving the islands history in all of its forms including the preservation of buildings. Mr Cameron described an archivist as, “…part of the glue that holds the community together.”

An anonymous political blogger summarised Jane’s place in the islands with the words, “In other places there will deservedly be obituaries listing Jane’s many and varied contributions to the Falkland Islands. Here I would simply like to say that I cannot believe that we shall never again see her bouncing down Ross Road at the wheel of her little red car, nor ever again experience either her withering glare of disapproval or the sparkly-eyed warmth of her wicked grin.”

After the service brother and sister Donald and Sukey, and her husband Howard Pullen, stood outside the doors of the Cathedral and bravely greeted and offered comforting words to the many Islanders who attended.

During the memorial service Mr Cameron thanked people for their countless kindnesses, including the people of Trelew, and those who worked so hard to save her at the hospital where she was treated.

By Lisa Watson - SeAledPR - Stanley