MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

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November date for General Election?

THE next General Election is likely to be held in November 2001 rather than the month of October as is normal. The Governor explained that the Schedule of Meetings for 2001 was discussed at the recent meeting of ExCo. He said, "Given the desirability of avoiding a clash with the Party Conference season in theUK in October, the choice has been either to hold the General Election earlier (but this might mean that a significant number of the electorate could be away from the Islands on holiday) or later, in November. "Councillors will be discussing the question of timing, with the likelihood of suggesting a suitable date in November."

ExCo discuss GP numbers

THE number of general practitioners required in the Falkland Islands was the subject of discussion at Executive Council last Thursday. The governor commented that, "The Director of Health and Social Services, Derek Muhl, was invited to join us and we had a very useful and thorough discussion with him about two issues. One was the question of the number of GPs required in the Falkland Islands. Because this affects individuals, it would be wrong for me to announce any outcome or conclusions. We had, however, a very productive, and wide-ranging discussion. "We also took advantage of Derek Muhl's presence to discuss a paper submitted by the Chief Medical Officer entitled "Health of the Nation 2000. "Dr Diggle has prepared a hard-hitting discussion paper, designed to promote public debate and consultation about policy decisions which government might take; inevitably, there are questions of finance and budgetary priorities involved."

FI branding man soon to arrive.

THE man who intends to "progress the development of the Falkland Islands brand," is scheduled to arrive in the Islands early this month. James King of Marketing Principals will be moving forward the project according to a press release from the Development Corporation. It claims, "The creation of a strong brand based on our clean, green and organic characteristics will allow quality Falklands products to achieve higher prices in markets around the world. One of the key aspects of this is the developmen