MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Future Falklands Governors to abandon “Colonial Uniform”?

The possibility that future Governors of the Falkland Islands will no longer wear the symbolic Colonial uniform, complete with flowing plumes, has been raised by Governor Donald Lamont during his annual address to the Legislative Council. He told the Falklands population that if they wish future Governors to wear uniform then the Falklands taxpayer will have to be prepared to pay the cost of the coat, trousers, hat, white gloves, belts, brading, ceremonial sword and boots which are adorned with spurs.

Since 1833, each and every Falklands Governor appointed from London, with approval from the reigning monarchy, has arrived in the Islands wearing the traditional Colonial uniform, which is also worn on other official occasions such as Parades to celebrate the Queen's Birthday, Battle of the Falklands Day, Liberation from occupying Argentine Forces Day and the opening of Legislative Council.

Speaking to the Legislature, Scotsman Governor Lamont, who was formerly Britain's Ambassador in Uruguay and speaks fluent Spanish, said, ?There are different views on whether Governors should continue to wear uniform. To some, it is a welcome part of tradition, symbolising the link with the Crown, depersonalising the wearer, a reminder, in its design of the historic relationship with the Royal Marines'. He continued his argument for and against the uniform by saying, 'To others, it is an anachronism, a symbol of a colonial era which has now gone. Certainly, it is more expensive than many may assume'.

Only one clothing company in London provides the unique uniform which is ?made-to-measure' for each Governor and is believed to cost approximately £10,000. For the past 168 years the cost of the uniform made for each Falklands Governor has been paid for by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Lamont who has just returned to the Islands after attending a meeting of all Colonial Governors in London told the astounded Councillors that, ?The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has concluded that it is for the Governor and the Government in each Overseas territory to decide whether uniform should be worn. If so, the cost will fall to the territory. It is probably right for an incoming Council to decide whether my successor should wear uniform, and I shall discuss the matter with them. But it is a matter on which members of the public will have views, and this occasion seems an appropriate one on which to mention the new policy adopted by London'. He concluded by saying, ?Without prejudice to any decision relating to my successor, I shall continue to wear uniform on those occasions where tradition has hitherto required it'.

Members of the public, responding to the Governor's announcement expressed contrasting views a