MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Minister's tribute as Falklands Showcase opens.

An enthusiastic tribute was paid to the Falkland Islands and its people by British law minister, Baroness Scotland, when she opened the new 90-thousand pound Falklands Government Office “Showcase” in London, which Falklands Representative, Miss Sukey Cameron, described as “a very exciting development, showing people what a dynamic place the modern Falklands is today”.

Baroness Scotland, recalling her visit to the Islands earlier this year in her former role as Minister for the Overseas Territories, told guests at the opening reception (on October 25th): "I had the most fabulous time in the Falklands ....I found a country which was quite extraordinary, a real bit of Britain away from Britain .... exciting, vibrant and wonderful in terms of its flora and fauna. It was absolutely marvellous. I will never ever forget that trip. It will stand out in my memory as one of the most memorable trips I have had in my life. I would certainly say to anybody who wants to go, ?If you do go, you will never regret it. My only caution to you is that you may not come back'. I have really great pleasure in opening this showcase. The photographs give us all perhaps a little taster of the Falklands. I am sure it will draw in people in their hundreds, if not in their thousands, to see it. I wish you all the very best of luck".

American photographer's "wonderful" pictures

Miss Cameron, thanking Baroness Scotland for taking time from her very busy schedule, said: "We were very pleased to welcome her to the Islands". She presented the Minister with the book "Penguin Planet" by the United States natural history photographer, Kevin Schafer, containing pictures he took of all 17 species of penguins in countries around the world.

Thanking Kevin Schafer for allowing Falklands House to exhibit what she called "his wonderful photographs", Miss Cameron said: "I will have to restrain myself from buying the lot."

Baroness Scotland, now in the Lord Chancellor's Department, told Mercopress: "I have a special memory of my old job (as Minister for the Overseas Territories), which I loved very much. I was very impressed by the Falklands and I remain impressed. Everybody I know who has visited the Falklands say it is one of the most memorable thing they have ever done. Every body wants to go back -including me!" Had she an excuse to go back to the Falklands in her new job? "I have n't. I wish I could find one".

The opening was attended by Members of Parliament, Foreign Office officials with responsibility for Falklands issues, journalists and friends of the Falklands. Projecting the Island