MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tribute to Falkland Islands Trust Veterans

Tribute has been paid to three long-serving members of the Falkland Islands Trust, now retired.

In its latest annual report, the Trust expresses thanks to Major General Nigel St. G. Gribbon, whom it describes as its "founding father" 20 years ago". With other founding members, General Gribbon put together funding and expertise in 1981 to provide much needed advice and assistance in developing the Falklands rural economy, then in decline and short of Government funding.

The report says that the 1982 conflict proved a great spur to economic growth, but "there is no doubt that the Trust, under Nigel's guidance and with the benefit of his energy, drive and innovation, has contributed significantly over the years to the post-conflict success of the Falkland Islands...We will miss his inspiration and his years of accumulated wisdom".

In a tribute to John Dodwell, another founder member and for many years honorary treasurer and a Trustee, the report says he provided much needed expertise in investments and was involved even before the Trust's formation in the Falkland Islands Research and Development Association.

"Steering the investment finances of the Trust through good years and bad has not been easy but his wise council has ensured the Trust's long-term financial future". The report thanks the former Administration Secretary, Mrs Doris Dodson, for her "immeasurable contribution" as "the backbone of administration" on which the Trust relied and trusted.

Busy year on seaweed, grass, and tree development.
The report gives an account of a busy year and the activities of its consultant, Dr Jim MacAdam of Queen's University Belfast, and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Research has continued on the feasibility of developing an indigenous seaweed industry, in contacts with Irish seaweed harvesters and processors and with Queen's University Marine Biology Station.

Progress made in tree development in the Falklands challenging climate and soil conditions is acknowledged in the Islands, even by the school children. In a survey on their attitudes to conservation, they voted tree planting "as the most supported activity ... bringing positive achievements.
Work has also been pushed ahead on trials to re-invigorate and develop healthy species of Tussac grass, perhaps by applying organic fertiliser, to provide nutritious grazing for enhanced, quality meat production.

Compiling a scientific data base
The Trust has also helped to provide consultancy experts on various aspects of agriculture and in involved in compiling a database of scientific activity to ensure the most effective use of scientific resources.

The accounts show that the Trust spent £43,586 during the financial year 2000/2001, and its core fund fell by £3,999 to a total of £84,666. It says savings in spending are needed to offset this reduction and also losses arising from the poor performance of the equity market. Significant savings are being made in administration costs.

The Shackleton Scholarship Fund, which comes under the aegis of the Trust, reports that £18,182 was spent during the year on scholarships, of which £9,472 was divided between eight academic scholars and £8,710 went to six quality of life applicants.

Changes have been implemented to try to boost investment and bank income on its accumulated fund of £376,355.

Harold Briley, (MP)London