MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Closer Falklands-St Helena links.

The Governor of British Overseas Territory St Helena, David Hollamby, has appointed the first official representative for St Helena in the Falkland Islands.

John Clifford who has lived in the Falklands for four years with his wife Cherie and children, was offered the representational role on behalf of St Helena with immediate effect.

In a letter to John, Governor Hollamby last week said, "Whilst this role may be mainly of a liaison nature with an occasional need for co-ordination and administration activities, it is none the less one that would provide a clear signal both on St Helena and the Falkland Islands of the strong relationship between the territories and of the importance we place upon the continued fostering of good relations." He continues, "Your efforts and assistance with St Helena/Falkland Islands related uses to date have not gone unnoticed."

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Clifford said he was happy to see the link between St Helena and the Falklands has been recognised publicly. "The two communities are symbiotically important to each other, the Falklands needs St Helena's labour, and St Helena needs the income that labour generates. "I hope that this position will enable that link to develop."

He said one aim of his new role is to involve Falklands-based Saints in the creation of the new St Helena Constitution, and to help gauge the island's access needs for the future. He added, "I hope also to continue helping whenever Saints have employment-based problems that an independent mediator can help with."

The Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands Government said, "FIG welcomes the appointment of John Clifford and looks forward to working with him in his new role."

One of Mr. Clifford's first responsibilities is to make sure all Saints receive and fill a questionnaire asking for views on access to St. Helena. The mid Atlantic BOT is considering the possibility of building an airport and has received funds to study the viability of air access or improving the current sea link with South Africa.

According to the latest census (2001) the population of the Falklands totaled 2.913 (including 534 civilians working at Mount Pleasant Airport), of which 423 were reported born in St. Helena.