MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands to host Red Ensign Conference in 2005.

Falkland Islands elected Councillors have agreed funds for the hosting of the Red Ensign Conference in 2005.

This meeting is for all British Territories which have merchant ships registered under the Red Ensign.

At its meeting last week Executive Council looked in more detail at the proposals for the February 2005 conference programme and approved funding of up to £21,000 for the various arrangements. Acting Governor Miss Harriet Hall said Executive Council agreed this money will have to come from, "...savings made elsewhere in the Fisheries Department Budget".

The one week programme for the conference includes three and a half days of meetings, visits to Long Island and Sea Lion Island and a dinner at Government House.

In a paper to Executive Council, the Marine Officer, Mr Jon Clarke, said around 30 delegates (excluding Falkland Islands participants) are expected to attend the conference.

"It is usual for delegates and partners to the conference to fund their own travel to and from the host country and also their accommodation, but it obviously falls to the host country to provide the venue, transport as necessary, meals on main conference days and visits to places of interest", said Mr. Clarke. (PN).