MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Islander named as Principal Crown Counsel

A new Attorney General has been named by the Falkland Islands government and for the first time ever an Islander will become Principal Crown Counsel, was announced Monday by Gilbert House in Stanley.

Melanie Chilton who has been Principal Crown Counsel in the Attorney General's Chambers for the past two years will succeed David Lang QC, who retires next October 31 as Attorney General.

And the post of Principal Crown Counsel will be filled as of November first by Falkland Islander Ros Cheek.

Ms Cheek has been acting since February 2000 as one of the two Crown Counsel in Attorney General's Chambers which she joined following professional qualification and training as a solicitor in England and a short period in practice there.

"I am honoured to be offered the opportunity to serve the Falkland Islands in the position of Principal Crown Counsel and I hope that I can meet the challenges of the position. I also hope that my appointment might be seen as recognition of what can be achieved with the benefit of a Falkland Islands education, and may inspire other young Falkland Islanders to aim for positions of responsibility within their own community", said Ros Cheek following her designation.

Melanie Chilton will also succeed David Lang as Attorney General for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.

David Lang has been Falklands' attorney since June 7, 1987 and plans to remain in the Islands on retirement at the end of the month.