MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' Office celebrates 25 years in London

Falkland Island Government Office in London

January 12 marks 25 years since the opening of the Falkland Islands Government Office (FIGO) in London, making it one of the longest established UK Overseas Territories Offices. Sukey Cameron MBE has been the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) UK Representative since 1990.

Councillors made the decision to open an official Government Office in London following the end of the Falklands War in 1982. The office opened January 12, 1983 and relocated many times during its first six years until the move to the heart of Westminster at 14 Broadway in 1989. Sukey Cameron MBE has been the fourth person to have held the post. MS Cameron MBE is the first female to be appointed to this high profile role. Adrian Monk OBE was the first Representative from 1983 to 1984. He was succeeded by Alastair Cameron from 1984 to 1987 and then Lewis Clifton OBE from 1987 to 1990. Mr Clifton oversaw the purchase and conversion of 14 Broadway Over the years, the work of FIGO has grown to incorporate travel and recruitment. Changing perceptions and improving understanding of the Islands is also an integral part of FIGO's activity. The office includes a 'showcase' open to the general public, which exhibits stunning art and photography of the Islands. Informative literature on the Islands is available for people to take away and Falklands products and books are also are available for purchase. FIGO maintains a strong presence in the UK by organising and taking part in major events in the UK to highlight today's modern Islands, their thriving economy and self-sufficient status. Highlights include holding two Falklands Business Forums focusing on business opportunities in the Islands, attendance at County Shows, hosting the prestigious annual receptions at Lincoln's Inn and exhibiting at the Party Conferences for the past 20 years. FIGO also arranges fact-finding missions for MPs to deepen their knowledge of the Islands. FIGO is also one of the founder members of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) which was started in 1994 and represents all the inhabited Overseas Territories. Eight out of the ten territories have Representatives in the UK vis: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St. Helena and Turks and Caicos Islands. The remaining two are Bermuda and Pitcairn. FIGO will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an informal event at 14 Broadway on 14 January 2008.