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Sukey speaks of her “mainland mission” to The Times
Sukey Cameron MBE head of FIGO, which is celebreting its 25th anniversary Twenty-five years ago this month, in the wake of the Falklands conflict, the Islands Government set up an office in London to represent it in the UK. “Sir Rex Hunt, then Falklands Governor, took me for a drink in London and asked if I'd join,” recalls Sukey Cameron, pictured above left. She did so in 1983 – becoming Representative in 1990 — and there clearly could have been no better choice than this third-generation Falklander.
"My grandfather was Governor and my parents farmed there until I was eight," she says. "It was an idyllic childhood â€" unspoilt, unrestricted and beautiful, just as today. The biggest difference is that you can now fly the 8,000 miles there in 18 hours, whereas then it took a month by sea. People say that the Falklands are windy and have no trees, but who would want trees getting in the way of the views?" Sukey, a civil servant of the Falkland Islands Government, works in Westminster, where the focal point in her office is a portrait of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, fringed by Union Jacks. "The islanders are immensely patriotic and loyal, and very happy to be British," says Sukey. "Before the war, the islands were in decline: people were leaving as the Argentine claim was getting increasingly prominent. Now, the Islands are completely turned around. We have 50 students in the UK at the moment, but all see their future back in the Falklands." Sukey's PA, Tracey Chamberlain, makes the arrangements for the students, who go to colleges in Winchester and Chichester. "It's important that our students have boarding and pastoral care," says Tracey, who has worked at the Falkland Islands Office since 1992. "For many, it's the first time that they have been away from home â€" although they think of Britain as home, too. The Falklands education system is very good, but designed to go only so far, and Alevel students benefit from coming to Britain. They mix with others and get a broader view of the world." Many, including aspiring doctors, vets and teachers, go on to university. Throughout, Tracey helps them with grants and any problems. One of the pleasures that both Tracey and Sukey get from their job is the intimacy. "Although there are more than 700 islands all told, with a land area half the size of Wales, the population is only 2,500. Everyone knows everyone. The same family names crop up the whole time," says Sukey. Tracey has visited the islands three times as part of her job and loves them: "Everyone is so friendly. What struck me most on my first visit to Stanley was that everyone waves. There's a pioneering, very caring spirit." The London office deals with many issues, including the recruitment of key personnel. It also helps next of kin needing to go to the Falklands, and Falklanders brought to Britain for medical treatment. There are no civilian flights, so places are reserved on Forces flights. Sukey also acts as a quasi-diplomat, representing the views of the Falkland Islands Government to the UK Government, media and public, while the office acts as a secretariat for official visitors from the islands â€" a flat on the top floor provides accommodation. The office also promotes and assists with immigration, trade and tourism. "In November, we had 200 war veterans making a pilgrimage to the Falklands," says Tracey. "For most, it was the first time they had been back." Tourism is growing, with visitors keen to see the wildlife and battlefields, and enjoy facilities which include pubs, but not clubs, and a Tesco-free shopping environment (although one retailer has a Waitrose licence). The office also organises at least 30 annual events in the UK, including a reception where Baroness Thatcher is on the 300-strong guest list. Tracey says that after 18 years in her job, she almost feels like an islander: "I originally came via an agency and thought that the Falklands dimension gave the job extra interest. There are only six of us here, and it's very special: we have fun, but we believe wholeheartedly in our work and know when to buckle down." Sukey says: "We got Tracey through Office Angels and I certainly don't have a problem under the Trade Descriptions Act." www.falklands.gov By Rosalind Renshaw – Times On Line - London
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