MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands Governors powers to be reduced

Falkland's Councillors, Gov. Huckle and FO Constitutional Team during the meeting

THE historically 'all-powerful' position of the Governor has been reduced considerably in the current review of the Falklands Constitution according to Councillor Mike Summers, following the latest talks with the visiting Foreign Office Constitutional Review Team.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, Team Leader Ian Hendry and Councillor Summers explained that a "huge amount" of progress had been made on the issue of the relationship between Executive Council and the Governor in terms of "â€Â¦more accurately describing what we do now and what should be done." Councillor Summers said the position of the Governor has moved, "â€Â¦from almost the dark ages," wherein his word held sway over that of Falkland Islands Elected Representatives. In the future the Governor will only have the power to act against the wishes of Executive Councillors in specific areas described in the Constitution. Mr Hendry said, "â€Â¦this is not only an advance in making it a more democratic system but it also clarifies the situation. "The current Constitution is less than clear and it is crucial there is a description of who can exercise which powers in certain circumstances." He said there were still some outstanding issues with regard to the role of the Governor in relation to Mineral Resources and the administration and management process of Mineral Resources as well as key issue to do with Foreign Affairs and Defence, saying "We are still in discussions whether provisions are sufficient." Areas relating to Falklands status and the appointment of Senior Civil Servants were also discussed. With regard to the latter there is some debate between the Foreign Office and councillors regarding whether or not Elected Representatives should have any input into the process. Councillors believe that because they are responsible for the work produced by Senior Civil Servants they should have some influence on appointments, however, the Foreign Office is concerned that the Overseas Territories Civil Service, "â€Â¦be as independent of political influence as possible," according to Mr Hendry. By Lisa Johnston – SeAled PR – Stanley

Categories: Politics, Falkland Islands.

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