MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Long term future of rural Falklands under scrutiny
FIG looking for a 'coherent gain plan' for the Camp The long term future of rural Falklands has been placed in the hands of its small population.
The Falkland Islands Government has launched a strategy, in conjunction with stakeholders and the wider community that aims to, "identify the key developmental priorities needed to secure a prosperous, diversified and sustainable future for rural Falklands". It is intended that the final strategy capture a long term vision for rural Falklands that will detail the policy, resources and actions required to deliver it. Organizers of the Rural Development Strategy (RDS) have, along with Falklands Councillors and the Government Chief Executive been involved in workshop-style meetings held on East and West Falklands over recent months. The well-attended meetings have examined such broad questions as What is a sustainable population? What does the future population need to be and What is the vision for the future population?Sitting shoulder to shoulder at the meetings, farmers and government representatives are also contemplating what in economic terms is needed to support the population. An RDS Community Development Worker said, "There is common agreement that the population must somehow increase but that current economic activity presently cannot support the vision of the future population and the services they require? Because of this the groups are trying to come up with ideas to increase economic activity, for example, incentives to entice Stanley businesses into relocating into rural areas. During an introduction to a meeting held at Goose Green on East Falklands this month the Chief Executive Tim Thorogood made it clear that a comprehensive strategy was imperative in order for the rural community to attract funding from the Falkland Islands Government, He said the Government was more likely to 'invest' if they were presented with "a coherent game plan." Mr Thorogood added, "…there is only so much public finance to go around but a strong case is far more likely to win backing from the public and private sectors. By Lisa Johnston – SeaAled PR – Stanley
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