MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
New Constitution signed on Falklands Battle Day
Gov. Alan Huckle lays a wreath at the Battle Day Memorial THE anniversary of the Battle of the Falkland Islands, the second major naval engagement of the First World War, was this year also the date chosen for the signing of the new Falklands Constitution.
On December 8 every year in the Falklands, Islanders mark Battle Day, commemorating those who lost their lives on December 8, 1914. (In the Naval engagement a small British fleet destroyed the German South Atlantic Squadron.) This year, as every year, a service was held at Christ Church Cathedral attended by His Excellency the Governor, the Commander British Forces, Falklands' Councilors as well as other Government officials, and members of the public. A parade comprising a British Forces band, representatives of the British Forces and the Falkland Islands Defence Force then marched to the Battle Monument in West Stanley where wreaths were laid. Falklands Governor Mr Alan Huckle then took the salute outside of Government House on the seafront. Immediately afterwards an official gathering was held in Government House attended by past and present Councilors and a number of other officials and invited guests. At the reception there took place the formal reading of the Proclamation setting the date for the new Constitution to come into effect. The Governor in front of witnesses signed the Document. The new constitution will come into being on January 1, 2009 and will, "?enhance local democracy," for the south Atlantic Islands' residents. It clarifies the division of powers between the Executive Council and the Governor and also incorporates provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. Speaking in the House of Commons recently, UK minister Gillian Merron stressed that it does not, "?change the UK government's overall commitment to the Islands." By Lisa Johnson - SeAledPR - Stanley
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