MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ new First Secretary looking forward to a ‘politically peaceful three years’

Mr. Ric Nye has a vast experience working with the Falklands

New Falkland Islands Government House First Secretary Ric Nye is hopeful of a politically peaceful three years in the Islands.

He told Mercopress today, “These are interesting times but all we are looking to achieve is for the Islanders to be able to enjoy economic development without hindrance.”

This is not Mr Nye’s first visit to the Islands. He spent two weeks in the Falklands fifteen years ago while on the Falklands Desk at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Comparing it to the Falklands today, he said, “Some issues are just the same but others have moved on… the Islanders have the same viewpoint as years ago, they wish the Argentine sovereignty claim would go away so they can build their economy without that hanging over them.”

Mr Nye, who will also undertake the role of Acting Governor when the Governor is out of the Islands, said it was fantastic to see the thriving private sector in the Falklands, ”the place has changed a lot, the retail sectors are completely different, it has a very different feel to it now.”

Having only very recently arrived in the Falklands Mr Nye says his first weeks will be spent in ‘familiarisation’ and getting to know the Government’s economic strategy. “I also want to get out to the camp and find out more about the state of the rural sector.”

Asked if the FCO would be making recommendations to the Falklands delegation that will attend the Special Committee of 24 meetings at the United Nations, he said, “There will be no recommendations, the Islanders will speak for themselves and give their own opinions and feelings on the committee’s consideration of the Falklands issue.”

Mr Nye’s last Foreign and Commonwealth posting was to the British High Commission in Wellington, where he was First Secretary, Political & Global Issues.

He comes to the Islands with his wife Alison and ten year old son. He replaces Mr Paul Martinez.

By Lisa Watson – SeAledPR – Stanley