MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands Councillors opt for continuity in portfolio responsibilities

Gilbert House, seat of the Falklands elected Legislative Assembly

Following the election last week of two new members to the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands, MLA Dr Barry Elsby and MLA Ian Hansen, councillors have favoured stability and continuity in the allocation of portfolio responsibility, with the newly elected councillors largely taking on the responsibilities left vacant by the resignation of former members, Emma Edwards and Bill Luxton.

MLA Dr Barry Elsby was elected for the Stanley constituency by an overwhelming majority of voters in elections held last Thursday 15th December, whilst MLA Ian Hansen stood unopposed and was appointed without opposition for the Camp constituency.

The two new members were both officially sworn-in on Friday 16th December at Government House and following the ceremony all members of Legislative Assembly met to discuss the allocation of portfolio responsibilities.

Subsequent to the meeting MLA Roger Edwards, speaking on behalf of the members, confirmed that portfolio responsibilities will remain largely the same to ensure continuity and to best utilise the knowledge and expertise that existing councillors have developed in their respective portfolio areas.

“There was a little bit of shuffling, but that was how it remained”. “Basically Barry and Ian took over the portfolios of Emma Edwards and Bill Luxton, in that order. So Barry Elsby has taken over Minerals, Environment, Heritage, Housing and Demining” from Emma Edwards, whilst “Ian Hansen has Civil Aviation, Fox Bay, Falkland Islands Landholdings, Falkland Islands Meat Company livestock working group, and is sharing the Public Accounts Committee with MLA Mike Summers”.

MLA Roger Edwards further clarified: “There might be a few changes as time goes by in the next few weeks, but basically that’s the portfolios they’ve got” for now. “If people have queries for the portfolio holders, they’ll know who to contact”.

Given the relatively small size of the Falklands there are no political parties or formalized opposition and all members are elected as independents and are known to the community. Each MLA takes responsibility for a particular portfolio and works closely with the relevant departments, public committees and working groups, but does not have the role of a Minister; instead, questions of policy are considered by the Executive Council.

As an integral part of the self-government of the Falkland Islands and under the terms of the Falkland Islands Constitution, eight Assembly Members are elected every four years. The Legislative Assembly is empowered to pass legislation for the peace, order and good government of the Falkland Islands. Legislative Assembly meetings are held in public, usually bi-monthly.

Each year the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elect three of their number to the policy making body of the Government, Executive Council. Executive Council normally meets monthly, but more often if required. It is responsible for the formulation of strategy and policy, and for high level management decisions. No current change to Executive Council was required due to the election of new members.

By Grant Munro –SeAledPR - Stanley