MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Jersey Assistant Chief Minister will attend Falklands’ Liberation anniversary

Senator Routier will visit the water treatment plant which was rebuilt after the war with a donation from Jersey

Jersey Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier, is to visit the Falkland Islands from 10 to 16 June 2012 to take part in commemorating the 30th anniversary of their liberation, reports the local media.

Senator Routier, who has been invited in his capacity as Father of the House, Senior Senator and Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Executive Committee, is attending as a guest of the Falkland Islands’ Government.

While in the Falklands, Senator Routier will meet government officials and members of the Legislative Assembly. He will also attend a ceremony in the company of local residents at the Blue Beach cemetery and a reception at Government House with His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Haywood.

On Liberation Day, 14 June, the Senator will be a guest at a special church service in Christ Church Cathedral, which will be followed by another service at the Liberation Memorial, where he will lay a wreath on behalf of Jersey.

When the Falklands War ended in 1982, the then Senator Ralph Vibert successfully proposed that Jersey should donate £5 million to help the regeneration of the Falklands. This money was used to provide new housing and a renovated water treatment and supply plant.

Senator Routier said: “I am pleased to be representing Jersey at this very important milestone for Falkland Islanders, which marks 30 years of stability for the Falklands.

“I will be taking time during my visit to talk to residents of the Jersey Estate and to visit the water treatment plant, both of which were built using the £5 million we donated to help the Islands after the war in 1982.”

Ministers and government officials from the UK and other island jurisdictions will also be attending the anniversary commemorations.