MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Foreign Secretary wants hands-on relationship with Overseas Territories
Early sight of the introduction to a consultative “white paper” about the future of Britain's relations with its overseas territories, suggests that the Foreign Office (FCO), and the Foreign Secretary William Hague in particular, want to have a closer “hands-on” relationship with the governments of the former colonies, now officially known as the overseas territories. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesBut that needs to be “light” hands-on. The overseas territories belong to the people that live there. Britain's role must be no more than to guide and advise. Final decisions MUST be made by the occupants of the territories.
Jun 25th, 2012 - 08:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The devil will be in the details of the FCO white paper, but doesn't seem unreasonable to work solidly to build capacity for governance in the OCTs. Just throwing money at a problem, without ensuring the capacity for good management and fiscal rectitude, is a recipe for corruption. “Hands-on” might imply a somewhat heavy FCO involvement and direction, but need not be so and must not be so. Aim should be achieving balance of self-determination that is bespoke for each OCTs, while maintaining a coordinated core of principles across all OCTs.
Jun 25th, 2012 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Foreign Secretary William Hague in particular, want to have a closer “hands-on” relationship with the governments of the former colonies”
Jun 25th, 2012 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It means more London control, well we knew that they are English colonies in the 21 st century after all.
@3 - Marcos
Jun 25th, 2012 - 10:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0No it means guidance where required and assistance to one day have either devolved governments, or a prelude to becoming completely independent.
Will that frighten you, Marcos? The nation of the Falklands, becoming a member of the UN, but still protected against Argentine colonial expansion. What will Argentina have to cry about then? Maybe you try bullying your neighbours again, however, none of them have been impressed with Argentina since your embarrassing military defeat in 1982.
Must've been difficult for your military, facing someone who could fight back, instead of unarmed civilians that they could liberally throw out of aircraft.
And you point is Marcos?............
Jun 25th, 2012 - 10:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Oh thats right you don't have one, best resort to posting meaningless and unconnected articles from other websites eh? And when you get really desperate (after about 5 minutes) post random comments from members of the public.
LOL
4 LEPRecon “ embarrassing military defeat in 1982”
Jun 25th, 2012 - 11:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Who cares about a 30 year old short war that I didn't support.
Didn't those knukleheads Argentinean officers sunk and/or damaged a large number of your ships with mostly prehistoric weapons?
”wants people in the territories to have 'the same high standards of governance as in the UK'
Hahahahaha, if we consider that some of your latest PM were/are Bliar and Camoron how bad the corruption on those colonies must be.
We can talk about a more recent embarrassing military defeat against a few Iraqui rebels if you know what I mean.
Yep
Jun 25th, 2012 - 11:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0But at least we had the guts to go there,
And your brave argentine commandoes are where,
Where are the brave argie troops in afghan,
Where will the brave argie troops be when Iran gets whacked,
Ah, but that’s all rubbish and irrelevant, isn’t it,
Of course argentina is a land of peace, and wouldn’t hurt a fly .
So she said it, so it wont be interpreted mmm..
7 “Where are the brave argie troops in afghan”
Jun 25th, 2012 - 11:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sorry, we are busy in UN peace missions around the world, certainly we don't want to be involved in you wedding bombing missions in Kabul and other villages.
mm yes peace at any price,
Jun 25th, 2012 - 11:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Comment removed by the editor.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 01:05 am - Link - Report abuse 0@ 8 - The Simian,
Jun 26th, 2012 - 02:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0When was the last time RG's were part of an overseas confilct?
Lol at Marcos, you couldn't be involved in any bombings since you don't have a military or the weapons to do so, so its a rather moot point wouldn't you say.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 06:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0And then if that wasn't enough he claims a military defeat whilst meanwhile back in reality the UK has completed its mission.
The difference between the British is when you upset us we pack up our equipment and come to see you, Argentina on the other hand runs around crying to anyone who will listen whilst preaching its usual assortment of lies you bunch of spineless cowards!
Well after the turks caios disaster corruption and property scams that ended in a mini irish style disaster.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 07:00 am - Link - Report abuse 0anyone else deciding to get creative is going to get stopped.
@12 Xect,
Jun 26th, 2012 - 08:02 am - Link - Report abuse 0If i were a general, Id rather a squadron of trained lemmings than the entire RG military!
It's about time that St Helena had an Airport and I do hope that the site for this is carefully chosen and not too exposed to the elements.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 09:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0Marcos- please explain how come millions and millions of Argentinians cheered and celebrasted when the Argentyine Government of 1982 occupied the islands?
Jun 26th, 2012 - 11:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0You are such a looser - you can never ever understand that the principles of openess,fairness,democacy, and free of corruption are key issues the UN - yes the UN insists very sensibly that UK ensures are followed in its Overseas Territories.
But I understand your problem though as many of these principles only exist in a twisted corrupt way in Argentina anyway!
8- Your boys peace keeping in the safest of places, no combat experience and no standing in the world. A joke!
Jun 26th, 2012 - 11:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0Does the new Argentine tank have a forward gear??? or just reverse....RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!!!! sorry forgot you prob cant afford tanks.
15 Ted
Jun 26th, 2012 - 11:46 am - Link - Report abuse 0ST Helena now has an airport .
18 briton
Jun 26th, 2012 - 01:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Ascension Island has an airport. The Island of St Helena only has a proposed airport, may be functional 2015.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena_Airport
19 Ted: Thanks for the wiki link - interesting challenges to build that St Helena airport, about logistics, environment, strategic relevance and controversy.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 01:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The issues of economic development for St Helena and other OCTs are a big issue, with isolation being something that figures into so many attempts to develop a small island economy.
Fascinating how the growth in cruise ship traffic can become a lynch pin for tourism development in these isolated islands - whether the South Georgia-Falklands region, St Helena, etc.
@LEPRecon
Jun 26th, 2012 - 02:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Why someone independent and with self-determination requires supervision from a country that cannot put in order it home?
Daddy master of the colony to take control over little babies because they cannot go to the toilette without help may be?
Advise on what? May be on how to get a super external debt of 10 trillions? Or on how to give away taxpayer money to fellow bankesters?
Can you see LePrecon why everyone sees you as a colony and laugh.
@ brit abroad
Hi Bro, tell me why are you calling others Simians and then you complying like a baby when we call you Mohammeds?
Any rational explanation mate?
@21 Ludicrous little simian child. The Falkland Islands are not independent, yet. But they do have the right of self-determination. Britain will see to that. As for “requiring supervision”, the UN requires it. Also, a small nation has to be protected from a middle-size (except in brain and honesty) belligerent, imperialist, colonialist, sub-human neighbour.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 03:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You and yours seem to think that post offices and people's homes furniture, baths, beds are places to crap. Hardly someone to criticise other people's toilet requirements.
Difficult. How come most places around the world won't lend you money? How about the things you can't have because you're so in debt you can't afford them? How''s your inflation rate? 30+%, isn't it? Ours is less than 5%. How's your gas and oil supplies? Looking forward to a nice freezing winter, are you?
Get the idea, sub-chimp brain? You see, it''s very difficult to find an appropriate descriptive term for you. “Simian” is actually pretty insulting to simians. “Retard” would probably imply that you bear some relation to humanity. I'm in favour of “decomposing dog-turd”. It's pretty long but fairly accurate. Lord alone knows how the Falkland Islanders stand it when the wind is from the west. What do you think?
20 JohnN
Jun 26th, 2012 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks for your comment John, my pals mother now living in Bristol England (my home town) is from St Helena and a few years ago went back for a visit on the R.M.S St Helena, shortening the trip by flying out to Cape Town? and boarding her there.
I read somewhere that the proposed site for it, is particularly exposed to the weather, winds etc and so that was my concern..but as ever money will dictate.
21 .... Haha yes the average Rg soldier enjoyed a Tom tit in the residents houses schools and post office, bad boy , dirty boys go to your room, what's that it's freezing cold , no gas! Oh man
Jun 26th, 2012 - 05:03 pm - Link - Report abuse 0a proud warrior race the rgs indiginous inhabitants destroyed... But still glorified on the worthless peso note. just glad they helped in the war against nazi Germany, italy ...what that they didnt!,!
TWIMC:
Jun 26th, 2012 - 05:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Article’s title says:
“Foreign Secretary wants Hands-On relationship with Overseas Territories”
I say:
He wants even more ”Hands-on” the Colonies?
Hmmmmm...
Let’s choose a random British Colony…
Let’s choose ”Las Malvinas”... ;-)
*Let us have a look at the Executive Branch in them Islands... Shall we?...:
1) Non elected Head of State (in the absence of the Monarch): Governor Mr. Nigel Haywood, British born Briton.
2) Non elected Head of Government: Chief Executive, Mr. Keith Padgett, British born Briton.
3) Non elected Director of Corporate Resources, Mr. Keith Padgett, British born Briton.
*Let’s now have a look at the Legislative Branch in them Islands... Shall we?...:
1) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Keith Biles, British born Briton.
2) Non elected Head of Government, Chief Executive Mr. Keith Padgett, British born Briton.
3) Non elected Director of Corporate Resources, Mr. Keith Padgett, British born Briton.
4) Non elected Attorney General Mr. Mark Lewis, British born Briton.
5) Non elected Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Brigadier Mr. William Aldridge, British born Briton.
6) Elected MLA, Mr. Richard “Dick” Sawle, British born Briton.
7) Elected MLA, Mr. Barry Elsby, British born Briton.
8) Elected MLA, Mr. Roger Anthony Edwards, British born Briton.
9) Elected MLA, Mr. Ian Hansen, Kelper Briton.
10) Elected MLA, Mr. Gavin Phillip Short, Kelper Briton.
11) Elected MLA, Mr. Michael Victor Summers, Kelper Briton.
12) Elected MLA, Ms. Sharon Halford, Kelperette Briton.
13) Elected MLA Ms. Janet Lynda Cheek Biggs, Kelperette Briton.
*Now, let’s have a look at the Judicial Branch in them Islands... Shall we?...:
1) Chief Justice, Non resident Mr. Christopher Gardner, British born Briton.
2) Attorney General, Mr. Mark Lewis, British born Briton.
*** To finish..: Less than 40% of the ~3,000 squatters on them Islands are actually born in them Islands.
Truly a ”Hands-On” British Colony, don’t you ”Think”?
Chuckle chuckle©
19 Ted (
Jun 26th, 2012 - 06:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thank you for the link.
Perhaps we should have said, its being built.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
TWIMC:
british islands , british born people , is this not expected.
25 Think:
Jun 26th, 2012 - 06:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0If Falkland Islands residents, whether born in Britain or in the Falkland Islands, are squatters, what difference does it make where they were born?
But if your viewpoint is representative of the actual CFK regime opinion towards Falkland Islanders' status as squatters, it does clarify that the empty promises offered by Argentine Ambassador to UK Alicia Castro (14 June The Independent) wouldn't be supported by an Argentina that insults and demeans Falkland Islanders history and culture.
Castro:
“We are committed to respecting the islanders' interests and way of life. They are British and proud to be so; we respect their Britishness and identity. We are willing to offer safeguards to preserve their way of life.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/alicia-castro-for-peace-and-reconciliation-we-need-talks-on-las-malvinas-7848760.html
ah, but will he be respectfull of that.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 06:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0(27) JohnN
Jun 26th, 2012 - 07:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My viewpoint is representative of my viewpoint.......
So, please stop all that whining..............
Is totally Un-Canadian............
29 Think:
Jun 26th, 2012 - 10:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your viewpoint doesn't matter if its only yours, but problem is that your viewpoint is likely shared by CFK, her regime, and much of the Argentine population. Therefore, expressed demeaning attitudes toward Falkland Islanders would not bode well for any future links between them and Argentina, as behind any promises made to the Islanders could include a hidden reality of hate that would quickly emerge. No wonder Falkland Islanders are glad for British security.
However, this two-faced Argentine approach - Castro's soothing promises, but the obvious signals of both official and popular disparagement of Falklanders, reveals a deep problem within the Argentine approach to its Malvinista problem: can't be seen to be hating Falkland Islanders, can't be seen to be liking them. CFK strategy of seducing Islanders reveals itself as contempt for Islanders.
Curious why you think it relevant the tone of my post (whining) or my supposed failing of a stereotypical national character (un-Canadian)? My object in posting here is to address the issues of the Falkland Islanders' self-determination and future, the role of British security provided to the Falklands, and the threat of Argentina to the health and welfare of the Falkand Islanders. If you think that is un-Canadian whining, tough shit.
Ah, the dreaded Thinkus raises its head again.
Jun 26th, 2012 - 10:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0l was beginning to “think” that you'd left us Cher Think.
So what if all these people are British born?
l seem to remember lndia having a President or Prime Minister who was ltalian born.
Or maybe she was only in the running. Can't recall. No matter.
Back on track, they're immigrants, Think(except the Governor).
Do you want us to discriminate against immigrants?
The way you do against the Bolivian immigrants? Si?
lf you were accepted as an immigrant, became a citizen & stood for election & was elected, then you could be part of our government too.
So whats stopping you? Of course you'd have to be accepted first!
Just think, l could have you around for coffee & cakes while we had a cozy fireside chat.
You have to completely purge your mind of those offensive m.....& s....... words, though!
Are you man enough?
Think,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 12:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0another muddleup you have- our Legislature- only Nos 6-13 can vote on any issue. and you have Keith Padgett down as two people also, and our speaker - I appreciate it is different in the corrupt farce of a Legilsture in BA but he is only the speaker and maintainer of orderly debate- he cannot even express his opinion in a debate!
Arg has had members of its Govt who were not Arg born - did you object and shout from the roof tops?
You have peddled this line before- and watched it fall flat as its irrelevant!
For Info- the relationship between the OTs and the UK Govt has and will be an ongoing exercise continually evolving, as we gradually all move more and more towards appropriate stages and desirable and realistic levels of Selfgovt and Independence.
But then, British Democracy and the unwritten Constitution and the role of the Monarchy has always been totally beyond most S Americans.
Ever though of asking Mozambique why they joined the British Commonwealth?
Good news on FOGL,s farm in partner today - got your nail extractor ready?
@ Dany Simian,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 02:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0Whats the relation?
Whats the problem calling you Simian?
Why do you call me 'mate' ?
@Brit abroad,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 04:05 am - Link - Report abuse 0“Whats the problem calling you Simian?”
No problem for me, Where are my bananas?
“Why do you call me 'mate' ?”
Because you are my dear forum mate, Bro
16 Islander1 “You are such a looser”
Jun 27th, 2012 - 04:54 am - Link - Report abuse 0Inglishh please, I learned that one already...
A looser is a loser(Islader1) who can't spell “loser”.
@35 Marcos,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 10:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0Loser/looser/shmooser,
who cares.
You're flogging a dead horse.
You ARE a loser.
ALL you malvinistas are losers.
And no, you CANNOT have OUR country.
Go away & fix your own before someone takes it off you & makes something of it(as you lot cannot).
But does Think have a point,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 12:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There is always two sides,
From his point of view, he has a point, the British should leave the Falklands , and the south Atlantic,
And CFK and her cohorts will respect there rights, tradition , customs , flags , nationality ,
Way of life , ,,,,,,
And we are very confidant they will respect these rights,
All the way up, to, and including the day the British disappear over the horizon,
And then that will most certainly do what they have a nasty habit of doing, invade , and remove everything British , then implant agrees by the thousands ,
Force the residence to by Argentinean or just deport them all, and then take all the wealth and prosperity out of the islands and just destroy it, then leave it to rot,
As for CFK and mr thinks opinion,
We they didn’t say??
They didn’t actually promises anything,
And besides, if you British were stupid enough to believe what he said, then you were more stupid than the Argies took you for.
Meanwhile back in the real world, we would note Mr thinks opinions and put them to one side, and carry of being British, now and forever, as long as the islanders want it ,
And CFK , well we cant predict the future, but she will either be disposed of, of sunning herself on a beach somewhere,
Just an opinion.
mmmmm
..
Marcos- Not the first time I have hit the wrong key and made a spelling error - and not the first time I have apologised either! You need to do a lot better than that, Mike!
Jun 27th, 2012 - 01:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Please join this new fb page - Falkland Islands Desire The Right - dedicated to Falkland Islands current affairs, keeping the islands free and poking fun at the loonacy of the Argentine government and their various claims and their internet trolls - https://www.facebook.com/Britain1592
Jun 27th, 2012 - 04:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 035,
Jun 27th, 2012 - 06:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Whether he can spell correctly or not is irrelevant with variable errors mistakes and double meanings,
The point here we think,
Is Can you read?
1, if you can, then you should not have a problem,
2, if you cant read, then how do you know he is making an error,
3, please stop trying to impress us with your impersonation of the English Word,
4, we know perfectly well what we are saying,
5, do you .
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