MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Head of BOT Department, next Governor of the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands Government announced on Friday the appointment of Mr Colin Roberts CVO as the next Governor of the Falkland Islands. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesLinks to Ireland, Lithuania and Japan. Should bring a cosmopolitan viewpoint with him. And hopefully some good business links to Japan too. All those savings looking for a good place to invest.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 06:02 am - Link - Report abuse 0What a difference to Cecilia Nahón's appointment to Washington.
What I find interesting about this story, is that unlike the so called Argentine Governor, he will actually get to live on the real Islands, whilst his counterpart continues to live in the so called Malvinas never never never land. Which has we all know enjoys very good diplomatic relations with, Narnia, Fantasia, Shangri La, Brigadoon, Middle Earth, Mario Land, El Dorado, Leggo Land, Disney Land, Smurfville, The Enchanted Forest, Hades, Moon Base Alpha, The Clingon Empire and of course not forgetting Atlantis.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 06:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0@2
Dec 21st, 2012 - 08:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0I think you will find that the Malvinas DID have a good relationship with the places in your list until they started to fabricate history where the cinderellas castle was actually Argentine sovereign territory after a three month vacation in Disney Land 180 years ago where they murdered Mickey Mouse and raped poor Minnie.
They further went on to claim that Aslan was actually an Argentine giving them historic rights to Narnia, and that Yoshi planted a cabbage in Mario land that had Argentine roots...
After that, even the fantasy countries hated and despised the Malvinistas.
Aslan isn't argentine?
Dec 21st, 2012 - 09:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0# @2 : Brilliant !!!
Dec 21st, 2012 - 10:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0This article picture is belong to J.A.ROBERTS --or-- Beef --.?
Dec 21st, 2012 - 10:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0New Viceroy for the FI Colony...
Dec 21st, 2012 - 11:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0One in a long, long, long, long, long line of them! and preceeding an even longer, long, long, long, long line of Governors who will follow him to this prestigious, distinguished and much sought after office. Usually leads to a Knighthood you know! Pucker posting!
Dec 21st, 2012 - 11:49 am - Link - Report abuse 0Still, keep on wishing for never never Malvinas land, maybe the tooth fairy will bring you one, then you can have a Viceroy too! There, feel better.
New Viceroy appointed by the Metropolis to govern the FI Colony, following the interests of London.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 12:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Self-determination”? Don´t be childish.
@7 & 9 Islas Malvinas
Dec 21st, 2012 - 12:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“New Viceroy for the FI Colony...”
Actually you probably meant that as some sort of insult, but it isn't really.
He will indeed be in a viceregal position. The Govenors of Australian states are viceroys and they're sovereign states (though 111 years ago were colonies and now in a federation). Actually the position of the Governor-General of Australia is also frequently referred to as viceregal. Isn't Australia independent?
Probably why the whole colony thing confuses you so much. I hear that even Argentina started out as a viceroyalty. Understandable that you made this mistake; I hear the national education of some countries leaves a little to be desired.
If you wish to call him a viceroy then please do so. It would be considered polite actually and akin to recognising him as a representative of Her Majesty.
It's rare to find such reverence on here.
@9 So that implies that they “really” determine another system of government than the one they have at present?
Dec 21st, 2012 - 12:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Could you enlighten us as to what that is - as if we couldn't guess?
It is Argentina that seeks to deny their right to self determination and to become a vassal state of Argentina by denying their rights as a “people” (whatever you choose that to mean). Remember your specious claim (in any case signed away by yourselves in 1850 under the Southern-Aranas Treaty) only relates to the land - not the people.
@9
Dec 21st, 2012 - 01:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You are swallowing propaganda again.
There are 15 countries with a UK governor/vice regal representative...including
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Papua New Guinea, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, Solomon Islands, Belize.
There are also a number of British Oversea Territories with the same relationship, many of which you know including the Falklands.
Even Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland have their First Ministers as representatives of her Majesty as do the Crown Dependancies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
So, there is a full range of countries, states and territories all with a governor or viceregal representative, some are fully independent, some are BOTs, and some are integral states.
There are also many states which are republics where there is no longer this position.
In every single case, EVERY SINGLE ONE, what is the common theme?
The relationship with the UK is determined by the inhabitants.
If the Australians wanted to become a republic they could, indeed they have had referenda on that option.
If Scotland wants independence, it's people can choose it.
if the Falkland Islanders want to be part of Argentina, they can make that decision.
So, self-determination is only childish in the minds of the Argentines who would deny that to them.
@12 Monkeymagic
Dec 21st, 2012 - 01:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Well said mate. It's one thing to say your a democracy and yet another to live in a Democracy. You know what it means to me, it means even though I may not like and even disagree with decisions of the many, I accept them, the alternative is abhorent to me; to be dictated to by the will of the few. Could not think of anything worse.
I am not all that hot on the Human Rights Brigade, to my mind they have hijacked the principle, to encompass all sorts of ridiculous issues, but the right to decide your own destiny? it's up there with the right to life. I would and have done, defend it with my life. Why? because I want it for my children and their childrens children, that's why.
hahahaha selfdetermination!? colony 100% .London puts governors to finger!! Don't be cinics and geta back islands to Argentina
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Something about curry?!
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Or dust! Dust anyone? Dust?
There's a man who's career has taken a distinctly backwards trajectory in recent years. Makes you wonder who else was on the list that Mrs Halford and her colleagues were presented with to select from.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Another “native Falklander” as appoint....Ooooops...elected governor.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In the case of Islas Malvinas and gustbury, I think that they like many Argentines cannot get their heads around the idea of a colony being GIVEN its independence without a war of independence.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The fact that ex-colonies like Australia, New Zealand, India, or the Falkland Islands are still friendly with the colonising state is totally foreign to our way of thinking. The fact of no violence being involved in the granting of independence or whatever other form of self-government is strange to us!!!!!
@17 I think you'll find that the Islanders elect an Assembly, the Assembly elects an Executive and they (the Elected Executive Councillors) democratically choose the Governor from a list of “volunteers” selected from the ranks of UK career diplomats. So you see, the Governor is elected by an Electoral College. All very democratic and self determinist.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 03:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Simon
Dec 21st, 2012 - 04:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A colony is usually a result of conquest. Anyone who cares to look at how the British managed to create an empire, will see it was mostlyachieved through trade and settlement. Even India, The Jewel in the Crown” was not taken by force, certainly was not colonised. It was taken by trade, and a private army.
@9 Nothing childish about SELF-DETERMINATION, however it is frustrating for dictators who wish to take this basic human right from a peaceful peoples.
Dec 21st, 2012 - 05:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0SELF-DETERMINATION.....All day every day!
PH
Dec 21st, 2012 - 05:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There stance is ridiculous, what? you Argentines really believe that the UN is going to rip up their charter and throw it away, so you can enforce your
will on an archipelago located in the South Atlantic?
Are you seriously that dellusional?or what?
Face it, the world has far greater problems that need and to be frank, deserve, their attention.
@14
Dec 21st, 2012 - 05:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Don't be cinics and geta back islands to Argentina”
Back to Argentina? Argentina formed in 1853, not on the Islands from 1853 onwards till 1982 when the Argentine pirates and squatters were sent home.
Argentina never owned the Islands so you can't give Islands back to a country that did not own them.
Three months of illegal occupation in 1982 ( ie 1/4 of a year) do not displace 180 years of legal occupation (plus 143 years of prior claim) the maths is quite simple really.
“colony 100%”
No mate, they will never again become an Argentine colony, The Argentine colony with implanted pirate squatters during April-June 1982 were kicked off so the people born there (ie with a birthright) got their country back.
@22 thats assuming they get past Her Royal Majestys more than capable Forces to violate the populations human rights, it will be a very cold day in hell when that train comes into town :)
Dec 21st, 2012 - 05:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0SELF-DETERMINATION.
Pete
Dec 21st, 2012 - 05:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I have heard a whisper from the foreign office, I'm not saying it's true mind, but I have heard this. Apparently. with affect from the 9th of January, 2013 a ship called the IOU LIBERTAD is becoming available.
The Foreign Office has commisioned a feasability study. To hire the IOU LIBERTAD, invite Argentinian settlers to colonise, dare I say it, Queen Elizabeth Land.
Those colonists who dare to undertake this courageous adventure, will be given British Citezenship and hence forth, be known as, Royal Queens!
London appointed new Governor ?????.....
Dec 21st, 2012 - 06:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Laugh...laugh..
What happened to their “” self determination “” rights ?
They forgot the “” Referandum“” abruptly..
after all yesterday is yesterday,today is today....
Laugh...laugh..
LT
Dec 21st, 2012 - 07:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What's the problem, thought you guys knew that no one was going to pay any attention to it!
As my daughters used to say, when they where younger. “Ohh Yeaaaahhhh!!!”
(Extenended arm finers held high.) Man! don't you just hate your kids!!!!!!
27
Dec 21st, 2012 - 07:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Refute my post @26. !
LT
Dec 21st, 2012 - 07:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Hope you got my Christmas Greeting,
What is there to refute?
London did appoint a new Governor.
There will be a referendum.
Argentina will ignore it.
You and I will agree!
To disagree.
29
Dec 21st, 2012 - 07:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You are used to be slave.
You can not speak freely.
You can not act freely.
shortly you all have subconscious fears.
LT
Dec 21st, 2012 - 09:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That what you think?
Calmed down a little, since I first read your post.
I will say this though.
You just answered the question, why the UK will never ceede sovereignty.
So we have a new governor appointed ILLEGAL our Islas Malvinas?
Dec 22nd, 2012 - 02:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Good time to remember the only list of LEGAL Governors Island, pirates:
SPANISH
1767-1773 F. Ruiz Puente
1773-1774 D. Chauri
1774-1777 F. Gil y Lemos y Taboada
1777-1779 R. Carassa y Souza
1779-1781 S. de Medina y Juan
1781-1783 J. M. del Carmen Altolaguirre
1783-1784 F. D. Montemayor
1784-1785 A. de Figueroa
1785-1786 R. de Clairac y Villalonga
1786-1787 P. de Mesa y Castro
1787-1788 R. de Clairac y Villalonga
1788-1789 P. de Mesa y Castro
1789-1790 R. de Clairac y Villalonga
1790-1791 J. J. de Elizalde y Ustariz
1791-1792 P. P. Sanguineto
1792-1793 J. J. de Elizalde y Ustariz
1793-1794 P. P. Sanguineto
1794-1795 J. de Aldana y Ortega
1795-1796 P. P. Sanguineto
1796-1797 J. de Aldana y Ortega
1797-1798 L. de Medina y Torres
1798-1799 F. X. de Viana y Alzaibar
1799-1800 L. de Medina y Torres
1800-1801 F. X. de Viana y Alzaibar
1801-1802 R. Fernández de Villegas
1802-1803 B. de Bonavía
1803-1804 A. L. de Ibarra y Oxinando
1804-1805 B. de Bonavía
1805-1806 A. L. de Ibarra y Oxinando
1806-1808 B. de Bonavía
1809-1810 G. Bondas
1810-1811 P. G. Martínez
ARGENTINES
1820-1821 D. Jewett
1821-1821 W. Mason
1824-1824 P. Areguatí
1829-1832 L. Vernet
1832-1832 J. F. Mestivier
1832-1833 J. M. Pinedo
1982-1982 M. Menéndez
THE MALVINAS ARE ARGENTINE FOREVER
Head of BOT Department, next Governor of patagonia,
Dec 22nd, 2012 - 07:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0anything is possable, if you take the argies point of view.
@32
Dec 22nd, 2012 - 10:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0My goodness me, I never realised until now that there was an Argentine equivalent of Beachcomber's Anthology of Huntingdonshire Cabmen (1)
(1) In the words of an over-enthusiastic critic, 'a masterpiece of imaginative literature'. The Anthology consists of the more striking names (with initials) from each of the three volumes. It is a factual and unemphatic work, and the compiler has skinned the cream from the lists. Here are such old favourites as Whackfast, E.W., Fodge, S., and Nurthers, P.L. The index is accurate, and the introduction by Cabman Skinner is brief and workmanlike.
I'm not surprised in the least the absolute historical ignorance of the “british” respect the Malvinas Islands and that the above list absolutely true, they seems product of the imagination. It is annoying for you to know that is the truth and that the islands never belonged you.
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 12:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0José Malvinero
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 07:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0It is not so much ignorance or the history you espouse but more the spin you put on it.
For instance your list looks quite impressive until you realise that it only covers a period of 58 years. And then we can start to unstitch your “facts”.
Jewett!? Jajaja A convicted pirate who actually fought against Argentina from Brazil. He was never appointed a governor. He was on the islands to repair his ship.
Areguatí? What was he governor of? There was no settlement in 1824.
Mestivier lasted 15 days before being murdered by Argentinean mutineers.
Pinedo was never a governor - he was there hunting mutineers.
Also Menéndez was a Military Commander for 72 days. If you recognise him as a governor then you have to recognise Bignone as a legitimate President of Argentina. Can of worms that one.
So really your list doesn't even cover 58 years. More like 44. And for 9 of those years the British also had governors on the islands. So that brings it down to 35 years.
35 years. Now let's compare this to the 180 years of British Governors.
Once we remove those listed above I accept that Spain had legitimate governors on the islands, however you can only accept those as legitimate if you also accept the British governors as legitimate. After all, the first British settlement predates the Spanish presence on the islands.
The Malvinas were never Argentinean. Spanish perhaps but not Argentinean.
But now the Falkland Islands are British. Every argument or example you use to bolster Argentinean claims can also be used (usually more strongly) to bolster the British claim.
As always, ALL British arguments over the Malvinas, are a SHIT by his total ignorance of history.
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 01:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The list of governors, IT’S NO joke, it's absolutely real and you will find in the history books.
The Spanish governors were appointed by the government of Buenos Aires and residing in the colony founded by Jean Antoine de Bougainville in Puerto Soledad (now Port San Luis) and of course living there, whose term lasted mandates what indicated in the listing. The British had occupied only Port Egmont in 1765 (Saunders Island) after the founding of Soledad by Bougainville (1764), who recognized Spanish sovereignty, delivery the colony to the Spanish Crown (1767). Spain DID NOT BUY the colony, but he paid Bougainville (not France) a sum in recognition of their expenses by Soledad. From 1767 until 1811, without interruption, never missed the Spanish garrison and the governor in the Malvinas.
The first Spanish governor, Ruiz Puente, upon learning of the English presence in Egmont, sent Madariaga, who in 1770 SURRENDERED to the English there. To avoid a war with England, Spain allowed the British to return to Egmont by calling Masserano Declaration, pledging to abandon these, which actually did in 1774. There ends the minimal presence of the English (8 YEARS) on an island in the archipelago, the island Saunders (Trinidad for us).
All in all, it happened 44 years of uninterrupted presence with 20 Spanish governors until 1811 that before the emancipatory revolution in Buenos Aires, Soledad evacuated leaving a plate of Spanish sovereignty assertion. What happened next? Produced Argentina Independence (United Prov River Plate) in 1816, the new state inherited the islands as part of its territory and soon sent to David Jewett Buenos Aires in 1820 to take possession of the islands which it does this year on behalf of his government (Buenos Aires).
To summarize, in 1829 the central government created the Political and Military Command of the Malvinas Islands by appointing Luis Vernet
@37 I'm always ready to learn...
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 02:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0So, VRRP was a colony of Spain and the settlement in the Malvinas was a dependent colony of that colony. When UPRP replaced VRRP in 1816 the Malvinas colony stopped being a dependent colony and was incorporated into one of the Provinces of UPRP, though which one isn't clear (BA Province perhaps?). Four years later in 1820 someone was sent to claim something that was already fully integrated, (or was he actually sent to belatedly integrate an inherited colony. perhaps?).
Anyway, should we believe that, unlike Patagonia, the Malvinas Islands were an integral part of the Argentine political entity when the latter was recognised by UK in 1825? If so, which Province was Vernet responsible to, I wonder, or was it to the national authority that he reported? If it was the national authority then the Malvinas at that time was either a colony or a Province in its own right in 1833. You see, you seem to be suggesting that Vernet was Governor of a UPRP colony, which conflicts with the idea that you put forward earlier in your post that the new state inherited the islands as part of its territory.
I remain mired in my ignorance and look to you to drag me out of it.
@37.....commander and governors to succeed Jose Maria Pinedo. After 59 YEARS (from 1774 to 1833) appears Clio in 1833 to realize a real usurpation and lower the Argentine flag ... until April 2, 1982.
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 03:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Happy to let you finish. So, were the Islands a colony in 1832 or not?
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 05:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Jose Malvinero
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 06:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The Spanish left the islands. There was no civilian population. Even by your list between 1811 and 1820 there was no governor.
Nobody disputes the Spanish history. Nobody should (although you seem to) dispute the French and British history.
The simple and unanswered points are these:
Did the Falklands automatically cede to the United Provinces in 1811 when Spain left. You argue yes, I suggest no.
Did Jewitts claim to sovereignty real hold any weight unless backed up by a civilian population. You argue yes, I suggest no.
Did Vernet represent the United Provinces. You argue yes, I argue that it was an independent business venture.
Was Mesteveir/Pinedo a legal coloniasation or an illegal penal colony removed after a few weeks, already mutinous murderous rapists. Again we disagree.
So..
The Spanish list is true. no point reporting it as nobody disputes it.
What is disputed is the “Governor” position you appointed to Jewitt (pirate), Vernet (independent businessman and pirate), Mestevier (murdered by Argentines and wife raped), and Pinedo (present for a couple of weeks to manage a penal colony).
And you call today's Governor dubious LOL.
What about the gaps in your list???
more bla bla bla, from argie bla blas.
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 07:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0get over it,
you lost.
As I said, only eight years in Trinidad is all they can show the world, pirates, so nobody supports them.
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 08:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Chau pirates! ...... The Malvinas are Argentine, forever.
The Malvinas
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 08:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0no exist, but in ones dreams.
Jose
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 09:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This is the key point in your argument.
“Argentina/United Provinces inherited the sovereignty from Spain”
The Jewitt/Vernet/Mestevier is noise.....it doesn't constitute sovereignty. You know it, I know it.
So, where is this inheritance and why?
Why did Argentina inherit the Falklands and not Uruguay. Why did Argentina inherit the Falklands and not Paraguay? Why are the Argentine borders today, so different from the UP borders in 1832?
Why didn't India “inherit” Aden from the British?
Why didn't Australia “inherit” New Zealand?
Why didn't Mexico “inherit” Cuba?
It's bullshit Jose.
In the days of 1832, if you could sustain a civilian population in an unhabited land, you could claim sovereignty.
Spain failed..as your list shows in 1811
Argentina has never sustained a civilian population...as your list shows.
Britain has sustained a civilian population twice...including today's for 180 years.
Game..set..match...
@43 Thanks for answering my question. For you the Malvinas, or as I prefer to call them the Falkland Islands, were the property of Argentina as a colony inherited from Spain then belonged to Argentina as a Non Self Governing National Territory and then became integrated into Argentina as a Department. I thought that was what you were getting at earlier but just couldn't get to that final reality. By integrating the islands into Argentina you finally decolonised them in line with UN GA intent (ignoring the inconvenient reality of the UK presence on the islands).
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 09:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0All that remains is for the UK now to do the same or grant the Islands independence and we can all stop arguing.
@32
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 09:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“1829-1832 L. Vernet”
Jose, if Vernet was a governor of the United Provinces of the River Plate (ie not Argentina-which was formed in 1853)-then can you explain why he accepted British Sovereignty over the Falkland Islands?
Later Vernet was to recieve NO compensation for his property on the Falkland Islands from Argentina or the USA, but he did from the British Government.
If he did not consider that the Falkland Islands were owned by the British he would have not have applied for compensation from the British Government. In any case the British did not attempt to destabilise Vernet's setttlement (as his settlers who wished to, were allowed to stay in 1833), it was the USA in 1831 courtesey of the USS Lexington raid..
José
Dec 23rd, 2012 - 11:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“ALL British arguments over the Malvinas are a SHIT”
I listened and replied with facts and you call them shit. You show your inability to argue or prove the facts you espouse. I never said the list of Governors is a joke. I just showed you it is partially wrong.
I don’t dispute how Spain came to own Puerto Soledad. You inconveniently ignore that Spain compensated and reinstated the British colony in 1771 and this colony was not under Spanish governance so Spain did not claim sovereignty over the entire islands. This action speaks volumes about Spain’s sovereignty.
Even you admit that the Spanish had abandoned the islands by 1811. Again no one is arguing this point. 1767 to 1811 is only 44 years.
The British also left a plate asserting sovereignty. Accept the Spanish one then you must to accept the British one.
As for Argentina inheriting the Islands upon independence; the proof?. Not all of the VRRP was part of Argentina. The VRRP included territory from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia, so not all territory of the VRRP was included in independent Argentina.
The fact is that Spain recognises British sovereignty over the islands so they dispute these facts.
Jewett was NOT sent to take possession of the islands. Where do you get these facts from? Jewett was on the islands due to his ineptitude. He was never governor as he was commanding the Heroína at that time.
Regarding Vernet, again no one is arguing what Argentina was doing at this time but you again ignore history. Vernet sought British permission for his colony. Also Britain denied that Argentina has rights to garrison troops there. When it learnt of this, it evicted the garrison ONLY as it had no issue with the colony.
Also why did Argentina not mention or claim the islands between 1850 and 1884 or between 1888 and 1941. Again why did Argentina not accept ICJ jurisdiction in 1947 or 1948 or 1955?
You concentrate on some minutiae of history but ignore huge glaring facts.
And besides 43,
Dec 24th, 2012 - 12:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0What about all the lands Argentina stole and conquered from others since 1832.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
perhaps you should give them back first.
EEErrrrrmmmmm
Dec 24th, 2012 - 02:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0I know it's off topic and and not in line with the mutial hate that goes on in this forum but I would just like to extend my best wishes to all those in the Falkland Islands.
Yes. I think that with a BIG year coming up next year, I would just like to say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” to everyone in the Falklands. All the best for the New Year and I hope that the New Year brings Peace, long life and good fortune with it....
And To all my friends on this forum as well. I will say “All Hail and well met!!!” May you and your families have a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year. May all your hangovers be small ones!!!
And lastly, to the Argentine posters on this forum. Friends and friendly enemies alike, have a good Christmas. Look after yourselves and your families, stay safe and have a Happy New Year. I hope that things get better for Agentina in the coming year. I hope things get better for ALL Argentinian's everywhere.
Love and Peace from Nottingham
U.K
P.S:- Has anyone tried “Hot Vimto”???? They were selling down at the Christmas market. If you haven't, DON'T!!! It tastes like warm mouth wash.
Seems like a demotion, from overall BOT supremo to Falklands governor. Either that or Cameron feels the need to send in the big guns, which means he's rattled by Cristina...
Dec 24th, 2012 - 11:53 am - Link - Report abuse 051 British_Kirchnerist
Dec 24th, 2012 - 01:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Which is it? A demotion or promotion. You just claimed it could be both.
Considering his diplomatic background, fluency in a difficult language such as Japanese and experience as a university lecturer; I'd say that he is the perfect person to deal with the upcoming referendum and the associated international attention.
I'm not sure why the UK woud be rattled by Cristina. After all she really hasn't gained anything. Even Chile and Uruguay only pay lip service to her demands. Her continual harping on has only emboldened the Falklands to hold a referendum.
No one can out shrill Cristina but she isn't the person to convince. It's the UN and other countries. And I'd say that the UK has already taken the initiative with this move. A diplomat is exactly what is needed to sell the referendum's outcome.
@52 By April 2014 the Referendum will be but an embarrassing memory. From Ambassador to a NATO ally via a desk in Whitehall to figurehead in the Falklands isn't just a demotion it's a career crash and burn.
Dec 24th, 2012 - 04:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@53
Dec 24th, 2012 - 08:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0So the Governor is just a figurehead, you say.
How does that square with your usual position that the Falklands are no more than a colony?
@54 I've listened and learned from Islander 1, JB, Isolde and Monty69. They assure me that they( and JB's mates) are in charge in the Self Governing Territory. They wrote the Constitution, including the secret bits, and they framed the Referendum Question. In the face of all this positive assertion, what is there left for a Governor to do except get dressed up in court dress and ostrich plumes?
Dec 24th, 2012 - 09:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@55
Dec 24th, 2012 - 11:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That settles it, then. A colony no more.
you know where they are, come get them!
Dec 24th, 2012 - 11:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0they cant,
Dec 24th, 2012 - 11:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0they have no boats , .
@55
Dec 25th, 2012 - 12:18 am - Link - Report abuse 0“what is there left for a Governor to do except get dressed up in court dress and ostrich plumes?”
Not a lot, except acting as a hotline to the British Government, as the executive powers of the governor have diminished greatly, and in my opinion rightly, since 1982.
The only real reason the Argies don’t like em,
Dec 25th, 2012 - 12:21 am - Link - Report abuse 0Is because they don’t have one..
Jealousy and envy..
.
Doveoverdover
Dec 25th, 2012 - 01:01 am - Link - Report abuse 0Still making generalised statements.
“the Referendum will be but an embarrassing memory”
What is so embarrassing about democracy? The referendum may not change the status quo-hardly “embarrassing”. The world cannot ignore self-determination even if some countries deny people have the right to do so.
You thinking they are a colony doesn't negate that 60% of the islanders consider their identity to be Falkland Islander. Even as colonists do they not deserve the right to have their voice heard?
It also doesn't change the fact that a referendum is totally in line with UN practices. The UN has twice asked less than 700 Tokelauan voters to vote on their self-determination. Now that was embarrassing. After answering 'incorrectly' in 2006 they were asked again in 2007. And still not enough votes to make a change. They will probably lower the threshold from 2/3 majority to a simple majority in the next referendum. Let's hope so as it will set a nice precedent for the Islands.
“From Ambassador to a NATO ally via a desk in Whitehall to figurehead in the Falklands isn't just a demotion it's a career crash and burn”
You don't have a very good grasp on how governments work. Roberts would have known of his nomination and appointment before the public so could have declined. And a viceregal position is hardly a demotion and it is far from a figurehead-your grasp (lack of) of constitutional law is showing.
Maybe the Falklands could become a republic with a nice strong executive president-there's a great example right next door.... hang on a minute the poverty, crime, tanking economy and rising inflation aren't really selling points are they.
Seems the Islanders are happy with their arrangement-not even Australia with a similar system voted to change recently. Must be something to be said for governors who dress “up in court dress and ostrich plumes”.
Such a contrarian.
@51, 53, BK and Dame Dover
Dec 25th, 2012 - 04:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0He must be a good choice, and UK and Falklands must be on the right track if there is so much resistance to the appointment.
The Faux-Brit Trolls aren't liking this much.
:- )
@61 A Boxing Day quiz just for you: Which of these statements is a generalisation?
Dec 26th, 2012 - 01:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A. “the Referendum will be but an embarrassing memory”
B. “every referendum will be but an embarrassing memory”
If you answered B you finally got something right in 2012.
Oh Doveoverdover
Dec 27th, 2012 - 01:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0All that time to think and thankfully you fail to disappoint. Of all my long winded replies you could only pick on one word! Semantics and deflection. Clutching at straws much? But then if you can’t beat them (me) then I suppose you join them or should I be flattered by the emulation?
However back to your initial generalisation - not your feeble comment above.
Why will the referendum be “but an embarrassing memory”? Let’s break it down and find this embarrassment shall we:
Logistics of holding a referendum?
-No the UK is adequately capable – zero chance of embarrassment
The question?
-No it is far from controversial – zero chance of embarrassment
The turnout?
-No, in a small community not a problem – zero chance of embarrassment
Observers?
-No, the UK will rustle up someone – zero chance of embarrassment
The result?
-Probably not as let’s face it the result will hardly be surprising – zero chance of embarrassment
So what will be embarrassing? I wonder….
Will the UN ignore it?
Will Argentina ignore it?
Will the UK fail to use it?
Will nothing change?
Aaaaaa Nothing will change and so this whole exercise is a waste of time. The whole world will still call the Falklands…. what was the term you used? A colony that’s it.
So it’ll be embarrassing because it won’t change anything. And why? Well because nothing the UK has done has changed the status of the Falklands. Renaming it a British Overseas Territory doesn’t make it less a “colony”. The UN still thinks so. Argentina thinks so. Argentina’s neighbours concur (verbally at least).
So the referendum will be an “embarrassing memory” because nothing the UK has done has ever fixed the problem in the past. And short of independence or handing them to Argentina to integrate the islands and decolonise them in line with UN GA intent (paraphrasing you here), nothing will change.
Unless it will be embarrassing for a different reason, that’s a generalisation.
Please try harder Doveoverdover.
Waffle
Dec 27th, 2012 - 07:53 am - Link - Report abuse 064
Dec 27th, 2012 - 09:22 am - Link - Report abuse 0The great naval commander, RN retired, turned up on here a few months ago with glowing references from Think. His pitch was that of a Brit of high military calibre who knew more about the world than us plebs. In fact he knew almost as much about the world as Think himself.
He started off his posts by weighting them 90% in the favour of the Falklands but there was always a nasty little barb in each one. Always a little bit of doubt. The idea was that we'd read his little doubts and think if such a man of the world has doubt maybe we all should. The only trouble is that we all saw through him and either took no notice of him or took the micky out of him. The more this happened the nastier the posts got. After a very short time his true colours came out.
The best advice is not to waste any time on him.
@66 So, the origin of your rudeness is now perfectly clear for all to read. 90% clearly isn't enough support; only total unconditional support will do. You are a totalitarian and and a windbag. Follow your own advice; stick to exploiting the UK EEZ around the Islands and don't waste any more time on me (please, oh please).
Dec 27th, 2012 - 09:56 am - Link - Report abuse 067
Dec 27th, 2012 - 10:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0“So, the origin of your rudeness is now perfectly clear for all to read.”
Here you go with another one of your “ah, gotcha!” moments. Anyone would think you just trapped OJ Simpson into a confession.
Very poor try commander. I have no doubt that you are 100% on the Argentine (your) side. Your attempt in the early days to appear otherwise was nothing but a facade.
The Falkland Islands belong to the Falkland Islanders and we are making our own destiny. Thanks to the support of the UK Overnment our future is secure.
More time wasted
Dec 27th, 2012 - 10:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks Joe
Dec 27th, 2012 - 11:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0I don't see it so much as wasting time as.... well sport really.
Comment #65 makes it all worthwhile.
I'm it for the long haul so it will only get better.
PS. Is it just me or does comment #69 seems to be par for the course on this website when someone is challenged? Almost as if they all take the same class in trolling.
70
Dec 27th, 2012 - 11:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0What you need to realise is that it is the great naval commander who does the challenging and question asking. We do not ask HIM questions. Those are the rules.
Time waster
Dec 27th, 2012 - 06:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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