MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands organizing grass root events to celebrate the referendum

The Camber across from Stanley where a big YES! of vehicles will be spelt (Photo by M. Short)

The Falkland Islands are arranging for three ‘grass roots’ events to celebrate the March10/11 referendum, when Islanders will decide on their political status and future of the Islands.

On Saturday 9 March organizers are planning a message on the Camber (across from the capital Stanley) for which they have organized a minimum of fifty 4X4s to spell out the word ‘YES!’ between Barracouta and Beagle.

Vehicles will muster at Moody Brook at 2pm and at 2.30pm will process along the Camber to the designated area where marshals will position the drivers.

Surplus vehicles will be asked to park out of sight behind the crest. The ‘spelling’ will hold for about 90 minutes giving sufficient time for the arriving journalists to take their pictures.

On Sunday, 10 March there will be a vehicle rally through Stanley with a display of flags, Falklands’ and Union Jacks. It is scheduled for 2:30pm with a minimum of 400 vehicles assembling at Moody Brook along the road coming from the Murrell and down the track from the Two Sisters which surround Stanley from the West. Marshals will direct drivers where to go. Keeping with tradition horses, quads, bicycles and motorbikes are also welcome.

The press-release photo will be taken looking west so as to encompass all the hills from Tumbledown to Wireless Ridge.

Once the photos have been taken the caravan will loop through Stanley led by motorbikes and then disband as it approaches down Reservoir Road.

Organizers recommend that when passing journalists “open your window, smile and wave or give the thumbs-up. Face-painting, especially with children, is encouraged”.

Finally on Monday 11 March at 21:00 there will be a community party on Arch Green. The Green will be illuminated, there will be food and drinks and there will be music.

At the moment when the results are announced an ‘historic’ photo will be taken from the direction of the Capstan with a full display of flags and banners. The only recommendation is that police would prefer that, when possible, ‘vehicles be left at home’.