MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islands in moving tribute to Baroness Thatcher, “a great friend of the Islands”
A packed Christchurch cathedral listens to Reverend Hines 
MLA Hansen: “in the Falkland Islands Margaret Thatcher would never be forgotten, as a great woman, a great leader, and a great friend.” 
Some of the Falkland's representatives at St Paul Cathedral (Photo. G. Clement) A memorial and thanksgiving service to Baroness Thatcher was held in the Falkland Islands Wednesday afternoon at the local church a few hours after the main ceremony in London’s St Paul cathedral.
Wednesday was declared a public holiday in the Falklands so Islanders could follow the service in London on television and later, because of the time difference, attend the tribute to who is considered the liberator and “a great friend of the Islands”.
After opening remarks by the Reverend Richard Hines, a packed congregation in Christchurch Cathedral in Stanley heard a moving eulogy from Member of the Legislative Council Ian Hansen.
While dealing, as might have been expected, with Lady Thatcher’s role in the liberation of the Falklands from Argentine occupation in 1982, MLA Hansen also paid tribute to her influence on the subsequent development of the Falkland Islands into the self-supporting and progressive community that it is today.
MLA Hansen said that the ongoing interest in the young people of the Falkland Islands shown by Lady Thatcher was illustrated by her donation of a trophy to be awarded in her name on an annual basis to the student who had best served the Community School. In giving this trophy she had said that she hoped it would serve as a reminder to young Islanders of the sacrifices that had been made for them and their obligation to give something back.
During her two visits to the Islands in 1983 and 1992, MLA Hansen said that he believed Mrs Thatcher as she then was, enjoyed a freedom to approach and be approached by ordinary people which was probably denied her in Britain. He told several anecdotes from her visits to farm settlements which reflected a warm and human side to her nature which did not often get a chance to be expressed elsewhere.
“One thing was certain!” MLA Hansen concluded, “in the Falkland Islands Margaret Thatcher would never be forgotten, as a great woman, a great leader, and a great friend.”
Following the service Reverend Hines revealed that over 500 people (a fifth of the Falklands population) had written requesting a seat at the service, which unfortunately was limited because of the cathedral’s capacity.
At St Paul Cathedral in London the Falklands were represented by a group of ten young Islanders/students, two of whom, Zoran Zuvic and Sam Brownlee were in their Falkland Islands Defence Force uniforms. Other Islanders attending were: Krysteen Ormond, Sam Cockwell, Karen Minto, Joe Birmingham, Sally Heathman, Clodagh Stewart-Reid, Roxanne King and Doug Clarke.
In addition to Member of the Legislative Assembly Jan Cheek representing Gilbert House, Sukey Cameron MBE attended representing the Falkland Islands Government Office in London. Around 100 South Atlantic veterans also attended the service, including Gary Clement who had flown especially and members of the Falkland Families.
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Read all commentsthe families of the people killed in the Belgrano ALSO will not forget you tatcher. it is time for you to answer them ( face to face ) why did you kill them.
Apr 18th, 2013 - 01:57 am 0you will never rest in peace.
Please note the words of Enrique Molina Pico Admiral, former Chief of General Staff of the Navy.
Apr 18th, 2013 - 03:24 am 0“Was not a war crime, but a combat action,”
Sir,
Mrs. Pierini framed the sinking of the cruiser General Belgrano as a war crime unpunished and unclaimed by our country.
“I have an obligation to make public my total disagreement. Was not a war crime, but a combat action, the 323 crew members who gave their lives were not murdered: died fighting for our country, which is the maximum that can make delivery military.
”The integrated naval force was deployed for an attack on the British fleet forming a coordinated operation with other naval groups, the course that had momentarily away from the enemy fleet, as commander Admiral should wait a moment considered most suitable. The Belgrano and the other ships were a threat and a danger to the British.
“Its location outside the exclusion zone meant not withdraw from the war. All commanders at sea had been the British media establishment that area. The message stated in its final part:” The government of His Majesty reserves the right to attack any ship or aircraft, within or outside the exclusion zone, which it considers a threat to its forces. “Leave the exclusion zone was not to leave the combat zone to enter a protected area.
”There was a violation of international law was an act of war and that was the position as head of the Navy in 1995 with presentations held in various courts.
“The internal political problems did not govern the conduct of those who fought. The Belgrano was sunk endowment aware of its risks.
”To think that were poorly killed and not killed in combat is to offend the memory they deserve who fought for us.”
Enrique Molina Pico
Admiral, former Chief of
General Staff of the Navy
CI 4293994
http://www.lanacion.com.ar/700676-cartas-de-lectores
2 Terence Hill
Apr 18th, 2013 - 04:09 am 0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O184yGKknSQ
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