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Falkland Island''s tells MPs ‘we’re no quaint toy town’ on suggestion of changing Stanley’s name

Wednesday, April 24th 2013 - 01:47 UTC
Full article 58 comments

A suggestion by some British senior Members of Parliament advocating a change of name for the Falkland Islands capital, Stanley to Port Margaret Thatcher in honour of the late Baroness had a strong reply from the local weekly, Penguin News. Read full article

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  • Marcos Alejandro

    ‘we’re no quaint toy town’
    “We are just an old British colony in Argentina”

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 04:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    And your an RG living in the UK. Nuff said. As for the author of this crap, he needs to take a chill pill! Friends like this who needs enemies my ass, man needs to use a little bit of common and use his brain before he engages his mouth,

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 05:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • trenchtoast

    To be fair, it was the Falkland Islanders themselves who chose the current colour scheme of Port Margaret.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 05:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Martin Woodhead

    Tbf it was mostly suggested to Annoy argentina.
    Which is The UK's main south Atlantic policy

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 05:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    Wasn't overly keen on the idea myself but a simple no would have sufficed. Maggie Thatchers death appears to be opening up petty divisions. Can't say I'm particularly impressed.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • John III (Pope)

    @2
    I'm surprised that Argentina has not followed the English example and organized a referendum for Argentine residents on the question of whether England should become part of Argentina.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Musky

    @4 Martin Woodhead
    It generated plenty of chuckles. I prefer to rename the place 'Marg-entina'!

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    I think the Penguin News just needs to 'calm down dear'. If they get their knickers in a twist about what one, hopelessly out of touch Tory politician says, they want to try living here with them 24/7. These men are channelled all their lives through public school and all manner of exclusivity. They are detached from reality and do not know the price of milk or a the cost of a loaf of bread.
    So when they open their mouths and say stupid things, you just generally ignore them.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:52 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Maybe the London consituency of Finchley should be changed to Thatchertown your honour instead??? No changing names is an Argentine habit. They even changed the name of Goose Green twice during thier short stay from Ganso Verde to Pradera del Ganso

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 08:52 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    Absolute nonsense ! It has a perfectly good name already - keep it.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 09:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • War Monkey

    Friends like who? Friends like these perhaps?

    http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Falklands/roh.html

    PN. Like all media I suppose, is taking out of context the words of an out of touch Tory politician with more tax payers money in his personal bank account than sense, in order to build a story. In doing so giving Malvinistas a small pile of ammunition. Well done. As somebody else said, a simple no would suffice.

    To re-iterate my point, it is a stupid idea but don't ever assume that bleeding and dying for somebody's freedom is an act of quaintness or glib whimsy. They may be less inclined to do it again.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 09:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Conqueror

    If that is the feeling and decision of Falkland Islanders, so be it. It is your territory, your country. The UK has no right to even request any re-naming. Please forgive us. It was just a suggestion. As you know, the UK does not dictate to you. We take responsibility for your foreign relations, in accordance with your wishes, and your defence. And the British people will ensure that British governments continue to do that. Your wishes are paramount.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 10:25 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • War Monkey

    @12 Conqueror (#)
    Apr 24th, 2013 - 10:25 am

    You apologise for yourself. I didn't make the suggestion. Maybe you can prize an apology from that Tory tw@t and his mates but he isn't speaking for me and neither are you. PN would do well to point their fingers a little more carefully next time. Bloody press.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 10:53 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Faz

    #1. Marcos We are very glad it's NOT part of Argentina. One of Rglands big problems as you well know is street crime. That's one of the reasons that you live in London rather than that shithole you call home http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2313942/Peaceful-Britain-Violent-crime-murders-fall-fastest-UK-western-Europe-Broadland-Norfolk-revealed-safest-corner-country.html

    The Falkland Islands are a little bit of retain lo aged I the South Atlantic

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 11:26 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    Good for Penguin News! The Thatcherites have finally gone too far! Its as Galloway and Skinner said in their brilliant Parliamentary speeches =)

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 11:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    l like Stanley & l think Stanley likes me. lol!

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 12:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brazilian

    LOL, and some Brits here still talk about the personality cult around Chavez...

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 01:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Cult of personality? Only got one word for you. “Embalmed.”

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 02:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GFace

    Good for him... I've been involved with name changes and even rebranding of the same “name” WRT organizations and it is the biggest PITA you can imagine, ironically the smaller changes (even “logos” and the “designated font”, No Really! Because everyone runs out of cards, envelopes, and stationery at the same time just for starters) can be the worst. People, especially outsiders (and “consultants”), who raise such trial balloons should be tied to them as they go up and the people who would live under such changes should be given plenty of ammo so as to provide appropriate feedback.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 02:47 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brazilian

    # 18 - Embalmed? Guess you didn't get the memo where Chavez was buried. Are any cities in Venezuela proposing to change their names to Chavez Port? Obviously the personality cult around Chavez is way bigger than Thatcher, but still, there is a personality cult around Thatcher, specially in the Malvinas.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 02:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    What a cult of Thatcher on a BA housing estate? I am impressed.

    I got the distinct impression they did not like her there.

    No I never got the memo that they decided to drop the Kling Film option.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 02:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Santa Fe

    15... Haha page 3 troll handbook , mention the maverick George Galloway or red Dennis skinner...the voice of the uk jajajajaj

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 03:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • José Malvinero

    When we return (we will return) I propose to call the village: “Nuevo Puerto Soledad” or else “Port Alexander Betts” in honor of the malvinense that most did (and continues to doing) for Argentina's sovereignty over the Malvinas Argentinas. Ok?

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 04:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    Evita was embalmed. The Argentine soldiers assigned to defend her corpse will testify to that. Dirty boys!!!

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 04:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    Interesting.......

    The above “Penguin News” article hasnt been signed...
    Surely an “Involuntary Oversight” from its author...

    Its “Journalistic Stile”, however resembles a lot that of a certain sixth generation Kelperette blonde, that rides western tackle without cojinillo...........

    I just tried to access the “Penguin News” site to check if it was her but...., Ooooooooooooooooooops ...: “***” This Account Has Been Suspended “***”
    http://www.penguin-news.com/cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi

    Seems to be that somebody at the Foreign & Colonial Office (FCO) got angry At “Penguin News” and Lisa Watson...... ;-)

    Brainwash anybody?

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 04:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brazilian

    # 21 - You don't think that changing a city's name in tribute to a leader is cult of personality? Tell that to former Lelingrad! And as far as Chavez being buried, now you know. And as far as BA, did I say anything about Argentina?

    # 24 - Didn't know that about Evita, but we were talking about Chavez.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 04:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Jose MacArthur

    No chance!

    Ok.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 05:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Fbear

    Good for them. M Thatcher was no “lady.” She was a bully and between her and Ronald Reagan, set up all the implements of destruction the economic world is reaping today. May they roast together in hell on the same spit!

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 05:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Britworker

    @28
    Really, and there was me thinking that it was just people/countries borrowing money they could never have hoped to pay back.
    I hope the world gets back to a place where individuals are responsible for their OWN actions.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 06:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Brit Bob

    I think that a nice bronze statue outside the 'Margaret Thatcher International Airport' will suffice.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 06:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    British_Kirchnerist
    Galloway and Skinner
    Already have things named after them.
    Sausages and cough cough .lol.
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    Come gentlemen
    He is but a politician,
    Probably the best comedians in the world .lol.
    Justa joka
    mmm

    .

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 06:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @23José Malwhatever,
    Return as POWs, maybe.
    Otherwise, in your dreams.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • agent999

    Margaret Thatcher International Airport - sounds like a great idea.

    You can just imagine the departure boards in Argentina!

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 07:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    Stanley is fine -a statue of MT would be good though.
    But the symbol of a sheep on the Falkland Flag needs changing to a Sealion or Rockhopper Penguin,
    yours,
    Interfering Pom

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 08:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Monty69

    11 War Monkey

    ''don't ever assume that bleeding and dying for somebody's freedom is an act of quaintness or glib whimsy. They may be less inclined to do it again.''

    Has anyone assumed this? I can't see anything in the article that suggests anything like this. It's an opinion, and one that is a bit critical of some elements of the British political establishment. Well so what? How do you get from this to accusing us of ingratitude? Is keeping us in a permanent state of cringing abasement and unquestioning patriotic fervour really what it was all about?

    There is nothing wrong with this article as a piece of journalism. It's just a shot across the bows of those who might assume they know what we think without actually asking us, and that is something that happens surprisingly often actually. It's also food for thought for anyone who might be tempted to carry on defining us by the conflict. Sorry if that's you.
    I think the message to carry away from this is that the Falklands is just like any other place; there are a range of views here, and we have a right to express them. There is no future in trying to promote some fake united front defined by what the Malvinistas might think, or what the British public or politicans might think.

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 09:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • andy65

    @Marcos Alejandro When you clearing of back to Argentina? is your mother still cleaning office blocks

    Apr 24th, 2013 - 11:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • britanico

    'Journalistic Stile'

    A stile is a structure which provides people a passage through or over a fence or boundary via steps, ladders, or narrow gaps.

    'Brainwash anybody?'

    No, either Argentine hacker or Cable and Wireless.

    'The above “Penguin News” article hasnt [sic] been signed...'

    In the print edition, it's signed by deputy leader John Fowler.

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 12:03 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    TWIMC......

    Well....

    Penguin News is up again....

    Without ant trace of that “***” Strong reply (to the English:-) from the local weekly, Penguin News.“***” mentioned above......

    Seems to be that UK MP Tobias Ellwood has friends in high places.....
    And he doesn't like Unruly Colonials (or football playing youths)

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 04:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    Rowntree was taken over by a foreign raider and the east coast main line is up for sale to the highest bidder. As a former resident of York I find your comments insulting. You must be from Leicester. Give us back our King you creep!

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 07:18 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    How about an approach to HM to call it Stanley Regis ?
    After all, it was her armed forces that liberated the islands from the yoke of the alien oppressors !

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 09:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #31 “British_Kirchnerist
    Galloway and Skinner
    Already have things named after them”

    Is that a dispatch from our socialist future? =)

    #38 Interesting, maybe the kelpers may yet get a better perspective on what imperialism is really like...

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 01:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #41
    I notice that you like using a derogatory term for the Falklanders.
    I presume you learned this from your Argie mates. Thankfully you and your ultra socialist kin are tiny minority in Scotland.

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 04:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (42) Clyde15

    You say to British_Kirchnerist.....:
    “I notice that you like using a derogatory term for the Falklanders.”

    I say to you....:
    The only place where “Kelpers” is a “derogatory term” is in the mind of some English (and Welsh) Turnips from the Northern Hemisphere....
    If you care to search Mercopress's archives, you will find out that a couple of years ago we clarified that point, with ALL the KELPERS present on these pages pointing out that they liked to think of themselves as KELPERS....

    If you can't find the specific thread I'm refering to....,drop me a line and I will help you find it.....

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 06:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    Look Thinko, I am long enough in the tooth to know when someone is making a derogatory remark. BK has no love for the Falkland Islanders and is so far up Argentina's arse he can see their epiglotis.
    A black man can use the term nigger to another black, when used by any other race it is an offensive remark.
    I suppose turnip is a sign of affection as well.
    I used to think you were an arsehole but have revised my opinion. An arsehole is vital and indispensable.
    No offence meant by the way.

    Apr 25th, 2013 - 10:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • British_Kirchnerist

    #42 “I notice that you like using a derogatory term for the Falklanders”

    Not deliberately, as Think says its what they call themselves on this forum (isn't it actually in the screen-name of at least one poster?!) It was actually meant as a term of familiarity, especially given my sympathy for their position on not naming their capital after that wicked woman =)

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 12:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • John III (Pope)

    How about this for the new name - “Port Wicked Witch”.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 07:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (44) Clyde15

    A Welshman like you, of all people, should be “Long enough in the tooth” to know that the word KELPER was minted by the English Masters as a derogatory term to denominate those wretched existences that, until 1982, meagerly managed to survive on that forgotten corner of the English Empire.

    But today, the KELPERS are bloody proud to call themselves KELPERS. And we Argentineans do call them for what they are......: KELPERS!
    Bloody squatting KELPERS.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 08:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    Thinko
    I suggest that you take lessons in geography. Much as I like my Welsh, Irish and ENGLISH cousins, I could not claim to be from that part of the UK or Ireland.
    Unlike BK who solidly refuses to give any details of his “Scottish ” roots, I have given details of my history and nationality.
    Scottish born and bred with ancestry as far back as records exist. Probably with a dash of Norwegian, Briton and God knows what else.
    I do not believe for a minute that you use the term Kelper in a friendly jocular manner.
    Why don't we ask the Falkland Islanders. Do any of you out there see a veiled insult in the use of the word as a pejorative term by an Argentinian.
    I personally would not use the word as I am not close enough to have the right to use it as a friendly title.

    If you agree with Thinko, then I withdraw my mini-tirade and apologise to all concerned.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 08:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    48
    I know they would hate to be called Argentinian, what an insult that would be.

    BK is a fud. Likely to be yet another glove puppet for the supercilious Tinkadova to play with when he's alone.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 09:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • War Monkey

    @35 Monty69 (#)
    Apr 24th, 2013 - 09:44 pm

    “It's also food for thought for anyone who might be tempted to carry on defining us by the conflict. Sorry if that's you. ”

    Oh do behave, let's go back to the article because right at the heart of it PN says:

    “While some are resigned to using the name Malvinas when trying to identify where we live to Spanish speakers, others don’t like it and I don’t know of anyone, even including some Argentine friends, willing to use or accept the name Puerto Argentino, imposed on us in 1982 and vividly recall the horror that all the inhabitants of Stanley felt when immediately after the invasion our capital briefly became Puerto Rivero.”

    ........................ therefore invoking the 1982 conflict.

    I did not and I do not define the FI by the conflict but if you are going to include it in the debate then it is reasonable to assume that it is okay to discuss it would you agree?

    The only other thing I find objectionable about your response is this:

    “Is keeping us in a permanent state of cringing abasement and unquestioning patriotic fervour really what it was all about?”

    Please don't put words in my mouth or ideas in my head. I don't want unquestioning patriotic fervour from you or anybody else, it's sickening. I support FI right to self determination unconditionally but by the same logic FI should not take it for granted. The next time we have to fight we might be sending our own kids.

    “.... this kind of thing typifies the attitude of certain sectors of the British press and the British political establishment,.......”

    '......the British press and the British political establishment can very easily become 'The British'. I speak for myself, I did not make this suggestion an idiot Tory made it and I would be happier if you could make that distinction very clear.

    Other than this please clarify 'fake united front'. That statement is very interesting.

    If I were a malvinista I'd be laughing my arse off.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 09:19 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    “a permanent state of cringing abasement and unquestioning patriotic fervour ” - Monty 69

    You could never ever level that at any Falkland Islander.
    Even at the time of liberation they were pretty subdued, to say the least.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 01:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (48) Clyde15

    You say...:
    ”If you (Kelpers) agree with Think, then I withdraw my mini-tirade and apologise to all concerned.”

    I say....:
    Told you at (43) that...: “If you cared to search Mercopress's archives, you would find out that a couple of years ago we clarified that point, with ALL the KELPERS present on these pages pointing out that they liked to think of themselves as KELPERS....”

    As you seem unable to find it for yourself, I found it for you....:

    http://en.mercopress.com/2011/02/18/chilean-journalist-reflects-on-falklands-sovereignty-dispute#comment36717

    (4) Think (Argentinean)
    ”For us South Americans and Islanders; calling a Kelper a Kelper is as insulting as calling a Gypsy a Gypsy, a Muslim a Muslim or an Englishman an Englishman”

    (6) Islander1 (Kelper)
    ”Surprisingly I go with Think on the Kelper bit- doesnt bother me at all…”

    (11) stillakelper (Kelper)
    ”There ain't nothing wrong with being called a Kelper…”

    (19) JoJo (Kelper)
    ”Proud to be a Ben, proud to be a Kelper…”

    (26) WestisBest (Kelper)
    ”I've got no problem with being called a kelper….”

    (43) Monty96 (Kelperette)
    ”…..I don't mind 'Kelper', or 'Benny', sticks and stones and all that….”

    (99) kelperabout (Kelper)
    ”Just want to add a quick supporting comment to my fellow countrymen and women. Kelper is and always will be a name we refer to our selves because as someone already said we are surrounded by that magical stuff called kelp….”

    (102) lsolde (Colonial bint from Niugini; wannabe Kelperette :-)
    ”….Some of us are not going to play your silly game snr Think.”

    Is the above enough for you Mr. Clyde15???

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 03:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Be serious

    After 30 years Argentinian sets out theory that the word Kelper might not be offensive to near neighbours on Falkland Islanders. This is real progress.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 04:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    Yes Mr Thinko, that was the case 2 years ago, Is it still the case now ? You use the term Kelpers because you have a liking for the people ? All your comments about the Falkland Islanders have a bit of sarcasm and venom directed against them.
    To a NATIVE English speaker, this attaches itself to the term you use for the population. The subtleties probably escape you but can be picked up by anyone fluent in the nuances of the English language.
    I am still waiting for some CURRENT comment from the Islanders.

    Apr 26th, 2013 - 06:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • John III (Pope)

    @46
    Or how about “Port Dead and Buried but Not Lamented”.

    Apr 27th, 2013 - 06:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #55
    A brilliant name for Argentina - we must use it immediately.

    Apr 27th, 2013 - 09:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Think

    (54) Clyde15

    You say….:
    ”I am still waiting for some CURRENT comment from the Islanders.”

    I say…..:
    You are in for a long wait, then…...... You Poms from the North don’t know how parsimonious the Malvinas Poms are…..
    They have better things to do than answering recurring questions…. Important things like cooking penguins, cutting peat, docking sheep or, more recently, counting them oil riches they dream about…..

    PS:
    A tad haughty of you to assume that the subtleties of my own texts escape me…..
    Don’t you Think?

    Apr 27th, 2013 - 09:13 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Clyde15

    #57
    No. By your own words you have just agreed with me.
    I am patient, I can wait.

    #23
    Have you booked your plot in the Argentine cemetery for your return ?

    Apr 27th, 2013 - 11:52 am - Link - Report abuse 0

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