MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands’ lawmaker underlines that “self-governance” is achievable and points to March referendum

MLA Roger Edwards, the referendum was a strong and clear message to the outside world on the political views of the Falkland Islands people

Falkland Islands’ lawmaker Roger Edwards said that ‘self-governance or sovereignty was achievable’ and pointed out to the March 2013 referendum when an overwhelming majority of the Falklands’ people decided to support the current sovereign status.

”In March 2013, the current (Falklands) legislature assembly held a referendum in which the question of sovereignty was discussed. 99.8% voted in favor of retaining the current sovereign status. This is a strong and clear message to the outside world on the political views of the Falkland Islands people. By the referendum we have demonstrated to the world our wish to exercise self determination and be self governing”, said MLA Edwards speaking at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference as reported by the Johannesburg media in South Africa.

Self-governance in small states is vital for self-sufficiency and internal growth, but is self-governance merely an unachievable ideal? That was the question under scrutiny in the third plenary session of the Small Branches Conference at the CPA (Self-Determination, Self-Sufficiency and Self-Governance) with participation besides MLA Rogers of delegates from Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Self-determination is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter, but is this attainable for small states that require assistance from external sources? Mr John Martin Refault from Jersey thinks not.

“In my view the only way to achieve self-governance, is to be living totally isolated from the outside world and not relying on external influences.” Trade links, cultural links and other external links impact and influence the governance of small states. Mr Refault added: “Self-determination in the purest form is not achievable; it is only achievable by consensus with the external forces that impact us.”

Although self-governance can be, to some degree, attainable, do small states achieve this through evolution or revolution? Mr Leonard Singer from the Isle of Man suggested evolution rather than revolution in achieving self-governance. He argued that the key to self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-governance was gradual change and strong argument rather than revolutionary actions.

“The resolve to seek self-determination and self-governance in stages by powerful argument, particularly over the past 60 years, has given us stability in our way of life and the open way that government is run” said Singer.

The Isle of Man delegate added that peaceful but robust questioning of policies, which are discussed in public and in social media, can draw government into discussion on true reform and change.

“The violent revolution can bring its own need for powerful control resulting in further violence creating a vicious circle of regression and recrimination,” he said.