MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands looks to South America and Scotland to service its oil industry development

Roger Spink, president of the Falklands' Chamber of Commerce

Successful trade missions to Uruguay and Chile and the growing support and know-how links with Scotland for the development of the Falkland Islands oil and gas industry were mentioned as some of the 2013 highlights by Roger Spink, president of the Falklands Chamber of Commerce in his Christmas speech.

 Mr. Spink also underlined as another achievement of the Chamber the development of a Code of Practice in conjunction with the Falklands’ Government, “which seeks to advance the stake of the people of the Falkland Islands in the developing the oil and gas industry in a sustainable manner.”

“2013 saw the Chamber completing a successful trade mission to Uruguay and Chile organized by our now legendary travel expert Hamish Wylie. We look forward to the growth in trade and understanding with our neighbors that may come from this visit” said Mr. Spink.

Likewise ”the successful Falklink seminar organized in association with the Chamber by Steve Dent and his colleagues here in the Falklands and the subsequent event in Aberdeen, (Scotland) has encouraged the interest of Aberdeen Oil Service Companies in doing business with Falkland Companies and I am sure will result in profitable JV’s and opportunities for all in servicing Oil Developments in the coming years”.

Mr. Spink said the Code of Practice (in conjunction with FIG) is expected to encourage the integration of the oil and gas sector with the other sectors of the Falkland Islands’ economy to effectively support national growth and development through the development of joint projects/facilities, joint ventures and partnerships.

“The intent of the Code is to ensure that at every stage of the exploration, production and marketing of the oil and gas resources as well as related businesses, maximum use shall be made of available local capacity. It will ensure that the capability of Falkland Islands’ people is developed sustainably to ensure progressive increases in local content and local participation” pointed out the Chamber president.

However Mr. Spink also mentioned that there are many challenges ahead to be ready for oil development in the Falklands, with labour in short supply and much to do, but “I am sure that the Chamber membership will relish and rise to this challenge and opportunity”.

Finally there was a mention to the political events of 2013, mainly the question of self determination and Argentine bullying, which undisputedly cleared the way for the Falklands' oil and gas industry development and the path chosen for the Islands' economy.

The Referendum in March offered a clear choice: whether or not to remain a British Overseas Territory, and there couldn't have been a clearer message: the Falklands are British and “that is how we want them to stay'”.

Mr. Spink said the Chamber and its members played a role in getting this message out across the world entertaining the Observers and receiving many journalists and politicians from around the world.

And referring to the Argentine Government’s persistent tightening of sanctions and highly visible threats, ”I am sure they will continue to be unsuccessful. We can and will overcome their bullying“.

Follows the text of the speech:

”I would like to thank Naomi who will be moving on for Sure in the New Year. Also a thank you to Gaby for all of her assistance and all those on the Chamber council who give their valuable time and for all the hard work they do on behalf of the Chamber.

This year special mention should be made for the efforts that Cheryl Roberts our Treasurer put in to getting a revised agreement with DHL this will enable the Chamber to move forwards on a sound financial footing.

“Karen Lee and her team at Wilkins Kennedy are also thanked for their assistance in keeping the Chamber accounts in order.

”The Referendum in March offered a clear choice: whether or not to remain a British Overseas Territory. This was a question of self-determination – and we could not have sent a clearer message: In the very supportive words of David Cameron “The Falkland Islands are British through and through. And that is how we want them to stay.”

“The Chamber and all of our members have played a role in getting this message out across the world entertaining the Observers and receiving many journalists and politicians from around the world.

”2013 saw the Chamber completing a successful trade mission to Uruguay and Chile organized by our now legendary travel expert Hamish Wylie. We look forward to the growth in trade and understanding with our neighbours that may come from this visit.

“The successful Falklink seminar organized in association with the Chamber by Steve Dent and his colleagues here in the Falklands and the subsequent event in Aberdeen, has encouraged the interest of Aberdeen Oil Service Companies in doing business with Falkland Companies and I am sure will result in profitable JV’s and opportunities for all in servicing Oil Developments in the coming years.

”The Argentine Government’s tightening sanctions and highly visible threats continue and have been and I am sure will continue to be unsuccessful. We can and will overcome their bullying.

“The Chamber has been working with FIG to develop a Code of Practice which seeks to advance the stake of the people of the Falkland Islands in the developing oil and gas industry in a sustainable manner and to ensure capacity development and employment of Falkland Islands’ people, use of Falkland Islands’ goods and services, transfer of technology and know-how, localisation of knowledge and ownership.

”The Code is expected to encourage the integration of the oil and gas sector with the other sectors of the Falkland Islands’ economy to effectively support national growth and development through the development of joint projects/facilities, joint ventures and partnerships.

“The intent of the Code is to ensure that at every stage of the exploration, production and marketing of the oil and gas resources as well as related businesses, maximum use shall be made of available local capacity. It will ensure that the capability of Falkland Islands’ people is developed sustainably to ensure progressive increases in local content and local participation.

”We would like to thank Stuart Wallace, Lewis Clifton, Mark Neves, Steve Dent, Jamie Fotheringham and Stephen Luxton who are on the working group with me for their time in discussing this issue.

“There are many challenges ahead with labour in short supply and much to do if we are to be ready for Oil Development. I am sure that the Chamber membership will relish and rise to this challenge and opportunity.

”We welcomed onto the Chamber Council Pippa Christie and Andrea Clausen at our AGM and Steve Dent has been co-opted. This has lowered the average age of the council and brought fresh ideas which are most welcome.

“The whole Chamber Council and many of our members take an active role in the promotion of the private sector in the Falklands. Their contribution and attendance at many functions and meetings has as always ensured the Chamber is a body that can make an effective and positive contribution. The recruitment of and Executive Secretary in the New Year we hope will enable the Chamber to research, inform and lobby more effectively for our members in the future. We do rely on the support from our members and welcome any input from you on this issue and any others. We are on the Chamber Council to represent our members your views are important and we need to hear them in order to properly represent you.

”Christmas is a time to enjoy the company and support of your family and friends and I wish you and your families all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year”.