MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands new governor arrives in April; farewell ceremony for Gov. Haywood

Governor Haywood leaves this month after over three years in the post

Next Tuesday February 25th the Falkland Islands governor Nigel Haywood and Mrs. Haywood will be returning to London at the end of tour of duty. In April Colin Roberts CVO will take his appointment as Governor of the Falklands and Commissioner of South Georgia and South Sandwich. Governor Haywood took office in October 2010.

 Mr Roberts joined the Foreign Office in 1989 and is currently Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia having served as Director for the Overseas Territories from 2008-2012. His FCO career has covered a wide range of roles including European Union affairs, security policy, Eastern Europe and the Far East as well as the Overseas Territories.

On his appointment as Governor of the Falkland Islands, Mr Roberts has said he was looking forward to his new post since “I am a great admirer of the achievements of the people of the Falkland Islands. I look forward to working with the community and their elected representatives for a secure and prosperous future”.

Mr. Roberts is no stranger to the Falklands because of his previous role as Director of Overseas Territories Directorate (2008/2012) and some exchanges with Argentine ambassador Alicia Castro.

The incoming governor was also ambassador in Lithuania (2004/2008); Political Counselor in Tokyo (2001/2004); from 1998 to 2001, head of FCO Common Foreign and Security Policy Department; Paris, First Secretary for Politico-Military Affairs (1997/98); FCO, Head of Justice and Home Affairs Section, European Union Department (Internal) (1995/96); FCO, Head of Gibraltar Section, European Union Department (Internal) (1995); Tokyo, First Secretary for Political Affairs (1993/94); Tokyo, Second Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs (1990/92).

Mr. Roberts is fluent in Japanese and was a lecturer as the Ritsumeikan University of Kyoto. He is married to Camilla and have two children, Oliver and Alexander.

Gilbert House have announced arrangements for the farewell of governor Haywood, who is well esteemed in the Islands.

 On Monday 24th February a parade will take place on Victory Green and Ross Road commencing a 17:20 hrs. At 17:30 hrs HE the Governor and Mrs. Haywood will arrive and proceed to the dais. The farewell parade will include a Royal Salute.

Following the Salute an inspection will take place. The inspection will start at the Tri-Service Detachment representing BFSAI and move to the FIDF Detachment, RBL and Associations, and will conclude with Members of the Legislative Assembly and FIG Directors.

HE the Governor will then return to his position in front of the Parade, turn about and receive the 17 gun salute. On completion of the 17 gun salute the Governor will turn and face the Parade.

The Members of the Legislative Assembly and Directors will fall out and rejoin the spectators.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, escorted by the Parade WO, will approach HE the Governor to receive the Governor’s sword for safe-keeping until the Governor Designate is sworn in.

The Governor and Mrs. Haywood will then speak with youth groups and spectators before returning to Government House.

Members of the Public are cordially invited to attend the parade and are asked to be in position no later than 17:15 hrs. It is appropriate for medals to be worn for this occasion.