MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands developing strongly and with a high international community profile

Governor Colin Roberts addressed the Legislative Assembly

Falkland Islands are enjoying the benefits of a healthy well managed economy, with excellent present and future prospects in its main industries, but also face challenges such as the need for manpower, closely linked to immigration, planning for a balance between environment and oil industry, a modern government and the continued attempts by Argentina to stifle the Islands economy and block economic development.

 In his first address to the Falklands Legislative Assembly, the annual ‘State of the Islands' speech, Governor Colin Roberts underlined on Tuesday achievements in development and continued financial self-sufficiency, as implemented in the long term Islands Plan based on the good management, updating and surplus generation from the main industries, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and the big take off for hydrocarbons, with the first oil shipment estimated for 2019.

“The hydrocarbons industry continues to go from strength to strength despite Argentine efforts to disrupt activity and threaten legal action against participants”, but these efforts have proven “ineffective, and the unwavering support of the government of the United Kingdom will continue to ensure that legitimate economic activity in Falkland Islands waters continues unhindered”, said governor Roberts.

However the impact that the hydrocarbons industry may have on the Islands is also of great concern because of the abundance of wildlife, the pristine nature of the Islands and the way of life of the Islanders.

To this effect the Falklands government has developed a Hydrocarbon Development Policy Statement, which sets out a broad policy framework for the future development of the industry including a tax review, a much needed maritime legislation is being drafted and a 'local content' policy to maximize opportunities for local businesses.

Regarding fisheries, the Falklands' success is not only measured by this year's record Illex catch in excess of 270.000 tons, but because it is recognized as one of the best managed fisheries in the world, despite the fact that “our neighbors unilaterally withdrew from all aspects of joint management of the South Atlantic fishery”, said governor Roberts.

As to the Falklands fiscal position, “it continues to grow strongly and another significant Government surplus will be evident this year”, and this historical surplus together with the additional revenues anticipated from the oil exploration and development activities currently in progress, has allowed significant investments in infrastructure, facilities and services.

Governor Roberts pointed out the provision of effective, efficient and affordable healthcare with patients enjoying ever increasing expectations and improving clinical standards, technological advances and clinical specialization.

Likewise it is also pleasing to see that the numbers of children coming into the education system continue to increase with standards in Primary education remain high and Secondary education and Adult training are moving forward.

However, Falkland Islands continue to face difficult challenges in the immediate and longer terms: the last census revealed that the population is essentially static and ageing and this will have an impact in employment and care issues for the future.

Immigration has been the subject of considerable discussion and debate in the Falklands, and a review summarizes the options for the system: one which balances the need for a larger labor pool to facilitate economic growth with the aspiration to preserve the Falklands way of life.

Finally, amidst all the day to day work of the Government and the progress in community development, “there is a unique international dimension that unfortunately cannot be ignored: It is not of our making nor is it our desire. Argentina continues to attempt to present historical inaccuracies and spurious sovereignty claims”, said Governor Roberts.

However, as a result of continuing positive action by MLA’s and local people, supported by the British Government’s steadfast resolve, “the profile of the Falkland Islands remains high in the international community”. And “we will continue to promote a clear and unequivocal message about who we are and who we want to be to the international community in general and to our South American neighbors in particular”.

“Falkland Islanders are resilient and resourceful people. For nearly two hundred years they have been meeting challenges by employing practical and inventive solutions. They stand up for themselves and are steadfast in their resolve”.