MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' new chief of Emergency Services & Island Security has experience in oil industry

Almond-Bell has over 35 years’ experience in the field spanning operations in a range of countries, across a number of sectors including hydrocarbons industry.

The Falkland Islands Government announced the appointment of Mr. Andrew Almond-Bell as the new Director of Emergency Services & Island Security. He will succeed Barry Marsden who left the Islands earlier this year.

 Mr. Almond-Bell has over 35 years’ experience in the fields of Operational Health & Safety and Major Incident Planning and Implementation, spanning operations in a range of continents and countries, across a number of sectors including the hydrocarbons industry.

Of his appointment, Mr. Almond-Bell said: ‘I am really looking forward to arriving in the Islands, meeting everybody, and getting down to overseeing the development of policies for all aspects of work carried out in relation to all of the directorate’s activities that comply with legislation, good practice and regulatory requirements, and to ensure that procedures and systems are in place together with staff training to support these.’

Chief Executive of FIG, Keith Padgett, commented: ‘This is a key appointment for FIG and we are all pleased to have someone with Mr. Almond-Bell’s background joining the team. His great enthusiasm for the Islands and his keenness to be part of this community will stand him in good stead for the important program of work he will have ahead of him.’

Mr. Almond-Bell is a keen clay pigeon shooter, and has been known to organize the odd air-show or two in his spare time. He will be joined by his wife, Julie, who is an accomplished Registered Nurse Manager with over 35 years’ experience in a range of settings, including the NHS and the private sector.