MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands appoints new Financial Secretary, takes office 24 April: quarantine and swab test waiting for him

Tim Waggott is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA) and has a Degree in Business Studies. (@doverexpress)

The Falkland Islands Government announced on Monday the appointment of Tim Waggott as the new Financial Secretary, taking up his position from the 24 April 2020.

Mr Waggott has held a number of senior Board leadership roles in a range of public and private sector organizations, and is just completing a four-year term as a non-Executive Director of Ofwat (the UK Water Services Regulation Authority). He has previously served as an Executive Director of two major ports in the United Kingdom.

FIG Chief Executive Barry Rowland welcomed the appointment: “The role of Financial Secretary is key to our commitment of delivering the Islands Plan and our response to, and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am looking forward to working alongside Tim, and know his wide-ranging experience of infrastructure and economic regulation will bring great benefit to FIG.”

Government Services portfolio holder MLA Roger Spink said: “I am delighted to welcome Tim Waggott to the Islands and look forward to drawing on his extensive experience in many relevant areas to guide us through the present situation and provide the necessary economic conditions for our rapid recovery.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Waggott said: “I am delighted to have been chosen for the post of Financial Secretary with the Falkland Islands Government and I am really looking forward to joining the team to tackle both the immense challenges of the moment, and the longer term plan to deliver solid finances and sustainable development for the benefit of the entire community.”

Mr Waggott is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA) and has a Degree in Business Studies as well as a formal qualification in Pension Fund Trusteeship.

However as a result of the Falklands Islands Government COVID-19 response, Mr Waggott will, like all new arrivals be in quarantine for 14 days. He will also undergo a precautionary swab test.