MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Governor praises the admirable public sector of the Falkland Islands

”The speed with which these programs have been developed has shone a spot light on the Public Service, I think we would all agree that its response has been admirable,” Governor Phillips said.

The Falkland Islands' Nigel Phillips, CBE, this week praised the response of the Public Service to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 and associated restrictions. Speaking at the daily Covid-19 update on Wednesday, Mr. Phillips said, “lockdown, as it has become known, can be difficult and the government has introduced a range of measures that are targeted to support individuals and businesses in these unprecedented times.

The speed with which these programs have been developed has shone a spot light on the Public Service, I think we would all agree that its response has been admirable.”

The Governor also praised the efforts of BFSAI (British Forces South Atlantic Islands) teams in containing the virus at Mount Pleasant: “we in the Islands are as of today in the enviable position that there are no positive cases of coronavirus in the civilian community and the outbreak at MPC has been effectively contained. The containment of Covid at MPC is no accident.

“Commander BFSAI and his team have been working incredibly hard to get ahead of the game, going so far as to set up a 24/7 coronavirus response cell.

”We outside the wire so to speak, owe BFSAI our gratitude for their endeavors.”

Mr Phillips highlighted the efforts of volunteers locally. In particular, he praised the work of Vicky Collier in organizing volunteer work. Mr Phillips nevertheless acknowledged the many people offering their time and efforts: “In whatever role people are helping, cumulatively each small act makes a massive difference. I take my hat off to each and every one contributing.”

Mr Phillips also extended his thoughts towards those who will have to remain in self-isolation, and urged them to seek out help if they require it: “there are people who want and can help you through this period. If you are not already doing so, please do reach out and use the services on offer.

As we tackle the pandemic, we do not want to leave anyone behind.”

On a more personal note, Mr Phillips spoke of the importance of being mindful of positive things in the current situation: “Someone once described life as a book, with travel as the Chapters.

”Both Emma and I are people who enjoy the journey through the book of life. Whilst of course we both think of loved ones for whom coronavirus is a manifest threat, my daughter is a front-line care provider, my sister is isolating on the high risk list and we both have parents in care homes, right now, and whatever the future may hold, there is nowhere else in the world we would rather be than here, in the Falkland Islands.” (Penguin News)