A delegation of Falkland Islands lawmakers made a round of visits to European capitals and the European Union to inform on the recent referendum results in which an overwhelming turnout and vote indisputably decided the Islands wanted to remain as an Overseas Territory.
Two Chevening scholars from British Overseas Territories visited the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London and were impressed at the number of staff focused on the Falklands and their knowledge and proactive stance towards the Islands.
“The Falkland Islands is about people; it is not about rocks. It is about people’s right to lead lives as they wish to lead them. As people in Argentina can: to live in peace, prosperity. It is about making their choices and leading their lives and having their home as an expression of their wishes, not somebody else’s wishes. They should be able to self-determine their own futures”.
In anticipation of the business opportunities the oil industry will bring to the Falkland Islands, a leading company has plans to build in the capital Stanley two temporary 200-bed accommodations, according to the planning applications received.
A suggestion by some British senior Members of Parliament advocating a change of name for the Falkland Islands capital, Stanley to Port Margaret Thatcher in honour of the late Baroness had a strong reply from the local weekly, Penguin News.
The UK public opinion controversy over the cost of Baroness Thatcher’s funeral has reached the Falkland Islands where a member of the public proposed a ‘six figure’ contribution towards the event from the local government.
Falkland Islands Holdings, which owns the Falkland Islands Company, FIC, expects to report a slight fall in annual profits but anticipates a quantum leap in the Falklands’ economy over the next decade with the oil industry and the commencement in 2014 of the Sea Lion project.
UK independent oil and gas Premier Oil company said that the Falkland Islands Sea Lion project is one of their biggest operations undertaken to date involving an investment of 5 billion dollars with first oil expected sometime in 2017.
United States Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart released a statement after introducing a House Resolution recognizing the Falkland Islands referendum which was held March 10/11 with an overwhelming turnout and result.
In the Falkland Islands Wednesday memorial and thanksgiving service to Baroness Thatcher, Reverend Dr Richard Hines led the congregation through the messages of the hymns and Bible readings she personally chose for the day of her funeral.