Hundreds of supporters of the Falkland Islands joined Islanders and Task Force Veterans at the annual reunion in London last night.
Falkland Islanders have been praised for their international campaign of diplomacy explaining their democratic credentials to the world and proclaiming their overwhelming referendum vote for self-determination and retaining their links with the United Kingdom.
The remarkable transformation of the Falkland Islands into the democratic, prosperous, hardworking community of today was applauded by hundreds of supporters gathered in London for the annual reception in London marking the liberation of the Islands from Argentine invasion and occupation in 1982.
The British Government’s, “pride and thanks,” was expressed at Sir Rex Hunt’s memorial service in London last Tuesday. Sir Rex Hunt was Governor of the Falkland Islands when the Argentine military invasion on 2 April 1982. After the conflict Sir Rex who the Argentines expelled from the Islands returned to this job at Government House in Stanley.
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.
Falkland Islanders preparing to exercise their right to self-determination in a landmark democratic vote next March were pledged overwhelming support by the Falkland Islands Association at its annual general meeting in London on Saturday presided over by its chairman, Mr Alan Huckle, a former Governor of the Islands.
On the thirtieth anniversary of its liberation from Argentine occupation (June 14), the Falkland Islands was given its biggest boost by any British Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher.
As previously reported by Mercopress, Mr David Tatham, a former Governor of the Falkland Islands, stood down as chair of the Falkland Islands Association at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Association held on 10th December after the Battle Day Ceremony of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.
Falklands Battle Day was commemorated in Britain this year on Saturday December 10th at the Cenotaph, in fine sunny weather.
Alan Huckle retires this month as Governor of the Falkland Island. In an interview with Mercopress Mr. Huckle recalls some of the outstanding events of his mandate: a solemn, dignified 25th anniversary of the 1982 conflict; constitutional reform which transferred even greater responsibility to the Falklands elected Councilors and oil, “an issue not yet played out”.