Following the announcement of the first civilian case which tested positive to Covid-19, the Falklands Islands Government imposed what it defines as increased vigilance. This is basically voluntary and there is no intention of additional legislation given the cooperation of the community. Anyhow, ExCo did approve changes to existing quarantine arrangements.
The Falkland Islands Government continues to closely monitor the situation regarding the suspension of commercial air links with Chile and Brazil, in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Following the recent selection process to appoint a new Chief Executive for the Falkland Islands, successful candidate Andy Keeling and his wife Anya will travel to the Islands on 9 November for a three-week familiarisation visit. Andy was given a conditional offer in September 2020, with the expectation that he will take up the post in April 2021.
The Falkland Islands Government welcomed on Tuesday Shannon Alazia and Ariane Brownlee as its first two management trainees for a two-year initiative aimed at identifying and supporting the next generation of leaders across government. This new program is designed to provide a consistent approach to job training and study through a two-year schedule of activities to prepare participants for future supervisory and management roles.
On Saturday 14 November 2020, the Falkland Islands community will be taking part in celebrations to mark the completion of the Islands-wide demining program after 38 years since the end of the 1982 conflict. The Falklands' Government has announced that activities will begin with an event to officially reopen Gypsy Cove/Yorke Bay, the final area of the Falklands to officially be declared mine-free.
Minister Wendy Morton, acting as observer delegate spoke on Wednesday at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in response to the speech made by the Argentine Foreign Minister Felipe Solá, in which he again claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
Today, as part of a raft of recovery measures designed to support businesses and stimulate economic growth throughout the Falkland Islands during the global pandemic, the island’s government (FIG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Tourism Recovery Incentive Programme – or ‘TRIP’.
The Falkland Islands Government wishes to congratulate Chief Medical Officer Dr Rebecca Edwards and former UK Representative Sukey Cameron, on each being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published this weekend. Both now become Officers of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Falkland Islands Community.
The Falkland Islands Government has taken notice of the recent press release concerning the proposed merger of Premier Oil plc and Chrysaor Holdings Ltd.
The Falkland Islands government reported on Wednesday that 2,682 swab tests have been completed with no coronavirus positive results in 165 days. The population of the Falklands is estimated at 3,600.