The Falkland Islands Government Air Service has taken delivery of a brand new BN2B-26 Islander – registration VP-FMC – to add to its existing fleet. This the first new aircraft that the government has purchased in 30 years and represents a significant investment in FIGAS’ expanding operations, the islands' government informed in this statement.
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 Executive Council has approved a framework for assessing who should be considered a ‘prohibited person’. Under the umbrella of a wider approach, the issue also refers to the reiterative problems with some visiting Argentines whose conduct of displaying symbols or disregarding local authorities cause alarm and distress among the local population.
St Helena and the Falkland Islands will be joining over 100 islands in the Virtual Island Summit. The Summit (https://www.islandinnovation.co/summit/) is a free online event aimed at connecting islands across the globe to share common experiences through a digital platform.
The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority has been placed under Emergency Services by the Executive Council. Lawmaker MLA Mark Pollard said in a press release that the move aimed to “address the current possibility of there being a conflict of interest between the collecting of fees for fishing licenses and the responsibility to regulate all vessels including the fishing fleet.”
The Falkland Islands Executive Council considered this week a paper relating to the current Quarantine and Visitor Policy and its implications for tourism, given the global situation of the industry, and international connectivity. Lawmaker Mark Pollard admitted that under current circumstances the next tourist season in the Falklands will not be able to rely on international visitors.
Support for the Falklands' tourism sector in the face of Covid-19 was an issue closely examined in the Legislative Assembly this week. Questions were put to the House by Member of Legislative Assembly MLA Roger Spink and answered by Member of Legislative Assembly Mark Pollard.
The Falkland Islands are preparing for the commemoration of significant anniversaries of events from the 1982 conflict when Argentine forces invaded the country. The first of these will take place at 2pm on Sunday 3 May, when a short memorial service will be held at Goose Green to mark the death of Lieutenant Nick Taylor.
In the event of a 'no deal' Brexit the UK Government assures it will, “seek to negotiate the best possible access to the EU market for Falklands fish and meat products as part of the future relationship with the EU.”
Falkland Islands lawmakers MLAs Mark Pollard, Leona Roberts and Roger Spink on 24th May visited Portsmouth to present a ceremonial Falkland Islands flag and plaque to the City of Portsmouth and its veterans; to be flown at the Falklands Memorial by the Square Tower, on the iconic Portsmouth harbour.