Last week saw the first face-to-face AGM of the Falkland Islands Association since the pandemic began in 2020. It was held at the Abbey Centre in Westminster. About fifty members were present in person. But another fifty took part - some of them from the Falklands – via Zoom. This was a major improvement on earlier AGMs when decisions could be taken only by those actually present. All future AGMs will be done this way.
Battle Day was commemorated in the traditional manner at the Cenotaph in central London on Saturday 5th December. The traffic was stopped in Whitehall, and the service was conducted by former Rector of Christchurch Cathedral in Stanley the Rev. Dr. Richard Hines.
Commodore Darren Bone MA has been appointed as the next Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands (CBFSAI), with headquarters in the Falkland Islands, and in April will replace Air Commodore Russ LaForte who has held the post since August 2013.
The Commander of British Forces South Atlantic Islands has rubbished a story in UK The Sunday Express news paper that the Falkland Islands is on a high security alert, and made a brief comment to that respect.
Falkland Islands based Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Air Commodore Russell La Forte CBE presented HMS Richmond with his personal Commendation in recognition of Distinguished Service in the region by the Type 23 Duke Class frigate during her Atlantic Patrol Tasking.
Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, Air Commodore Russell La Forte CBE, based in the Falkland Islands, MPA, was welcomed aboard HMS Richmond by Commanding Officer, Commander Robert G Pedre, and the ship’s company.