38 NAVY NEWS, DECEMBER 2007
Falklands
looks to
the future
AS A year-long programme of commemorative events draws to a
close, what lies ahead for the people of the Falkland Islands?
In the decade before Argentinian troops invaded in 1982 the
economy of the remote British territory was in poor shape, and
showing few encouraging signs.
The population was around
1,800, and the prospect of working
and living away from the islands
was an increasingly attractive
option.
The main industry was still
the export of wool, which left
the islands vulnerable to global
economic changes.
In 1975 British Foreign
totted up, the islands are just
Secretary James Callaghan
about self-sufficient in all areas
instigated an economic survey
– except defence (although nearly
which was published the following
five per cent of the islands’ gross
year as the Shackleton Report, but
domestic product goes into the
by the spring of 1982 there had
defence pot).
been little sign of progress.
Indeed, a visit to the Falkland
The shock of invasion brought
Islands today confounds those who
wider issues into sharp focus – it
see them as God-forsaken bare
● Wildlife is a big selling point for tourism in the Falklands (above, made no sense to sacrifice lives
rocks marooned in a turbulent sea
king penguins), as are the battlefi eld tours of the 1982 confl ict (left, over a cause then allowing the
– although the turbulent sea bit is
on Mount Harriet) – and the detritus of war does not seem to unduly prize to quietly rot away.
pretty much spot-on.
disturb the local fauna (below, Pebble Island) The Shackleton Report was
The population is now around
Pictures: Cpl Richard Cave RLC updated in the aftermath of the
3,000, two-thirds of whom live in
war – which itself brought some
Stanley, and there is a palpable
Anniversary pilgrims
immediate economic benefits,
sense of optimism.
such as the building of the new
Walking around the capital’s
Mount Pleasant military complex.
peaceful streets, acknowledging
This in turn allowed wide-
welcomed in islands
the greetings from total strangers,
bodied jets to fly into the Falklands
one gets the sense of a tight-
for the first time.
knit, burgeoning and confident
The Shackleton Report
community – with every reason to
AROUND 250 ‘pilgrims’ have returned from an emotional trip to the
prompted the creation of the
feel that way.
Falkland Islands to mark the 25th anniversary of the conflict.
Falkland Islands Development
The government is a lean,
War veterans and family members of those who lost their lives in the
Corporation, and brought about
flexible machine – eight elected
South Atlantic took part in the pilgrimage, which ran from November
a shift in emphasis, away from
(independent) councillors handle
6 to 13.
dependence on agriculture –
legislative matters through the
With hotel space at a premium, many visitors were accommodated by
though there are still more than
Legislative Council bar defence
local families.
half a million sheep running
and external affairs, although
Visits were made and services
around.
approval must be gained from the
held at the main battlefields, and
The declaration of a 150-mile
Queen.
wildlife trips were also laid on, to
fisheries management zone four
Sea Lion and Pebble Islands.
years after the war opened up a
So if an individual wanted
new and highly lucrative source of
to raise a matter on energy
Special rate for Naval
The main commemoration
income – fishing licences.
policy or transport, he or
personnel of £250 per week
service was held on Remembrance
Fisheries has become easily the
she is quite likely to bump
FREE high speed internet Sunday at Christ Church
main moneyspinner, bringing in
into the councillor with that
Cathedral, followed by a ceremony 4 bedroom villa with private
over £16m in 2006, compared
portfolio in Stanley while
at the Cross of Sacrifice.
pool. Close to Disney to around £4m from agriculture
shopping.
New patrol ship HMS Clyde has
– although the fishing sector has Other initiatives also promise Email:
been heavily involved in services
yielded as much as £26m a year. more benefits.
(Formerly The Royal Sailors’ Home Club)
info@citrusgardensflorida.co.uk
and wreath-laying ceremonies for
Much of the income is from New technology has allowed
Excellence
Website:
people and ships lost in 1982.
squid fishing, although hake, blue the Sand Bay wind farm to start
www.citrusgardensflorida.co.uk She hosted 30 veterans over the
whiting and hoki are also present. harvesting some serious juice from
and tradition... •
a welcoming ambience wreck of HMS Antelope in San
Another growth sector is the notorious Falklands gusts, and
• a comfortable stay in well-appointed accommodation Carlos, and held another vigil at
tourism, not yet so much in terms the installation is now providing
The Royal Maritime Club is the
• enjoyment of indoor leisure facilities with
BOURNEMOUTH
the point HMS Glamorgan was
of occupying beds (of which there around a quarter of Stanley’s
swimming pool
perfect venue for get-togethers, Ascott Gresham Court Hotel
struck by an Exocet missile, killing
are relatively few) but from the power requirements, cutting the
• first-class live entertainment
overnight stays, first class holiday
visit to the capital Stanley by
• special rates for seafarers and other military personnel
Licenced for Civil Weddings
14 of her ship’s company.
need for diesel generators.
While open to visitors during
breaks, social occasions and business
cruise liners. And there are still high hopes
Ideal venue for Receptions, Parties,
her stint in Stanley, Clyde attracted
meetings. The Club is also licensed
Very close are HMS Victory,theMary Rose and
Falklands wildlife is a huge for a hugely lucrative oil strike
Reunions & Week End Breaks
270 visitors – equal to one-tenth draw, be it the five varieties of
for the marriage ceremony.
HMS Warrior, also rail and ferry links, the off the islands, which could be
harbourside Gunwharf Quays shopping complex
Close to Beach & Town Centre
of the Islands’ population. penguins which cannot fail to
pumped into tankers and shipped
Set in the heart of British naval tradition and
and the Spinnaker Tower.
Phone 01202 551 732
The pilgrimage was organised enchant (despite the fishy smell) abroad via floating platforms,
synonymous with naval excellence, The Royal
Contact us for details of
reception@greshamcourt.co.uk
by SAMA82 predominantly for or the marine mammals which thereby avoiding the need for ugly
Maritime Club offers members and guests: former Military and Associate Membership holders of the South Atlantic bask, bicker or sport around the and unpopular shore facilities.
Medal, and places were specifically coastal waters, from sea lions to For more information, see
...The Naval Heritage Club of Portsmouth reserved for Combat Stress- whales. www. falklandislands.com or
registered patients. When all the hard figures are www.falklands.gov.fk
T: 023 9282 4231 Advanced Bookings: 023 9283 7681
F: 023 9229 3496 E: info@royalmaritimeclub.co.uk www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk
Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 3HS
SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
All booking requirements in writing only, enclosing £5 deposit on each
Family Room. Enclose a S.A.E. for your receipt.
ACCOMMODATION: For Service Personnel, their families and dependents Friendly no smoking guest house.
All rooms ensuite inc. posh four poster.
plus ex. serving personnel and R.N.A. members who may be visiting the
CTV, Tea/Coffee, CH. Parking
Plymouth area.
Edgcumbe Guest House
50 Pier Street, West Hoe
FUNCTIONS: We cater for all types of functions at very competitive
01752 660675
prices. Ships Functions, Mess Parties, Wedding Receptions, Reunions of
enquiries@edgcumbeguesthouse.co.uk
www.edgcumbeguesthouse.co.uk
ships, past and present, we offer an ideal facility.
Royal Fleet Club
119 High St, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2HW
Pub, Restaurant, Quality B&B,
Competitive Rates
Morice Square, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4PQ
HOLIDAY BREAKS
Telephone inquiries only Plymouth 01752 562723
WEEK-ENDS REUNIONS
ASK FOR QUOTATION, CONTACT THE MANAGER
Minutes from Dockyard, Station, Gunwharf
Tel: 023 9282 7067 Fax: 023 9282 7095
WITHOUT DELAY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
www.dukeofbuckingham.com
038_NN_Dec.indd 1 22/11/07 11:54:58
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