I know I am not the first this year to write in the Markyate Monthly about British Territories in the South Atlantic, but I have just had the great honour and privilege to be a guest of the Falklands Islands Government (FIG) on a tour of their remarkable islands.
It is a gruelling flight via Ascension - although I was rewarded with a sight of some albatross during our brief stopover at that remote outpost.
On arrival the FIG had arranged a packed itinerary including dinners with local officials and residents, tours of Stanley and the countryside – or ‘camp’ as locals call it – and a visit with the military.
I was fortunate to be able to visit San Carlos where I was particularly proud to lay a wreath at cemetery. Local Councillor, Ian Hansen, took me on a visit to Hill Cove and a tour of the area. I also paid my respects at some Argentine war graves in the vicinity which are maintained by the local people.
I then flew to Pebble Island made famous by a courageous SAS raid in 1982. Things are more peaceful now and I stayed the night as a guest at the new tourist lodge. There really is great potential for wildlife tourism. Sitting outside the next morning, surrounded by a huge number of penguins, I had to pinch myself to be sure I was really there! It is unfortunate that Argentina will only permit one flight to the islands per week to overfly its territory – which much hampers the expansion of tourism.
When I flew back to Stanley I joined HE the Governor, Alan Huckle and his wife on a battlefield tour and met with local Councillors and government officials. The community, although small, is thriving and excluding the military presence, the Falklands are economically self sufficient.
Later in the week, I spent a day with the military and was welcomed on board HMS Dumbarton Castle which is currently on duty as the Falkland Islands Patrol Vessel. I witnessed a firepower demonstration and a mock attack by two F3 Tornados. The military commanders told me how the Argentinians regularly test our defences with trivial, and sometimes serious, incursions. No one who has visited leaves with any doubt about the need for a British military presence in the islands.
Although they are a British territory, the Falklands have no elected representation at Westminster so it is important for them to be able to meet with elected MPs. I am delighted that I had this opportunity to visit such resourceful people in such beautiful islands.
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