Mike Summers

“ It is interesting to compare and contrast the state of development, and the similarities and differences between our styles and methods of Government in our respective countries, and to learn from each other.
The one major similarity of course is that we each choose not to seek independence. ”

“ And through its continuing failure to respect the terms of the UN Charter on the right to self-determination, Argentina actually seeks to frustrate self-government in the Falkland Islands. It tries to prevent Falkland Islanders representing themselves in international bodies and at trade fairs, at which we are perfectly entitled to be represented, protesting regularly to the UK Government, and to other host governments and organisations, about our presence. ”

“ The Civil Service in the Falkland Islands is free of corruption, and acts only on the advice and instruction of the Executive Council, whose voting members are all elected members of the Legislative Council. Whatever may be the case in other Overseas Territories, we do not have senior officials appointed by the UK Government inserted into our system to determine or dictate policy, or to run our affairs. Such persons as are recruited from outside to improve the skills base, or deliver better quality services, are recruited by us and paid for by us. ”

“ The solution to the Argentine problem about the Falklands lies not in arguing about history, it lies in accepting the reality of where we are now, and having proper respect for the wishes of the people involved. ”

“ With a new, and hopefully stable Government in Argentina, there is an opportunity to move forward – for Argentina to demonstrate a new political maturity on the world stage, by setting aside its claim to our country and working with us to create a safe and prosperous area in the SW Atlantic. ”

“ We do not feel as though we are a colony, nor does the UK Government act towards us as though we were. It recognises that the days of authoritarian colonial dominance and ownership are long past. In this modern age people are not chattels to be owned or passed on between countries against their will ”

“ We would then each of us be able to reduce the application of resources from all sides in pursuing and defending our respective positions, and use those resources to greater effect in co-operating to protect and conserve our environment and develop our natural resources to mutual benefit. ”

“ Some relatively minor changes are envisaged to update the fundamental freedoms in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, to provide further protection to the private citizen through the establishment of the position of Ombudsman, and to further strengthen the process of internal self-government. ”