JACK Christopher Ford and Gary Colin Webb were announced on August 22 by the Returning Officer Andy Keeling as the candidates nominated for the September Falkland Islands Camp 21 by-election
The by-election for the Falkland Islands’ Camp (rural community) constituency Legislative Assembly seat is anticipated to take place on Thursday, September 21, Attorney General Simon Young has told Penguin News.
Mr Young explained that the deadline for nomination papers – for those who wish to stand for election – will likely be between 14 and 18 days ahead of the election.
Asked whether there were any anticipated issues regarding the ongoing constitutional matter surrounding dual nationality holders and their eligibility to vote or to stand for election, the Attorney General said that – in terms of voting – there is no issue anticipated.
“When one fills in their annual canvas form one of the things they fill in is to say that they don’t think they’re disqualified from being a member” or an elector – “so unless something changes, that effectively is the default position” and members of the electoral roll would be able to vote or stand for election.
He added that there is no hearing anticipated on the dual-nationality issue prior to November, and so it is not anticipated to have an effect.
He noted, however, that “it would be sensible for someone who is potentially in this position” – and has dual-nationality – “to give a good think to that, because when we look at the nomination papers we are going to have to apply our minds to that.”
The Attorney General encouraged eligible members of the community to stand for election, and reminded that there is no requirement to be part of the camp constituency to stand for election in camp. He also encouraged anyone who is qualified to be on the electoral register in camp but who may not have registered, to register ahead of the upcoming by-election.
The decision of Executive Council made on March 29, 2022, to not allow large-scale aquaculture in the Falklands is to undergo a judicial review following a judgement by Chief Justice James Lewis after a preliminary hearing in the Supreme Court on July 28, with the judgement delivered on August 3.
SOCIAL inequality is likely to be lower in the Falkland Islands than in countries with similar incomes according to the Chief Executive – so the people here are better off he says.
But he also suggested commonly used tools for measuring social inequality in larger countries might not be appropriate for the Falklands.
Chair of the Legislative Assembly, MLA Mark Pollard and Deputy Chair MLA Leona Roberts have arrived in New York in order to attend the main session of the Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24). 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of C-24, which meets annually in June to review and consider the state of affairs in ‘Non-Self-Governing Territories’ and then make recommendations in the form of draft resolutions to the United Nations General Assembly. The committee also hears the views of representatives from these territories, as well as member states; MLA Pollard and MLA Roberts will deliver speeches to the committee on Thursday.
WITH a strong economy and the contribution made in particular by the fishing industry, along with farming, construction and in normal years tourism, the finances of Falkland Islands Government remain stable, the Financial Secretary Tim Waggott assured Members of Legislative Assembly at this year’s Budget session on Tuesday.
He cautioned: “We do, however remain mindful of the continuing global challenges of the moment.
