A written summary provided by the candidate outlining their background, experience and priorities.
The last Assembly initiated four major capital projects, the port, waste transfer facility, wind farm, and new power station, each essential. However, this ambitious programme has sharply reduced government reserves and incurred £150 million of borrowing. As a result, the next Assembly will inherit limited fiscal room for further large projects. Its key challenge will be managing ongoing expenditure and capital projects, supporting economic growth, and protecting both public services and the private sector.
Key Priorities
– Increased scrutiny and oversight of capital projects
– Improved efficiency within government departments
– Reduction of unnecessary expenditure
– Delivery of affordable, appropriate social housing
– Greater transparency between the Assembly and the public
Economy and Government Spending
Weak fishing seasons and heavy capital spending have strained the economy. While potential oil development is promising, the Islands cannot rely solely on hydrocarbons. The next Assembly must encourage business diversification, support FIDC, and attract responsible foreign investment. Rising electricity costs have fueled inflation and harmed households and businesses; modest price relief may be possible through savings elsewhere, even if major subsidies are unrealistic.
Government inefficiency has contributed to financial pressures. Some departments have expanded beyond the needs of a small developing nation. Streamlining overlapping functions, cancelling irrelevant projects, and reducing unnecessary roles would help focus resources on essential services and public needs.
Capital Project Oversight
The major projects now underway must be delivered on time and within budget. FIG project managers, who often oversee only one project, must be held accountable for rigorous auditing and cost control, supported by strengthened oversight roles in PWD. Publishing bi-monthly public progress updates on major projects would rebuild transparency and allow public scrutiny.
Fisheries and Oil
Fisheries remain the cornerstone of FIG revenue. Changing biomass levels threatens stability. The next Assembly must rebuild trust with industry leaders, establish clear formulas for license fees, and improve by-catch regulations to secure long-term sustainability.
Oil exploration could transform the economy but must be managed prudently. A sovereign wealth fund would protect future generations, ensure long-term investment, and support pensions. Infrastructure and housing capacity must be prepared for the strain associated with oil activity, including better use of existing accommodation such as Lookout Lodge.
Housing
Housing demand continues to outpace supply. FIG must shift from predominantly 2–3 bedroom homes to more space-efficient 1–2 bedroom flats and terraced or multi-story units. This would free larger homes for families and provide suitable smaller accommodation for contractors and returning students. FIG should partner with private local and overseas contractors to accelerate construction. Social housing must be prioritised over plots for first time buyers to accelerate production of social housing for contractors, young families and returning students.
Immigration and Environment
Immigration is essential but cannot overburden our healthcare systems and all workers must be housed appropriately. Environmental restoration, particularly of peatlands, would support biodiversity, agriculture, tourism, and potential new industries.
Camp Communities
Increased funding for road capping is vital. A dedicated crusher or long-haul transport of stone should be considered, supported by savings from other government budgets.
1. An increase of scrutiny on FIG to enable the on-time and to-budget delivery of the capital programme.
2. An increase in transparency between FIG and the public.
3. A more structured fishing license and license fee strategy to foster a better relationship between FIG and the industry and create a more sustainable fishery.
The first 250 words of the candidate’s manifesto.
The Last Assembly have, to their due, set the ball rolling on four of the largest capital projects our islands will have seen for decades. The port, the waste transfer facility, the wind farm and the new power station are all necessary projects to varying degrees. However, it has left our islands in a position where government spending over the next four years will be at a serious low, with the government reserves ratio falling to 1.5 times from a previous, and healthy, >3 times ratio. This, alongside 150 million pounds worth of borrowing necessary to deliver said projects, means our next assembly will not have the remit of large-scale government spending. What it does mean, is that our next group of councilors must control ongoing government spending to ensure our economy does not falter and encourage new business and industry within the islands. All whilst limiting the effect this has on not only the businesses and industries that fund our islands, but the people who live here.
My Priorities
• Increased scrutiny and government oversight on capital projects.
• Maximising the efficiency of government departments and projects.
• Reduce unneeded government expenditure.
• Deliver much needed, affordable and suitable social housing for our community.
• Increase transparency between the next assembly and the people of our islands.
Our Economy, as mentioned above, is faltering. Poor fishing seasons coupled with increased capital spending have left our islands in a somewhat dire situation. The prospect of hydrocarbon exploration is encouraging, but we cannot be reliant as…
Ten short questions. Ten 30 second answers. Candidates respond without preparation.
An extended interview exploring the candidate’s background, priorities and views. All candidates were given the same set of advance questions, with additional on the spot manifesto-specific questions asked during the interview. Each interview is limited to 15 minutes.
Disclaimer: All interviews were conducted on an equal basis and are presented in full, with minimal editorial intervention. Any edits made were limited solely to the removal of offensive language, to allow viewers to hear directly from each candidate in their own words. Some issues discussed in these interviews are currently subject to ongoing legal processes. Any references to legal or procedural matters reflect the candidates’ own views. FITV does not comment on, and does not seek to influence, ongoing legal proceedings. These interviews form part of FITV’s commitment to providing clear, accessible information to support informed voting ahead of polling day.
FITV was invited to film the candidate hustings hosted by the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce. Candidates were divided into four groups by constituency: one group representing Camp and three groups representing Stanley. As part of the event, members of the Chamber were invited to submit questions to be put to the candidate panels in advance, and Chamber members in attendance were also able to ask follow-up questions from the floor.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by candidates during the hustings recordings are their own and do not reflect those of FITV. The discussion may contain strong language. FITV does not endorse or support any individual candidate or political viewpoint and remains impartial in its coverage.
