Dot Gould

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500 Word Summary

A written summary provided by the candidate outlining their background, experience and priorities.

Introduction

I moved to the Falkland Islands in 1979 with my family when I was just five years old. Growing up in Camp has given me a deep understanding and appreciation for our community and its unique challenges.

Personal Background

I left school in 1990 and began my career at the King Edward Memorial Hospital as an auxiliary nurse. Three years later, I trained as a medic and worked in the Casualty department. In 1996, I joined the Royal Falkland Islands Police and served as a Police Constable for four years. Following this, I moved to the UK, where I joined the Devon and Cornwall Police and continued to serve as a Police Constable for six years. I am now farming alongside my husband, Alex. I love my life here and am excited about the future.

Commitment to Self-Determination

Our right to self-determination is paramount. We are British, and we always will be. I would be honoured to defend our right to self-determination in any setting.

Infrastructure and Essential Services

  • A second inter- island boat is required when funds become available. This is crucial economically, socially, and politically to keep people in Camp.
  • Roads are essential for hauling our produce- we must maintain them.
  • FIGAS provides an essential service- we must support this.

Economic Development and Local Production

I support all initiatives to encourage production at FIMCO to supply both the local market and exports. With a decrease in wool income  further support from the Falkland Islands Government may be necessary for farmers.

Cost of Living and Housing and Immigration

  • Private rental rates and electricity costs are high.
  • There is a need to review pension rates and simplify the tax system.
  • Increasing the housing stock is essential.
  • The PRP should be reviewed.

Business and Public Services

  • Encourage businesses to recruit responsibly.
  • Tussac House should be fully utilized.
  • The number of medical staff on contracts and agency staff should be reduced.

Environment and Land Management

We live in an impressive and pristine environment, including our coastal waters- lets keep it that way. I strongly believe that farmers are the best managers of the land and should be supported, not dictated to.

Tourism and Economic Growth

Tourism is crucial to our economy, and those involved in this industry should be fully supported.

Telecommunications and Legislation

Every aspect of legislation related to telecoms contracts should be considered carefully, everyone deserves a choice. The Port facility project has the potential to go over budget - progress must be managed and monitored vigilantly.

Oil Industry and Expert Guidance

Expert advice is needed in the oil industry if we are to benefit. We must learn, seek guidance from those with experience, and keep an open mind while considering the impacts.

Fishing Industry and Sustainability

The fishing industry has been the backbone of the Falkland Islands for decades - continue monitoring fish stocks and support this industry fully.

Education

Every level of our education system should receive full support.

Top Three Priorities

To be published.

Manifesto Excerpt

The first 250 words of the candidate’s manifesto.

I moved to the Falkland Islands in 1979 with my family when I was just five years old. My parents were employed at Port Stephens on a threeyear contract with the Falkland Islands Company. During the Argentine invasion my parents were asked if they would like to be repatriated back to the UK, they declined and I'm very grateful that they did.

I was raised in the Camp and during my childhood I experienced Camp education and boarding at Stanley House. I left school in 1990 and my first job was at Port Howard Lodge. After the season came to an end I was fortunate enough to get a job at the King Edward Memorial Hospital as an auxiliary nurse. After three years of working on the wards I was sent away to train as a medic to work in the Casualty department.

In 1996 I joined the Royal Falkland Islands Police where I served as a Police Constable for 4 years. After this I moved to the UK where I joined Devon and Cornwall Police where I served as a Police Constable for 6 years. During my time in the medical and police services I gained a lot of experience in dealing with people, problem solving, community issues and at times some very serious incidents. I learned to be part of a team and to act alone. I have empathy and a good understanding of how political issues can affect communities in a number of ways. I’m fully aware...

Candidate Quick Fire

Ten short questions. Ten 30 second answers. Candidates respond without preparation. 

In Conversation With...

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.

Chamber of Commerce Hustings

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.

Video coming soon

This content will be published ahead of the General Election.

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.