A written summary provided by the candidate outlining their background, experience and priorities.
I am 63. Married. I have been an MLA in the past but have worked for Falklands Radio, telecoms, dock worker etc. I still hold down two part time jobs as variety is the spice of life. Interests include researching Falklands history and the politics and defence matters in the southern cone.
A large number of big infrastructure projects are now a reality. Tussac House is operational. This has put pressure on finances and these four years will be about prudent financial management and the “must haves” and not “nice to haves”.
We have to attack costs.
Some seem to be intimating that we are doomed – utter rubbish. We are far from the bad old days and must not talk ourselves into austerity budgeting. Some see numbers and forget that behind those numbers are real people with real lives.
Hydrocarbons may or may not happen but we must be ready to manage it responsibly and beneficially for present and future generations of Falkland Islanders and this Assembly must start work on a framework for a sovereign wealth fund. This isn’t about the here and now, it’s about looking after yet unborn Falkland Islanders after the hydrocarbons are gone.
I wish to see a full review of all aspects of the immigration system and it be wide enough to include its effects on housing, education, medical and social cohesion. Immigration may not be the only contributory factor and we need to understand the situation fully – then act.
We form a view of how we want the Falklands to look in 40 years’ time (including permanent population levels).
FIG must continue to build social housing. Financial constraints mean it will be at a lower level.
Electricity prices can be lowered. This means a lot to all of our population and businesses in Stanley who can then reflect the savings in lower prices or disbursements to their work force.
The workers protection legislation must be modernised and re-written in this Assembly.
Science and conservation are important but must be sympathetic to the Falklands and our traditions be affordable and be led by Falkland Islanders not imposed from outside.
I shall fight to keep the £1 a day, important to so many.
I shall oppose any attempt to depreciate the wind turbines/power station and waste plant and this being fed into the rates and charges at 100%
I will urge that we move away from the horrible “user pays” to “user contributes”
I will protect education and medical.
Pensions should at least match inflation as should other social payments.
We have started our telecoms journey and we must never again get ourselves into a monopoly situation.
I will stand firm on any attempts by Argentina or any other country to return us to a truly colonial situation.
I am a Falkland Islander. I offer experience, vision, knowledge and a desire to better the Falklands for us all. My country is everything to me and I stand or fall with you.
1. Hydrocarbons including sovereign wealth fund
2. Immigration review to include housing
3. Re-write of workers protection
The first 250 words of the candidate’s manifesto.
I am offering myself as your representative for the forthcoming election. I am a Falkland Islander who has been with the Falklands in good times and in bad over 63 years. I am very much from a working-class background and will remain thus and my priorities are very much to ensure that our country and people can move ahead without those at the bottom end of the scale becoming further estranged from those at the top and also that our core population do not feel disenfranchised in their own country.
For those that don’t know me, I was locally educated and what I have and what I am is testament to the teachers of the time and my love for and belief in our country and people. I still hold down two part time jobs as that helps to keep my batteries charged and my feet on the ground and fully intend, if re-elected, to keep them for as long as I can totter forward. Having a life outside of politics is important. Whilst not having much spare time, my great interest is Falklands history, especially the social history of our country. My other interests cover the politics and defence matters as it pertains to the Southern Cone and especially the Falklands.
I hold no interests or shares in any companies, nor do I own a business so am transparent (unencumbered) in my political decision making.
What has been achieved
Perhaps before looking ahead, we should look back. In these…
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.
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.
