A written summary provided by the candidate outlining their background, experience and priorities.
My name is Peter Biggs and I am standing for election in the Stanley Constituency. This follows four years’ service as an MLA, holding the portfolio for Environment and Public Infrastructure.
My priorities
Standard of living – I will do what I can to preserve and improve upon what we have now. We must help those that are struggling, and ensure the community as a whole are protected from the effects of inflation and cost increases.
Politics and public diplomacy – No sign that there will be any change in relations with Argentina. We must continue to maintain and improve relations with the UK and allies. We must actively counter dis-information about the Falklands.
Environment - Support the continuing development of scientific research on the terrestrial and aquatic environments of the FI. Increase renewable energy technology throughout the Islands. Increase areas of protected land and sea. Ensure that new industries are exhaustively investigated and researched regarding suitability for location in the FI. Ensure that a waste management system is introduced.
Economy/Finance - Balanced budgets each year, and prudent financial planning essential.
Farming and living in camp - look for ways of making living in camp more profitable and rewarding.
Education and Medical and Social Services – We are proud of these services, and we must do everything we can to ensure the services are protected and developed, especially the educational opportunities we give our young people, and our free medical service.
Immigration - there is no implied criticism of immigration or immigrants in this section. I think we should have a review of the current system to establish whether it is fit for the future of the Falklands, and in the process look at systems used in other countries.
Tourism – keep up the good work and continue to strive for high standards of accommodation, safe transportation, and compliance with tourist behaviour in areas that are sensitive to stress-related wildlife migration.
The Private Sector- the Private Sector, from sole traders to fishing and construction companies, is the driving force behind our economy: FIG must support and expedite commerce wherever possible.
Banking – we must insist upon the introduction of better banking facilities.
Housing – there is a housing crisis, and we must do what we can to solve it.
My commitment as a member of the Legislative Assembly is to listen, research, consult if necessary, and then make decisions, or influence outcomes in the best interest of our home, for now and for the future.
For further information please see my main manifesto.
1. Do everything in my power to protect the status of the Falkland Islands as a British Overseas Territory.
2. Protect the environment of the Falkland Islands and its surrounding seas.
3. Protect, and if possible, enhance, the economy of the FI.
The first 250 words of the candidate’s manifesto.
I am standing for election in the Stanley Constituency. This follows four years’ service as an MLA, holding the portfolio for Environment and Public Infrastructure (Environment Department and Public Works Department).
My commitment as a member of the Legislative Assembly is to listen to all points of view, to discuss all aspects of any subject matter with stakeholders, and to hold constructive debate with members of the community. After these discussions have taken place, I will represent the electorate, by making informed decisions, or influencing outcomes, according to what I consider is in the best interests of the Falkland Islands, present and future.
Over the last four years I have given much thought to the long-term future of our Islands. Globally I see an increasing number of western countries having problems reconciling their population density with their natural and other resources. Populations are torn between acquiring and retaining wealth and maintaining a society that allows young people to enjoy a standard of living similar to, or better than, that of those who make the decisions today. Presently the Falklands Islands Government is doing a reasonable job in developing our economy in pace with the sustainable use of our natural resources, which are limited in size and under constant threat. In the Falklands we have a small population and a good standard of living, but this status is something we should not take for granted – we must plan to protect what we have. We still have the power to have an…
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.
