MLA salaries and expenses published for 2023
The total paid in salaries to MLAs and fees to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker came to £352,734.39. MLAs are entitled to a taxable annual salary of £45,000 (not increased since 2017 and frozen until 2025). The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are entitled to fees of £174 per day for time spent on Assembly business. […]
Internet improvements coming to the Falkland Islands
New internet packages, improvements to existing packages and mobile data allowances were announced by Sure on Wednesday. Sure Group Chief Executive, Alastair Beak, informed the public of the upcoming changes during a presentation at the Chamber of Commerce. He also announced Roma Stewart, currently Head of Finance and Customer Operations, will be stepping up to […]
Disposable vape ban up for discussion
The single-use devices could be made illegal in the Falklands. During February’s Health and Medical Services Committee MLA John Birmingham outlined a plan to ban the nicotine product. He said he will be raising a motion in the Legislative Assembly and is “confident he will have enough support to ban single-use vapes.” The committee spoke […]
Cathedral celebrates birthday by ringing bells for the first time in a year
The bells haven’t been used due to the concern they could put stress on the structure of the cathedral. However, on the 132nd anniversary of the consecration of Christ Church Cathedral (Thursday) the bells were rung for assessment in the presence of historical building experts. The team are in the islands to assess the cathedral […]
Foreign Secretary to visit the Falkland Islands
Lord Cameron is the first cabinet minister to visit the islands since 2016. During his visit next week he will meet with islanders as well as members of the Falkland Islands Government. He will also pay his respects to all British personnel who served and those who lost their lives during the conflict in 1982 and […]
Falklands on the way to reduce fossil fuel consumption
An extension to the wind farm and up to 100% renewable energy production is in the works. A “global stocktake” at COP28 calls on Parties to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030. MLA Peter Biggs, who represented the Falklands at the meeting in Dubai, says actions are already being taken […]
Stanley declared a temporary control zone as first case of avian flu confirmed.
One dead bird, found in the town, tested positive for bird flu. The Falklands Islands Government says as this is an isolated case, a full protection zone won’t be declared. The declaration says: Members of the public are advised to follow strict biosecurity measures and use the footbaths at common sites where they are provided. […]
Prepare for arrival of bird flu, says agriculture department
The disease is more likely to arrive via a sick bird but biosecurity measures have increased. Speaking to Falklands Radio this week senior vet Zoe Fowler explained there has been “no high index of suspicion of avian influenza in poultry or wild animals at this time in the Falkland Islands.” However, as summer approaches so […]
Major Daniel Biggs sworn in as Officer Commanding, Falkland Islands Defence Force
The ceremony was held at FIDF Headquarters on Wednesday evening. Major Biggs, a member of the FIDF for around 20 years, was sworn in by Her Excellency the Governor, Alison Blake. During the ceremony Governor Blake said there were things about Falklands life, values, and institutions that had come home “very forcibly” during her time […]
Airbridge disruption could last for months
Islanders are “effectively stranded” in the UK and representations are being made to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the Ministry of Defence. MLA Roger Spink said on Thursday (11 August) that there could be disruption to airbridge bookings for “a month or two”, following the cancellation of an airbridge flight at the beginning […]
