Falklands Governor speaks to the nation

[Karee 4,190]

HIS Excellency the Governor Nigel Haywood spoke of the challenges of the last year and the aims and aspirations for the future in his address to the nation on Tuesday at the opening of the budget session of Legislative Assembly.

He said successful drilling campaigns over the last three years had proved that oil companies can work with remote re-supply, adding that South American politics had not restricted their activities in the Islands.

Governor Haywood expressed gratitude for the unequivocal support from the UK Government for the right of the Falkland Islands Government to license offshore exploration.

"Serious multinational oil industry players from the UK, Europe and the US have interests in the Falkland Islands, which are judged to be a good place to do business. Unfortunately, Argentine pressures are mainly affecting business opportunities for South American companies who are unable to take advantage of the new logistical opportunities that a successful oil industry will provide," he said.

The Government was working with the private sector to define policies that would encourage and maximise opportunities for local businesses to work with the oil industry, he said, adding that the future of the Islands was by no means dependent on oil. There was continued optimism in the farming industry and an ambitious new Action Plan had been agreed to implement the Rural Development Strategy while tourism which would still be here after oil was gone continued to be an increasingly important part of the economy, said Governor Haywood.

"In contrast to many other parts of the world, the Falkland Islands economy is booming and another significant Government surplus was evident last year. This was partly due to additional Government revenues from the hydrocarbons industry but it was also the result of an excellent year for the fishing industry.

Illex squid catches were again high and the current season also looks promising. Whilst the Islands are not immune to the problems of the world economy, the Government has substantial reserves that are invested wisely and prudently," said Governor Haywood.

Seems like good news.

http://www.penguin-news.com/index.php/news/politics/item/564-falklands-governor-speaks-to-the-nation

[Darnell 8,478]

Yay Oil ! Go Oil ! Oil Rocks, get some today!