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Mission - Overview - Departments - ISLANDS PLAN - Constitutional Review - FIDC - FLH - FCO - Relationship with UK THE ISLANDS PLAN OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT In 2005 the Falkland Islands Government published the second edition of the Islands Plan which sets out a three year programme of change from July 2004 to June 2007. The Plan does not set out to describe every service but follows nine policy themes throughout Government. It is described as a rolling programme aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth whilst preserving the natural environment and unique culture of the Falkland Islands. The
introduction to the Plan says: "Our mission is to protect
and to improve the quality of life of Fundamental to the Plan is the need for agricultural diversification away from a reliance on wool-income to meat production for export, and a commitment to constructing a deep-water port. This will enable the successful fishing industry to develop onshore and encourage the development of related industries such as mussel farms and freezer plants. In addition it will help develop cruise ship tourism. The Plan lays out nine themes, each accompanied by an explanatory statement, under which are listed the targets, indicators and key initiatives relevant to that theme. The introduction to the 2004/07 Plan goes on to say:- "This year’s Islands Plan is substantially different in format from previous years. This is because it has been revised as part of a wider plan promoting excellence in the Falkland Islands Government. Rather than report in detail lots of individual actions by Government and others, it focuses on outcomes. Outcomes are intended benefits from services provided, the things we want to see happen. Outcomes such as economic growth and a healthy population can’t be achieved by any department acting by itself and most outcomes contained in this document require everybody – Government, businesses and individuals – to do their bit to help make the Islands the place we want them to be. "The
big picture story – how well we are doing in achieving the outcomes in
this Plan – is told by the performance measures in this document.
Each performance measure has an associated target or benchmark that
is ambitious yet achievable. Without
targets we cannot realistically measure progress towards our outcomes.
More importantly with targets and benchmarks there is something
concrete that makes accountability to the people of the The things that individual government departments do to help achieve the
outcomes in the Islands Plan are found in departmental business plans.
The nine key themes and explanatory statements are quoted below, but the detailed targets, indicators and key initiatives are not repeated. 1. Our Right to Self-Determination: In partnership with the United Kingdom, we will ensure our right to self-determination and British sovereignty "The principles of Partnership set out by the Foreign Secretary in 1999 rest upon four tenets - self-determination; responsibilities on both sides including defence and good governance; exercise by Islanders of the greatest possible control over their own lives; and support by the British Government where it is needed. To embrace reform and modernisation of government, we are committed to the development of our Constitution, increased openness and accountability in government, and a greater attention to modernising the economy within sustainable environmental principles." 2. Our Sustainable Economy: We will manage the economy wisely so that all sectors of society can prosper "Our goal is a sustainable economic future for the Islands. This requires real growth in the economy and a thriving private sector. Government will pay particular attention to making sure agriculture is profitable and developing on strengths and opportunities in fisheries, minerals and tourism. Government also wishes to change the balance of public and private sector activity to encourage entrepreneurs by reducing public sector dominance. An inflation adjusted growth target of 3% per annum is achievable." 3. Our Education: We will ensure that all residents have the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities through education and training; this must be done in a way that suits them and the needs of our society "We will create opportunities and seek improvements in education, leisure and vocational training." 4. Our Transport and Communications: We will work to develop infrastructure, particularly transport and communications, to meet the economic and social development needs of Falkland Islanders "Our dispersed population requires varied transport and communication systems. This means cost effective air, road and shipping services meeting the internal transport needs of Islanders and improving international transportation links to assist the export of value added primary produce." 5. Our Health : We will work towards a healthy and fit society "Providing world class health and dental services is an ongoing challenge in a small community. We will work to improve the health and well-being of Falkland Islands residents through timely health care education programmes, and effective community health and dental provision." 6. Effective and Prudent Financial Management: We will improve efficiency of government services to the community and ensure that government financial reserves are held at sensible levels "Both fisheries income and investment returns are not always stable sources of income. Prudent management means keeping financial reserves above £80 million and when possible increasing them up to an eventual target of three times annual spending. The efficiency and effectiveness of government services to the community are continually improved and all departments are challenged to demonstrate this improvement by benchmarking performance against key performance indicators." 7. Our Viable Camp: Camp will remain viable as a well-populated and economically and socially sustainable community "It is essential to develop the Camp economy and encourage new diversified businesses to grow in Camp (including tourism and craft). The Government's role is not restricted to economic development, but must embrace the wider remit of rural development, and we will particularly focus on measures to support the main Camp settlements." 8. Our Environment: The unspoiled nature of our environment will be treasured and protected through environmentally sustainable development "The need to protect, maintain and, where possible, enhance our environment needs to permeate our thinking and to be an integral part of every policy and proposal. The unspoiled nature of our natural environment is an important aspect of the brand marketing of our produce and tourism. Our architectural heritage is an important feature of the cultural environment. It is derived from the location, history, style scale and use of materials, which are combined in a way unique to these Islands. This heritage is threatened by the growth of population, increased wealth and development pressures. There are many buildings and historic sites that are worth protecting and conserving. The effect of human activity on the environment also requires continual review. Whilst not breaching current standards there is scope to improve management of certain activities and, for instance, to reduce the amount of waste produced and energy consumed." 9. Well Served and Safe Society: We will ensure a well-housed, well-served safe community "Good municipal services and affordable quality housing are essential to a prosperous and successful community. The community must work together to remove any fear of crime, and ensure that drugs do not become a problem." Copies of the Island Plan can be obtained in electronic or paper format from the Falkland Islands Government Secretariat.
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Introduction, Acronyms, Census,
Freedoms, Geography,
Government, Governors,
Lifestyle,
Listed Buildings, Poetry,
Royal Visits
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