An Appeal from the United Kingdom Falkland Islands Trust

The United Kingdom Falkland Islands Trust (UKFIT) was set up in June 1981 by a consortium led by Major General Nigel Gribbon (Chairman until 1998). The Trust had a wide range of aims but principally it set out to "…. promote study and research into the development of agriculture, animal husbandry, commerce, fisheries, forestry and all other industries and sciences in the Falkland Islands…." A modest trust fund was set up and during the early years projects were funded from the proceeds from this fund. In later years, and as the Islands economy grew on the back of successful wool and fisheries industries, funds were supplemented by grants from the Falklands Islands Government (FIG), which eventually became the prime source of income for the Trust.

Over the years, the Trust has actively promoted the scientific and development potential of the Falklands at many key national and international events and worked on a wide variety of rural development projects, many of which have been initiated by the Trust and then taken on by FIG. These include research on kelp harvesting as liquid fertiliser; making valuable contacts for the establishment of an aquaculture industry; research on soil improvement including an in-depth study on the processing of by-products from the abattoir, the need for which has recently re-emerged; vegetable growing trials; development of the concept of both organic development and the marketing of organic products; the selection and provenance of tree species; the development of tussac as a source of animal feed and erosion inhibitor; research on calcareous base materials; research on grains and grasses; consultancy on aerial mapping; the development of a comprehensive science database for the Islands; and work on a number of civic projects including help with the Memorial Wood, setting up of the Alexandra Wood at Port Howard, help to school projects and support to repainting of ships names on the Camber. Most recently, the Trust has investigated the potential for commercial peony production in the Islands. The Royal Patron of the Trust, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, enjoyed a successful visit to the Islands in 2000 and remains highly supportive of the work of the Trust.

However, the Trust reports that despite the success of their work, the future of the Trust is not secure. Over the last three years of poor performance in the investment world both the capital and income from their small trust fund has dwindled. Additionally, and most importantly, funding from FIG has decreased markedly because of difficulties with the fisheries industry. To continue their work, the Trust needs additional funds, and welcome donations from those interested in promoting the rural economy of the Falkland Islands. Donations will be acknowledged individually, and in the Trust's annual report.

Donations to UKFIT can be sent to Air Commodore Peter Johnson, Chairman UKFIT, c/o Falkland Islands Government Office, 14 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH.

Current UKFIT Committee members include Dr Jim McAdam of Queens University, Belfast, FIG's London Representative Miss Sukey Cameron, Hugh Normand (Ex-General Manager, Falkland Islands Development Corporation), Brian Hill (Ex- Director of Public Works), Former Commander of British Forces in the Falkland Islands Peter Johnson, Former Governors Sir Rex Hunt and David Tatham, and UKFIT President Lord Strathcona.

This article first appeared in the Falkland Islands Newsletter, Edition 87, September 2004. The Falkland Islands Association is an independent organisation which brings together those who support the continuing freedom of the people of the Falkland Islands. Its Constitution states that its objectives are to assist the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future for themselves without being subjected to pressure direct or indirect from any quarter

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