Falkland Islands Development Corporation - Annual Report 1984

(Falkland Islands Newsletter, No.24, August 1985)

The Falkland Islands Development Corporation came into existence in mid-1984 and since then it has put into effect many of its aims and objectives within its broad remit "to encourage and assist the economic development of the Falkland Islands".  FIDC's inaugural report and accounts cover the year ending 31 December 1984.

The specific goals that the FIDC has set are:-

1.  to increase the range of employment opportunities particularly by encouraging diversification of the economy;
2.  to increase population levels through selective immigration;
3.  to increase the long-term capacity of the Falkland Islands to develop with the eventual aim of self-sufficiency;
4.  to improve community facilities.

A broadly based sectoral strategy has been adopted to fulfil these goals.  The development of tourism and the processing on the Islands of Falklands wool are major priorities in developing the natural resources of the Islands.  FIDC also seeks to reduce the outflow of funds from the Islands by encouraging the local production of goods or the provision of services that would otherwise have to be imported into the Islands.  The building of a new dairy is a prime example.

FIDC is concentrating its efforts on two separate, but complementary development routes:

a.  the provision of financial assistance to individuals and companies to encourage the development of their ideas and opportunities;
b.  research into and initiation of development schemes which are likely to be of long-term benefit to the Islands' economy, but which are initially not a viable risk for individuals to undertake.

Agriculture

The Falkland Islands' economy is based on agriculture with a large proportion of the Islands' workforce either directly or indirectly employed on the land.  The development of the agricultural economy is being encouraged in a number of ways:-

*  A range of land and sheep improvement schemes is being financed by assistance to landowners;
*  The provision of basic agricultural supplies to farmers is being studied and a ommittee is studying the formation of an Agricultural Co-operative;
*  A new dairy complex is being built at Mullet Creek;
*  the up-grading of the local abattoir is taking place and a study is being carried out with the UK Meat and Livestock Commission for further iprovements;
*  A commercial market garden is being designed by Stapley (Contracts) Ltd and a first salad crop is expected in 1986;
*  Discussions are taking place on the desirability of a Falkland Islands Wool Board.

Tourism

FIDC, in conjunction with the British Tourist Authority, is undertaking a major market survey in the US and Western Europe to determine the potential of the Falkland Islands as a tourist location.  Ian Strange, the famous Falklands naturalist and writer, is preparing detailed descriptions and photographs of the key tourist 'centres'.  There are many exciting and innovative plans:-

*  Key 'centres' for tourists will be selected, each representing an interlinked yet different integral part of Falklands life;
*  Port Howard and Pebble Island will be developed by converting obsolete farm buildings into small country hotels;
*  Cruises in a converted inter-island schooner and boat trips in inflatable launches will be operated by South Atlantic Marine Services Limited, a newly formed company; the tourist will be able to visit the beauty spots around Stanley;
*  Tourists will have the opportunity to dive on the Islands' unique collection of historic shipwrecks.

Energy and Communications

The aim of FIDC is to achieve the maximum degree of self-sufficiency in energy:-

*  A mechanised peat harvesting project will, it is hoped, ensure that peat takes the place of oil in the domestic heating market in Stanley
*  Investigations into small scale gasification and the extent of workable peat reserves will determine whether producer-gas can be used to fuel existing diesel generator plant;
*  The feasibility of a wind generator is being discussed;
*  FIDC is to recommend to the Falkland Islands Government the adoption of a long-term integrated land, sea and air transport development programme.

Industrial and Service

Added value to the Islands' exports, diversification of the economy, import substitution and the provision of local services all flow from the development of the industrial and service sector.  FIDC are specifically encouraging the establishment of businesses that utilise the natural resources of the Islands.  There are three main examples of this policy:-

*  The development of a spinning and knitting mill.  Falkland Mill Limited has been established with FIDC assistance and the first garments have been produced.
*  FIDC has assisted in the formation of several small businesses, including an electrical contractor, a garage, a retailing co-operative and a restaurant and bar;
*  An intensive construction and management training package has been devised by FIDC in co-operation with the Wimpey Group to increase the capability of one of the Islands' jobbing builders.

Fisheries

The fish resources lying up to 150 miles off the coast of the Islands constitute the outstanding possibility for future economic growth.  Three major surveys in the following areas are planned:-

*  Fishing in coastal waters - The 'Coastal Pioneer' has been contracted from Fortoser Limited of Grimsby to fish experimentally around the Islands.  Assessment of the availability of different species, their location and their seasonal variations, is to be carried out.  Red crab has already been caught.
*  Off-shore fishing - An off-shore fishing survey will be carried out over a two year period by CTC Fisheries Limited.  Two large trawlers will be used for this task.
*  Farming and ranching salmon - A pilot project is underway utilising mullet and mutton as locally produced feed for a small salmon farm.  The Institute of Aquaculture of Stirling University are working with FIDC on this project.

Land Subdivision

Under the recommendations of the 1982 Shackleton Report, FIDC has taken over the responsibility of land sub-division from the Falkland Islands Government.  Four farms have already been subdivided - Green Patch, Roy Cove, Packe Bros and San Carlos.  A Farm Management Advisory Officer arrived in the Islands early in 1985 to assist in this project.

This article first appeared in the Falkland Islands Newsletter, Edition 24, August 1985.  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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