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Home , Berkeley Sound, Bleaker Island, Bull Point, Camp (constituency), Camp (Falkland Islands), Chichester College

Our Islands, Our Home Grand Steeple Jason Jason

Pebble Is. Cape Bouganville Carcass Is. Keppel Is. Saunders Is. West Point Is. Salvador Dunbar Douglas Port Station Johnson’s Volunteer Shallow San Carlos Harbour Point Bay Port Louis Roy Cove Port Teal Inlet Howard San Carlos Long Island KING Murrell Passage Is. GEORGE Cape BAY D Pembroke N U Saladero Blu‘ Dunnose Head O New Haven Mount Pleasant Cove Chartres S New Is. Shallow Little Airport Fitzroy Harbour Chartres Darwin Spring Point D Goose QUEEN Green CHARLOTTE N Bertha’s Beaver Is. BAY A Beach Weddell Is. L (E) K Fox Bay (W) Walker South L Great Creek Harbour Is. A Lively Is.

Port Edgar F Port Stephens

Speedwell Is. Bleaker Is. Albermale

Cape Meredith George Is. Barren Is.

Sea Lion Is.

This publication, revealing the lives of Islanders a generation after the war, is dedicated to the men and women of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces and support personnel who liberated the from Argentine occupation in 1982. The success of today’s Falkland Islands is the legacy of your sacrifice.

It is your legacy and we remain eternally grateful.

From the people of the Falklands A heritage to be proud of Lee Molkenbuhr Shearing contractor and farmer Lee Molkenbuhr The people of the Falkland Islands trace their ancestory in the Islands manages Johnson’s Harbour farm with his wife, Martha. over 170 years, some with family ties going as far back as nine generations. The Islands are our country, our home. end for the top two trainees, of which I was one, Throughout our long history we have welcomed from around the who got to go to Australia to gain experience working on farms. world others who share our way of life. I started shearing here in the Islands for Neil The late Claude Molkenbuhr was farming McKay in November 1995, before heading off at the Murrell in 1982. When it became too We choose to retain our links to the and we are to the UK and New Zealand the following year. dangerous to stay on the farm, he moved his proud of our identity and heritage; we also celebrate our diversity. I also shore in America for a season in Wyoming family to Johnson’s Harbour farm. He was and I worked for many seasons in Australia one of a team of Islanders who assisted the and Italy. British forces in moving troops and ammunition I have taken on the organisation of shearing

to the front line in the final stages of the war. in the Falklands and in the last three summers we have worked with a few young lads who My family links with the Islands on my were keen to learn to shear and are now doing father’s side go back to Jacob Lee, one of the well. There is a good career available for young first settlers to come down from the UK in the shearers and also a great opportunity for them 1850s; my great-grandfather on my mother’s to travel the world to gain more experience and side was an Irishman who was shipwrecked see lots of things as I have done. I have just taken on a farming lease at here and then chose to settle. I have been involved in competition Johnsons Harbour farm with my wife Martha My father bought a piece of shearing and have been lucky enough to (who is from Cumbria in ) so my days of farm when it was subdivided in the late 70s and shear for the Falklands at three world events (in travelling around the world have ended. I have we all moved to the Murrell when I was six years , Norway and Wales). In Wales in 2010 chosen to come home as I feel it has a safe and old. I had a travelling teacher and was among our team made it into the final to secure us free environment in which to bring up a family the first kids to start up radio lessons using two sixth place overall. We really got to promote the and also the future seems to look good for metre sets. I moved into Stanley to the hostel Islands and it was one of my proudest moments, the islands. for the last few years of secondary school then being on the stage in front of thousands of We both look forward to greeting the headed straight back to the Murrell before people representing my country; I have been veterans when they return to the Falklands. starting an agriculture training year at Blue lucky enough to be selected to attend the 2012 I am so proud of what they did for us back in ‘82 , Beach farm; this training carried a prize at the world championships in New Zealand. when they restored peace in the Islands. “ it was one of my proudest moments, being on the stage in front of thousands of people representing my country” Dr Rebecca Edwards Georgina Strange Part time GP Dr Rebecca Edwards lives at with her Photographer Georgina Strange is the manager of the nature husband, Christopher Lee, and three children, Jessica, Daniel & Oliver. reserve, owned by the New Island Conservation Trust – a non-profit charity.

For around seven months of the year, and its incredible wildness and isolation are challenging. We are not only the GP but the I pray that will wake up and I live and work on one of the most remote what I really love about it; not to mention the A&E doctor, the obstetrician, paediatrician, realise that we aren’t going to vanish or give in outlying islands of the Falklands, New Island, on people that you meet and the opportunities hospital doctor, flying doctor, etc. It is a to their bullying, and that they accept us as a the extreme western edge of the archipelago. that come your way. The island has only four Photographer and naturalist Ian Strange fantastic job, but not without the difficulties nation of people in our own right, choosing to My work on this tiny island wildlife sanctuary houses and at most might be home to ten MBE in the field in 1982. The New Island that come with working in an isolated place far live the life we want to, quietly, in our home, the is centred on environmental research and individuals at any one time, but bizarrely you reserve was established in 1972. In 1995 Ian from the nearest specialist advice. Falkland Islands. I hope that soon we will see eco-tourism – New Island is a nature reserve, often meet more people here than you would My home, the Falklands, is an extremely and his family founded the New Island The last 30 years have flown by. The the Falklands and Argentina living peacefully, and my main job is management of the island living in the main town. special place to me. Growing up here as a child Falklands have changed beyond all and respectfully, side by side. In my spare time I indulge in my Conservation Trust. was a wonderful experience, and I am very photography and design and for the rest of lucky to be able to bring my own children up the year, I divide my time between Stanley and experience for me – a totally different life to in the wide open, clean, healthy environment travelling to new destinations – for me, taking my home in the Islands, but another world of of . a nation of people in our time away to explore other parts of the world big skies and open coastlines which I became I live at Port Howard on West Falkland, “ only reminds me how special the Falklands really connected to. I spent four years there, where my husband and his brother run Port own right, choosing to live are, and being away from them reinforces my but always knew I’d return home. Howard Farm, a sheep station of 39,000 sheep the life we want to desire to return. Travel and experience living Often the question is asked, “What do you and 270 cattle. My children have an idyllic time ” abroad is important in my mind; it’s easy to love about the Falklands?” and “what would on the farm with a menagerie of pets, a big become ignorant and forget about the rest you change about the Islands?” Quite simply: garden and lots of fishing and messing about recognition¸ but still retain their charm and of the world when you live in such an isolated “everything”, and “nothing”. For all its scars and on the beach to keep them happy. I look at beauty. We have a democratic government corner of it. flaws, and for all the things we complain about, them and hope and pray that their future here who have maintained excellent finances in the I was born in Argentina in 1981 to an there’s still simply no place like it. will be secure. current world recession. We have excellent English father and an Argentine mother, both When I think of the Falkland Islands, I work as a part-time GP in the King health and educational facilities. I am proud to of whom proudly call the Falklands home. I think of a wild and free place where the Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley. I call myself a Falkland Islander. I came home at just two weeks old and I have wind roars and the open skies go on forever; read medicine at University College London, I wonder what the next 30 years will bring. lived, schooled and worked here ever since, a place of close-knit community and life-long qualifying as a doctor in 2001 and after my I hope my children’s children will still be living OBE, a 4th generation just taking time out for college in England friendships that will last no matter how much hospital jobs were finished I trained to become on West Falkland in all its beauty and safety Falkland Islander, was a young nurse living in and its small team of seabird biologists. My when I was 17 years old, and then moving to time you spend away; a place that is truly a GP so that I could come home again. I always and most importantly I hope they will live free the UK with her two young daughters, Emma role also includes taking care of cruise ship Australia to complete a Photography degree unique and where I feel very privileged to have wanted to come back to the Falklands to work, from the aggressive neighbour, Argentina, we and Rebecca, when her naval officer husband, visitors and hosting wildlife film teams, but on at university. Australia was a life-changing grown up. not just because it is home, but I knew that I know today. The conflict was 30 years ago, Roger, was sent South with the Task Force . the less glamorous side, I am responsible for wanted to raise my children here, and because surely Argentina must want to move on and all aspects of island-upkeep here, including the work of a GP here is hugely varied and forward from the dark memories of 1982? the feeling of freedom on New Island and its incredible those where you really have to get your hands “ dirty. The feeling of freedom on New Island wildness and isolation are what I really love about it” Small in size, big on ambition

We are a small nation with big achievements and prospects. Despite our size we get on and do everything a country needs to do. We have a diverse and thriving economy and a bustling social scene. Ben Cockwell Ros Cheek Artist and designer Ben Cockwell lives at Fox Bay with his wife Clare. Ros Cheek is Principal Crown Counsel, one of the Falkland Islands He runs a small printing and embroidery business with his sister, Kerri. Government’s top legal advisors. She lives in Stanley with her partner Ian ‘Sparky’ Ewen.

to at Warrah Design in 1997. In 2000 Clare and and environment that formed the basis for my aggression from our neighbours could be I married and over the next five years, as we passion for the Falkland Islands. wearing if you let it get to you. could find the time and money to do so, we I love that, despite the progress that we have But it seems to me that the best way that we built our own house at Fox Bay overlooking the made to a modern living, our culture remains can honour those who worked, fought and died islands and hills to the north. some way off the material consumerism that for our freedom is to put those difficulties aside In recent years I began to draw and paint dominates other modern societies; our quality and forge a future where the Islands continue again, it just felt like it was time to try to realise of life is based on something quite different. to flourish economically and to mature as a my old ambition to be an artist; from a tentative OBE was living at I am at my happiest enjoying the Falklands democracy. As a proud Falkland Islander, I hope start this developed in leaps and bounds Fox Bay East and working as manager “My childhood gave me a the way I have done since I was young; in that one day the sacrifice of those who fought from doodling with a biro to producing large, of Packe Brothers farm when Argentina sense and understanding camp with my partner and family; or having for us will be truly honoured by an international ambitious paintings in my favourite medium, invaded. When the other inhabitants of the a river completely to myself (catching a fish recognition of our right to self determination. pastels. In 2011 I hosted my first solo exhibition settlement chose to move to the safety of of our community and being a bonus). And now going for a run is my at the Jetty Centre in Stanley to coincide with other unoccupied areas, Richard remained favourite way of absorbing my surroundings. environment that formed The late John Cheek was an elected member the launch of my own website, this was a great with his wife, Griz, and their two children, The view of the hills to the west as I run home – Tumbledown, Two Sisters, Longdon – is a of the Falkland Islands Legislative Council Fox Bay East, one of the old ‘big’ settlements success and now art is a significant part of Adam & Ben, and a shepherd, George the basis for my passion for my life and provides a growing contribution to thought provoking reminder, if I ever need it, in 1982. Undertaking vocational training on West Falkland, is my home; my earliest Stewart. They were soon joined in their the Falkland Islands. memories are of Fox Bay and it’s where I still our income. ” that I have so much to be grateful for. in the UK when the conflict broke out, he home by more than a dozen other Islanders live. For the first six years of my life my brother Looking back at what’s shaped the course Most particularly I am grateful for the spoke out with others on behalf of Falkland who had been identified by the Argentines Adam and I lived here in the rustic setup that of my life I see events that have influenced me, A clear benefit that the war gave to my education I had, which was a direct benefit Islanders, to try to provide a source of as trouble makers and evicted from Stanley. from the economic stability provided by the was life in the Camp in those days, no television, choices I’ve made, some bad, some excellent. generation of is a sense of accurate information about the Islands. phones, roads and precious little contact with However it all comes back to 1982, there was no certainty that we are very fortunate to be able British presence in the Islands following the war the outside world. From a very early age I loved choice involved in the huge events of that time. to call this place home. That has given us a and which has enabled me to come back to drawing, never mind all the soldier, astronaut, Before 1982 and as it was the Falklands would community to flourish. drive, purpose, and pride in our country, and has the Islands to work as a lawyer for the Falkland racing driver sort of aspirations that boys of that have slowly stagnated as the economy and Whatever people of our generation have enabled us to make progress that we couldn’t Islands Government. age usually have, I wanted to be an artist and to population dwindled. Eventually there would made of our lives in the Falklands is only have dreamed might be possible in the context Having seen how hard both my parents live in Fox Bay, these were my ambitions. have been nothing but a tiny fragment of the possible thanks to the action taken by the British of the political uncertainty and economic worked for the Falkland Islands, there was never I returned to Fox Bay after deciding the community left, dependent on the economic Government of the time and to the efforts and stagnation that was the background to our any doubt for me that I would do something of Civil Engineering degree I had embarked support of Britain for its existence. But then sacrifices made by the British forces that fought childhood before the war. a public service nature for a career; and to give on at university in Brighton was the wrong the conflict happened, Britain liberated us and for our freedom. I for one will always remember But even if we hadn’t had to suffer the something back in return for the education which direction for me and was fortunate in that my put the means in place for our economy and that and be grateful for it. invasion, I still think that I would just know that I I received but which Dad never had the chance of. parents had recently started, as a sideline to my was lucky to live here. Despite the worries of my Of course life here it isn’t always idyllic. The mother’s knitwear business, a small printing “Britain liberated us and put the means in place for parents for the future, my childhood gave me sense of guilt that so many went through so and embroidery business. My skills in computer a sense and understanding of our community much for us can be hard to keep in perspective. graphics and art were of use in this so I turned our economy and community to flourish.” The continued, unwarranted and egotistical Ian Betts Lucinda May Ian Betts is a self-employed plumber who lives in Stanley. He coaches the Teacher Lucinda (Cyndi) May lives in Stanley with her husband Stanley football team and is a sergeant in the Falkland Islands Defence Jonathan. She teaches children at the Infant and Junior School. Force, the locally maintained volunteer defence unit.

We have a football league which runs for the Bermuda Games in 2013. I played in the which is modified to include local History this point overseas education was still being throughout the summer months, roughly from team at the 2011 games in the Isle of Wight; we and Geography. As History co-ordinator the funded by the British Government. I went on to November – March. There are four teams in the took beatings from some of the bigger islands teaching of local history is something I am read History at Reading University from where George Betts was captain of the Monsunen league and they all have a wide age range; each but we managed to pick up the Small Island passionate about; for example children now I graduated with a BA Honours degree. This was supply ship, a Falkands-registered vessel, has at least three 14 year olds playing in them Cup. In previous Games we’ve not yet managed Father of Lucinda & Amara, Patrick Watts learn about the Stanley peat slips of the late funded by the Falkland Islands Government which was commandeered by the Argentines which is great as the young players get valuable to take a big scalp but we’ve come close. MBE was broadcasting live to the entire 1800’s and they visit a peat bog where they are which was by then benefiting from the in May 1982. He spent the remainder of the experience. I’m also wicket keeper in the Falkland Falklands population when the Argentines shown the Falklands traditional peat-cutting revenue of the newly-created off-shore fishing The best players in the league get picked Islands cricket team. This is a relatively new invaded on the 2nd of April 1982. He conflict in Stanley and resumed his duties as method. (Very few households in the Falklands zones. A further one year Post Graduate sport here but we’re now a member of the continued to work in the radio station captain in August 1982. use peat for fuel as opposed to the majority 30 Certificate in Education course qualified me to International Cricket Council (ICC) and have throughout the occupation, determined to years ago.) teach Primary School children. I always wanted to do an apprenticeship been to tournaments in Mexico and Costa Rica, maintain a British presence on the radio I was born in the Falkland Islands and Having lived in Britain for a decade and and was among the first three Falkland Islanders competing in the ICC’s Americas divisions. We despite the intrusion by Argentine military enjoyed an idyllic and carefree childhood been away from my home and family I was to go to College in the UK for further are there to fly the flag for our country among officers. growing up in Stanley in the 1970s. I recall long keen to return to the Falklands and begin my education after I had spent five years working the other North and South American nations. summer days, many of which were spent on the teaching career. Living and studying in Britain for a local company. A lot of my time is dedicated to being I have taught at the Infant and Junior beach with my sister and aunt, as well as playing was a valuable experience but I had never had I came home with my NVQ Levels 2 & 3 a sergeant in the FIDF. Essentially we are an School for around fifteen years, teaching at the ‘peat-bog’ whilst my father spent many any doubts that I would return to the Falklands in mechanical engineering and worked for infantry company-sized force, trained and children between the ages of 5 – 11 years. I hours cutting hundreds of cubic yards of peat. to live. another plumber for two years before deciding prepared in the same skills and arguably more am now a member of the senior management At the age of 15 I attended Peter Symonds Despite being away for so long I always I had had enough of being an employee and than the average British infantry company; in team which includes a local Deputy Head, College in Winchester, gaining 3 ‘A’ levels. At knew my real home was in the Falklands. My wanted to work for myself. I hadn’t really put other words, we get to do things they don’t, Karen Steen. ambition was also to ‘re-pay’ the Government much thought into it, I think I was just having such as working on the water with our boats and The school has grown in size tremendously; which funded my university education and a bad day. But it has worked out well and having training from a Royal Marine instructor. it currently has 260 pupils and has had also to encourage and motivate other young business is good. We have a Search and Rescue capability too. three extensions since I was a pupil there. Islanders to achieve their potential. I now employ one other person and we to play for Stanley, which is basically also The FIDF is something I’m passionate about; We follow the English National Curriculum The events of 1982 made me determined work on jobs right across the board in Stanley the national side. They have fixtures against I’m proud to be a Falkland Islander and I’m to succeed and help build a better future for and Camp, from new builds to renovations, to players from the British Forces and also get the proud to be British and I would want to play a the Falklands. The sacrifice, given by the British fixing basic leaks and maintenance. opportunity to travel overseas – we try to send part in the defence of the Falkland Islands if it The events of 1982 made Servicemen, was a great inspiration to us all. Being self-employed brings challenges but a team to the Island Games every two years. ever came to it. My brother, who works for a “ It ensured a more positive and secure future also benefits. It means I can take a day off when Normally the training for the Games is a last six local fishing company, is also a member. I think me determined to succeed for all the inhabitants for which we will be I want to which is important to me as I manage month push but we now know we need to work everyone is in the force for the same reason, to and help build a better future eternally grateful. the Stanley football team, I’m the wicket-keeper all year round and we’ve started training already do our bit. in the Falklands cricket team and I’m a sergeant for the Falklands I hope the Falklands will continue to in the Defence Force (FIDF). I’m proud to be a Falkland Islander and I would want to ” progress in the way that it has over the past “ 30 years but will still retain its unique identity. play a part in the defence of the Falkland Islands” Paul Phillips East Falkland farmer Paul Phillips runs Hope Cottage farm with his wife Shula and daughter Bekka.

The Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCo) has introduced the biggest change in the modern farm, with opportunities of an income from meat to enhance our wool Terence Phillips owned and ran Mount revenue. For many years reliant only on a wool Kent farm with his wife Carole and three income, Falklands farming went through very children, Julie, Paul & Gillian in 1982. hard times with the collapse of wool prices in the late 1980s, and now with a dual income Along with a number of other Islanders he we should be able to sustain a fall in either assisted 3Para by moving troops, rations enterprise without falling into times of poverty and ammunition with a tractor and again. We will have an income split of 66/33, trailer, as they headed towards the battle with wool still being our main income, but for Mt Longdon. farmers do not have the same confidence in wool as they did many years ago. We plant crops and grass to finish our stock around the same age, with a travelling teacher The Phillips family first came to the for FIMCo to boost our meat income, as they moving on a weekly basis from farm to farm; Falklands in 1862, with the first child born pay on quality and weight; FIMCo also gives Bekka day-trips for two weeks to the other in 1876, and we have worked in farming us the ability to increase production with the farms for her schooling and the other girls do since then. export of meat from the EU-approved abattoir. the same when the teacher is at Hope Cottage. My parents bought farm in We do an artificial insemination programme I think its really good that we can give her the 1980 when the larger farms around the Islands with both our sheep and cattle to improve our chance to live in the Camp if she chooses to were subdivided giving, for the first time, genetics, providing a better income from both when she is older. The Falklands are open for business Falkland Islanders an opportunity to own a meat and wool. piece of their own country. Family-size farms Farming has never been in a better we firmly believe we were born and a new farming era began. position, and we firmly believe we have “ We are a self-reliant people and work to produce In 1989 my parents sold Mount Kent farm a great future to look forward to. I remain have a great future to look our own clean, green and organic products. and bought Hope Cottage Farm, a better piece committed to living off the land we own, and forward to and remain of land, which was more productive and a we will always feel indebted to all involved in We are responsible managers of the fisheries in our waters, ensuring greater opportunity. liberating the Falklands in 1982. committed to living off the My wife Shula and I bought the farm from We have a six year old daughter who loves land we own we protect these resources for future generations. my parents on January 1, 2009 continuing many being out in the Camp, she is an absolute ” animal lover. There are three girls in the area all We have a thriving oil exploration industry with good environmental of the farming changes made by my parents. credentials, which engages with the community and NGOs. Oil and gas development will be a quantum leap for the Falklands and it is vital that it is correctly controlled. At present it is unclear Stephen Luxton what the extent of possible development might James Wallace Stephen Luxton is the Falkland Islands Government’s Director of Mineral be; we have a single oil field working towards James Wallace is the European representative for Falklands Resources. He lives at Mullet Creek, just outside Stanley, with his wife, Sue. development but in two to five years we could fishing company, Fortuna Ltd, of which his father is Managing easily be in a completely different position with Director. He was born and grew up in Stanley and now splits his time far more activity. between the Falklands and Amsterdam, where he lives with his young family. Current intentions are to keep most of the major engineering activity offshore, The reliance of the Islands’ economy on based intermediaries. The recently introduced with onshore support bases and facilities as the fishery resource makes conservation and container service operating from the Islands required. The main focus for the Falkland Islands was at Chartres, plus the occasional visits to “big Stuart Wallace was a member of the Falkland rational use matters of national importance. enables exporters to make direct exports from school” in Stanley. I moved in to Stanley House Government will therefore be to ensure that the Along with his wife, Patricia, and son, Islands Defence Force living in Stanley The fishery’s rights-based quota system (ITQ) the Islands and integrate further into the global activity is a safe and thorough exploitation of to boarding school in 1981, aged eight, sharing Stephen, shortly after the invasion Bill when he was expelled from the capital by encourages everyone to take the long term seafood business. the resource in the national interest, involving a cramped dormitory in the top floor of the view and gives greater economic relevance to Falkland fish is internationally recognised as Luxton was deported to the UK where he the Argentine forces who deemed him a local business wherever possible, to build a main house with about 16 others, which ended became notable for giving revealing preserving the stock. As a result of the modern premium quality wild-caught seafood and the rather suddenly with the outbreak of conflict. troublemaker. Along with wife Lilian and two firm foundation for the Falklands economy and interviews about his experiences with the measures and policy in place and the high prominence of the Falkland’s brand provides an government revenues for many years to come. We returned to a much-changed Stanley House children, Fiona and James, he was sent to quality of scientific work carried out in the Argentine military, bringing the issue to life I was born in Stanley and grew up with my in early 1983, living in mobile homes on an Fox Bay East for the duration of the conflict. Islands the fishery is internationally recognised for UK audiences. parents Bill and Pat at Chartres. Early schooling old tennis court. I was the last year to do the as one of the best managed in the world. Fortuna was one of the first locally owned old ‘O’ levels in 1988, went on to do ‘A’ levels at The developments of the local fishing companies to fish in Falklands waters following Cranleigh in Surrey, and finished my education industry are equally impressive. The small the declaration of the economic exclusion zone “the Falklands has in 1995 graduating with a B.Sc. (Hons) in unsubsidised sector has managed in difficult after the conflict. More than twenty-five years a great future ahead of it Geology from Durham University. circumstances to advance at a rate well beyond ” on, it is the leading producer and marketer of I was always keen to return home during that of any other of the world’s small coastal sea-frozen white fish and squid products in school holidays and after a number of years the states. The natural variability of stocks of the the region. Fish is processed and packed on well trodden path up and down the Atlantic main target species, Loligo and Illex squid, the board its fleet of factory freezer vessels and became second nature. I have considered living remote location of the fishery, a lack of local transported to markets around the world. elsewhere on the odd occasion but the reality capital, skills and experience, and fisheries My responsibilities include regional is always that about three weeks away from the policy based for the first twenty years on annual marketing and sales of the company’s products Islands is enough to refresh the memory as to licences with no guarantee of renewal were all in Northern and Eastern Europe, the USA and why we live here and I am always ready to come significant obstacles to growth. The high risk Asia. I carry out my duties from my home in home. There is nowhere else in the world that investments made during those uncertain times excellent platform for the export of new species Amsterdam and the Falklands where I am offers the same blend of quality of life and career are today generating returns for the Islands and of previously unexploited fish that are currently resident for part of the year working from the or business opportunities as the Falklands. past. The Falklands has a great future ahead the rights-based quota system introduced in under study. company’s headquarters in Stanley. My parents, The conflict undoubtedly shaped of it despite the ongoing political threat from 2008 is encouraging more local investment in The fishing industry and the seafood trade sister and her family live in Stanley. everything that is the modern Falklands. We Argentina, and there are a great many people fishing assets and expertise. are dynamic and fast-paced sectors to work in owe it to those who liberated us and especially who, like me, are proud to call it home. In a remote fishery like the Falklands one and being part of a primary industry during those who lost their lives, to make the most “conservation and of the first challenges is logistics, transporting such a fundamental stage of growth is exciting. of the freedom they gave us back and to look rational use are matters the fish to market. Operators have coped well The sense of advancement and expansion into to the future while pausing to remember the by transporting fish aboard fishing vessels new territory brings a personal satisfaction that of national importance” and co-ordinating exports with European- is exceptional in most careers. This is our home and we are the custodians of our environment

Eco-tourism is the cornerstone of our tourism industry and we welcome visitors who come to see our beautiful and abundant wildlife. We are always learning more about our natural surroundings and ways to better protect and conserve them. This is where we belong and we will seek ways to reserve our environment for future generations. Nick Rendell Nyree Heathman Nyree Heathman combines her role as mother to Kai with running Nick Rendell is the Environmental Officer for the Falkland Islands Government. a family tourism business, Estancia Excursions. He lives in Stanley with his partner, Farrah.

worked at Camp Education. In the late 1990s my parents bought and I have Living in the Falkland Islands means that our spent a lot of time there subsequently. we endeavour to ensure children benefit from the freedom and safety, After attending school in Stanley I attended “ education and opportunities that life here in Winchester for two that visitors receive a warm has to offer, none of which would be possible Returning to the UK after living in Saudi very memorable years to take my A-Levels welcome and enjoy their without the sacrifices made by the British forces Arabia for several years, Falkland Islander before studying for four years to gain my It was purely by chance that I started to in 1982. These sacrifices have meant that our Phyllis Rendell and her husband, Mike, had bachelors degree in geography and politics at work within the tourism industry covering for often brief time here” beautiful Islands have been able to develop just welcomed their son, Nicholas, into the the University of Sheffield. After a year working another driver one day. This eventually led to into the thriving community that exists today, regular driving/guiding and I enjoyed meeting and ultimately mean that we can proudly call world and were trying to buy a farm on East as a graduate trainee in the Falklands I returned new people and telling them about our My childhood was spent enjoying the ourselves British; that will never be forgotten Falkland when the conflict broke out. to the UK to read my Masters degree in Environmental Management at the University unique Islands. It has also provided some rather freedom that my parents’ farm Estancia had and appreciated more than words can say. of Manchester. I then spent a year working in amusing moments with unusual questions, and to offer. Growing up in Camp also meant that The Falkland Islands holds some of an Environmental Consultancy in Manchester some very entertaining days when the tracks schooling involved a daily “radio lesson” with a the most beautiful, important and accessible before I returned to the Falklands in 2009 to are wet. Luckily having grown up on the family teacher in Stanley via 2-meter, and routine visits seabird and marine mammal populations in help preserve and enhance it for the benefit of take up my current position as Environmental farm I learnt to drive off-road at a young age, from a travelling teacher throughout the year, a Ailsa Heathman was a young mother when the world, as well as being home to unique future generations. Officer with the Falkland Islands Government. although this hasn’t excused me from my fair system that worked well and provided me with British Forces knocked at the door of her habitats and breath-taking scenery. I have been The Falkland Islands environment I have not found anywhere else in the share of embarrassing ‘sticky’ moments. an excellent primary education. farmhouse at Estancia. She and husband, fortunate to experience the awesome wildlife faces many challenges. Pressure from the world that compares with the unique lifestyle With the number of tourists visiting the Eventually moving to the boarding hostel Tony, became instrumental in assisting the and environment of the Falkland Islands first- development of our economy is perhaps and culture of the Falklands. The opportunities Falkland Islands now considerably higher than in Stanley I attended secondary school until British on their final push to the battle hand from a young age, and to compare it with the greatest threat to our environment. The the age of 16 where I completed my GCSEs. here, considering our size and population, far ten years ago, more and more people are grounds surrounding Stanley. that of many other parts of the world. diverse biodiversity found in the Falklands outweigh the geographical isolation. For one becoming involved in this industry. It provides This was followed by a year in Devon at The economy of the Falklands is built on must be better understood and preserved into of the smallest countries on the globe we have valuable income at a time of worldwide financial Agricultural College where I gained a Certificate fisheries, agriculture, tourism and, looking to the future despite these pressures. a huge amount going for us – not least our instability, and we endeavour to ensure that in Agriculture. the future, potentially hydrocarbons. All are I grew up in Stanley, but spent a lot of time environment, culture, and individuality. visitors receive a warm welcome and enjoy their Despite thoroughly enjoying my time in dependent or closely linked to the exquisite in the Camp as a child, particularly on Pebble The Falklands is continuing to grow often brief time here. the UK I was keen to return to the Islands to and unique environment of the Falkland Island as my father ran Pebble Lodge for economically and the future looks bright. We Working throughout the summer within work, and after some time spent working for Islands. My passion is this environment and I, several years in the mid 1980s and I also visited are at a crossroads and have the opportunity to the tourism industry means that since having the Government Air Service I transferred to like many Falkland Islanders, hope to be able to Camp settlements with my mother when she develop our society as a model of progressive, my son Kai in 2009 I am fortunate enough to be the Department of Agriculture. Whilst working sustainable and green growth while further able to be a stay-at-home mum for the majority there I completed a long distance Diploma improving our special quality of life. of the year. My sister Tara is also able to benefit in Agricultural Business Management, and “my passion is this environment and I hope to be from this seasonal work, regularly driving undertook training in artificial reproduction able to help preserve and enhance it for the benefit of visitors to , whilst still being able techniques and embryology in Australia. It was to spend considerable time at home with her a job that I very much enjoyed, and no two days future generations” young son and daughter. were the same. Daniel Fowler Our Islands, Our Home Daniel Fowler was born in Stanley on April 13th, 1982, while the Falklands were under occupation. He is currently working towards a Master of Research degree in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. He lives in Stanley with his partner, Zoe.

Like many Falklands students I went little doubt that I’ll be back before too long; this to Britain to continue my studies, spending is home. John Fowler was Superintendant of six years away in total. If I’m honest, I I work on land now, looking at the Education in 1982. In the final days of hadn’t planned to return to the Falklands freshwater environment and the interaction the conflict his Stanley home was hit by a immediately after university; I thought the between the introduced and invasive brown rogue British shell, killing three of the Islands were too small, too quiet; “Maybe in trout and our critically endangered native fish. civilians inside. ten years” I told myself. Many people think the Falklands’ rivers are just But I came home anyway to do a year’s about sea trout, but we should do what we can contract working at sea on fishing boats as a to protect all the species for which this place a history lesson, and not a living memory. That biologist. Six years later, I am still in the Falklands is home, in the same way that we would like doesn’t make me less proud to be British, or less and have just bought a house with my partner. others to respect our right to live here. I think grateful for the sacrifices made to protect us, but I’ve never regretted coming back. I might head environmental stewardship is very important the conflict itself is almost an abstract concept. off and see the world for a few years and get for the Islands; the environment is one of the What is tangible though is the sense of freedom some work experience elsewhere, but I have things that make this place great. There is a and opportunity bestowed up on us. These are lot to learn, and a lot to be done, and there’s interesting (some would say difficult) times for nowhere I’d rather be working right now. the Islands, but we’ll pull through; we owe it to Away from work I like to be active and ourselves, and to others. outdoors, either with the Falkland Islands Defence Force and the fire service, or on my own time, walking, camping or doing sport “we should do what we (I’m a second-rate windsurfer and a beginner kite-surfer/buggier). Mostly though, I’m can to protect all the pretty happy just having the time to do a species for which this bit of gardening and watch the chickens scratch around, or walk the dog on the place is home, in the beach. All these things make the Falklands same way that we would a cool place to be: freedom, space and nature. like others to respect our I suppose I’m fortunate that for me (and right to live here. ” my age group) the conflict is a reference point, Produced on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government by Jenny Cockwell. With grateful thanks to to Mandy Ford, Antoine Daille, Julie Halliday, News, Stephen Luxton and Ian and Georgina Strange for their photographic contributions..