Falklands Now: Documentary on the effects of the 1982 conflict with Argentina on the way of life in the Falklands Islands two years afterwards - nd [1984]

Title

Falklands Now: Documentary on the effects of the 1982 conflict with Argentina on the way of life in the Falklands Islands two years afterwards - nd [1984]

Description

FALKLANDS NOW [Series RADIO VICTORY ARCHIVE] Documentary broadcast on Radio Victory in 1984, on the effects of the 1982 conflict with Argentina on the way of life in the Falklands Islands two years afterwards. In- On Monday 14th June 1982, Falkland Islands way of life has been irreversibly changed by Falklands war. Programme investigates what is it like, what is happening on Falklands and how do islanders see their future? 1- SIR REX HUNT explains how he thinks Islands resources would be better exploited - thinks there should be 200 mile fishing limit. 2- Commander of British Forces, MAJOR GENERAL KEITH SPACEY, explains his brief. 3- SIMON POWELL has started up business on Falklands. Falklanders fiercely patriotic. MAJOR GENERAL KEITH SPACEY OBE, Military Commissioner and Commander of British Forces controls 4--- troops - outlines progress and changes he has seen in Falklands - improvement in conditions for troops. His brief is responsibility for the defence of the Islands and dependencies. Falklands not a fortress; his views of Argentine military threat, how effective British military presence is. Talks about clearance of mines and minefields. Does not think islanders have become dependent on soldiers for help. GROUP CAPTAIN GERRY COCHOO, commander of air services in the Falklands - controls all air assets in Army Air Corps and RAF. Most of planes at RAF Stanley. RAFs role is maritime protection and air defence. Group Captain Cahoo describes benefits to the men of service in Falklands, especially team spirit. Believes Hercules regular trips between Ascension Island and Port Stanley to be unique operation in its regularity and need for refuelling. Guidelines laid down for turning away unwelcome visitors to Falklands. Bad weather can be problem at Stanley for flying. Says Mount Pleasant airfield will offer new era for flying in the Falklands - due to open in Spring 1985. Falkland Islander, LAURIE BUTLER believes democracy will not last in Argentina - says Argentinians only respect force. Still many reminders of Argentinian occupation in Falklands. LES PECK, an islander - many islanders afraid of future Argentine influence in Falklands. Falklanders do not want change. Does not believe in Argentine democracy. Islanders want to develop on own lines with British help. SIR REX HUNT - Tries to present islanders interests. Recall events of Argentine invasion. Talks about future of Islands - runway will provide communication. Sees no future in relations with Argentina while Argentina still claims soveregnity. Falkland Islanders will not be ruled by Argentina. Believes older people in Stanley most affected by invasion. Younger people benefit by improved services since British troops arrived. Falkland Islanders accept each other as individuals - Sir Rex believes new immigrants will come. Discusses how Islands resources might be exploited - fish [ by imposing 200 mile limit to prevent overfishing]. Diversity wool production - clean wool before export, spin and knit, export mutton - diversification is responsibility of Falkland Islands Development Corporation. PATRICK WATTS - Station Manager of Falkland Islands Broadcasting Station. Describes broadcasting during Argentine occupation. Radio station reflects life on Islands. Thinks it is possible for Stanley to return to same sort of life as were leading before invasion, though change was already taking place. Feels little to show in development of Falklands since conflict - too much money spent on exports not actual development. 85 percent money coming to Falklands goes back to Britain [contractors etc.]. Presenter talks about deep sea fishing and possible imposition of 200 mile limit and licensing of fishing. Idea of large fish processing plant on islands ruled out - not enough labour accomodation, power and water. JOHN REID, Falklands Development Officer - lack of accomodation and labour on Island are key problems. Discusses how they might cope with housing shortage. Feels more people are necessary to make economy viable - the numbers there now will not change the Islands dramatically. DAVID HAWKSWORTH - Has emigrated, set up fish and chip shop. SIMON POWELL - emigrated with family and keeps burger shop, decided was a place for such a venture. Uses local produce where possible. Also runs motor cycle hire service. Says accomodation is the main problem for anyone planning to emigrate. Impressions of the Falklands from those interviewed. Out...coming home. [Box 7]

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Duration

00:50:33

Notes

Tape box is marked AIRC [? networked programme].

Misc. notes

Gauge:- compact cassette

Production company

Radio Victory

Extent

1 tape

Credits

Interviewees

Patrick Watts; Rex Hunt; Keith Spacey; Simon Powell; Gerry Cohoo; Laurie Butler; Les Peck; John Reid; David Hawksworth