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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

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 23 July 2026

Expressions of Interest Open for Independent Chair of the Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust

The Falkland Islands Government is inviting expressions of interest for the appointment of the inaugural Independent Chair of the Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust.

The Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust has been established to support projects that deliver lasting environmental benefits across the Falkland Islands through environmental offset contributions associated with offshore petroleum activities.

The Independent Chair will lead the Trust’s Board of Directors, providing strategic leadership and oversight while promoting transparency, accountability and good governance. The successful candidate will also play a key role in supporting the development of the Trust’s core policies and helping establish a new and innovative environmental funding body for the Falkland Islands.

FIG is seeking an individual with demonstrated leadership experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Environmental science
• Conservation, biodiversity and environmental protection
• Organisational governance, administration and financial management
• Legal, regulatory or fiduciary matters
• Offshore petroleum or natural resource sectors

Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound judgement, independence, integrity and a commitment to transparent decision-making, ensuring the Board collectively maintains the breadth of expertise required to oversee the Trust effectively.

To maintain the Trust’s independence, applicants must not be Public Officers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, employees, contractors or directors of offshore petroleum licensees, connected persons of offshore petroleum licensees, or individuals likely to apply for grants from the Trust or connected to potential applicants.

The appointment is for a term of up to four years. The role is remunerated at a rate to be determined by the Board, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Expressions of interest are now open and will close on Friday 14 August.

For further information, or to request a Register of Interest and Declaration Form, please contact the Minerals Department on 27322 or emails info@mineralresources.gov.fk

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

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25 June 2026

East Midlands Airport – FAQs
for civilians travelling to/from the Falkland Islands on the South Atlantic Airbridge

25 July – 15 Nov 2026

As previously advertised, between 25 July and 15 November 2026 (subject to amendment), RAF Brize Norton will be closed for runway resurfacing. During this period, all passengers on the South Atlantic Airbridge will fly in to and out of East Midlands Airport (EMA).

The following are questions which have been – or are likely to be – asked about the alternative arrangements over the next few months.

1. Where is East Midlands Airport?
East Midlands Airport – Google Maps

2. What are the standard flight timings expected to be?  

• Sun – Depart: East Midlands Airport 2100 British Summer Time* (2000Z)
• Mon – Arrive: Mount Pleasant Airfield 1255 local (1555Z)

• Tues – Depart: Mount Pleasant Airfield 1045 local (1345Z)
• Weds – Arrive: East Midlands Airport 0900 BST* (0800Z)

• Wed – Depart: East Midlands Airport 2100 BST* (2000Z)
• Thurs – Arrive: Mount Pleasant Airfield 1255 local (1555Z)

• Fri – Depart: Mount Pleasant Airfield 1045 local time (1345Z)
• Sat – Arrive: East Midlands Airport 0900 BST* (0800Z)

*please note, these timings will revert to GMT/Zulu in late October

3. What will the check-in times be, at each end?
Check-in times will be advertised as usual on the RAF Brize Norton website. Broadly, these will be 5 hours before departure, closing 2.5 hours before take-off.

4. Will Airbridge information be displayed on EMA’s departures website?
Mount Pleasant as a destination is on the drop-down menu, but details of Airbridge flights to/from MPA will not be shown there. This information will continue to be displayed on the RAF Brize Norton website and this should be used as the only official source of information.

5. Can flights be booked through EMA’s website?
No. Airbridge tickets will remain bookable only through the FIC and/or FIGO, as usual.

6. Will South-bound passengers check in at Brize Norton and then be transported by the MoD to EMA, or will the check-in be at EMA?
Check-in will be at EMA (lanes 50, 51 and 52 are allocated). Brize Norton is fully closed for the duration of the runway resurfacing project.

7. Is there a public bus or other transport to/from the nearby train stations?
Several bus companies will take you to/from a handful of train stations in the area, at all hours of the day, with connections to the rest of the country.

8. Where do passengers need to go upon arrival at East Midlands Airport?
There is only one terminal at EMA, and electronic notice boards inside will direct you to the relevant check-in counters, departure gates, etc.

9. Do I need a ZUB pass to access East Midlands Airport?
No.

10. Will Airbridge passengers have access to the commercial air terminal – e.g. shops, lounges, restrooms – before they fly? If so, will there be any restrictions on carrying Duty Free onto the plane? 
Airbridge passengers will have access to all the facilities available to other travellers at EMA. Duty Free allowances will be in line with FIG Customs regulations – and as with any other carrier, purchases may not be consumed during the Airbridge flight.

11. What facilities are available after check-in for families travelling with children and babies?
The Little Flyers Club is looking forward to greeting you! Further info on terminal facilities, including baby change, is available here.

12. Will check-in be done by a military contractor or commercial airline staff? 
Commercial airline staff.

13. Are baggage restrictions such as liquids in hand luggage different from those at Brize Norton/MPA? 
Restrictions will be in line with EMA policy, and some of these are different from what is usually permitted at Brize Norton. Please see the East Midlands Airport website.

14. Will Falklands residents still be entitled to 55kgs of luggage per person? 
Personal baggage allowances remain in line with current arrangements for the Airbridge. Your individual allowance will be shown on your booking confirmation.

15. What are the long- and short-term parking, and drop-off arrangements?
East Midlands Airport is a normal commercial airport with a number of options for parking, pick up and drop off, car hire, and taxi service.

16. What are the arrangements for collection of arriving passengers by both friends/family in their own cars, or from a taxi company? Is there a designated pick-up/waiting area?
East Midlands Airport is a normal commercial airport with a number of options for parking, pick up and drop off, car hire, and taxi service.

17. If you’ve flown South from Brize Norton, leaving a car there, and then arrive back at EMA, will the MoD arrange transport for you back to Brize? 
No. This is a personal responsibility.

18. Will any onward travel to Brize Norton be available via the MoD for civilian travellers?
No.

19. Will FIG’s provision of Medical Treatment Overseas be affected?
No. Transfers will remain the same and patients will be collected and dropped off at EMA, as per normal MTO operations.

20. Are onward commercial flights available from EMA?
Yes, they are – to a range of destinations across the UK and Europe! Please see the East Midlands Airport website for further details.

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

23 December 2025

Reminder of the increase in the Rate of Embarkation Tax

As agreed in the Budget for 2025/26, the rate of embarkation tax payable by passengers departing the Falkland Islands by air, in accordance with the Embarkation Tax Regulations Ordinance 1999, will increase from £32 to £40 per passenger, with effect from Thursday Monday 1 January 2026. 

Payment of embarkation tax by passengers travelling northwards on the Airbridge, is included within the ticket price. In respect of passengers travelling by LATAM, payment must either be made in advance at the Customs and Immigration office or at their departure check-in at the Airport.

Persons exempted from payment of the embarkation tax includes:

• Any child under the age of two years at the time of departure
• Persons departing as a medical patient or patient’s carer under arrangements made or approved by or made by the Chief Medical Officer                

If any passenger has embarkation tax receipts at the former tax value of £32 they should visit the Customs and Immigration Office located at Ross Road. Passengers will either receive a refund or if they are intending to travel in coming months, a new tax receipt will be issued for the current tax value of 40 on payment of the additional £8.

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

9 December 2025

Additional Voting Opportunity

The Falkland Islands Government would like to inform voters of an additional opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the General Election on Thursday 11December.

Due to an unforeseen change to this week’s cruise ship schedule, it has become apparent that some voters may face difficulty voting at the main polling stations on election day. To support those affected, one of the mobile polling stations will be made available in advance.

• Location: Town Hall
• Date: Wednesday 10 December
• Time: 10:45am – 11:45am

Voters who anticipate difficulty accessing polling stations on Thursday are encouraged to make use of this alternative option.

A reminder that urgent proxies remain available until 16:30 today, Tuesday 9 December, for those who may require them.

To help ease congestion around the Town Hall, the public is kindly asked to be considerate when parking while casting their votes.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Andrea Clausen

Returning Officer

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

9 December 2025

Parking During General Election Voting

In advance of the General Election on Thursday 11 December 2025, the Falkland Islands Government wishes to remind the public to take care when parking in the vicinity of the Town Hall.

A significant number of voters are expected throughout the day, and the Town Hall car park is frequently at capacity under normal circumstances. To maintain safety, ensure accessibility, and minimise congestion and disruption within the car park, the public is kindly requested to:

• Park considerately and refrain from obstructing the entrance and exit, footpaths, or neighbouring vehicles.
• Allow additional time to locate appropriate parking and be prepared to park further away and proceed on foot if required.
• Avoid parking vehicles in a manner that limits visibility for pedestrians or other vehicles.

Responsible parking will assist in maintaining traffic flow and reducing unnecessary disruption during the voting period.

The Falkland Islands Government also wishes to advise that a group of journalists from Uruguay and Brazil are currently visiting the Islands to report on the General Election and to highlight the internal self-governance of the Falkland Islands, strengthening our message of self-determination. They may be filming outside the Town Hall while the polling is taking place.

The Falkland Islands Government thanks the public for their cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth election day.

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

5 December 2025

Quarry Operating Hours

The Public Works Department would like to inform the public of the upcoming closure of the Quarry.

The Quarry will be closed on the following dates and times:

• 3:00pm on Saturday, 6 December 5
• 12:00pm on Wednesday, 24 December 5

The Quarry will re-open after the Christmas break at 8:00am on Friday, 2 January.

We thank the community for their understanding and encourage anyone requiring quarry services prior to the Christmas break to plan accordingly.

For further information, please contact the Public Works Department on 27176 or email quarry@pwd.gov.fk

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

5 December 2025

Reminder about the Minimum Wage Accommodation Offset Changes

Changes to the Minimum Wage Accommodation Offset are due to come into force on 1January 2026. This specifically applies to any businesses that provide accommodation for employees and the changes take effect the same date the minimum wage increases to £9.66 per hour.

The changes will see the accommodation offset provide greater protection to employees who rent from their employer, as well as uprating values so they are more reflective of minimum wage levels and the costs to business of providing housing.

Further information for both employers and employees on the accommodation offset changes, including a spreadsheet calculator, can be found on the FIG website here: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/policy/statistics/living-minimum-wage/accommodation-offset.

Guides have also been produced by the Falkland Islands Tax Office for both employers and employees. Employees are encouraged to review this if they have any concerns about their pay meeting the minimum wage criteria. CAB Falkland Islands is also available to offer confidential advice and can be contacted at cab@horizon.co.fk

For further information please contact Senior Policy Advisor, Matt Daniel, at mdaniel@sec.gov.fk

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

4 December 2025

Update on avian influenza (bird flu)

On Wednesday 3 December 2025 swabs that were taken from dead albatross on Beauchene Island were tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Approximately 40 fresh carcasses were found with evidence of hundreds of old carcasses suggesting a more historic unusual mortality event from last season.

A Level 3 response will be followed with strict biosecurity measures being in place.

The Declaration will be reviewed on Friday 23 January.

FIG has prepared information and guidance about bird flu and preventative measures to try and reduce the spread of the virus. This has been approved by the Governor and must be complied with when an area or place is declared as infected. This guidance can be found here: https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza 

Public updates will continue monthly with live updates of cases as and when they are confirmed.

The public are reminded to NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds but report them to the Veterinary Services on 27366 or 55366 out of hours.

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

4 December 2025

Withdrawal of Old Paper Banknotes from Circulation

The Treasury Department would like to inform the public that following the release of the new Falkland Islands polymer banknotes in August 2025, all remaining £20, £10 & £5 old style paper banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation and cease to be legal tender from 30 April 2026. 

£50 old style paper banknotes will remain legal tender and in circulation alongside the new polymer £20, £10 & £5 banknotes.

The Treasury Exchequer office, located in the Secretariat, will be able exchange the £20, £10 & £5 old style paper banknotes for new polymer notes after 30 April 2026.

For more information or if you have any concerns regarding the withdrawal of the paper banknotes from circulation, please contact Rebecca Ross on rross@sec.gov.fk or 28400.

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ENDS

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

2 December 2025

Notice of Office Closure – Customs and Immigration Service

The Customs and Immigration Service wish to advise the public their office on Ross Road will be closed on the afternoon of Friday 12 December.  It will re-open as normal on Monday 15 December at 10.30 am.

The on-call phone will be operated during this time for emergency and operational purposes only. Should a member of the public have an urgent enquiry please contact the on-call Officer on 52255.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

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ENDS

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