AGP Executive Report

Aviation & FIGAS: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built on its fully reshored Bembridge line has reached 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production. Government Appointments: The Falkland Islands Government has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of the same directorate. Environment & Oceans: The Falkland Islands Environment Department marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with a family event at the FIDF Hall on Sunday 7 June, focused on local conservation and ocean protection. Remote Medical Support: HMS Medway has returned after a major trip to Tristan da Cunha, delivering aid and collecting personnel following a suspected hantavirus case. Commemoration: A memorial service is planned for June 12 to mark the anniversary of Falklands war hero Sgt Ian McKay. Budget Watch: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget is set out as a “prudent and strategic” plan, including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees and a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage from January 2027.

Aviation Milestone: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built on its fully reshored Bembridge line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production. FIG Leadership: The Falkland Islands Government has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director after three years with direct line-management responsibility for key directorate areas and commercial contracts. Public Services at Sea: HMS Medway has returned from a major support trip to Tristan da Cunha, delivering aid and medical help after a suspected hantavirus case, including airdrop support when oxygen supplies were critical. Local Governance & Housing: FIG has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push at Murray Heights, with infrastructure for 60 plots and 30 modular homes planned, aiming to deliver FIG houses within 12 months. Budget Update: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget totals £216.3m, including cost-of-living support for full-time FIG employees and a planned rise in the minimum wage from January 2027.

Aviation & FIGAS: Britten-Norman says the first fully UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge plant, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe now around 25% as components are already being made. South Atlantic health support: HMS Medway has returned after a demanding 5,000-mile round trip to Tristan da Cunha, delivering aid and medical teams following a suspected hantavirus case linked to MV Hondius, with supplies transferred once conditions allowed. Commemoration: A memorial service is set for June 12 to mark the anniversary of VC hero Sgt Ian McKay’s Falklands death in 1982. Falklands sovereignty & wider geopolitics: Commentary continues to focus on the UK’s stance on keeping the Islands British, while the Chagos dispute involving the US, Mauritius and Diego Garcia remains a live flashpoint. Housing: FIG’s Executive Council has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push at Murray Heights, including modular plots and 30 modular units, aimed at easing the territory’s ongoing shortage.

UN Decolonisation Push: The British Virgin Islands has urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) to use “good offices” and visiting missions to help the remaining 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories move toward integration, free association or independence. Liberation Day Focus: A Falklands veteran recalls the 1982 bombing of RFA Sir Galahad, marking the anniversary of the Liberation of the Islands on 14 June. Aviation Milestone: Britten-Norman says the first fully UK-built Islander has reached 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due soon and delivery planned for FIGAS later this year. Housing Update: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley housing plan at Murray Heights, including infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular homes, aiming to deliver 30 houses within 12 months. Budget & Travel Scheme: FIG’s 2026/27 budget totals £216.3m and includes a cost-of-living payment for full-time employees, while also suspending the Travel Credit Scheme from next year. Sea Lion Oil Tensions: Argentina warns it will “fully exercise” actions over Sea Lion development near the Falklands, as Rockhopper and Navitas press ahead toward first oil targeted for 2028.

Aviation & FIGAS: Britten-Norman says the first UK-built Islander for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge plant, with final assembly due in the coming weeks; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production. Falklands Remembrance: A survivor of the 1982 bombing of RFA Sir Galahad has shared his harrowing account of the attack and his long recovery, as the Islands mark the day. South Atlantic Health Support: HMS Medway has completed an 18-day mission to Tristan da Cunha, delivering critical medical supplies and support for a suspected hantavirus case, with RAF pathfinders inserted and later recovered. Local Governance & Cost of Living: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a public meeting on the 2026/27 annual budget (Monday 8 June), including the suspension of the Travel Credit Scheme and measures aimed at easing pressures. Liberation Day Build-up: The Islands will mark the 44th anniversary of Liberation Day on 14 June with a programme featuring a cathedral service, parade and wreath-laying in Stanley. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina has warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over Sea Lion drilling plans, escalating its dispute with Rockhopper and Navitas.

South Atlantic Medical Support: HMS Medway has completed an 18-day deployment to Tristan da Cunha, delivering critical medical support for a British national suspected of having contracted Hantavirus, with six civilian medics and essential supplies, plus RAF insertion of Pathfinders and a safe return to the Falklands. Falklands Budget & Cost of Living: The Falkland Islands Government’s 2026/27 annual budget totals £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees, a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from January 2027, and inflation-linked increases to pensions and benefits. Housing Push: Executive Council has approved accelerated housing at Murray Heights, with infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 government houses within 12 months. Liberation Day Commemoration: The Islands will mark the 44th anniversary of Liberation Day on 14 June with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral and a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument. Sea Lion Oil Tensions: Argentina warns it could “fully exercise all” actions over Sea Lion drilling plans, after Rockhopper and Navitas moved the project into development, escalating the sovereignty dispute. Travel Credit Scheme Suspended: FIG has suspended the Travel Credit Scheme, saving £630,000 a year, prompting criticism from MLAs over future travel support for Falkland Islands status holders.

Falklands Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina has warned it could “fully exercise all available actions” over Britain’s Sea Lion oil drilling plans near the Falkland Islands, calling Rockhopper and partner Navitas “clandestine” and “unlawful” as the project moves into development. Sea Lion Progress: Rockhopper says Sea Lion phase one is sanctioned with first oil targeted for Q1 2028, after financing and key contracts for the FPSO, drilling and services. Falklands Budget: The 2026/27 Falkland Islands budget totals £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, with a public meeting Monday 8 June where Financial Secretary Pat Clunie will present it; measures include a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees and a 5.3% minimum wage rise. Travel Credit Scheme: FIG has suspended the Travel Credit Scheme, saving £630,000 a year, prompting criticism from status holders about future travel support. Liberation Day: The territory will mark the 44th anniversary of Liberation Day on 14 June with a thanksgiving service, parade and wreath-laying in Stanley. Community & Culture: Overseas Territories Day was marked with flags flying in Stanley, and a silent auction raised £7,000+ for Falkland Islands Community School students’ UK trip.

Falklands Budget Meeting: Falkland Islands Government will hold a public meeting Monday 8 June, 5-6pm, in the Court & Assembly Chamber as Financial Secretary Pat Clunie presents the 2026/27 annual budget, totalling £216.3m, with a small operating surplus and measures including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage to £10.17 from January 2027, and 2.7% fee and charge increases (with some overseas postage rises higher). Travel Credit Scheme: The budget also suspends the Travel Credit Scheme, saving £630,000 a year, but leaving many Falkland Islands status holders without future travel support; MLA Cheryl Roberts says it won’t widen divides. Housing Push: Executive Council has approved accelerated housing at Murray Heights: infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 government houses within 12 months, with some short-term delays as resources shift from Sapper Hill. Sea Lion Oil Row: Argentina escalated its sovereignty dispute over Sea Lion, warning it could “fully exercise all actions” over Rockhopper and Navitas plans to drill near the Falklands as the project moves into development, while Rockhopper reports a 2025 loss tied to arbitration setbacks and says first oil remains targeted for early 2028. Community Remembrance & Commemoration: Islanders marked the Atlantic Conveyor memorial and are building up to Liberation Day on 14 June, with the official programme including a thanksgiving service and a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument. Overseas Territories Day: The Falklands joined UK Overseas Territories Day events, with flags flying on Victory Green in Stanley.

Budget & Public Meeting: Falkland Islands Government will hold a public meeting Monday 8 June (5-6pm) in the Court & Assembly Chamber, where Financial Secretary Pat Clunie presents the approved 2026/27 budget of £216.3m, built around “living within our means” amid weaker corporation tax receipts and loan repayments, with a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage to £10.17 from January 2027, and 2.7% fee and charge increases. Local Politics: MLA Cheryl Roberts addressed the suspension of the Travel Credit Scheme, which FIG says will save £630,000 a year but leaves many status holders without future travel support. Housing Push: Executive Council approved accelerated housing at Murray Heights, including infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months. Oil & Sovereignty Tensions: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over Sea Lion drilling plans, after Rockhopper moved the project into development, while Rockhopper reported a 2025 financial hit tied to arbitration. Commemoration: Islanders marked the Atlantic Conveyor anniversary and are preparing for Liberation Day on 14 June. Travel Disruption: South Atlantic Airbridge flights will route via East Midlands Airport from 27 July to 15 November due to runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton.

Overseas Territories Day: Stanley marked UK Overseas Territories Day with Falklands flags flying alongside the UK on Victory Green, and events in London celebrating shared values across the 14 territories. Travel Credit Scheme: Falklands MLA Cheryl Roberts addressed the suspension of the Travel Credit Scheme, which FIG says will save £630,000 a year, warning it could leave many status holders without future travel help. Liberation remembrance: The community paused to remember the Atlantic Conveyor, sunk after Exocet strikes during the Falklands War, with 12 lives lost. Housing push: Executive Council approved accelerated housing at Murray Heights, with infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 government houses within 12 months. Budget under pressure: The 2026/27 budget was presented under “living within our means,” setting a £216.3m plan while facing revenue pressures and first interest payments on the infrastructure loan. Sea Lion oil dispute: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over Sea Lion drilling plans, as Rockhopper and Navitas move into development and Rockhopper reports a 2025 loss tied to arbitration fallout. SAA travel change: South Atlantic Airbridge flights will route via East Midlands Airport from 27 July to 15 November 2026 due to runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton. Commemoration calendar: FIG released the programme for Liberation Day on 14 June, featuring a cathedral service and a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument.

Falklands Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina has warned it could “fully exercise all available actions” over Britain’s Sea Lion drilling plans, calling Rockhopper and partner Navitas “clandestine” and saying the activity is unlawful in disputed waters. Sea Lion Development: Rockhopper says phase one is sanctioned with first oil still targeted for early 2028, as it moves the project into full development. Territory Finances & Housing: The Falkland Islands Government has set out a 2026/27 budget of £216.3m under “live within our means,” while approving accelerated Stanley housing at Murray Heights with modular plots and 30 modular units. Commemoration & Community: Liberation Day events are set for 14 June, with a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument. Local Services: The South Atlantic Airbridge will route via East Midlands Airport for runway resurfacing at Brize Norton from 27 July to 15 November. Remembering the Atlantic Conveyor: Islanders marked the anniversary of the Atlantic Conveyor disaster, which claimed 12 lives. Sports & Culture: Falklands Commonwealth Games flag and baton bearers have been named, and Tumbledown Gin has won a Silver Award in the Gin Guide Awards.

Falklands Oil & Argentina Tensions: Argentina has warned Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas that drilling plans for the Sea Lion field near the Falklands are “unlawful”, threatening retaliation as the project shifts from exploration to development with first oil still targeted for early 2028. Sea Lion Progress: Rockhopper says phase one has been sanctioned and key contracts secured, while it moves to full development and explores whether later phases could be accelerated. Company Finances: Rockhopper reported a 2025 pre-tax loss of $42m after an arbitration setback, but says cash remains strengthened. Housing Push: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley housing scheme at Murray Heights: infrastructure for 60 plots and 30 modular homes, with delivery of 30 government houses within 12 months. Budget Under Pressure: The 2026/27 budget totals £216.3m under a “living within our means” rule, including a ban on borrowing for operating costs and a reserves target, with interest payments due on an infrastructure loan. Community Remembrance: Falklands residents marked the Atlantic Conveyor anniversary, remembering the 12 lives lost when the ship was hit during the 1982 war. Local Travel Update: South Atlantic Airbridge flights will route via East Midlands Airport for runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton from 27 July to 15 November 2026.

Falklands Oil & Politics: Argentina has warned Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas that drilling the Sea Lion field near the Falklands is “unlawful”, calling the firms “clandestine” and reserving the right to take action, as the project moves from exploration into development with first oil still targeted for early 2028. Sea Lion Progress: Rockhopper says phase one has been sanctioned and key contracts secured, including the FPSO and drilling services, while it also flags a potential push to accelerate later phases. Company Finances: Rockhopper reported a $42m pre-tax loss for 2025 after arbitration setbacks, though it ended the year with $157.6m cash. Housing Push: The Falkland Islands Government has approved an accelerated Stanley housing plan at Murray Heights: infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, with 30 government houses expected within 12 months, alongside temporary diversion of resources from Sapper Hill. Budget Watch: The 2026/27 budget was presented under “living within our means”, with a £216.3m appropriation bill and rules aimed at avoiding borrowing for day-to-day spending. Airbridge Update: South Atlantic Airbridge flights will route via East Midlands Airport from 27 July to 15 November 2026 due to runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton. Commemoration: The Falklands will mark Liberation Day on 14 June with a cathedral service and a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument.

Housing & Infrastructure: The Falkland Islands Government’s Executive Council has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push at Murray Heights, with infrastructure for 60 new plots and 30 modular homes, aiming to deliver the government’s 30 houses within 12 months (with some short-term diversion from Sapper Hill Phase 7). Public Finances: The 2026/27 budget was tabled at £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, including a ban on borrowing for operating costs and a reserves rule of 1.5 times operating expenditure, as revenue pressures continue and the first £9m interest payment on an infrastructure loan approaches. Oil & Jobs: Rockhopper says Sea Lion has moved into full development, with phase one sanctioned and first oil still targeted for Q1 2028, backed by senior debt and recent equity raises. Transport Links: The South Atlantic Airbridge will route via East Midlands Airport from 27 July to 15 November 2026 due to essential runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton. Commemoration: Islanders paused to remember the Atlantic Conveyor, and the territory will mark Liberation Day on 14 June with a service, parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument. Community & Culture: A silent auction raised over £7,000 to send Falklands students to the UK, while Tumbledown Gin won a Silver Award in an international gin guide competition.

Oil & Gas: Rockhopper says Sea Lion phase one has been sanctioned, with first oil still targeted for Q1 2028, backed by $1.0bn senior debt and fresh equity raises, plus key contracts for the FPSO, drilling rig and services; the joint venture is also exploring faster progress and a second, larger FPSO. Transport & Travel: The South Atlantic Airbridge will reroute via East Midlands Airport for essential runway resurfacing at RAF Brize Norton from 27 July to 15 November 2026, with passenger support rules spelled out for technical delays. Local Politics & Budget: The Legislative Assembly meets today to consider budget bills for the new financial year, including questions on overseas expenses and draft Finance and Appropriation measures. Heritage & Identity: The Jane Cameron National Archives celebrates Corporate Records and National Archives Manager Dr Chloe Anderson-Wheatley’s doctorate from the University of Dundee on the evolution of Falklands Britishness. Public Health Support: Falkland Islands medics have landed in Tristan da Cunha to help the island respond to a suspected hantavirus case. Community & Culture: A May Ball raised £4,800 for the Scouts, while a silent auction brought in over £7,000 to send Falklands youth to the UK.

Liberation Day plans: The Falkland Islands will mark the 44th anniversary of Liberation Day on Sunday 14 June, with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, then a parade and wreath-laying at the Liberation Monument in Stanley, plus road-closure notices for residents. Community fundraising: A Scouts May Ball at the Town Hall raised £4,800 for the Scouts, while a separate silent auction brought in more than £7,000 to send Falklands Community School students to the UK. Commonwealth Games spotlight: Daphne Arthur-Almond and Oliver Thompson have been named flag and baton bearers for the Falklands’ Commonwealth Games team, with six indoor bowls competitors heading to Glasgow in late July. Oil and sovereignty debate: Discussion on territorial integrity and self-determination continues, with oil developments like the Sea Lion project keeping the Falklands’ future firmly in focus. Sea Lion expansion: Navitas Petroleum says it is lining up a second FPSO to boost Sea Lion output, targeting first oil in the first half of 2028. Wildlife and environment: A new survey reports Magellanic penguin numbers are stable overall, with growth and redistribution across colonies including the Falklands. Health support to Tristan da Cunha: Falklands medics have landed on Tristan da Cunha to help respond to a suspected hantavirus risk, after a request via UK health authorities. Local achievement: FIDC business development officer Clare Guest has completed an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management (QLS Level 5), supporting the island’s greener business goals. Aviation history link: A US Marine Corps “final flight” ceremony will mark the end of the AV-8B Harrier II, a type with British Harrier roots tied to the 1982 Falklands War.