Falkland Islanders Vote British

Tuesday, 12th March 2013

FALKLAND ISLANDERS VOTE BRITISH – Was there every any doubt?  In what was an overwhelming majority, in fact only 3 people voted against, the Falkland Islanders have voted to remain under British Sovereignty.

Image: Reuters

This is a resounding and direct message to Argentina – keep out and keep your hands of British Territory!

1,672 British Citizens, of a population of approximately 2,900, went to the polls and cast their vote and at last their democratic voice was heard loud and clear – ‘We are British’.

Image: Reuters

Now, in the view of the Falkland Islanders, is the time for Argentina to once and for all abstain from making any remarks or challenges to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, however Argentina has already said that this vote is not legal and that the islands will remain contested by Argentina.

As the results of the ballot box poured in there was certainly a festive mood, many taking to the streets to celebrate, wearing all types of Union Jack paraphernalia, including entire suites, hats, scarves, shirts and of course proudly holding the British Flag up high that clearly announces to the world… We are British!

Image: Reuters

The result is certainly a direct snub at President Cristina Fernandez and her Foreign Minister, Hector Timerman, who have countless times stood on the podium to rally Argentinian support.  However this has certainly backfired regarding the Islanders themselves who clearly feel Argentina has no rights over the Falklands – it belongs to the Falkland Islanders and they are British.

“Our best-case scenario is for Argentina to drop their claim and realize that we are a people, we are a country and we do exist.” Gavin Short, one of the Falklands assembly’s eight elected members.

There will no doubt be government tensions over the results but for all their saber rattling it is unlikely that Argentina will want a repeat of the 1980’s war where so many lives were lost, including 650 Argentineans and 255 Britons.