Falkland Islanders thankful for freedom on 40th anniversary of British landings
UK forces carried out amphibious landings at San Carlos on 21 and 22 May 1982. 22nd May 2022 at 11:50 am
Falkland Islanders say they are thankful for freedom 40 years after British forces landed there to retake the territory from Argentina.
UK forces carried out amphibious landings at San Carlos on 21 and 22 May 1982.
On the 40th anniversary of the invasion, the Falkland Islands Government says it is a “forward-looking nation, determined to take control of our own destiny and shape our own success”.
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Sixth-generation Falkland Islander Andrew Pollard, who moved to the islands from Yorkshire when he was seven years old, said: “Whilst we are Falkland Islanders, we are also very passionate to be British.
“People here are very grateful for what we have, whether that is the natural environment or the community spirit.
“Freedom is also something that people cherish dearly. Many have experienced this being taken away and I believe, therefore, cherish things more.”
In early 2013 the Falkland Islands held a referendum on its political status as a British Overseas Territory
Watch: How British troops first landed to retake the Falklands.
The result was 99.8% voting in favour of remaining as such.
Seventy-seven-year-old Arlette Betts, who was born in the Falklands and has spent most of her life there, told the PA News Agency: “I am passionate about the Islands and have used every opportunity to promote them.
“My business [guest house in Port Stanley] made that very easy. The wildlife and ruggedness are unique and the beaches (are) spectacular. When the sun is shining and there is no wind it is stunning.”
The Ministry of Defence maintains a permanent presence on the Falklands, with more than 1,000 personnel stationed there, along with Typhoon fast jets and the Royal Navy’s HMS Forth.
Port Stanley was recently among eight places to win coveted city status as part of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.