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South America and South Atlantic Islands
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (British Overseas Territory) |
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Last reviewed: 6 September 2007 |
Country information
POLITICS
Constitutional Status
The Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is at the same time Governor of the Falkland Islands. Under the SGSSI Constitution, he consults the Falkland Islands Executive Council on matters which he considers might affect the Falkland Islands. The Commissioner is assisted by the First Secretary at Government House in Stanley who is concurrently Assistant Commissioner. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is also administered from Government House by a Chief Executive Officer who is also Director of Fisheries. There is also an Executive Officer and a Habitat Restoration Officer, as well as a Government Officer who is based in South Georgia. The Attorney General and Financial Secretary from the Falkland Islands fulfil parallel roles in SGSSI. The Commissioner depends on the advice of the Commander, British Forces (South Atlantic Islands) on matters concerning defence or internal security of the Islands. Following the end of the Argentine occupation of 1982, a small garrison was maintained at King Edward Point on South Georgia but this was withdrawn in March 2001. At the same time, a new scientific research facility was opened. The British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) scientific and support team which occupies and runs the research station augments the existing civilian presence on the Island. The BAS undertakes a programme of scientific research under contract to the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, with the aim of supporting the Government in its environmental management and sustainable development of the Territory. Argentina asserts a claim to sovereignty over SGSSI. But Britain has no doubt about its sovereignty and does not regard it as negotiable.
GOVERNMENT
Commissioner’s Office:
Government House
Stanley
Falkland Islands
Tel: +500 28280
Fax: +500 28201
Email: gov.house@horizon.co.fk
HUMAN RIGHTS
The ongoing legislative review will ensure that the Territory’s legislation complies fully with the same international human rights obligations to which Britain is subject.
