FALKLANDS resident and former government Financial Secretary Keith Padgett is the new Chief Executive for the Falkland Islands Government.

According to a press release from the Office of the Legislative Assembly, "The Governor, acting in agreement with the Executive Council, has offered Keith Padgett the post of Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands Government."

Governor Nigel Haywood said "I am delighted that Keith won this against very strong competition from overseas candidates.  We needed to be sure that we found the best candidate for the job, and Keith was offered the position after a lengthy and rigorous selection process.  The final stage was an interview with all MLAs who were on the Islands at the time, and the decision was one that they all supported."

The Member of Legislative Assembly chair of the month, Roger Edwards, said, "We are pleased that the job has gone to someone who has worked his way up through the FIG system. We believe Keith's appointment, against competition from very experienced external candidates, shows that there are real opportunities for talent to rise to the top in the FIG.  We hope this will be an encouragement to all others in the service."