SPEAKING at the Falkland Islands Government budget session today Member of Legislative Assembly Jan Cheek criticised Argentina for its "uncontrolled" fishing.

Left: MLA Jan Cheek

Prior to a speech by the Acting Financial Secretary outlining budget increases, MLA Cheek said she well remembered the start of the Falklands fishing industry 25 years ago, adding, "and the fact that 25 years on it is still working well is proof that we have achieved sustainability at least in those fisheries that are largely contained in our zone, for example the loligo industry."

She went on to say, "others as we know are subject to indiscriminate and uncontrolled fishing both on the high seas and in the Argentine controlled areas close to our zone. The stark contrast between loligo which we can control in our zone and the blue whiting stock emphasises yet again the need for a regional grouping to cooperate on sustainable fishing and conservation of stocks, not just for the Falklands, not just for other countries in the area but for the world."

The Falkland Island Government's recently announced £14million budget surplus was largely made up of income from the sale of fishing licences.

Further on in the speech she commented: "It is a matter of disappointment to us that Argentina who regained democracy as a result of failing to annexe the Islands still does not recognise our democracy and right to self determination."

Speaking of promoting the interests of the Falklands she said: "We don’t have to spin we don’t have to lie, the truth is there for all to see but we cannot relax that effort as long as we have a neighbour with colonial ambitions."