AGP Executive Report

South Atlantic Defence Procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has begun market engagement for a £500m (up to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management contract covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands sites in the Falklands and on Ascension, with delivery expected from April 2030 and a push for small and medium-sized firms experienced in remote operations. Falklands Water Security: A solar-powered seawater desalination unit is set to be installed at Goose Green to create drinking water for Camp settlements, led by FIGAS with funding from the UK Falkland Islands Trust. Aviation & Local Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first fully reshored UK-built BN2 Islander for FIGAS has reached 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as production ramps up. Natural Resources & Sovereignty: Argentina has reiterated its sovereignty claim and targeted the Sea Lion oil project in the North Malvinas Basin, arguing against hydrocarbon development while the British side presses ahead. Environment & Oceans: The Falkland Islands Environment Department marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with community activities highlighting conservation and the link between marine health, fishing and tourism.

South Atlantic Defence Procurement: The UK Ministry of Defence has started market engagement for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management contract covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands sites in the Falklands and on Ascension, with delivery planned from April 2030 and a push for small and medium-sized firms experienced in remote operations. Aviation & Local Services: Britten-Norman says the first new UK-built BN2 Islander for FIGAS has reached 75% completion at its Bembridge line, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as the reshored production ramp continues. Water Security: A solar-powered desalination unit is set to be installed at Goose Green to convert seawater into drinking water, backed by the Falkland Islands Development Corporation and funded via the UK Falkland Islands Trust. Commercial Leadership: FIG has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director and highlighting his private-sector background and prior FIG commercial contract experience. Environment & Oceans: The Falklands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with community activities focused on protecting local marine life and supporting the fishing and tourism economy. Cruise Demand Signal: New research suggests luxury travellers are increasingly choosing smaller ships, with expedition cruising prices up more than 20% since 2023—an indirect read-through for Falklands tourism operators watching polar and South Atlantic demand.

South Atlantic Defence Contract: The UK Ministry of Defence has started market sounding for a £500m (rising to £600m with VAT) ten-year facilities management deal covering British Forces South Atlantic Islands sites in the Falklands and Ascension, with work spanning maintenance, catering, cleaning and day-to-day base support from April 2030. Water Security: A solar-powered seawater desalination unit is set to be installed at Goose Green to boost drinking water supplies for Camp settlements, funded via the UK Falkland Islands Trust and led by FIGDC. Aviation & Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first fully reshored UK-built BN2 Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at Bembridge, with final assembly due in coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25%. Local Governance & Connectivity: FIG has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of DCS. Environment & Oceans: Falklands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with public activities focused on protecting the islands’ marine life and ocean health. Health Logistics: HMS Medway returned after a 5,000-mile round trip to Tristan da Cunha to support a suspected hantavirus case, delivering aid and bringing personnel home.

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored Bembridge production line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery expected for FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already moving through production. Water Security: A new solar-powered desalination unit is set to arrive in the Falklands to convert seawater into drinking water for Camp settlements, with the first unit planned for Goose Green after rainfall variability has made fresh supplies less reliable. Government Appointments: The Falkland Islands Government has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of the same directorate and noting his private-sector experience across FIG-linked businesses. Environment & Oceans: FIG departments and partners marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with community activities focused on protecting the marine environment that underpins fishing and tourism. Trade & Sovereignty: Argentina reiterated its sovereignty claim and targeted the British Sea Lion offshore oil project, arguing against hydrocarbon development in disputed waters while the project’s backers point to major investment and production timelines.

Aviation & Local Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored Bembridge programme has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery expected later this year for FIGAS; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production, supported by new CNC equipment and a workforce up more than 40%. Water Security: A new solar-powered seawater desalination unit is set to arrive in the Falklands, with the Goose Green site planned to convert seawater into drinking water after rainfall variability has tightened supplies. Environment & Community: The Falkland Islands Environment Department marked World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) with activities at the FIDF Hall, stressing how conservation and ocean health underpin fishing and tourism. Public Health Logistics: HMS Medway returned after a 5,000-mile round trip to Tristan da Cunha to support a suspected hantavirus case, including parachuted medical teams and a difficult sea-based resupply and personnel recovery. Governance & Leadership: FIG has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director and citing his experience across key commercial contracts and FIG succession planning.

Falklands Water Security: A solar-powered desalination unit is set to arrive at Goose Green, converting seawater into drinking water for Camp settlements, after rainfall swings left fresh sources less reliable. FIGAS Fleet Update: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored Bembridge line is 75% complete, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in production. Local Infrastructure (UK): The reshoring push is also creating jobs and capability at Bembridge, with investment in CNC equipment and a workforce up more than 40% to support the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the UK. Environment & Oceans: The Falkland Islands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with public activities and a reminder that the islands’ fishing and tourism economy depends on ocean health. Appointments: FIG has named Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of DCS with responsibility for key commercial contracts.

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first new BN2 Islander built through its fully reshored Bembridge line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery expected later this year for FIGAS; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in production, supported by a bigger Bembridge workforce and new CNC capability. Government Appointments: The Falkland Islands Government has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of DCS and highlighting his private-sector and FIG experience. Environment & Oceans: FIG Environment and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with public activities at the FIDF Hall, stressing how conservation and ocean health underpin fishing and tourism. Trade & Risk to Fisheries: A report warns foreign fleets operating near Argentina’s EEZ (“Mile 201”) may take two to four times the volume landed by Argentina’s own industry, raising pressure on South Atlantic fish stocks. Housing & Community: FIGAS-related and FIG governance items continue to point to active planning around local services, including an accelerated housing push and budget-facing public meetings. Auction & Reputation: Royal memorabilia news landed with a thud: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s “dirty” Falklands flying gloves failed to sell, with auctioneers citing “no interest and no bids.”

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built on its fully reshored Bembridge line has reached 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks for FIGAS, while a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are in production—another step for UK-made capacity supporting Falklands air services. Government & Jobs: FIG has appointed Steve Dent as Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director DCS, with a background spanning Falkland Islands Company work and health & safety training. Environment & Tourism: Falklands Environment Department and partners marked World Environment Day and World Oceans Day with a community event at the FIDF Hall, stressing that fishing and tourism depend on ocean health and conservation. Budget & Cost of Living: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget is set for a public meeting Monday 8 June, with a £216.3m total appropriation, a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, and a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from January 2027. Housing & Planning: Executive Council has approved an Accelerated Housing Development Scheme alongside a new Economic Development Strategy to 2040, aiming to tackle the housing shortage. Connectivity: Separate news points to a major fibre-optic rollout in Canada’s Thompson Okanagan region, connecting up to 4,000 households in 50 communities by end-2029 (relevant as a benchmark for remote connectivity planning). Sovereignty & Energy Risk: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over the Sea Lion oil development near the Falklands, calling Rockhopper and Navitas “unlawful” and “clandestine,” keeping energy investment uncertainty in the spotlight.

Aviation & Procurement: Britten-Norman says the first new UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge line, with final assembly due in coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production. Government Appointments: FIG has named Steve Dent as its new Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director after three years in the role and highlighting his private-sector and FIG experience. Public Finance & Housing: Falklands Government’s 2026/27 budget totals £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, while an accelerated housing scheme moves ahead with 30 modular homes at Murray Heights. Health & Logistics: HMS Medway returned from a 5,000-mile round trip to Tristan da Cunha after a suspected hantavirus case, delivering aid and bringing back deployed medical and military personnel. Energy & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions after Rockhopper and Navitas moved into development. Livestock & Compliance: A Scottish farm linked to Falkland Estate was ordered to cull 271 cattle after inspectors found animals “unidentifiable and untraceable” under traceability rules. Local Economy & Culture: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Falklands War flying gloves failed to sell at auction, with no bids despite an expected £1,000–£2,000 range.

Aviation & Connectivity: Britten-Norman says the first new UK-built Islander from its reshored Bembridge line has hit 75% completion, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and delivery expected to FIGAS later this year; a second airframe is nearing 25% and parts for follow-on aircraft are already in production. Government Appointments: FIG has appointed Steve Dent as the new Director of Development & Commercial Services, promoting him from Deputy Director of DCS, with a background spanning Falkland Islands Company support services and his own health & safety training consultancy. Public Finance & Housing: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget totals £216.3m, including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees and a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from January 2027, alongside continued housing action via an accelerated modular scheme. Health & Logistics in the South Atlantic: HMS Medway returned after a 5,000-mile mission to Tristan da Cunha to support a suspected hantavirus case, delivering aid and bringing back deployed personnel. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over Rockhopper/Navitas development plans near the Falklands. Livestock & Food Chain Rules: A Scottish farm tied to Falkland Estate was ordered to cull 271 cattle after traceability failures left animals “unidentifiable and untraceable,” with the business accepting management and oversight responsibility.

Aviation & Local Economy: Britten-Norman says the first new Islander built for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25%—a sign of the reshored UK production line ramping up. Public Health & Logistics: HMS Medway returned from Tristan da Cunha after a suspected hantavirus case, delivering aid and bringing home deployed medical teams in harsh conditions where sea transfers were delayed by weather. Falklands Budget & Cost of Living: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget totals £216.3m, including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from Jan 2027, and inflation-linked support for pensions and benefits. Housing Supply: Executive Council approved accelerated housing for Stanley: infrastructure for 60 plots at Murray Heights plus 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months (with short-term knock-on delays at Sapper Hill). Oil & Sovereignty Tensions: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all” actions over the Sea Lion development near the Falklands, calling Rockhopper and Navitas “clandestine” and “unlawful.” Livestock & Compliance Shock: A Scottish farm linked by name to “Falkland Estate” faced culling of 271 cattle after inspectors found animals “unidentifiable and untraceable,” highlighting how traceability rules can quickly become major business risk.

Aviation & Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first reshored UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge plant, with final assembly due in the coming weeks and a second airframe nearing 25% as components are already in production. Housing Pressure: Executive Council has approved an accelerated Stanley housing push at Murray Heights, including infrastructure for 60 modular plots and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG homes within 12 months (with short-term knock-on delays at Sapper Hill). Public Finance: The Falklands Government’s 2026/27 budget totals £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, with a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees, a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from Jan 2027, and fee/charge increases of 2.7% linked to inflation. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion field, calling Rockhopper and Navitas “clandestine” and warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over drilling plans near the Falklands. Local Governance: A public meeting on Monday 8 June (5-6pm) will hear Financial Secretary Pat Clunie present the 2026/27 annual budget.

Aviation & Jobs: Britten-Norman says the first fully reshored UK-built Islander for FIGAS has hit 75% completion at its Bembridge facility, with final assembly due in coming weeks; a second airframe is nearing 25% and follow-on parts are already in production, alongside a Bembridge workforce up more than 40% after major CNC investment. Housing & Infrastructure: Falklands Executive Council has approved an accelerated housing push for Stanley, with modular development at Murray Heights delivering 30 modular units for FIG within 12 months (plus 60 new plots’ infrastructure), even as some work at Sapper Hill is temporarily delayed. Public Finance: FIG’s 2026/27 annual budget totals £216.3m under a “live within our means” approach, including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees, a 5.3% minimum wage rise to £10.17 from Jan 2027, and fee/charge increases of 2.7% aligned to inflation. Oil & Sovereignty: Argentina has escalated its response to the Sea Lion project, warning it could “fully exercise all” actions over Rockhopper/Navitas development plans near the Falklands, calling the activity unlawful and “clandestine.” Livestock & Compliance: A Scottish farm linked to “Falkland Estate” has ordered the cull of 271 cattle after inspectors found animals “unidentifiable and untraceable” under livestock traceability rules, placing them under permanent movement restriction and triggering slaughter verification.

Falklands Budget & Housing: The Falkland Islands Government has set out a £216.3m 2026/27 budget under a “living within our means” approach, with a public meeting Monday 8 June where Financial Secretary Pat Clunie will present it; the plan includes a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage to £10.17 from January 2027, and fee/charge increases of 2.7% in line with inflation. Accelerated Housing Scheme: Executive Council has also approved an accelerated housing push in Stanley, including infrastructure for 60 new plots at Murray Heights and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months, with temporary diversion of resources from Sapper Hill Phase 7. Travel Credit Scheme: FIG has suspended the Travel Credit Scheme, saying it will save £630,000 a year, but the change raises concerns for status holders who rely on credits for future travel support. Oil & Sovereignty Tension: Argentina has warned it could “fully exercise all actions” over the Sea Lion oil development near the Falklands, calling Rockhopper and its partner Navitas “unlawful” and “clandestine” after the project moved into development. Rockhopper Financial Update: Rockhopper reported a sharp 2025 downturn, moving from profit to a $42m pre-tax loss tied to arbitration costs, while still targeting first oil for Sea Lion in 2028.

Falklands Budget & Cost of Living: The Falkland Islands Government set out a £216.3m 2026/27 budget under a “live within our means” rule, with a public meeting Monday 8 June where Financial Secretary Pat Clunie will present it. Measures include a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage to £10.17 from January 2027, and inflation-linked increases to pensions and benefits, while most fees and charges rise by 2.7%. Housing Push: Executive Council approved an accelerated housing scheme in Stanley: modular development at Murray Heights for 60 new plots plus 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months, with temporary diversion of resources from Sapper Hill. Travel Credit Scheme Suspended: FIG announced it is suspending the Travel Credit Scheme, saving £630,000 a year, a move criticised by some status holders who fear reduced support for future travel. Rockhopper Sea Lion Update: Salisbury-based Rockhopper reported a 2025 pre-tax loss of $42m after arbitration fallout, but says Sea Lion phase one is sanctioned with first oil targeted for Q1 2028, alongside debt and contract progress. Argentina Escalates Over Sea Lion: Argentina warned it could “fully exercise all actions” over the Sea Lion development, calling Rockhopper and partner Navitas “clandestine” and “unlawful” under its domestic and international positions. Cattle Traceability Shock (Scotland): In a separate but notable livestock governance case, a Fife farm (Falkland Estate) was ordered to cull 271 cattle after inspectors found animals “unidentifiable and untraceable,” citing failures in ScotEID/ScotMoves reporting.

Falklands Budget & Public Meeting: The Falkland Islands Government has set out its 2026/27 budget at £216.3m, with a public meeting Monday 8 June (5-6pm) where Financial Secretary Pat Clunie will present the plan. The package is framed as “prudent and strategic” amid weaker corporation tax receipts and long-term loan repayments, with an operating surplus of £0.2m and measures including a £500 cost-of-living payment for full-time FIG employees from 1 July, a 5.3% rise in the minimum wage to £10.17 from January 2027, and 2.7% fee and charge increases (with some exceptions). Housing Push: Executive Council has approved an Accelerated Housing Development Scheme for Stanley, including infrastructure for 60 modular plots at Murray Heights and 30 modular units, aiming to deliver 30 FIG houses within 12 months, with temporary diversion of resources from Sapper Hill Phase 7. Travel Credit Scheme Suspended: FIG has suspended the Travel Credit Scheme, saying it will save £630,000 a year, but critics warn it could leave many status holders without future travel support. Economic Development Strategy: ExCo also backed a new Economic Development Strategy to support sustainable growth to 2040. Oil & Sovereignty Tensions: Argentina escalated its dispute over the Sea Lion oil project, warning it could “fully exercise all available actions” after Rockhopper and Navitas moved the field into development; Rockhopper’s 2025 results also show a sharp financial downturn tied to an arbitration setback. Livestock Traceability Fallout (UK): In Scotland, a farm linked to “Falkland Estate” in Fife faces major culling after inspectors found 271 cattle “unidentifiable and untraceable,” with the business accepting management failures and slaughter decisions to protect the food chain.