Governor-General appoints new Member (at large) of the House of Commons

The Governor-General, as sanctioned by the constitution of the Dominion of British West Florida has appointed a the Honourable Rev. Fr. Peter-Michael Preble to fill a vacancy in the 'at large' membership of the House of Commons. the text of the Writ follows:

To all and singular who shall have cause to see theses presents, I Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Lord of St. George, GSB, Acting Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen-in-Right of the Dominion of British West Florida, Elizabeth the Second, send Chevalier Greetings:

Know ye all that I have, by the several Powers and Authorities granted unto me by Her Majesty's Most Excellent Grace, appointed the Honourable Reverend Fr. Peter-Michael Preble as a Member of Parliament at large and Minister for the People and Her Majesty's Government in and for the Dominion of British West Florida , the Viscountcy of Creek, until such time as a General Writ of Election shall be issued.

Know ye now that Our Honouable Member of Parliament at large, shall act in the interest of the People of the Dominion of British West Florida, and of the Viscountcy of Creek, holding their common good above that of himself in all things.

Know ye also that Our Honourable Member of Parliament has the Authority to express for the Commons of the Dominion of British West Florida, wherever located, his considered opinion in Council and on the Floor of the Council House Hall to his fellow Members of Parliament and Her Majesty's government.

Know ye further that our Honourable Member of Parliament shall hold in the strictest confidence any communications from the People or Her Majesty's Government of the Dominion of British West Florida, holding it free of subpoena saving only its intended recipient, and our own Privy Council in and for the Dominion of British West Florida.

In Witness whereof I have caused to be placed the Seal of the Office of Governor-General, and the Arms of the Dominion of British West Florida this 6^th day of August in the year of our Lord 2007, and of Her Majesty's Reign the fifty-fifth.

Governor-General's statement on Darfur (UN Resolution 1769 )

-- Virtual Pensacola

The Government and People of the Dominion of British West Florida are pleased that the United Nations is finally taking action to help resolve the Darfur Crises. At least 200,000 people have been killed in four years of fighting in the region and more than two million have been displaced.

We are pleased that the Sovereignty of Sudan is respected in the resolution authorizing the deployment of personal on this humanitarian mission. The restrictions on the actions of the military forces deployed by the United Nations are real, but the compromise reached seems to address the needs of the Protective Forces and the interests of Sudan.

We are encouraged that the force will be a joint United Nations African Union effort. Far too often the United Nations has acted as if it were the sole body committed to peace and security, the historic joint action may pave the way for more UN support of local and regional efforts in the future.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Government and People of Indonesia for their willingness to help. Indonesia has shown again, as it did with the UN force on the Lebanon / Israel border, that Muslim Nations can very effectively work within the established international bodies to work for peace. Indonesia's leadership, courage, and compassion speak well for Indonesia, its peoples, and the faith taught by Mohammad.

We are equally thankful to all the other nations that are supporting and contributing to the protect force. It will be made up virtually entirely of African nations supported by troops from the usual developing countries that make up such missions – Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Morocco. The efforts of these nations, with limited resources, and pressing needs at home to help others in worse circumstance should cause all those in the wealthier developed nations to review their priorities. The example set by France and the Kingdom of Denmark should be considered by others in the west.

As our Lord has said, and is taught by many other faith traditions: “Blessed be the Peacemakers”.

Governor-General Issues Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

-- Virtual Pensacola

Statement on the passing of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan.

Date: July 23, 2007 01:14PM

The Government and People of the Dominion of British West Florida wish to express our deepest sympathies to the Afghan people at the passing of King Zahir Shah, "baba-i-millat-afghan". Although his political role was limited, until his death Zahir Shah remained a symbol of peace, reform and stability in the war-ravaged provinces of his beloved Afghanistan. He will be missed by his friends, family, tribe, people, and all those in the middle east and beyond who value self-determination, the rule of law, and peaceful relations with others.

During World War II, the king safeguarded his country's neutrality and, throughout his reign, Afghanistan enjoyed a period of stability. In July 1973, the king was ousted in a coup, at the behest of his cousin Mohammad Daoud, an opponent of Zahir Shah's new western alliances. The exiled king maintained that he would be "ready to return to Afghanistan if it serves to help my people".

After the US was attacked in September 2001 and their outrage was focused on Afghanistan, King Zahir Shah gave a rare interview defending his subjects. On 17 April 2002, the King stepped back onto Afghan soil. He was given an overwhelming welcome by the country's people, many of whom were reassured by his very presence. He was given the title of "baba-i-millat-afghan" - father of the Afghan nation, by his people who fondly remembered his reign, and trusted in his wisdom.

Good-Night Father Afghan,

May God have mercy on the Soul of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, and on all those who mourn his departure.




The former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, has died at the age of 92 following a long illness. The king died at his Kabul residence in the presidential palace compound. He had returned to Kabul in 2002 after 29 years in exile, mostly spent in Italy.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia,
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida

Lords move to impeach the Governor-General

-- Virtual Pensacola

The Lord Ball, Earl of Rum, has introduced a bill, modified and seconded by Lord Register, Marquess of Mobile to impeach the Governor-General and put the office up for relief by appointment of the Parliament.

The Bill, currently before the House of Lords is as follows:

Whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida assumed the role as the Dominion of British West Florida's "Governor General" without the direct consent of Her Britannic Majesty;

And whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida has retired to the United States, specifically, the State of Georgia;

And whereas His Grace, the Duke of Florida has ceased to visibly attend to his duties in West Florida;

And whereas the current state of executive titles in West Florida is being caused undue distress from the vacuum created by the Duke of Florida's absence;

And whereas the Most Honorable, the Marquess of Mobile, Lord Register has dutifully served these past several weeks as "Acting Governor General" of the Dominion of British West Florida in a gentlemanly manner pursuant to the constitution;

Be it hereby resolved, that:

Should His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII not return to his office as Governor General of British West Florida by July 31st, of the year 2007 AD, or;

Should His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII not provide a detailed letter stating the exact nature of his absence in a manner to the liking of the Dominion of British West Florida's House of Lords by July 25th, of the year 2007 AD, then:

His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII shall be removed from office as "Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida".

Furthermore, the office, being vacated by His Grace the Duke of Florida, Robert VII, shall be put up for relief in the form of appointment by the Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida, and;

Furthermore, the candidate for appointment by the Parliament of British West Florida must be a Peer having taken his seat in the Dominion of British West Florida's House of Lords no less than 90 days prior to the Parliamentary Election, and;

Furthermore, the Parliamentary appointment is to occur no later than the 15th of August, in the year 2007, by way of Election in the Dominion of British West Florida's Parliament:

To that end, each "Member in Good Standing", hereafter known as the "Elector", shall make his preferred candidate for the position known to the members of Parliament by way of Public Ballot to be cast in Virtual Pensacola.

Lastly, the candidate possessing the majority of the votes cast by Parliament in Virtual Pensacola shall be declared "Governor-General for British West Florida", and shall serve a term of six years.

This Process to occur every sixth year on the Monday immediately following the 15th of August by way of precedence as laid down by this document, until such a time occurs that Her Britannic Majesty so invokes Her Royal Prerogative by appointing a new Official Head of Government for the Dominion of British West Florida known as "Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the Dominion of British West Florida".

Governor-General places Nigeria on the 'Unsafe' List

-- Virtual Pensacola

Following the recent abduction of a 3 year old British Citizen in Nigeria Delta Region, the Government of the Dominion of British West Florida has placed Nigeria on the 'Unsafe and to be avoided' list.

All Subjects traveling on a Dominion of British West Florida passport should re-evaluate the necessity of their stay, and leave Nigeria if their visit is not of a Charitable or Humanitarian nature of such importance as to not admit of delay.

The Governor-General has determined that the government of Nigeria is currently unable to effectively ensure the rule of law within the national territory of Nigeria and has therefor placed Nigeria on the “Unsafe and To Be Avoided” list.

The Dominion of British West Florida is constrained to work with the national governments to protect Subjects traveling abroad and is unable to offer any assurance that such aid would be forth coming in Nigeria or other States on the list.

Subjects having an Urgent Need to travel to Nigeria are advised to contact the British and United States Embassies upon arrival, conduct their business following the advice of the High Commissioner and Ambassador as quickly as possible, and return immediately upon completion of the mission.

Nigeria joins Afghanistan, Burma, Communist China, Eritrea, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Turkmenistan on the 'Unsafe and To Be Avoided' list maintained by the Office of the Governor-General.

Governor-General issues statement condemning Nigerian Delta area hostage taking.

-- Virtual Pensacola, Governor-General's Press Releases

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida condemns the kidnappings earlier today of oil platform workers in the Nigerian Delta area. While the Dominion acknowledges that some groups in the area may have legitimate issues with the Nigerian Government, this use of violence is repugnant to all civilized peoples, condemned in international law, and counter to scripture. The ends do not ever justify the means, and violence against persons, especially civilians should be avoided at all times.

If this attack is motivated by mere avarice and greed, it is all the more disturbing. The people of this Dominion have not forgotten that the taking of prisoners in Africa by Africans in battles and wars was the first step in what became the African Slave trade. The colour of a man's skin does not reduce his dignity – it did not then, and it does not now. Trading in human freedom for personal and community profit is as ugly now as it was then. To sell a man and call it 'ransom' is frighteningly close to a return to the horrors of a past we should all seek to avoid.

We call upon the captors of Bruce Klenner and Gottard Brene from New Zealand, Jason Lane from Australia, Lebanese George Saliba and Andreas Gambra from Venezuela to release them immediately.

Governor-General condemns Burma Junta - Supports ICRC

--Governor General's Press Releases

The Dominion of British West Florida joins the International Committee of the Red Cross in condemning the generals and warlords now running Burma (Myanmar).

ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said in a rare public statement on the actions of a sovereign government. "Despite repeated entreaties by the ICRC, the authorities have consistently refused to enter into a serious discussion of these abuses with a view to putting a stop to them. The continuing deadlock... has led the ICRC to take the exceptional step of making its concerns public."

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida calls upon the government of Burma to respect the sovereign rights of the people, restore the rule of law, and rejoin the civilized world.

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida applauds the recent actions taken by the United States and the European Union to encourage the Military Junta in Burma to release political prisoners, allow villagers to work their fields, and cease the other abuses identified by the Red Cross.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General

Statement on Communist China's recent commitment to 'crack down' on slavery.

-- Virtual Pensacola

The Dominion of British West Florida welcomes the recent announcement on state controlled television by the government of Communist China that it will “Strike hard against law-breaking and crime and criminal forces, and rescue all the victims”.

We are encouraged that Premier Wen Jiabao chaired a meeting of the State Council Standing Committee, or cabinet, which heard of a gruesome chain of abuses. Following the meeting state television news reported: “In the Shanxi black kilns there were not only grave illegal employment problems, but also criminal forces abducting, restricting personal freedom, using coerced labor, employing children and maliciously wounding to the point of death."

Communist China still has a long and difficult path ahead as it strives to join the civilized world, but brave and honest actions like this bring hope to the people of mainland China, the Dominion of British West Florida, and the world.

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida calls upon the World Trade Organization to provide assistance to Communist China in monitoring its success and eliminating slave labour.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia,
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida

Governor-General's Throne Speech - Opening of Parliament 2007

-- Virtual Pensacola, Governor-General's Press Releases:

My Lords and Ladies of this House, Members of the House of Commons, Fellow Subjects,

Assembled Peers of the Realms, and Foreign Dignitaries,

Welcome to the Opening of Parliament in and for the Dominion of British West Florida for this, the 2007-2008 session. As today is Her Majesty the Queen's official birthday in West Florida it is especially appropriate that we begin today's ceremonies with Happy Birthday Wishes to Her Majesty Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Dominion of British West Florida, and of her other Realms and Territories, Defender of the Faith, Head of the Commonwealth.

Happy Birthday Your Majesty! Long may You continue to reign over us!

My Lords and Ladies, my government will present Constitutional Revisions to strengthen our ties to the Monarchy and our historical association with God and Crown Governance. We will also bring forward certain changes in the Constitution to permit Her Majesty's Subjects to serve in our government, without restrictions based on age or place of abode.

My Lords and Ladies, my government will work to further re-align the baronies with the original boundaries established by His Majesty King George III by Royal Proclamation in 1763, and the additional territories added by His Most Catholic Majesty after the treaty of 1783. This realignment will bring all of the baronial lands south of 31 degrees north and provide baronial oversight for those lands east of the Mississippi and south of Lake Ponchartrain. We envision no changes in the stratus of the Crown Lands between the 1763 and 1767 borders of the colony of West Florida.

My Lords and Ladies, Assembled Peers, and Friends, my government will look to you for assistance in bringing more and favourable attention to our cause. We must get the word out to every place that a government that 'Fears God and Honours the Queen' has been re-established in this fair land. We are dedicated to a restoration of the 'Classical Republic' of HM Queen Elizabeth I's England.

My Lords and Ladies, Assembled Peers, and Friends, with a heavy heart I now inform you that my government will no longer retain as Privy Councillors those who are unwilling to be known in the 'real world' as Friends of the Dominion of British West Florida, its Government and our goal of restoring God and Crown Governance under Sovereign, Lords, and Commons to West Florida.

My Government has, through our High Commissioner to Her Majesty's Provence of Alberta, His Excellency Alan Goudman, issued a letter of support for the Provence and its Leaders as it attempts to repeal the same sex 'marriage' laws in the Dominion of Canada, and extend freedom of conscience provisions to those who can not in good conscience formalize such unions.

Our Dominion has grown in numbers, notability, and activity. His Grace the Duke has retired from public life, having seen his dream of a Tricameral Government restored, at least in form, to this Dominion. His Grace has resigned as Governor-General, Grand Commander of the Order of Saint Barnabas, and Lord of St. George. My Government will work with the Duke to finalize transfers of authority, and make appropriate changes in the organs of government. I personally extend my thanks, and that of this Government to His Grace for the efforts and time he dedicated to our shared dream.

May God continue to bless this Dominion, and His Grace.

God Save the Queen and all Her Subjects!

Opening of Parliament. 'A Success!'

-- Pensacola (Bartram Park)

The opening ceremonies for the 2007-2008 session of Parliament were a success, according to the Acting Governor-General, the Most Honourable, the Marquess of Mobile, Bo Register.

The Parliament completed work on and approved the revised Constitution, authorized continuation of the Baronial re-alignment, received messages from the Governor-General and foreign heads-of-state, and witnessesed the investiture of the Governor-General in the Elsanoran Honours System.

The Constitutional Revisions addressed two primary objectives: 1) Making the document more Monarchical in tone, and 2) Removing the residency and age restrictions on service in the Parliament. The newly revised Constitution will be published in the Public Square by the end of the month.

The Baronial Re-alignment is now focused on redrawing baronial claims to be consistent with the borders of the Colony of West Florida at the time it reverted to British Sovereignty. All those baronies located north of the 1763 border are being re-allocated lands in the portions of 'Spanish Florida' that are south of the Lake Ponchartrain. The new allocation incorporates many of the 'border parishes' formerly without Baronial Representation and under the oversight of the Countess of Louisiana into baronies under their own Barons.

The Governor-General announced during his throne speech that he would not retain on the privy council any members who were unwilling to share 'real world' contact information with the citizens of the Dominion. The issue of Members of Parliament or Peers who are unwilling to share such information was not addressed.

The Lord Imperator of the Impreium of DeWaCo Estates sent greetings, which were read by the Governor-General.

Governor-General issues Message on the Eighteenth Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Message on the Eighteenth Anniversary of Tiananmen Square


It is now eighteen years and a day since the brutal and tragic events of Tiananmen Square. The Dominion of British West Florida, the international community, and ordinary Chinese citizens still do not know how many people were killed or injured when Mainland Chinese troops and tanks entered Beijing. We do know that the Communist Government of Mainland China reacted with violence to the peaceful assembly of its own citizens. Tanks were used against Talk, Armor against Ardor, and Soldiers against Speakers.

The Communist Government of China continues to suppress basic facts about the Tiananmen protests and the subsequent massacre. Due to the campaign of lies, innuendo and suppression of the truth, instigated by the Communist Government now in power in mainland China, many in China and elsewhere are unaware that thousands of Chinese citizens were arrested and sentenced without trial in 1989, and an estimated 100-200 still languish in prison for Tiananmen-related activities.

The fullest possible accounting by the Communist Chinese Government of those killed, detained, or missing is long overdue. The families of victims and ordinary Chinese citizens deserve an accounting. The Dominion of British West Florida will not respect the Communist Government as long as it hides behind lies, and the 'Great Wall of Silence'. The time has long past when the Communist Government should have put away childish things, and begun to act as a man. Cowardice and Lies are not the marks of a mature Governement.

We urge the Chinese Government to move forward with a reexamination of Tiananmen, to release all Tiananmen era political and religious prisoners, and to cease harassment of the families of victims of Tiananmen.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette,
Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia,
in Service to The Dominion of British West Florida

Acting Governor-General Proposes changes to Constitution

-- Virtual Pensacola

The Governor-General has issued the following statement to the Public Square:

I have after due thought and consideration of the proposals for modifications to our Constitution prepared a draft revised constitution.

The revised constitution addresses two issues:
1) The Monarchical 'Flavour' of the Document
2) The Residency and Age Requirements for Lords and Commons.

To this end the following changes have been made:

1a) I have changed the preamble for 'we the people' to:

It shall be lawful for the Queen, by and with the Advice of Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, to declare by Proclamation that, on and after a Day therein appointed, that British West Florida shall form and be One Dominion under the Name of the Dominion of British West Florida.

The Dominion of British West Florida shall be founded upon principles which acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in human rights and fundamental freedoms, the position of the family in a society of free men and free institutions, the dignity of the human person and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their Creator.

1b) Article III now begins:
The executive authority of British West Florida is vested in Her Majesty the Queen, her heirs and successors.

Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of British West Florida may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General either directly or through officers subordinate to him.


**Thanks to the Rt. Honourable James Alcock for his suggestions in this regard.

2a) The residency requirement of the House of Lords and Commons have been dropped in their entirety.

2b) The minimum age for setting in the Lords as be modified so that it applies to only those who 'obtain the dignity by inheritance'

These changes should allow us to more successfully recruit members form beyond the Dominions Borders. We assert that anyone sworn to Her Majesty in any realm is Subject of Her Majesty, the Queen of West Florida, the Constitution should reflect that.

The Proposed new Constitution is available online at http://dbwf.net/government/Constitution_of_British_West_Florida.pdf

Governor-General issues Statement on the Assassination of Alix Joseph.

From virtual Pensacola, the Governor-General's Press Releases:

Statement on the Assassination of Alix Joseph.

The Dominion of British West Florida joins the United Nations mission in Haiti in condemning the assassination of radio journalist Alix Joseph.

Mr. Joseph, the director of Radio Provinciale, was assassinated on 16 May in Gonaïves by armed men, apparently because he highlighted and spoke out against the increasingly violent armed gangs in the city.

This cruel and irresponsible act adds to the long list of crimes already committed against professionals of the Haitian press, actions which interfere with the ability of Haitian people to be informed.

The Dominion of British West Florida strongly supports a free press as a support for liberty, and strongly urges the government of Haiti to bring those responsible for this crime to justice in a timely manner.

Acting Governor-General issues Statement on the Death of Guardsman Simon Davison

Statement on the Death of Guardsman Simon Davison
Date: May 7, 2007 10:48PM

The recent death of Guardsman Simon Davison, of Her Majesty's 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guard in Afghanistan has brought to mind again the great debit of gratitude this Dominion owes to those who serve, not just in our own militia, but in the armed service of the Queen in her many realms.

We in Her Majesty's Dominion of British West Florida enjoy the Pax Anglosphere. Her Majesty's forces (Canadian, Australian, and of course British), in conjunction with those of the Rebellious Colonies now styled the United States of America defend freedom for us all. We do not think of the sacrifices made in our behalf often enough. We can be content to have our militia train as reserve policemen and fireman because the 'heavy lifting' of a standing army is done for us by those who have taken to themselves the responsibilities of a majour power in the world.

I call on each of you to reflect on the generosity of these brave souls who stand in the breach for us.

I ask that you pray for them and for their leaders that wisdom may abound as much as bravery.

Once again, so many owe so much to so few. We face a greater threat to our safety and security that Nazi Germany was in the the days of the Battle of Britain We must not let their sacrifice be belittled, their honour impugned, nor they success forgotten.

God Bless the Armed forces of Her Majesty, and yes even those of the United States who today stand as a thin line between those who would destroy us and our implacable foes.

God Save the Queen!

Acting Governor-General, His Grace being in Georgia.

Bo Register, Marquess of Mobile, Baron Von Servers of Fayette

Governor-General issues statement on the UVF/RHC announcement

We welcome the decision of the UVF/RHC not to continue as a paramilitary organisation, to fully support the lawful authorities and to condemn criminality.

An announcement by any organisation that they intend to cease paramilitary and criminal activity is a positive development. But as with statements from other paramilitary groups in the past, we wait to see it delivered in action.

What is shown once again, is that the peace process is working. People can see it working in action and next week's events will show that further. We would encourage everyone in Ireland, North or South to fully engage and support the police for the benefit of the whole community.

This announcement is a further welcome confirmation that Northern Ireland is emerging into a new and positive era.

The recent IMC report acknowledged that the leadership within loyalism wants to move forward and this is an important manifestation of that. There has been drastic political change over the last number of years, with new political dynamics forged. This statement by the UVF/RHC is an assurance that they are prepared to be part of this new Northern Ireland in a constructive manner.

We applaud the efforts of those involved in moving the organisation into a position where its members can now focus on responsible, constructive participation in civil society.

God Save her Majesty Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as well as of Her Dominion of British West Florida.

Robert, Duke of Florida, Lord of St. George, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the
Dominion of British West Florida.

James Alcock, PC, OSB.

-- Virtual Pensacola

James Alcock, PC, OSB.

The Governor-General has enrolled the Right Honourable James Alcock, Privy Councillor as a Member in Ordinary of the Order of Saint Barnabas, the Chivalric Honours Order of the Dominion of British West Florida. The Governor-General noted the efforts of the new Member of the Order on behalf of the Dominion.

The Rt. Hon. James Alcock, PC, OSB, has worked to bring a closer unity to the Commonwealth Realms, and brought the existence of our Dominion to the attention of subjects in the other Realms. He has braved the cold and incredulous stares of the crowds to fly our flag on Parade. In short, he has earned the recognition of Her Majesty's Government, and is very deserving of this Honour.

The Citation in PDF format is here: http://dbwf.net/archives/Saint_Barnabas/Member_of_Saint_Barnabas_James_Alcock.pdf

Governor-General issues statement on the Virginia Tech Shootings

Our Dominion is shocked and saddened by the news of the shootings at Virginia Tech Yesterday. Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary and learning. When that sanctuary is violated, the impact is felt in every classroom and every community in every nation.

We hold the victims up in our prayers, and we ask a loving God to comfort those who are suffering today.

I ask that every West Floridian join me in a moment of prayer for the survivors or silent contemplation today at noon, and again at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

Our hearts go out to the family, loved ones, friends, and associates of the 33 killed, and the many others injured, by this act of violence. We can not know the depth of your pain, but we can offer our love, support, and a shoulder.

Governor-General Grants Assent to the Active Fathers Act

The Governor-General, in the name of Her Majesty the Queen, has granted the Royal Assent to the Active Fathers Act. The Act was approved without discussion or objection in the House of Commons.

Support for the bill in the House of Lords was lead by the Baroness Windflower de la Bay, the House of Lord's only acknowledged Pagan. The Lady Windflower's support was driven by her earnest desire to see more acceptance of their responsibilities by all citizens, in all aspects of life.

This Act reflects the second half of the Governor-General's legislative agenda announced in his Throne Talk speech at the reopening of Parliament earlier this year.

The Archives of the Dominion of British West Florida's copy of the Act is available here: http://dbwf.net/archives/Acts/Actively_Involved_Fathers_Act.pdf

An Act to Encourage Actively Involved Fathers

The Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida, affirming that this Dominion is founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of all people and the position of the family in a society of free people and free institutions;

Affirming also that people and institutions remain truly free only when the exercise of freedom is founded upon respect for moral and spiritual values and the rule of law;

And being desirous of enshrining these principles in public Acts and Statements;

Whereas the Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida recognizes that no mother should be left isolated with the task of mothering, and no father should be expected to be disengaged from his children and family,

Whereas Scripture plainly enjoins that we should turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,

Whereas studies show that children without fathers in their lives are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime, nine times more likely to drop out of school, and twenty times more likely to end up in prison,

Whereas it is in the family that we build the next generation and each father in this Dominion needs to accept his full share of responsibility for the lives of his children, to be actively involved in rearing his children, to encourage the academic moral, spiritual development of his children.

Now, therefore by the Grace of Queen Elizabeth the second's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and of the Commons of the Dominion of British West Florida, we enact as follows:

We direct that each father be granted leave from his Militia service for a period of 6 months following the birth of his child, provided that the time formerly dedicated to the national service be dedicated to active support and interaction with his new born child.

We direct that the chaplains in service to the Dominion provide instruction on the importance and methods of a father's involvement in the rearing of their children according to the tenets of their own confession.

We direct that a father be granted leave from one month's Militia service for each of his children annually, provided that the time formerly dedicated to the national service be dedicated to active support of and interaction with the child for which the leave is claimed.

We direct that all Magistrates, Justices, and Advocates take full notice of the intent of this Parliament to ensure that fathers who are not unfit be given ample opportunity to be actively involved with their Children – Divorce and Misdemeanor not withstanding.

We further direct that nothing in this bill be construed as relieving a father of his responsibility as the primary provider for his wife and children.

< Seal of the Governor-General >
< Arms of the Dominion of British West Florida >


Approved by the Parliament of the Dominion of British West Florida on Tuesday,
the 10th of April, in the Year of Our Lord 2007, and of Her Majesty's Reign the 55th.

Granted the Royal Assent by the Governor-General on Monday,
The 16th of April, in the Year of our Lord 2007, and of Her Majesty's Reign the 55th.

Governor-General's Statement on Iran's Relase of the British Hostages

Press Release:

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida is pleased that the British Marines and Sailors are home safely.

We are thankful that Her Majesty's Government in and for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland managed to put enough pressure on Iran to force it to put an end to the confrontation without having to make any formal statement, even of regret, at the incident.

The incident should never have occurred, and the Dominion of British West Florida will not forget the unlawful actions by the renegade regime in Tehran just because they eventually released their hostages.

We are pleased to note that there was no linkage to anything else, especially the five Iranian officials held in Iraq.

We note that the Government of the United Kingdom gave the Islamic Republic of Iran an initial period of quiet in which to release the prisoners and when that did not work, went to the UN and the European Union while rallying support in the region. Whether that counted is not known. But certainly Iran complained about it, so it was noticed.

We have not lost focus on the intentions of the Iranian government with regard to weapons of mass destruction, and Iran remains on list of nations which are 'Dangerous and Prohibited'.

Robert, Duke of Florida, Lord of St. George, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the
Dominion of British West Florida.

Governor-General issues Statemen on the Gloabl Initiative on Forests and Climate

The Dominion of British West Florida welcomes the announcement today by the Government of Australia regarding the establishment of a new Global Initiative on Forests and Climate.

This ambitious, yet obtainable initiative presents an important opportunity to help save the world's forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without reducing the quality of life for anyone. Australia will engage key countries and international organizations in the initiative to support new forest planting, limit destruction of the world's remaining forests, and promote sustainable forest management. We are encouraged by the thoughtful, practicality of this proposal.

West Florida particularly welcomes this initiative's emphasis on building technical capacity in developing countries; strengthening regulatory and legal protections for forests; promoting the sustainable use of forest resources; and diversifying the economic base of forest dependent communities. We look forward to working with Australia on this proposal. West Florida's economy and future depend on sustainable agriculture, including forest management, and offer the skills and experience of our forest management experts to assit in the development of specific plans.

Almost 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from clearing the world's forests - second only to emissions from burning fossil fuels to produce electricity, and more than all of the world's emissions from transport. Globally, more than 4.4 million trees are removed every day or 1.6 billion trees each year - almost 1 billion of which are not replaced. Australia's initiative will commit more than USD $160 million to support new forest planting; limit destruction of the world's remaining forests; promote sustainable forest management; and encourage contributions from other countries.

The Government of the Dominion of British West Florida pledges our support for this effort, and encourages similar actions by other nations.

God Save Her Majesty the Queen of Australia,
God Save Her Majesty the Queen of West Florida.

Robert, Duke of Florida, Lord of St. George, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the
Dominion of British West Florida.