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.

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.