Ulster Unionist Councillors on Larne Borough Council have brought forward a
motion to facilitate a local Armed Forces Community Covenant.
Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has given notice of his Party’s intention to call for an Armed Forces Community Covenant as a voluntary statement of our support for the local Armed Forces community and to ensure local projects access some of the £30 million of funding set aside to promote projects UK wide.
Mr Nesbitt said: “The Ulster Unionist Party has taken the lead in calling for Westminster to rectify the shameful position whereby Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom that does not offer an Armed Forces Advocate to support service personnel and veterans from, or based in, Northern Ireland”.
“However, there is another element to this support network, the Armed Forces Community Covenant which we are keen to see adopted by all 26 Councils in Northern Ireland. The UK Government has set aside up to £30 million over four financial years 2011-15 to help communities undertake projects that promote greater understanding between the military and civilian populations. The Ulster Unionist Party is extremely keen to see local projects avail of this funding.”
In proposing the motion, Ald. Beggs stated: “The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community and is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at local level”.
“Its purpose is to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in each District Council area and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces Community. It encourages the integration of Servicemen and women into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help their local community.”
“The Community Covenant grant scheme has been set up to fund local projects which strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community in which they live.”
The motion was seconded by Larne’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Mark McKinty, who described the ‘debt of gratitude’ owed by all residents for a peaceful and prosperous place in which to live.
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| Photo courtesy of Bernie McAllister @ Argyll Images |
On 5th November, Alderman Roy Beggs submitted the following motion: “We
the undersigned hereby propose that Larne Borough Council recognises the
sacrifices of the many fallen and injured service personnel of the Borough
serving in recent international conflicts; realises the potential for this
Council and other statutory bodies to provide practical and moral support to
service personnel, veterans and their families; and commits to give meaning to
its support for our personel and veterans by signing the Community Covenant, as
a voluntary statement of our support for the local Armed Forces Community”.
Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has given notice of his Party’s intention to call for an Armed Forces Community Covenant as a voluntary statement of our support for the local Armed Forces community and to ensure local projects access some of the £30 million of funding set aside to promote projects UK wide.
Mr Nesbitt said: “The Ulster Unionist Party has taken the lead in calling for Westminster to rectify the shameful position whereby Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom that does not offer an Armed Forces Advocate to support service personnel and veterans from, or based in, Northern Ireland”.
“However, there is another element to this support network, the Armed Forces Community Covenant which we are keen to see adopted by all 26 Councils in Northern Ireland. The UK Government has set aside up to £30 million over four financial years 2011-15 to help communities undertake projects that promote greater understanding between the military and civilian populations. The Ulster Unionist Party is extremely keen to see local projects avail of this funding.”
In proposing the motion, Ald. Beggs stated: “The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community and is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at local level”.
“Its purpose is to encourage support for the Armed Forces Community working and residing in each District Council area and to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces Community. It encourages the integration of Servicemen and women into civilian life and encourages members of the Armed Forces community to help their local community.”
“The Community Covenant grant scheme has been set up to fund local projects which strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community in which they live.”
The motion was seconded by Larne’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Mark McKinty, who described the ‘debt of gratitude’ owed by all residents for a peaceful and prosperous place in which to live.
“This motion is to support the service men and women
from various walks of life, in every age bracket, and in all fields of service,
principally frontline services but also including support, medical, chemical
and logistical backup. Returning personnel often require physical
rehabilitation and financial, educational and health advice. Often they require
emotional and mental support to help them cope with the drama and trauma which
many witnesses in active service.”
In conclusion, Cllr McKinty stated: “It is our duty
to act as advocates for those who fought for peace and our freedom, and for the
families and friends of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice”.
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