Falkland Islands slaps down Argentina's 'colonial ambitions' in blunt four-word salvo

Teslyn Barkman is a member of the Falklands' Legislative Assembly (Image: GETTY/X)

Argentina’s claim on the Falkland Islands amounts to “colonialism,” and Islanders have had enough of being treated like “a political toy,” one of the British Overseas Territory’s most senior politicians has told the United Nations. At a seminar on decolonisation, Teslyn Barkman, a member of the remote archipelago’s Legislative Assembly, delivered a fierce message to Buenos Aires and President Javier Milei, demanding the world finally “see us, hear us".

The blunt four-word remark underlines a defiant refusal on behalf of the Falklands’ 3,000 residents to accept Argentina’s persistent attempts to dictate the fate of a community that has repeatedly and overwhelmingly chosen its own path. Ms Barkman, a leading Falkland Islands legislator, emphasised that the Islands were not some abstract territory but a people with a distinct history, democratic institutions, and a strong economy. The Islanders manage their own finances without UK aid and boast a robust self-governing status backed by a 2013 referendum in which 99.8% voted to remain a British Overseas Territory—an outcome internationally observed and validated.

Argentina's President Javier Milei (Image: Getty)

Neventheless, Argentina continues to push a “colonial ambition” which Falklanders believe seeks to silence the Islanders’ voice and identity.

Ms Barkman said: “This is neo-colonialism,” condemning proposals she claimed treat the Falklands as a bargaining chip while excluding the people who live there.

She described ignoring the Islanders in discussions about their future as “dehumanising,” a direct violation of the UN Charter’s principle of self-determination.

Speaking about the referendum, Ms Barkman said: “The result was our free choice."

Sunset over Stanley, capital of the Falklands (Image: Getty)

Beyond sovereignty disputes, the Falklands have established themselves as environmental leaders, pioneering sustainable fisheries management and ocean governance that protect marine life and reduce environmental damage.

Their contribution to global sustainability stands in stark contrast to Argentina’s continued territorial posturing.

Ms Barkman’s message at the UN was unequivocal: the Falkland Islands demand recognition not just of their political status but of their right to decide their own future.

She emphasised: “We do not want to be a colony again.

“We manage our own finances. We don’t take aid from the UK. The only support we require is in defence, because of the active threat from Argentina. See us, hear us.”

Ms Barman insisted that any negotiations must include the Islanders rather than sidelining their voice in favour of competing geopolitical agendas.

The Falklands has been at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina for nearly two centuries.

In April 1982, Argentine forces invaded the Islands, prompting Britain to send a naval task force to retake them.

After a brief but bloody conflict lasting ten weeks, British forces regained control in June, with 255 British and about 650 Argentine personnel killed.

The war cemented British resolve to defend the Islands, which have remained under UK control ever since.