S.Atlantic : Sartma Daily (14/09/05)
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Juanita Brock) 14.09.2005 (Article Archived on 21.09.2005)
A brief run-down of South Atlantic news
SARTMA DAILY (14/09/05)
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
CONTENTS
Section 1: Articles by FINN
Section 2: Police and Court News
Section 3: Business News from St. Helena
Section 4: Relevant Internet News
Section 5: Announcements
Section 1:
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT
By J. Brock (FINN)
A meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee took place at 1400 on Wednesday, 14 September 2005 in the Library at the Agriculture Department. Present were Cllr. The Hon. Mr. Mike Summers, Cllr the Hon Mr. Stephen Luxton, Director of Minerals and Agriculture, Mrs. Phylis Rendell, Member, Rikki Evans and Member Jimmy Forrester as well as Senior Vet, Mr. Steve Pointing. Apologies were received and interests declared as well as the confirmation of the minutes of the meeting held on 04 July 2005. Matters arising from the meeting held on 04 July 2005 were then discussed. Besides wording of the minutes, Neil Judd said all of the rock Phosphate held by the Agriculture Department would be distributed to farmers taking part in the pasture improvement programme by the end of October. In page 5 of the minutes, Standing Finance Committee agreed to batch wool testing and a tax matter was being sorted out.
Mrs. Phyl Rendell then gave a report about the Department of Agriculture Short-Term Plan for the 2005/2006 financial year. She explained the key objectives were as follows:
To develop extension programmes in the areas of pasture improvement, business skills (particular attention to commodity pricing and enterprise Gross Margin process), livestock and wool production.
Review outcomes of the Pasture Improvement Programme following inclusion of funds for sheep genetics and increased emphasis on managed grazing. Include environmental monitoring.
To develop export and import protocols particularly with the EU and South America for genetic material.
Develop and, if appropriate, implement a programme of disease monitoring with particular consideration given to Scrapie.
Support meat production for both lamb and beef through emphasis on measures to improve reproductive success and animal performance on farms.
Establish international recognition of the chemical free nature and “Eco” status of wool produced in the Falkland Islands.
She went on to say that there were expected outcomes as follows:
Allow for decreasing wool micron, increased wool production and financial return.
At least 50 farms joined the Pasture Improvement Programme.
At least 50 farmers participated in department led courses, field days and workshops during the year.
Develop data demonstrating disease and chemical free status of export commodities.
A comprehensive industry support package for meat production, developed, and utilised by 30 farmers.
Ability to export and import genetic material.
The Senior Veterinary Officer, Mr. Steve Pointing, then gave a report on the National Reindeer Stud Flock. He said that between now and when the Reindeer are moved next winter a new agreement should be drawn up between all interested parties as to which animals are eligible for disposal. He went on to say that some of the original herd had now died and those still alive are now 5 years old. By May 2006, the herd will consist of many younger animals born in 2003 at Saladero, 2004 at West Lagoons and 2005 also at West Lagoons. The final decision on the allocation of the animals should be made by the Senior Management Team at the Department of Agriculture. After discussions with all interested parties. Discussion centered around splitting the herd and problems with shipping. It seems that besides not being able to get a ship at the proper time, farmers also need to be expert in Reindeer behaviour. They couldn’t get them rounded up in time for one port call.
This was followed by a paper, also by the Senior Veterinary Officer, about animal identification systems. He gave a brief run-down of what was currently happening, saying that animals are tagged just prior to leaving the farm for the Abattoir. Then he proposed that the system change to one with all the same colour tags with relevant information on it. He liked the tag system that Australia has where a tag is put on the sheep’s ear each time it is sold on to another farm, etc. Discussion about actually getting farmers to change over form unique farm id systems then came to the conclusion that one tag could be issued to the sheep for id purposes and another – the same colour – pink- be issued to sheep that were being moved on (to the abattoir).
Already covered in the Daily is the Sheep AI and ET programme.
The final paper discussed before public and press had to leave dealt with the sale of redundant equipment that, according to Neil Judd, be identified and sold by tender. If at all possible, the money from the sale should be re-invested for new agricultural equipment instead of going into the consolidated fund. This would be a matter for Standing Finance Committee.
In staff matters, it was announced today that Senior Veterinary Officer, Steve Pointing will be leaving in November to take up an appointment in the UK.
HELLO HMS SOUTHAMPTON, ADIEU HMS PORTLAND
By J. Brock (FINN)
When the HMS Portland left the Falklands last month, she travelled up the west coast of Chile on her way back to the UK. It was especially poignant for Sarah Glass, who travelled to the Falklands from Tristan da Cunha on the Type 42 destroyer.
The Ministry of Defence has announced that another type 42 Destroyer, HMS Southampton, under the command of Commander Rob Vitai is coming to the South from Sierra Leone and should be here by the end of the month.
While here the vessel will be visiting settlements as well as South Georgia. Because it’s a South Atlantic Patrol Ship, HMS Southampton will visit other areas of the South Atlantic as well during her deployment.
RECENT DELAYS OF AIRBRIDEGE
In the past few weeks there have been a number of delays with the Airbridge. Flights between MPC, Ascension and the UK have been the subject of a number of delays. The problems have essentially been an engineering issue as engines on the airframe needed servicing. As you can imagine this is not a small feet on an airframe the size of a Boeing 747. The result was a necessity to divert another airframe to fill the service Air Atlanta are contracted to provide. This resulted in some delay. Following on from this there was a further small delay due to the necessity to transfer essential medical equipment for the casevac service also provided by the contractors. The service should now be back to normal routine. DTMA (Defence Transport and Movement Agency) always maintain close contact with the contractors to ensure safety and serviceability of the service.
Information provided by Media – Ops at MPA
SERVICE TO COMMEMORATE THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
" Never in the history of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few." Sir Winston Churchill.
Sunday 18th of September sees MPC commemorate The Battle of Britain. It is a special day for all members of the RAF both old and new. In 1940 gaining air superiority by Reichmarshal Goering's Luftwaffe was an essential precursor to the Nazi invasion of the Britain, known as Operation SEALION. With 2651 aircraft at his disposal Hitler saw it as a matter of course. The onslaught,m which came in 3 phases begun on 10th July 1940. The first phase saw the the channel ports and shipping take the brunt, then the RAF airfields but on 7th September the focus switched to London.
The 15th of September was the decisive day, which saw the turning point and survival of Britain. 500 aircraft assaulted London in two destructive daylight raids but the Luftwaffe's losses was too great. Hitler's mighty Luftwaffe, commanded by Reichmarshal Goering, begun to wane and never truly recovered. Attacks continued but Operation SEALION was aborted the RAF had won.
Pardre Andrew Wakeham-Dawson invites any members of the Falkland Islands to attend the service to commence at 1030am in St. Cuthbert's Church, MPC. The Rev Ken Newton is also attending and reading the prayers.
Information provided by Media Ops at MPA
Section 2:
POLICE AND COURT NEWS
By J. Brock (FINN)
Editor’s Note: From now on Police and Court News will be combined with the exception of major environmental, fisheries and criminal cases that will be covered separately.
POLICE REPORT
The Royal Falkland Islands Police would like to remind people living or travelling through Camp that you must report to the Police Station if any Camp burning is planned. The Department of Agriculture also must be notified.
The Royal Falkland Islands Police would also like to warn people about an e-mail scam concerning the rental via credit card of accommodation, an overpayment of the cost and transfer of money into another bank account. The scenario is fraudulent and Sgt. Dave Roberts of the RFIP would appreciate the following: Right Click on the message and move your cursor to “Properties,” make a copy of the detail and send the e-mail along with the information to him. He is collecting a database on this info.
At 1256 on Tuesday there was a report of fuel being stolen from an address on Brandon Road. And, at 2239 the KEMH alerted Police of an in-coming medivac.
COURT NEWS
Tuesday, 13 September 2005
Mrs. Hermina Graham applied to have her drivers licence re-instated. Immediate reinstatement was denied but she will have it returned on 13 January 2006.
Barry Charles O’Dean pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening behaviour. He received a 12 months conditional discharge in the sum off £250.00 and ordered to pay costs of £70.00
The case against Brian Williams has been adjourned until Friday, 16 September.
Wednesday, 14 September 2005
Ms. Cherilyn King pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault. She was fined £250.00 for the offence and £250 Court costs with 2 months to pay.
Section 3:
BUSINESS NEWS FROM ST. HELENA
Composition of New Council Committees
The nomination of Committee Chairman took place at the Legislative Council Meeting held on 12 September 2005. His Excellency the Governor has decided on the composition of the Council Committees after consultation with the Committee Chairmen, and this is as follows:
Committee Composition
Agriculture and Natural Chairman: Hon Stedson Graham Francis
Resources Committee Members: Hon Brian William Isaac
Hon Anthony Douglas Leo
Hon Victor John Lines
Chief Agricultural & Natural Resources Officer
Education Committee Chairman: Hon Eric William Benjamin
Members: Hon Mrs Bernice Alicia Olsson
Hon Stedson Robert George
Hon John Reid
Chief Education Officer
Employment and Social Chairman: Hon Brian William Isaac
Security Committee Members: Hon William Eric Drabble
Hon Mervyn Robert Yon
Hon Victor John Lines
Employment, Benefits and Administration Officer
Public Health and Social Chairman: Hon William Eric Drabble
Services Committee Member: Hon Eric William Benjamin
Hon John Reid
Hon Robert MacMillan Robertson
Chief Administrative Health and Social Services Officer
Public Works and Services Chairman: Hon Mrs Bernice Alicia Olsson
Committee Members: Hon Stedson Graham Francis
Hon Lionel George Williams
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