S.Atlantic : Sartma Daily (09/11/05)
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Juanita Brock) 10.11.2005 (Article Archived on 17.11.2005)
A brief run-sown of South Atlantic news
SARTMA DAILY (09/11/05)
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
CONTENTS
Section 1: Article by Finn
London Report
Section 2: Business News from St. Helena
Section 3: Election News
Section 4: Police News
Section 5: Announcements
Section 1:
BUSY WEEK FOR CANDIDATES
By J. Brock (FINN)
Candidates have begun an extremely busy week, and since Friday they have been quizzed in a public meeting, grilled by the media at Tuesday’s press conference and faced a barrage of questions posed to them by the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. Every aspect of their hoped for careers as councilors was prodded and examined.
It took two hours at the Chamber of Commerce produced answers from 16 of the 24 questions posed by members. At the press conference there were also left over questions. They ranged from the MPA Road to prospects for an oil industry to the Fisheries ordinance to Education.
Unfortunately, due to the Chamber’s request, there will be no transcripts or specific reporting about what happened at the Chamber of Commerce’s two-hour session. Generally there was little debate with few areas where the candidates were outspoken except there were a few comments about taxation at MPA and child allowance. Candidates talked at length about what areas of Government they wanted privatized, with FIGAS and the Leisure Centre being mentioned. Many candidates felt that utilities should not be privatised. Housing also brought some comment with some candidates wanting small plots and houses for first time buyers.
Though candidates wanted a second Lan flight per week they were not willing to have the route dictated by the Argentines. One candidate said that it was possible that argentine sanctions may be no different than those that would be imposed by any other country. Another candidate pointed out that other countries don’t claim us.
Any left over questions will be e-mailed to candidates, who will answer as and when they can.
Reception for the Re-Launch of the Visitors Guide by Debbie Summers
Held at Falkland House, London Tuesday 8th November 2005
Islander Debbie Summers made a flying visit to the London Office to attend the launch of the second edition of her publication, the Visitors Guide to the Falkland Islands.
The book, produced by Falklands Conservation, is over 20 pages larger than its original edition, with more Falklands sites reviewed. The book also has prints of work by artist Una Hurst and amazing photographs by several individual professional and amateur photographers.
The book was launched officially by TV presenter and Falkland friend Ben Fogle after a speech from Falklands Conservation Chairman, Henry Robinson, when he thanked all those involved in the production of the book and the launch reception. At the end of the speeches Debbie was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of Falklands Conservation.
The reception was host to over 25 guests, including representatives from tour operators Swan Hellenic, Fred Olsen, Last Frontiers and World Yacht Charter & Tours, as well as journalists from CNN Traveller and Chartered Institute of Journalists Travel Writers Bulletin, as well as Falklands Conservation Trustees and friends of the Islands.
Debbie Summers and Ann Brown were also interviewed in the afternoon by Kirsten Magasdi for the BBC World Fast Track television programme. This will be transmitted to 254 million homes in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
For further information on the book, please contact Falklands Conservation via ann@falklands-nature.demon.co.uk or the London Office via admin@falklands.gov.fk
Section 2
BUSINESS NEWS FROM ST. HELENA
Executive Council Decision on Fuel Prices
Executive Council yesterday concluded that it had no option but to increase the price of fuel sold from the BFI, as a result of increasing world oil prices. Elected Members made every effort to avoid increasing prices by approaching the DfID Minister for additional funding. Unfortunately, he was unable to help.
ExCo was aware of the impact this would have on individuals and businesses on St Helena and has therefore decided that although an initial increase would be made immediately, any further increase necessary would not be made until after Christmas. This keeps prices as low as possible, for as long as possible. The Council have also agreed that there will be no increase in electricity prices in the current financial year.
Solomon and Company will shortly be announcing the new prices of fuel at the pumps together with the effective date of the increase.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 9 November 2005
Remembrance Day 2005
Remembrance Day Service will be slightly different this year. Churches around the world will follow a more modern service, and after much consideration St Helena decided to follow suit. The Service will still take place at the Cenotaph with various bodies and organisations in attendance, but changes will be made to the actual wording of the service. St Helena has also made a change of its own so that this year, the service will include offering each other a sign of the Peace.
As is the case every year the Office of the Chief Secretary has distributed a supply of poppies to shops and schools island wide in order to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
Acting Deputy Secretary, Gillian Francis said “The Poppy Appeal has informed us that we raised just over £483 last year. I hope that St Helena will raise even more for 2005.”
Five Pounds alone ensures that a housebound or hospitalised person receives a one-hour friendship visit, while £230 could buy an emergency lifeline alarm for an elderly person. (Source www.britishlegion.org.uk)
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 9 November 2005
Section 3:
ELECTION NEWS
THE MANIFESTO OF JANET ROBERTSON
Introduction
First of all, good evening to all listeners both in Stanley and in Camp.
To begin with, let me introduce myself. I am Janet Robertson, a Falkland Islander, and I grew up at Port Stephens on West Falklands. I am 39 years old and am currently employed as Marketing Manager at Consolidated Fisheries. I have made the decision to stand for Council because I believe that the electorate should have as wide a choice as possible when casting their vote, and because I believe that my commitment to these Islands, and some of the ideas that I have, can be of value to our Government.
There are a number of issues that need to be covered in a short space of time, but I trust that by the end you will have a clearer picture on what my views are and where I stand in the political spectrum.
Constitution
This document which is currently under review, largely determines the political structure of Government and it is therefore very important to give it due consideration. The previous Council has done some excellent work in addressing substantive issues, but nevertheless there is work that is still required:
It is absolutely essential that there is proper “scrutiny” of the executive body of Government. By “scrutiny” I mean challenging, questioning and opposing arguments to executive decisions by onlookers, a political opposition if you like. If we want to have an effective opposition to the Government, if we want to be able to have the decision-making bodies effectively challenged, if we don’t want to rely solely on the media and public meetings to question these bodies in depth, then we must ensure that there is an inherent process, an intrinsic mechanism, defined by the Constitution to fulfil this process. I think that this, in particular, needs to be looked at in more detail, and more thought given to Proposal B in the Annex of the Report. This proposal does provide a mechanism for scrutiny by separating and defining more clearly the roles of the executive and legislative processes. It makes Councillors more answerable and accountable to the public and to the Government - it might mean dramatic changes to our current structures, but we should not shy from it because of that.
There are two other issues which I wish to highlight briefly : in proposing to treat the matter of constituencies through an Electoral Ordinance rather than in the Constitution, I think that some form of security for Campers, such as the recognition of Camp as a unique minority with special importance, should be retained in the Constitution itself. Further, the proposal by Select Committee to uphold the prohibition on non-Commonwealth citizens to become electors except through marriage or naturalization, can only lead immigrants of this category to feel under-valued in our society and less committed to it. Perhaps an alternative solution for those seeking voting rights could be for them to undergo some form of Citizenship instruction as part of an application process, to ensure that they properly understand our political structures and concepts.
Foreign Policy
Our relationship with Argentina forms the backbone of our stance on foreign affairs. It enhances our sense of identity, of our culture – of our nationhood – by reinforcing our total belief in our intrinsic and unequivocal right to self-determination. We know who we are, and what we want: we are Falkland Islanders who wish to be British, and there is no reasonable argument to oppose it. When we deal with any other country, Argentina, or Chile, or even Great Britain, we must pursue policies that are in our interest and to our benefit, with the self-confidence that comes from knowing that on this issue, we are right.
Of course, we do need to convince everyone else that we are right as well. And in this endeavour, we all have a part to play. When we represent our country abroad, at sporting venues, at trade fairs and conferences - even as visitors to other countries - we can make a positive contribution to how the world sees us, and what it knows about us. Similarly, the development of tourism is not JUST about necessary and welcome commercial development, not just about selling the culture and wildlife of the Islands, but the politics as well. We don’t need to be brash, or aggressive or boring about it – but a good impression taken away serves as its own ambassador to the Islands.
Education
We are a very lucky community to benefit from the education services that we have. Only one school to choose from, but what a school! It is just as well, because we need to ensure that young Falkland Islanders can leave school properly equipped for developing their academic and technical skills, properly equipped so that future generations can reap the benefit of their knowledge and capabilities. But we shouldn’t be complacent either: our community is becoming more diverse, more culturally dispersed. This is a good thing - new blood can enrich a society - but at the same time we must ensure that these diversities do not lead to divisions. And it is at school that the spirit of integration and of acceptance can be encouraged and, even further, expected. It is also essential that we have the right disciplinary procedures in place, the right management structures in place, to curtail the type of unsocial behaviour, which leads to disruptions and disciplinary issues in the classroom.
I, personally, would dearly love to see more physical education and other non-academic subjects on offer in the schools. A secondary language in the Junior School too. And when the economy allows it, and budget restrictions are more relaxed, and if I have a say in the matter, then I will certainly be trying to find support and funding for these subjects.
The Economy
A healthy and viable economy is critical to our well-being, our political freedom, to our social and cultural development. We have had some difficult years in the Fisheries, but I have to say that good management by the previous Council and Administration means that growth has been maintained and serious recession avoided. This must continue: strict budgeting protocols, forward planning and careful administration are the keystones to proper management of the Government economy. I would like to see more: I am still reeling from the cost of the Town Hall roof, for example. I would like to see more conscious practices of re-cycling and petty cost avoidance throughout the Government sector, and better control of stock and resources.
There has been healthy development in the private sector over recent years – a buoyant private sector has helped buffer the consequences of reduced licence revenue to Government. A confident private sector leads to jobs, tax revenues, infrastructure development and diversity in the economy. Government must seek good opportunities to help the private sector expand, and in my view, continuing to find means to develop our port infrastructure has to be one of them. As Islands, adequate port facilities are essential to all businesses, from Fisheries, to Tourism, to Agriculture and to Retail. It is the gateway in and out of the Islands, and failure to properly plan for its expansion and eventual replacement is just plain short-sighted.
Other Priorities
I have no more time to expand on any of my special concerns, but I can briefly outline other issues of interest to me:
Conservation: the research and planning of good environmental programmes to protect our Islands natural attractions, and to enhance our reputation around the world, must continue to be a priority.
Urban Development: the continued expansion of the town to meet ever-increasing housing needs is important, but we must ensure that the particular character of Stanley, especially the centre of Stanley, is not lost in the process. Protection of the remaining green areas in town should be a top priority.
Health Services: the provision of good medical care should be a right, not a privilege, and therefore the Health Services will always be prioritised in budgetary considerations. However, a right also confers a responsibility, and as citizens we should help to avoid unnecessary costs to the health service whenever we can, and to be conscientious about our use of it.
Camp: it is crucial that Camp remains viable and its economy grows. Research and practical advice into best farming practices, research into diverse sources of income should continue to be supported through the Department of Agriculture and by the farmers themselves.
Young and Old: good sheltered accommodation for the elderly and infirm must also feature high on the list of priorities. With regard to children, it is important to recognize that the vast majority of families these days are double-income and a forum to discuss after-school care for Infants and Juniors will be of interest to me.
I hope that I have been clear and concise, but if anyone is interested in having a hard copy of this manifesto then please don’t hesitate to contact me on 21782, or on e-mail jjss@horizon.co.fk and I will send you a copy.
Section 4:
POLICE NEWS
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
At 2028 on Friday, 04 November 2005 the Royal Falkland Islands Police received a report of a disturbance at the Globe Tavern. Again, at 2033 the same person caused a disturbance and was being abusive to the customers. At 2033 Police were called again but the man left before Police arrived.
At 0904 on Saturday, 05 November 2005 there was a report of a theft of documents from a vehicle on Brisbane Road. The Royal Falkland Islands Police would like to remind vehicle owners to secure their vehicles and take the keys from the ignition switch. Otherwise if the vehicle is stolen, robbed or vandalized, the insurance is invalid.
At 1645 on Saturday, there was a report of a fire on Fitzroy Road near the bakery. Officers attended to find someone burning rubbish. Burning rubbish is legal in Stanley.
At 0023 on Sunday, 06 November 2005 Royal Falkland Islands Police received the report of an intruder on Watson Way. When Police attended they found that people had been directed to the wrong address. Police escorted them away.
At 1132 on Tuesday, 08 November 2005 there was a report of a medical evacuation but at 1148 it was cancelled. At 1524 a patient was transferred from the King Edward Memorial Hospital to MPA.
At 1605 on Tuesday, 08 November 2005 fire alarms were sounding on Jersey Road. The fire service was tasked to find that a technical problem caused the alarms to ring.
Section 5:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
On Sunday 13th November 2005 at 13:10 hrs the Festival of Remembrance will be screened on BFBS TV in the Falkland Islands. The theme this year is “Liberation”. Falkland Islander Lisa Johnston (daughter of Glenda and Neil Watson of Long Island) will be taking part in the festival.
Gilbert House
Stanley
9th November 2005
Cable & Wireless wish to notify all customers that due to service requirements and capacity re-grooming Intelsat are relocating selected services on their Satellite. Due to these charges there will be an outage of all telecommunications (including internet) for approximately two hours on Thursday 10th November starting at 6.00am local time. Cable & Wireless apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
The Falklands Gun Club AGM has been postponed to Monday, 14 November 2005 at 1900 in the Geography Room of the FICS. Further info can be obtained by phoning 22021 or 27285.
Exercise Class, Friday, 11 November 2005 at the KEMH Day Centre from 1030 for 45 minutes. Everyone welcome.
The Conservatory Restaurant of the Malvina House Hotel will be closed due to a private function on Friday, 11 November 2005.
There will be a road closure at the Liberation Monument on Ross Road between 1050 and1110 hrs on Friday, 11 November 2005.
Fr. Norris of St. Mary’s Catholic Church will conduct a brief service at the Liberation Monument at 1100 hrs on 11 November 2005. Veterans and their carers will be there. The service is open to all who wish to attend.
Members of the public are invited to observe a two-minute silence at 1100 hrs on Friday, 11th November 2005. Saluting guns on Victory Green will fire at 1100 and at 1102 hrs.
There will be a parade rehearsal from 1600 and 1630 on Saturday, 12 November 2005 from Snake hill to Seaview Cottage. On 13 November 2005 a parade will march from the Cathedral to the Cross of Sacrifice.
Two evenings of music will be held in the Town Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, 08 and 09 November 2005. Each evening will feature music, and either drama or comedy. Tickets are available at the Pink Shop at £2.00.
The Department of Agriculture would like to invite everyone to the shearing and weighing of trial sheep at Goose Green on Thursday, 10 November at 0930 hrs. Crossbreeds involved will be sheared. All the sheep involved were born in 2003 as the result of an AI programme over Goose Green Ewes. Wool from all breed combinations will be valued on the day. For more details, please contact the Department of Agriculture on 27355.
The Department of Agriculture will be holding discussion sessions around East and West Falkland on issued impacting on Farm income, such as wool marketing options for the season and meat production including Lamb, Mutton and Beef. The sessions will be held at: 1830 hrs, Goose Green, Thursday, 10 November at 1330 hrs, Head of the Bay, Thursday, 10 November 2005, 1330 hrs. The sessions are informal and last approximately 2 hours. Tea and biscuits served. (East Timings are Stanley Time). Please contact the Department of Agriculture on 27355 for details.
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