FIBS NEWS DIRECT: MONDAY, 09 JUNE 2003
POST OFFICE EVACUATED AGAIN:
A terrorist alert yesterday caused the Post Office and surrounding areas to be evacuated and closed for one hour while Bomb Disposal examined a suspect package. An envelope carrying a Moroccan Postmark was found in the Post Office at 11:30 in the morning, leading Post Mistress, Moira Eccles, calling the police. The package, like the one found in early April, was harmless and was taken to the Security Services in London for further examination. Chief Executive, Chris Simpkins, thanked the Post Office for their vigilance and the EOD for their assistance in taking control of the situation and the public for their co-operation.
13 NEW DEFENCE FORCE MEMBERS:
The Defence Force now has 13 new members. The recruits all passed their final exercise on Saturday morning after spending two gruelling days and nights in the hills. Temperatures plummeted to around –35C with the wind-chill in the early hours of Saturday morning when they, along with regular members, launched an attack on enemy forces positioned on Tumbledown. Pte. Chris Burt received the coveted "Best Recruit" title. In his speech during the Pass-out parade on Saturday night, Governor Howard Pearce spoke of the value of the FIDF to the community.
FITZROY REMEMBRANCE:
Fifty people went along to the Memorial service which was held at Fitzroy yesterday. The Reverend, Paul Sweeting (PS) lead the proceedings.
PS: We meet here today to recall the events of 08 June 1982, particularly the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. What happened then changed our lives and the lives of many others. What we remember may cause us pain or joy. But the recalling can not only cure hurts but also serve as a tribute for those who gave their lives during that time for our good, for our peace, and our freedom. We also meet as though to share the benefits of a successful outcome of that conflict. We meet, therefore, to affirm our common purpose and commitment and to draw inspiration together to affirm the courage of friends and comrades.
EXERCISE PURPLE STRIKE:
Exercise Purple Strike kicks off today. This week, Military personnel will be centred around Goose Green and Walker Creek and next week, they will be moving on to Onion Range for live firing. The MPA Media Spokeswoman says there will be increased air activity and the use of blank ammo and pyrotechnics by exercising troops. She says that civilians shouldn’t be affected. Purple Strike is aimed to practice the Forces’ capability and maintain a credible high profile deterrent to aggression.
FISHING NEWS:
More than 5.5 tonnes of fish were caught in Falklands waters last month by 137 vessels. This brought the year total up to 156,000 tonnes. Most of the catch was made up of Hoki, closely followed by Illex and Loligo. Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese made up the majority of vessels fishing in the Zone during May.
ICY CONDITIONS:
Icy conditions this morning lead to a spate of drivers skidding on the Airport Road. Chief Police Officer, Dave Morris explained that the road was particularly bad especially in the area of Megabid and issued a warning to people to be extra careful when driving there.
COURT NEWS:
A total of 14 people will appear before the Senior Magistrate this week.. There are a variety of driving offences to answer to as well as giving false information to receive a work permit, taking a vehicle without the owners’ consent. It’s the first date for eight of the people, who are in Court on Wednesday. Friday’s cases are in court to enter into pleas for their charges.
(100X Transcription Service)
