FIBS NEWS DIRECT: THURSDAY 17 JULY 2003
SUPPORT FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS CAMPAIGN:
Four hundred and fifty people have so far signed a petition put together by the women's action group who are trying to get Councillors to revoke their decision not to fund free flights for women seeking abortions in the UK. Spokes-woman, Debbi Summers, says they will be handing in the petition tomorrow, along with a covering letter asking the Government to change its mind, saying that today is the last chance for anyone else wanting to add their support to the cause. Copies of the petition are available in the Sulivan Shipping or Penguin News Offices. Earlier this week, campaigners staged a protest outside of the Councillors Office on Ross Road.
FALKLANDS BOOK REVIEW:
The Book "Falkland Islands" has had another stunning review. Travel magazine, Wander-lust says it's the only one totally dedicated to the needs and aspirations of the special interest traveller. With a diverse readership ranging from 25s to 35s, single people , looking for activity based adventure holidays, through to empty nesters looking for adventure and cultural experiences. In the review, the editor says it's no surprise that FIGO is behind the project, saying he's off to book his ticket now. Around 20,000 copies of the magazine are bought in the UK each month. FIGO Customer Services Manager, Sam Alison Bailey says says a colour ad the size of the article would cost nearly £800.00, with editorial value up to seven times as much.
TAGGED SEAL:
Falklands Conservation say that an elephant seal which may have been part of a tagging programme seven years ago has turned up on North East Island. Earlier this year conservation officers were traversing the southern coast of the island when they came across the tagged seal. Conservation Officer noted the number and contacted the scientist that was in charge of the programme and had speculated that the seal may have been tagged on Sealion Island back in 1996.
SEA BIRD PROTECTION:
The Taiwanese Government have taken significant steps to address the problems when sea birds are caught up in their nets. The Falklands Conservation Newsletter says they are doing this by setting up a scientific observer programme for their long-liners. The observers will be deployed in vessels fishing in the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans and will monitor levels of sea bird by-catch.
COURT NEWS:
The case of the Attorney General vs Gordon Forbes (Falklands) is back in court today. Nick Sanders will be acting judge in the Supreme Court case, where there will be an appeal against a decision of the arbitrator under Section 68 of the Arbitration Act of 1996. The civil case will be getting underway at 1400 this afternoon.
DARE PROGRAMME:
Please see the photos and full story by J. Brock (FINN)
HARBOUR NEWS:
The Argos Helena and the Polish Trawler, Acamar are alongside FIPASS. This leaves one Reefer and a tanker in Berkley Sound.
(100X Transcription Service)
