FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD: MONDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2004
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
MAJOR CONVENTION COULD SOLVE SOUTH ATLANTIC SHIPPING PROBLEMS
By J. Brock (FINN)
As a frequent traveller through the South Atlantic Remote Territories, I have become aware of an increasing problem with bunkering the vessels that take me to places like South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, St. Helena and Ascension Island. Once topped up in Stanley, there are no other places to fill tanks until a vessel reaches the Cape Verde Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Now there can be hope of a workable solution.
Buenos Aires will be the host city for a major international convention on marine fuels (bunker fuel), focused on South America and the supply of marine fuels both in-port and offshore in South Atlantic. The Argentinean city has been selected to host the 2004 Annual Convention for one of the world’s most widely travelled shipping organisations, the UK-based International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA). IBIA represents a huge range of companies and individuals involved in the supply, distribution, handling and use of marine fuels, some of which are based in Falkland Islands. The IBIA Annual Convention 2004 will be celebrated on 14-16 November at the Hotel Intercontinental and will attract delegates from more than 45 countries around the world. A series of basic and advanced marine fuels training courses will follow the convention.
Said Ian Adams, Secretary General of IBIA, ‘This is the first time in our 11-year history that IBIA has chosen to hold its convention in South America. The venue is superb and we are sure that the foreign delegates will appreciate Buenos Aires and benefit from meeting the local industry representatives. In turn, the local companies have a fantastic opportunity to meet, learn from and share ideas with the experts who will descend on the city next month.’
Already, this conference has inspired a great deal of support, both from within Argentina and Uruguay, and throughout South America. But it has also already attracted a surprising number of delegates from as far away as Russia, Singapore and Canada.
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, the event’s organiser, says ‘The choice of venue is important because it underlines IBIA’s commitment to the regional bunkering communities, and to South America in particular. But it also gives us the opportunity to look very closely at the fascinating world of offshore bunkering. Supplying fuel to fishing fleets, seismic survey and supply vessels and even naval vessels many miles out to sea, can be a very dangerous and risky business, and some of the world’s experts in this highly specialised field will be at hand to shed light on how it is done and who is involved.’
There will be many opportunities for the delegates to discover one of the most exciting cities in the world, but there is also a very deliberate and serious goal. IBIA has selected speakers to ensure that the event really does cover the key issues in bunkering, from a local, regional and global perspective.
Nick Ladis, Chairman of IBIA, who will outline the philosophy behind IBIA’s move to ‘go to the regions’ with the Annual Convention will open the event. A series of top-level speeches will for the basis for discussion groups on the future for the shipping, oil and bunker industries in South America, the South Atlantic and beyond.
Starting on Sunday 14 November, the IBIA Convention, with an organised visit to an Argentinean ‘Estancia’ followed by a welcome reception, and ends with a spectacular gala dinner, late on Tuesday 16 November. The Annual Convention is organised by Petrospot Limited, publisher of Bunkerspot Magazine, on behalf of IBIA.
Delegates wishing to register for the IBIA Annual Convention 2004 should visit www.bunkerspot.com.
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes
Managing Director, Petrospot Limited
England
Tel: +44 1295 279393, Fax: + 44 1295 273079, Email: [email protected]
Governor of St Helena Inauguration Speech 15 October 2004
My Lord Bishop, Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members of Executive and Legislative Councils, Honorary French Consul, Madam Sheriff, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls.
My wife, Claire, and I are delighted to be on St Helena once again. We very much appreciate the warm welcome and I look forward to a stimulating and enjoyable time as Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Interesting things have happened on St Helena on this day. HMS Northumberland, with Napoleon on board arrived at James Bay on 15 October 1815. On the same date in 1840, the remains of Napoleon were exhumed. I will certainly treasure this 15 October in my memory.
'I am conscious that in standing before you today, there is a break from the tradition of wearing the Governor's uniform. I recognise that this is a disappointment for some. However, we can look to the positives. Roles, responsibilities and relationships are changing. The White Paper on Overseas Territories was firmly based on partnership. That partnership implies a Governor working closely with elected members and government officials. The uniform could underline distinctions, differences and past relationships when the emphasis has to be on working together for a better future.
Of course, the essentials remain unchanged. I carry the Royal Commission from Her Majesty The Queen and we have this magnificent ceremony today. I would like to thank, not only all those taking part in the parades today, but also everyone involved in the behind the scenes organisation. We have a spectacle of which the island can be proud.
On the RMS, between skittles, shuffleboard and sea bird watching there is of course ample opportunity to reflect. Part of my reflection has been on the difference in roles between Chief Secretary and Governor. When I was last here as Chief Secretary my commitment was entirely to the St Helena Government. I hope that it will be appreciated that as Governor I will also be focusing on Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The former faces considerable challenges. It has moved very rapidly and quite rightly to democratic government. There is much to be done in terms of policies, projects and legislation to achieve its vision of a family-oriented island.
I am sure that there is much potential for Ascension and St Helena to work together to their mutual benefit. I look forward to working with an effective forum covering issues of co=on interest.
Compared to Ascension, Tristan da Cunha is much further away from St Helena, both in geographic terms and family links. Nevertheless, there is still scope for working together on issues like the accreditation of Tristan lobster so that it may be sold in Europe.
When I was previously on the island from 1997 to 2000, the big issues were encapsulated in the three Cs - citizenship, constitution and communications. I was delighted when full British citizenship was returned to islanders. Perseverance and a well-presented case paid off.
The three Cs was a convenient way of remembering the points, which had to be made. My own way of remembering for today is the word "POBOL " which is Welsh for people. The P of "Pobol" is for partnership. This is fundamental to the relationships between Her Majesty's Government and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan. In practice this means that the UK will continue to offer protection, assistance and encouragement for the islands to develop. In turn, the UK government looks for local initiative, responsible government, compliance with international obligations and the avoidance of contingent liabilities. Quite understandably, many on St Helena see the building of an airport as a test of this partnership. I wish I could today promise an airport, but I am not in a position to do so. It is widely known that the Atkins consultancy is still looking at the three main options - a short runway, a long runway, and the replacement of the RMS. No decisions have yet been taken, but ministers in the UK will decide within the next few months.
I believe that the island has a rare opportunity to influence UK Ministers. You can do this be demonstrating over the coming months that St Helena is prepared to put in place the framework I approach to welcome inward investment, immigration and v approaches to fulfil the potential of an airport. Such adaptability and willingness to embrace change now would passively improve our case for the large investment required.
The first “O” of "Pobol" is for openness. I want this to be one of the watchwords of my appointment. Some discussions within Government and within Executive Council are inevitably Confidential. But what I would wish to see is more and earlier consultation, more explanation of decisions and an even stronger consultation of Government to serve the consumers of public vices. I also want, as part of good governance, to look at proving access by the public to relevant documents.
Moving on, B stands for balance. Any Governor has to weigh different interests. The Governor is the Queen's representative l has to ensure due regard to the interests of Her Majesty's Government in the UK. Equally the Governor has to represent interests of the islands to the UK. Striking the right balance likely to be even more challenging under the proposed new Constitution. It would be a big step for St Helena, but I can see considerable advantages in moving in that direction. The new Constitution would reduce the powers of the Governor so it is more like a goat on the island looking forward to Christmas! Role under the new constitution as a direct decision-maker would reduce. Rather I would act as a check and balance in the tern, with your Ministers making most of the decisions that ~ct your day to day lives. To achieve good government, I would be looking for decisions based on facts, on reasoned arguments and a full appreciation of the impact on budgets and people in the street.
You know, there is no question of imposing a new constitution. There must be a clear majority who wants to see this development. His is the wish of the people, then I will do my utmost to keep the new constitutional arrangements work. There would much groundwork but we could do it.
The second “O” of "Pobol" is for optimism. I have a great belief in Saints - their skills, ability to learn and adaptability. But, sometimes on the island we seem to see the bottle of Castle as f empty rather than half full. I commit to being an optimist. There are real issues for the island, including emigration, loss of skilled workers, constitutional matters and economic development, but I know from my experience in Wales that tourists and investors do not relish a litany of problems. They look for opportunities, action and solutions. The island l point to many achievements, which even bigger territories would be proud of. I see much of my job as encouraging optimism. It is optimism based on faith in Saints to respond to challenges, to make progress and to shape their future.
The last letter, the L, in "Pobol" is for leadership. I see my leadership role as keeping the focus on the visions for the islands. It's all too easy for councillors and officials to be deflected by urgent day-to-day work. As Governor, I will help them to focus the wider and longer horizons.
I have used the word "Pobol" to help me remember partnership, openness, balance, optimism and leadership. The word "Pobol" does not mean anything in English and I hope that's not something rude in St Helenian! In Wales where I was born. "Pobol" means people. This emphasises my commitment the people of St Helena. I commit to bearing people in mind every important decision that I take or influence. Not every decision will be popular, but my promise to you is to consider lays the impact of policies, practices and decisions on the people of Ascension, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena. My priority will also be to ensure that the UK Government understands the hopes, needs and ambitions of the people of the 00 islands.
My sincere thanks for the warm welcome today. I look forward working with you and serving you to the best of my ability.
BIO-MEN VISIT THE FALKLANDS
By J. Brock (FINN)
Bruce Simpson and John Hellstrom (JH) of Bio Security Limited in New Zealand are in the last few days of a visit to the Falklands. The men are here to consult with the Falkland Islands Government on a wide range of issues dealing with bio security. The men arrived on Saturday, 02 October 2004 and began work on Monday with a meeting at the Department of Mineral Resources, followed by a visit to the Planning Department. On Tuesday, they were at Mare Harbour to observe the arrival and customs clearance of the Santa Ines. In the afternoon there were meetings with the Rural Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Through the rest of the week, the consultants visited the Fisheries Department, Department of Agriculture, and the Attorney General, Falkland Islands Development Corporation and met with Councillors. On Friday, they observed the arrival and processing of passengers and freight from the Airbus. In the afternoon, they met with Harry Hansen of Consolidated Fisheries Ltd.
On Saturday, they were back at Mount Pleasant Complex to observe the processing of passengers and freight from the LanChile flight. After a rest on Sea Lion Island over the weekend of 09 and 10 October, the men went to Fox Bay, where they observed the processing of freight being offloaded from the St. Brandon. Tuesday saw the men visiting Falklands Conservation and the Falkland Islands Company. Other venues for the men were visits to the NAAFI and Sodexho at Mount Pleasant, as well as with the Military. A trip to see the Market Garden and a chat with the media
At the press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, only John Hellstrom was present but he spoke for the Company.
Mr. Hellstrom said that he enjoyed his work. “A key Company objective is to have fun,” he quipped as he went on to say that there was a keen interest and enjoyment of what they were doing. “One of the jobs that we did this year was to work with the film company that was making ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ in New Zealand, to help them import the animals they needed for the movie.”
He went on to say that the Falklands job had been put out for international tender and they successfully bid for it. The terms of reference were to provide recommendations for an integrated bio security system for the Falklands. “We also are going to make recommendations in regard to trade protection, which is part of bio-security but certainly only part of it,” he said.
As a result of discussions whilst here, the terms of reference were modified to include the economic impacts and all the affects of invasive species. This includes diseases and health issues.
“People like the way a thing looks - a particular plant or tree - there is a societal value to it, which is quite outside the environmental remit,” he continued. Indeed, a good bio-security system looks at all of those things and then assesses them.
According to Mr. Hellstrom, policy on agricultural diseases is covered quite well but there are ways the system could be made more efficient and more targeted. He mentioned that Foot and Mouth Disease would devastate Falklands agriculture but he mentioned that there are few pig farms in the Islands and that is a major factor in keeping Foot and Mouth Disease from spreading.
He did mention that there was a significant risk of weeds establishing themselves in the Islands. The Falklands already have an infestation of thistles, which is being kept under control. However, Caliphate on Kepple Island is, at the moment, out of control. “As you have more tourism and more roads opening up the Camp, people can move around with dirty vehicles. With more tourism, those risks increase,” he said.
FINN: I know that in many areas of the Antarctic, people are required to clean their footwear prior to landing. Are you going to recommend that we do the same?
JH: It’s for Falkland Islanders to decide how far they want to go but there’s probably a place for things like that particularly with these Antarctic bugs from the outlaying rocky islands with birds on them. We had a recent example in New Zealand, where one of our rare wild parrots - there are only 85 of them left - three died recently because they got infected as a result of dirty footwear. That was an accident by two of the people, who were just going between two of the islands, who didn’t think it was a problem.
Mr. Hellstrom, when asked if bio-terrorism was a risk in the Falklands said it hadn’t been tried in the world yet and he didn’t think the Falklands would be the first place for it to happen. “All agricultural countries take bio-terrorism very seriously,” he said.
FINN: Along the same lines, we have had two security risks at the Post Office. It was thought that some letters could contain explosives or maybe Anthrax. Have you looked at that and is it part of your remit?
JH: Yes it is. We have had a look at it and the mail from today’s airbus is going to clear shortly, I think. But there are proper systems in place now. America and New Zealand go to 100% screening of all mail and they intercept anything suspicious. There, it’s not an option. In fact, it’s a sensible option given the risks they face. Here, anything suspicious is checked. The main risk here comes through weeds because people import seeds through magazines and they get seeds for all sorts of things. So, there is a possibility there but in this environment it is difficult to get things to grow.
As well as screening the mail, there has been a card designed for passengers arriving on aircraft and vessels, giving instructions and information about what plants not to bring into the Falklands. “We are going to put more effort into education now,” he said. He added that people had to think about the risk prior to bringing anything into the Falklands that could be a danger to the environment.
Accidental infestation of weed-seeds in used vehicles, imported live animals; ships garbage and the like can be a problem. “There are about twenty pathways where weed-seeds can get into the Falklands,” he said. He saw a dozen pathways that were not closed off at the moment. “In New Zealand about $1Billion is spent on weed control with 20,000 introduced species,” Mr. Hellstrom added.
FINN: In New Zealand, a long time ago you had Grayling that was wiped out by trout.
JH: That’s what happened. It’s one of the ironies of bio-security that you are trying to protect some things that are pests in their own right. Trout’s clearly a species here in the Falklands so it would be inadvisable to import more trout as they might bring diseases in.
Aquaculture with indigenous species is a very low risk. Bio-security is meant to protect Aquaculture rather than cause problems. However, with mussels, toxic (red) tides can cause problems as well as ballast water coming down in ships. Bringing in new species can be tricky because of escape. Mr. Hellstrom says that if anyone thinks they can farm introduced species without any escaping are not thinking straight. Also, with Aquaculture here, Sea Lions are good at finding and making holes in nets. Also, due to the Liligo Squid breeding close in to shore, any introduced bio-pollutants could be a danger to them as well. “If a dirty boat comes down, it should be sent straight away,” he added. “If the oil industry took off, there would be a large body of ballast water coming down. There are ways in which that problem can be managed now. There’s an international convention which has been greatly implemented to require changing ballast water prior to entering port.” Some elements in the Antarctic Treaty are implemented here as well.
FINN: I know that we take a lot of Antarctic waste. How should we be managing that?
JH: At the moment, it comes ashore at FIGAS and sits in containers with lids on but anyone can go down and open up a lid and birds can get in and that sort of thing. Then it is taken off to the landfill at Eliza Cove. That is not a good place because it is not covered straight away. You don’t need to go to incinerators or anything like that. It’s a case of a tighter system than the one you use at the moment.
FINN: Would it be in your remit to advise about what kind of prosecution would be brought against anyone breaking the law?
JH: That’s for the Falklands to decide. We will be recommending quite strongly that there is more enforcement. There are holes in the legislation but there is plenty of legislation that could be enforced. People need to know it’s serious as well.
FINN: If that’s so, aside from the card that’s being designed for aircraft and vessel passengers, are there any other measures that you are going to be recommending making people aware of the seriousness of the problem?
JH: We recommend that there should be a whole range of things - educational - for example. Ideally, teachers could put it in the syllabus. It’s only a slight change in a Biology programme to get it included. I would imagine most children here would be exposed to Falklands biology and the natural environment. We could add that these things exist. One of the reasons why it’s so important is that most problems are found by members of the public by accident - not someone out there looking for it. That applies to the marine environment as well.
Both men left the Falklands on Saturday’s LanChile Flight and they will be writing a report in due course. “In all good contractual terms, if we don’t write a satisfactory report, we don’t get our money,” quipped Mr. Hellstrom.
ZORO TAKES TURKEY VULTURE PRIZE
By J. Brock (FINN)
Operation Turkey Vulture took place at the Parish Hall and around Stanley on Sunday, 17 October 2004. Vehicles were used to collect the items, which could be found anywhere in Stanley, Surf Bay, Hillside Camp or Lady Elizabeth Beach. One would imagine larders and loft space also being raided. Eleven teams had the opportunity to scour the town for items on the list.
Several teams searched high and low for twenty items: A Goose Feather, picture of the Queen, penguin, item off a military uniform, Union Flag, teaberry, lump of peat, 5 different seashells, piece of un-spun sheep’s wool, map of the world, UK train ticket, RAF boarding pass, Flotsam from a fishing vessel, reindeer antler, whalebone, golf ball, US Dollar bill, FIGAS luggage label, UK supermarket carrier bag and a personalised container for the items.
The mad dash began at 1400, with the first team back with all items by approximately 1530. Certain items were allowed, such as stuffed penguins in lieu of live ones. Four teams returned with all 20 items. They were the “Stenning” Clan, “Black-hawks”, and “Zoro and Co”. And “No Chance.” All winning teams got a box of chocolates but the Zoro had the best collection of stuff and got an extra prize.
Challenge organiser, Harriet Hall, thanked everyone who took part and mentioned that the teams were responsible for taking away scavenged items to their rightful owners.
Also at the parish hall for the event was a bookstall, toy stall, bottle stall, and a Christ Church Cathedral souvenir stall with bookmarks, post cards, stationary coasters, key rings and pens for sale. In the Kitchen, Marj McPhee turned pancakes and there were cakes, teas and coffee on sale.
The rough estimate for funds raised is approximately £300.00.
BIG BANGS ROCK ONION RANGE
By J. Brock (FINN)
Observers from Stanley and Mount Pleasant Complex visited Onion Range on East Falkland on Friday to have hands-on experience of Army firepower. Nineteen passengers from Stanley boarded a Chinook Helicopter from 78 Squadron at MPA for the twenty-minute flight to the range, where they were fortified with cake, sandwiches, tea and coffee before trekking to the observation area. Approximately twenty people from Mount Pleasant joined the Stanley group at the enclosure.
On the range in various camouflaged positions were members of the Kohima Company of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (RGBW). They had with them machine guns, mortars and heat-sensing missiles that were used in a simulated platoon attack on an enemy position. Snipers, in head to toe green camouflage and all cammed up, silently took up their positions for maximum affect.
With big bangs from mortar and copious amounts of perfumed smoke, the platoons made their way forward to overtake the enemy that was located in a bullet-riddled location on the range. Major Darren Denning, who told the observers what was happening, explained that the tactic was to find the enemy, pin him down and then attack. Needless to say the live-fire exercise was successful.
After the demonstration, observers had the opportunity for supervised hands-on experience and fired the heavy machine guns into the range after it was cleared. Static demonstrations showing how to fire mortars and heat-sensing missiles also were held, with a static display showing intricate GPS locating systems and communications topped the afternoon off.
The whole day made me feel like “Oliver.” Please, sir, I want some more. Many thanks go to Major. MPD Brennan, R Irish, the Civil/Military Liaison Officer, for making it all happen.
BAS AIRCRAFT ARRIVE FOR ANTARCTIC SUMMER SEASON
By J. Brock (FINN)
Two Twin Otters and a Dash 7 have arrived in Stanley on Friday afternoon in preparation for the up coming summer season of flying in the Antarctic. The aircraft flew in from Canada, where they spent the Austral winter being maintained and awaiting the order to fly south.
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 18 OCTOBER 2004
FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF STANLEY COMMON:
The future management of Stanley Common is being looked into after it was discovered that there was no one formally responsible for it’s use. The Attorney General’s Chambers found that there are many activities happening on the Common, some of which are in breach. The Environmental Planning Department will now draw up a management plan for the whole Common, which will eventually include provisions to area access, development, management and protection of plants and animals. They will also be looking into appointing an officer, who will have responsibility for the use of the land and any issues relating to it.
HARBOUR, FISHING AND SHIPPING NEWS:
Reefer, Snow-mass was in for bunkers on Saturday morning.
