FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD: THURSDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2004
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
INTERNET NEWS:
The BBC report that one of the COASTELS formerly located in Stanley Harbour near FIPASS has been condemned as a Prison ship. Children from Stanley and at Stanley House learned how to swim in the pool that was located below decks. The Chief Prisons inspector in the UK says that it is entirely unsuitable as a 21st century prison and that it should be classified euphorically as a container. The Coastel was put into use as a remand prison seven years ago. HMP Weir is moored at Portland in Dorset. Significant money must be spent just to keep the Coastel seaworthy. The Coastel was a prison in the United States before being moved to its present location. There were three Coastels moored near FIPASS.
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 04 NOVEMBER 2004
150 YEARS FOR THE FIDF:
The Falkland Islands Defence Force will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this Saturday. Officer Commanding of the FIDF, Major Peter Biggs (PB) tells us more.
PB: The FIDF are celebrating the 150th anniversary of a part-time voluntary military force in the Falkland Islands. In 1854, Governor Rene formed a force of approximately 80 volunteers who lived in the community. This force was formed as a response to the possibility of aggression from privateers during the Crimean War. As far as I know, the force, which didn’t appear to have an official name but which was known as the Stanley Volunteers, was only active for a couple of years while the immediate threat existed. It was, however, without a doubt the birth of the voluntary part-time service in the Falklands. The tradition of inhabitants taking some responsibility for the defence of their country, of course, continues in the form of the Falkland Islands Defence Force.
SF: What celebrations have you actually got in place for the anniversary?
PB: The FIDF is hosting a reception on Saturday, 06 November in celebration of the anniversary. We’ve invited past members of the FIDF, their partners and, of course, all current members are automatically invited and their partners as well. A number of VIPs have been invited and during the course of the evening, there will be a presentation of promotions and long service and combat medals. There will also be a short presentation on the History of the FIDF.
SF: How did the 1982 Conflict affect the FIDF?
PB: During the conflict the FIDF lost all its records and equipment. And, was re-formed and re-equipped in 1983.
SF: How strong is the FIDF now?
PB: At present, the FIDF has three full time staff including WO Tim Watson, who is on secondment from the Royal Marines and Sgt Paul Robson, who is the Admin Sergeant. We’ve recently enjoyed good recruitment and have a strong pool of very good part-time soldiers. We’ve also had very good support from Councillors in maintaining equipment levels and high training standards. This is actually imperative for a modern military force. We also enjoy an excellent relationship with the regular British Forces in the Falkland Islands and benefit from sharing training and development opportunities.
SF: What is the current role of the FIDF in the Falklands?
PB: The primary role of the FIDF in the Falklands is to assist in the defence of the Falkland Islands. And, we have several secondary roles including assisting the Fisheries Department with the provision of armed protection of the Falkland Islands Fisheries and also assisting other FIG agencies with resources and, in times of emergency.
SF: Finally, can we expect similar changes in the FIDF in the future?
PB: The FIDF has a policy of continuous improvement in training and effectiveness. So, there’s a process of continual evolution in place, which tries to keep step with modern advancements. This process isn’t easily evident from an on-looker’s point of view. However, there is one change in development, which has happened recently and that is in the development of the means of rapid deployment by inshore waters. Some people may have noticed that we’ve got a couple of fast bikes in use to deploy people. This gives us increased capability. I would like to add that we are always looking for good recruits and we will be starting a recruiting drive in the new year. So, if there is anybody out there that’s interested, please get in touch.
SF: Major Peter Biggs says that although they have made every effort to identify past members from their records, they may have missed some people. If you have had past service from within the FIDF, you should contact the HQ and they will amend the guest list.
GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL:
There were two transfers within Government last month. Ulrick Eriksson and Terrance Newman transferred from assistant foreman to plant operator handyman in the Highway Section of the Public Works Department. There were two completion of contracts - David Snape as Physio for the Health and Medical Services Department and David Fife ‘s contract as Senior Dental Officer within the Health and Medical Services Department was completed and renewed in October. Jeremy Cairns-Wicks resigned as a Constable in the Royal Falkland Islands Police. There were two retirements - Val Berntsen as evening Security Officer in the Health and Medical Services Department and Tony Petersson as Head Printer in the Printing Office.
CHARITY JUMP:
A Falkland Islands student studying at Chichester College will be taking part in a tandem parachute jump on the 20th of November. Roxanne Morrison (RM) will be jumping with two friends from Woodland Halls Residence to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and BBC Children in Need. We asked Roxanne why they decided to hold the parachute jump.
RM: There are three of us that are doing it in aid of Children in Need and the Teenage Cancer Trust. I want to go with others from the Hall to help the victims.
SF: And how much do your parachute jumps actually cost?
RM: It’s £235.00.
SF: And, how much money are you hoping to raise all together?
RM: We are hoping to raise £500.00.
SF: Connie May told us already £200.00 has already been raised for the jump from people around the Islands. Sponsor forms are available around Stanley, or you can contact Jackie Morrison, Connie May or Tamara Morrison.
STREET CLOSURE:
Davis Street will be closed between Snake Hill and the Bypass for the rest of today and tomorrow. This is to allow the Public Works Department to carry out improvement works to the road. It will be closed in stages, although access to various businesses in the area will remain open. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes wherever possible.
HOSPITAL NEWS:
Health and Medical Services Director, Norman McGregor-Edwards says that the locum dentist, who was here for four weeks has done a good job, adding that they are now monitoring the situation to see if anything further is needed. The locum dentist came here last month to help catch up with a backlog of patients, which has been caused by one of the full time dentists being away from work.
POLICE NEWS:
As 1345 on Tuesday there was a report of criminal damage to the front of a building on H. Jones Road. Police are investigating and ask anyone with information relating to the incident to contact the station. At around 1830 on Tuesday, some items of ordinance were found near the Camber House. The EOD have dealt with the 038A-1s and the flares. And, at 1420 yesterday afternoon, the Police received a request for help at a an address on Jersey Road. Officers attended the scene to find damage to one of the flats. The matter is being investigated and a person is helping with enquiries.
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