FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD: MONDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 2004
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
FIDF CELEBRATE 150 YEARS WITH A RECEPTION AT HQ
By J. Brock (FINN)
The Falkland Islands Defence Force has celebrated their 150th anniversary with a reception held in their Headquarters on Saturday evening. The venue began at 2000 with drinks and nibs and included a presentation about the history of the FIDF. “I regard the formation of the Volunteer force 150 years ago as the origin of the FIDF,” explained the Officer Commanding, Maj. Peter Biggs in his opening remarks. He went on to mention the presence of retired and present and their worthwhile efforts on behalf of the FIDF.
The slide show, a brief profile of events important in FIDF history, had some of the oldest photographs and graphics of Islanders in uniform and equipment, going back to the first formation of volunteers in 1854, to avert privateers associated with Russia during the Crimean War. WO2 Adam Cockwell and Sgt. Paul Watson presented the slide show and talk, which covered the Falkland Islands Defence Force’s participation at home and abroad during two world wars as well as the 1982 Falklands Conflict, when all of the records and equipment of the organisation went missing. The history included the refit and training provided by HM Forces after the conflict. Diversification of the role of the FIDF, as the men explained, went into search and rescue as well as fisheries protection in 1999, with the introduction of an Orlon 20mm gun aboard M/V Dorada.
H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce then presented promotions: Andy Brownlee to Captain, Justin McPhee to Lieutenant, Paul Watson to Colour Sergeant, Gerard Ford to Corporal, Nigel Bishop to Corporal, Owen Betts to Corporal, and Richard Morrison to Corporal.
After presenting the promotions H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce said:
“First of all, I would like to congratulate all of those who have just received their promotions. And, in the FIDF this is a serious business. Promotions are hard earned and very well deserved. My warmest congratulations go to all of you.
I think one key thing in the presentation we have had on the history of the volunteer force in the Falklands, going back 150 years to the relatively early years of administration here in the Falkland Islands, what that shows is that Falkland Islanders have always been ready to stand to in their own defence. I think that therefore is an extremely impressive( key point)one. In those days of the Crimean War through to the 1st world war, where many people volunteered here in the Islands also went and volunteered to go and fight in Europe. And there is an extraordinarily impressive list of medals earned by Falkland Islanders during the First World War to the Second World War and, of course, 1982. That is a record of courage and commitment and bravery, which I think Falkland Islanders can and should be proud.
I think you should also be proud of the FIDF as it stands today. A quick mental calculation leads me to conclude that if the same proportion of the UK population volunteered for the Territorial Army, then there would be some 2 Million. That’s quite an impressive figure.
In the almost two years that I have been here, I have admired the hard work, the commitment and the professionalism, which goes into the FIDF by people who have full time jobs. They commit an enormous amount of time and effort and energy in everything they do. Everything they do, they do extremely well. They provided a wonderful guard of Honour at my wedding as well as man the rigid raider and Fisheries Protection, regular Military exercises with British Forces South Atlantic Islands. I know there is a great deal of admiration on the part of the professionals here for the FIDF and the work that they put in. And, I know that they are able to exercise very effectively together. Now, I don’t want to embarrass CBSAI once again by referring, as is quite understandable in the history of the FIDF, to the success of the FIDF in the Commando Challenge. I am not too sure when the next Commando Challenge is going to be but I know there will be lots of entries from the South Atlantic Islands and I think it’s going to be very hard fought. I was very impressed by the effort of the FIDF, who won that competition the last time.
I wish you all the very best for the next 150 years.”
CBSAI, Air Commodore Lacey, presented Long Service and Good Conduct Awards in respect of over 12 years of service to Lt. Justin McPhee, Cpl. Gerard Ford, Pte. Stuart Wallace, Cpl. Russell Smith and LCPL Denise McPhee.
After the presentation of Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Air Commodore Lacey said:
“It is a great pleasure for me to be here this evening to present the long service and good conduct awards. Long service and good conduct awards to me are one of the most significant awards that anybody can achieve in peacetime. I am very conscious that the five people that received the awards this evening have each put in 12 years minimum distinguished service in the Falkland Islands Defence Force to qualify for the award they received this evening.
Now, I am quite used to doing this at Mount Pleasant for people who get their long service and good conduct award there. But they are all professionals and we expect them to do what is necessary to get that award. I think, in particular, volunteers who have given, over such a long period, have been so much, so consistently and so well, I think is absolutely outstanding. And, I would just like to add my congratulations to the five people who received the award this evening because what they do is meaningful. And, the fact that they have done it for twelve years I think is outstanding.
I noted this evening that not only do I have the pleasure of awarding the first of these awards to a female member of the FIDF, but I noted also that it was a husband and wife combination. Congratulations to both of you.
Perhaps you will allow me also to say a few words of congratulations to the Defence Force on its 150 years. In the short term that I have been in the Falkland Islands I have had the pleasure of seeing them at work. They regularly participate with the regulars under my command at Mount Pleasant and, frankly, they are indistinguishable from the professionals. They are really unique. I have seen them operate on a number of different occasions and they are extremely professional. And, the Falkland Islands Community should be extremely proud of the Falkland Islands Defence Force for all it has achieved since its foundation and particularly what they have achieved today. I particularly like the fact that the training opportunities that they actually present to my organisation. We would not have the training for the particular roles that we have, were it not for the Falkland Islands Defence Force. They are the most difficult “enemy” that we have ever faced. They really give us a hard time. So, Peter (Biggs) a very heartfelt thank-you for the Falkland Islands Defence Forces contribution to keeping us safe.
I would also like to mention the outstanding achievement - the Governor has already mentioned it - of the number of times that the Falkland Islands Defence Force has won the March and Shoot and the Commando Challenge. It goes to show the qualities of the Falkland Islands Defence Force. Yes. You do mop the floor with us. You are an extremely proficient and professional organisation and my hearty congratulations to you on the 150th anniversary of your formation.”
The evening finished as it began, with friends and acquaintances as well as family members with an association with the FIDF chatting about their various contributions to the Force over the years.
WOOL REPORT: for the week ending Friday 5th November 2004
Auctions
The Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) remained unchanged on Tuesday of this week at 745 A cents and slipped three cents on Thursday. The EMI thus closed the week down three cents at 742 A cents. The American dollar’s weakness continued to play a role in dampening the market. There was an eighty seven percent clearance of 49,262 bales.
In New Zealand, the Fine Indicator was not quoted. The Medium Indicator was quoted down eight cents on the week at 490 NZ cents. The Strong Indicator recovered a cent to 390 NZ cents. The Lamb Indicator was not quoted. There was an 83% clearance of the small offering of 5,041 bales.
The South African Overall Merino Indicator lost 1.7% to move from 2,644 to 2,600 SA cents/kg clean.
Currencies
The Australian dollar was trading at a similar level as last week at A$2.44/£. The New Zealand dollar was a cent weaker on the week at 2.67 NZ cents/£.
FWG Agency
There is developing interest for new season Falkland wool. All additional supplies of wool in 2005 would be much welcomed by our customers.
The outline plan for my forthcoming visit to Camp, is to be on West Falkland during much of the last week of November and on East Falkland during the first week of December. I will endeavour to visit as many farms as possible - if you would particularly like a visit, please advise soonest.
With Best Wishes Robert
PLAYGROUND GROUP NET NEARLY £342.00 FOR EQUIPMENT
By J. Brock (FINN)
Leann Harris, Carol Eynon and Jill Harris have organised a jumble sale in aid of the Kids Playground Group, a registered charity. On Saturday between 1000 and 1400 the group sold £342 worth of kids toys, clothes, fancy goods and videos, etc. so that the ground at St. Mary’s Playground could be prepared. “Government will be supplying the equipment but our money is going towards getting the ground ready for installing it,” said Leann Harris.
Along with the jumble, the group sold coffees, teas and cakes. Mrs. Harris announced the total to FINN on Saturday evening.
There was a raffle and some games along with the jumble sale. The winners of the games we had were: Jason Lewis won the weight of the Winnie the Pooh Cake with only 1oz off and Bunny Bonner won JB's hat cake. Sally Heathman and Kane Smith were the closest with Where do these Teddies come From. The Large Jar of sweets was won by Sam Dodd and the small jar by Ellis Smith. Closest to the buried treasure which was actually in the Sound was Kane Smith. Prizes can be collected at the Boathouse.
“I would like to thank the Tabernacle for letting us hold it there and the Rugrats for clearing out their things,” said Leean Harris. She also thanked everyone who donated jumble, books and toys, The Kandy Kabin and Falkland Farmers for prizes and everyone who helped out on the day. “It was a fairly long and busy day but well worthwhile as the fund is off to a good good start,” she continued.
Next up with fund raising will be a sponsored Toddle and Scavenger Hunt and a Disco for everyone. We also have prizes for a Raffle so will have a Christmas Raffle with tickets on sale soon. So look out in the press for more news.
INTERNET SELECTIONS:
The e-bay sale of the Vulcan Bomber has come to a successful conclusion with a pub landlord buying it for £15,000.00. The bomber will be on display outside the pub in Cheshire. It could take years to get the bomber airworthy again.
HIGH MARKS FOR DESIGN IN NATURE PHOTO EX
By J. Brock (FINN)
Georgina and Ian Strange, a father and daughter team, has wowed visitors at their first exhibition in Stanley. Several high quality photographs, beautifully presented on metallic paper, are now on view in the Jetty Centre. Design in Nature held a special opening of the exhibition at 1700 on Friday evening.
H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce opened the exhibition and in his welcoming words praised the efforts of Georgian and her father, Ian. He went on to stress that it was an excellent venue for the exhibition and that more use should be made of the jetty Centre for functions like this one. He went on to welcome Georgina back from Australia after 3.5 years away at University in Brisbane studying photography.
In his brief address, H. E. the Governor Mr Pearce announced a photographic competition that has been organised by the Tourist Board. One of Miss Strange’s photographs will be a prize in the competition, which has a closing date for entries on 26 April 2005.
According to Mrs. Connie Stevens, Director of Tourism, there is sponsorship from outside the Falklands from Kodak and in association with “Practical Photography “ Magazine. That magazine will devote five to seven pages to competition photos.
All photos were taken in the Falklands with an emphasis on weather scenery and atmospheric conditions.
Approximately 50 people, including Councillors and Government Officials as well as business owners and members of the public attended the event. They enjoyed wine and nibs from the Seafish Chandlary.
The exhibition of Georgina and Ian’s photographs will be open for the next week from 0900 to 1730 at the Jetty Centre.
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 08 NOVEMBER 2004
COURT NEWS:
A Goose Green resident was charged and released on conditional bail this afternoon. Mr. Robert Smith was charged with the assault of a child under 13 by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. A press release from the Royal Falkland Islands Police said Mr. Smith has been charged as a result of a serious incident, which has been under investigation for several months.
In Court this afternoon he was granted bail under 6 conditions: Firstly, he is to surrender his passport to the Police Station. He is not to approach or communicate either in person or through a through a third party with the four named prosecution witnesses. Mr. Smith is required to reside in Goose Green. He is also to inform the Police of the intention and timing of any travel to Stanley or any other place outside Goose Green Farm. Any such visit to Stanley should be limited to those necessary for Court appearances, appointments with the doctor, solicitor or reasons in relation to his employment. In any visit in connection with employment, Mr. Smith is to give police four hours notice. Mr. Smith is not to permit any person under the age of 16 to enter the property at No. 10 Goose Green. The final condition of his bail is that Mr. Smith is not to approach any person under the age of 16 or to remain alone in a room or in a vehicle with any person under the age of 16.
The case has been adjourned until Thursday, 25 November.
BONFIRE NIGHT AT THE NARROWS:
The biggest fireworks display in Stanley on Friday night was hosted by the Narrows Bar. Corina Goss asked staff member, Sian Davis (SD), how much organisation had gone into the event.
SD: The amount of preparation was actually quite a lot for an event like this. Think of the fire safety that you’ve got to look into. There are also weather conditions - if there is bad weather and the wind is blowing a hooley, you can’t really have a bonfire going. Of course, there is also the food and the preparation for that. Brian has been working all day on that. We have to make sure we are prepared at the bar as well. I would imagine there are well over 100 people here, judging from how busy we have been at the bar. Everyone said the fireworks were good. The kids are running around at times, so that’s always a good sign.
TUMBLEDOWN RUN:
Community School students will be taking part in the annual Tumbledown run next Tuesday. Teacher, Trish Halmshaw told us the run this year won’t be sponsored as they believe there have been enough fundraisers in the community recently. The 6th Form students at the School organising the run, which 160 students wishing to take part in alongside teachers Louise Taylor and Steve Dent. It is scheduled to start between 1015 and 1030 and Trish Halmshaw hopes that this year will be as successful as ever and entrants will improve on last year’s times.
HARBOUR FISHING AND SHIPPING NEWS:
Elizabeth Boye arrived at FIPASS yesterday before moving to East Jetty. The CFL Valliant arrived at FIPASS today. There are 8 vessels fishing in the zone. Finfish catches are poor and long-liners catching Toothfish are doing well, with some reaching 5 tonnes a day. The Surimi vessel is still doing very well, with some catches reaching more than 200tonnes a day and the experimental Scallop Trawler Holdberg is reporting some good catches.
POLICE NEWS:
At 0814 on Thursday morning there was report of damage to the ornamental chain saw on Davis Street. If anyone has any information, can they please contact the police station. At 0014 on Saturday, there was a request for an ambulance to the Victory Bar. The person made their own way to the hospital. At 1426 there was a report of someone discharging a firearm on Stanley Common behind Lookout Lodge. This turned out to be an air rifle. The matter is currently being investigated and a person is assisting Police with their enquiries. The Police would like to remind everyone that it is illegal to discharge firearms including air rifles within the boundaries of Stanley, except on an approved range. At 0124 on Sunday, there was a report from the Joint Services Police of a single vehicle traffic accident in the vicinity of the Great Britain Hotel. The matter is currently being investigated. At 1040 on Sunday there was a report of someone laying on the Stanley Services Forecourt. The person was found to be under the influence of alcohol and is assisting with enquiries.
(100X Transcription Service)
Mineral Resources Committee Meeting
OPEN MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON
MONDAY 01 NOVEMBER AT 10.30AM
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES
These minutes are draft minutes until confirmed by resolution at the next meeting of this committee.
Honourable J Birmingham Councillor JB
D Lang QC Attorney General AG
C Simpkins Chief Executive CE
H Williams Secretary
ACTION | |
| 1. Apologies for Absence All members were in attendance at this meeting. | |
| 2. Declarations of Interest The Chair declared an interest in all matters relating to the Falkland Islands Company and Falkland Island Holdings. | |
| 3. Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on 06 September 2004 The minutes of the 06 September 2004 were confirmed without amendment. | |
| 4. Matters arising from the meeting held on 06 September 2004 | |
| 4.1 Item 4.2 Technical Website DMA reported that the Website was working well and members acknowledged that this allowed for anonymous enquiries that might otherwise have not been made. 4.2 Item 5 Falkland Oil & Gas Limited: Listing on AIM Congratulations were in order for FOGL who since the last meeting had successfully listed on AIM and raised £12million. Members welcomed their investment into the Islands. | |
