News Direct 16th to 20th September 2013

This is the news from this week.

Politics

Panama

A group of parliamentarians from Panama recently visiting the Islands say that the information that they have learned from their trip will inform the Panamanian Government’s position on the Falklands sovereignty issue.

The group, which consists of three parliamentarians and a legal advisor for the Foreign Affairs Commission of the National Assembly, will prepare a report when they return to Panama.

Dalia Bernal, who is the President for the Foreign Affairs Commission of Panama’s National Assembly, said that she hopes further representatives from Panama will travel to the Falklands. She also said that this year’s referendum has been very effective in making clear the wishes of Falkland Islanders.

Castro

The Argentine ambassador in London has apologised to Prime Minister David Cameron for branding him “dumb” over the Falklands.

The Sun reported last week that Alicia Castro sent the Prime Minister a two-page letter of regret over her comments made last month where she called Mr Cameron dumb after he questioned the Pope’s view on the Falklands.

In the letter, the Argentine Ambassador expressed her “respect” for Britain and said her remarks were in no way intended to be offensive and not meant as a personal affront to Mr Cameron or his office.

G20

A Conservative Member of Parliament has said that Argentina’s G20 membership should be revoked because of its behaviour towards the Falkland Islands.

In a discussion in the House of Commons, Henry Smith MP labelled Argentina's leader Cristina Kirchner as "disgraceful" for how she has treated Falkland Islanders.

Mr Smith also accused Argentina of deliberately falsifying its economic statistics, refusing to abide by international court judgments and refusing to pay its debts to other nations and institutions.

Mr Smith said the country's failure to pay back international loans could set a bad example for current financially-stricken eurozone nations.

Mr Smith called on the British Government to take a tough position on Argentina's G20 membership.

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said Mr Smith had raised a number of serious issues but he said the UK intended to develop its bilateral relations with Argentina through the G20.

He said that the British Government has always been clear that it would like a full, bilateral relationship with Argentina but that the Falkland Islands are British and will remain British.

Conference

The Falklands delegation at last week’s Liberal Democrat Party Conference received a strong message of support.

MLAs Jan Cheek and Ian Hansen along with FIG London Representative Sukey Cameron represented the Islands in Glasgow at the Conference. MLA Hansen said that the Conference was very positive for the Falklands.

 

Local News

Desire

Desire Petroleum has announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2013.

Highlights for the company included their data room opening in February, their farm-out process continuing with a number of companies still said to be engaged in the process and subject to rig availability, their new exploration programme could start as early as the fourth quarter of 2014.

The company posted a loss for the period of $1.6 million.

Spray

As part of a continuous review of capability and training within the Royal Falkland Islands Police Force, officers have now received specialist training to carry and use CapTor 2 Incapacitant Spray. Chief Superintendent Barry Marsden said it is part of a continuous review of equipment, and he hopes the spray will not be needed.

Pool

The Stanley Leisure Centre swimming pool is likely to re-open in the New Year following its refurbishment.

It had been hoped to have the facility open by Christmas but a delay has been experienced. Unhappiness has been expressed by parents when it was announced that the toddler pool would be scrapped in order to install a Jacuzzi and sauna.

Director of Central Services Simon Fletcher accepts that the situation could have been handled better.

 

Local Events

Exercise

A passenger ship striking an object underwater and then crashing into a port facility was the scenario for last Wednesday’s major incident exercise carried out by the Falkland Islands Government.

The exercise involved the emergency services and other agencies, with the military helping to facilitate. FIG Director of Emergency Services Barry Marsden said it is important that the Government conducts these types of exercises.

 

Reception

A reception was held at Government House on last Wednesday evening to celebrate Chile’s Independence Day.

The strong links between the Falklands and Chile were recognised with many members of the Falklands Chilean community attending the event.

Governor Nigel Haywood said that the relationship between the Islands and Chile goes back many years. Chilean Ricardo Leyton was pleased to be able to celebrate the occasion at Government House. He says it’s good knowing that the Falklands celebrates such an important day for it’s Chilean community.

School News

FICS

Community school students and their parents have been expressing their concerns recently over what seems to be a sudden change in the school’s dress code policy.

Leggings and ‘skinny jeans’ are the topic of the concern as it appears students have been sent home to change due to these items of clothing being deemed inappropriate.

Following outcry in the community and comments on facebook head teacher of the Community School, Martin Winward has sent out a letter to parents in which he says he is aware there are various interpretations regarding the school’s dress code.

In the letter he says it will be his job as Headteacher with the support of Senior Leadership Team and staff to look at this in more detail and up-date parents with a clearer interpretation of our current policy.

In the meantime he has asked all staff to relax their approach to challenging students and their clothing and he also asked that parents support the school by ensuring their child arrives for school wearing clothing that is decent and fit for purpose.

Pirates

And finally for last week, children at the Infant and Junior School took part in Thursday’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day. I spoke to Thomas, Selena, Soraye, Richard, Abigail and Christopher, who all enjoyed talking like a pirate for a day.

 

PIRATE LONG

For more information on talk like a pirate day go to www.talklikeapirate.com.

News Direct 9th - 13th September 2013

This is the news from last week.
 

Politics

Oil Ban

Premier Oil has been added to the list of companies banned by Argentina from operating in the country. The Argentine Government said it was placing the ban because of the company’s hydrocarbons activities in the Falklands which it described as ‘illegal and clandestine’.

It follows last month’s banning of Borders & Southern Petroleum, Desire Petroleum, Argos Resources and Falkland Oil and Gas. None of the companies involved have any business interests in Argentina. Rockhopper Exploration has not yet been added to the list.

Royal Protest

An anti-Britain protest took place in Buenos Aires last weekend during the visit to Argentina by the Princess Royal.

Protestors burned an effigy of the Queen ahead of an announcement of the host city for the 2020 Olympic Games in Buenos Aires which the Princess Royal was attending. Around 250 demonstrators burned flags and chanted against British involvement in the International Olympic Committee.

Falklands at the CPA

The Falklands message of self-determination was delivered by Members of the Legislative Assembly Barry Elsby and Roger Edwards last week before a large audience at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held in South Africa. The meeting was held following a Small Branches Conference which the MLAs attended.

 

The Falklands in Gibraltar

MLA Ian Hansen and FIG London Representative Sukey Cameron represented the Falklands today at the events to mark Gibraltar’s National Day. The day marks the anniversary of Gibraltar’s 1967 sovereignty referendum.

Representatives of eight Overseas Territories attended the events. MLA Hansen was also involved while in Gibraltar in meetings in advance of the Joint Ministerial Council between the Overseas Territories Governments and the UK Government which will take place at the end of the year.

The events in Gibraltar today have included a large rally which MLA Hansen says was a fantastic occasion.

Local News

Pool Turns Spa

It has been announced that as part of a programme of improvement works at Stanley Leisure Centre, new spa facilities will be installed.

A Jacuzzi and sauna will be installed where the toddler pool was previously situated. A statement by the Falkland Islands Government said that the decision to replace the toddler pool was taken following advice about its suitability and safety.

The decision has proven controversial with comments made online questioning the rationale behind the decision and the lack of consultation on the issue.

Simon Fletcher, the Director of Central Services says that the toddler pool has been underutilised for some time and following advice they received from the STA, they took the decision to develop the space with new facilities as part of the pool refurbishment. He says that the Jacuzzi and sauna were improvements requested by members through their last customer survey.

Mr Fletcher says that the safety of all their guests is paramount and that they would like to encourage parents to continue to bring their babies and toddlers into the main swimming pool where they can offer the necessary support and safe environment.

 

Meetings

Chamber of Commerce AGM

The Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce held its AGM recently.

In a speech to Chamber members, President of the Chamber of Commerce Roger Spink said that the Islands are at the threshold of a new chapter in their economic development.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce says that he is upbeat about the Falklands economy going forward over the next year.

Minerals Analysis

The Mineral Resources Committee this week supported a proposal for the Falkland Islands Government to fund 50% of the cost of a proposed two year research programme which would address environmental data gaps prior to oil production operations beginning in Falklands waters.

A gap analysis working group was set up as a spin-off from the Falkland Islands Offshore Hydrocarbons Environmental Forum and this has produced a proposal which focuses on what the working group perceive to be the highest priority data gaps.

The Mineral Resources Committee endorsed the action plan which had been presented previously to the Environmental Committee, and supported the provision of FIG funding for up to 50% of the cost of the proposed programme. It was also agreed that the Director of Mineral Resources should approach the members of the Falkland Islands Production Licensees Association to request the remaining 50% of the funding required to support the project.

It is estimated that the total project cost will be just under £600,000.

 

Minerals Legislation

Also at this week’s meeting of the Mineral Resources Committee, a recommendation was supported to initiate a review to assess the potential requirement of additional environmental legislation to ensure adequate regulation of the Falklands offshore oil industry.

It was proposed that a review of regulation is carried out and led by the Department of Mineral Resources in conjunction with the Environmental Planning Department. The Director of Mineral Resources Stephen Luxton said the review was necessary to make sure that the legislative regime is watertight.

The Committee also noted the possible requirement for significant additional funding to recruit external expertise.

 

Local Events

Invenio

Invenio Falkland Islands Ltd has announced that it has teamed up with two business consultants based in the North East of Scotland to develop Falklink.

Falklink has been engaged by the Chamber of Commerce funded by the Falkland Islands Government to undertake a skills gap analysis of Falkland Islands readiness for any upcoming oil industry requirements. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of the opportunities that lie ahead and to assist Falklands businesses to rise to the challenge of the emerging hydrocarbons industry.

The project will feature two seminars with the first to be held in the Islands in October. One to one sessions will also be available.

 

Memorials

Redcar Memorial

A memorial to former Governor of the Falklands Sir Rex Hunt was unveiled at a ceremony in his home town of Redcar last week.

In the shape of a lectern and coupled with a Governor’s sword, the memorial was commissioned by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to pay tribute to Sir Rex.

Sir Rex’s widow, Lady Mavis attended the service and said that it was wonderful to know that he is being remembered in his hometown.

During the services the Last Post and the national anthem were played and there were prayers in honour of Sir Rex who died last November age 87. Prayers were also said for the people of the Falklands and those who died in the islands during the 1982 war.

Councillor Josh Mason commissioned the memorial and said that it was a moving ceremony.

The Staff of FIRS

I thought I'd give you an introduction to the full time members of staff here at FIRS HQ.

First of all we have Corina Goss, the Station Controller.

Corina Goss - Station Controller

 

Falkland Islander Corina is the Manager of Falklands Radio. She began her career in radio (then the Falkland Islands Broadcasting Station) at the tender age of 16 as a part-time presenter. After leaving the Islands for a couple of years to complete her further education in England and then dabbling in the flavours and IT industries, she gained fulltime employment at the station in early 1999 working in the News Room as the Assistant Producer. In 2001 she was promoted to News Editor and in 2005 to Station Manager. Corina loves the challenge and variety that working on local radio offers and when not in her office can be found presenting various shows including "The Morning Experience" and "Solid Rock". Corina is married to David and they have a little boy. When not working she enjoys listening to music (and singing when in the mood), reading, gardening, following local politics and experimenting with her hairstyle!

Next is Programme Controller Liz Elliot.

Liz Elliot - Programme Controller

Liz Elliot is the station’s Programme Controller and presenter of the daily Lifestyle programme, from 10am until 1pm every week day. She started working full time at Falklands Radio (then FIBS – Falkland Islands Broadcasting Service) in 1999 although she first became involved with the station years earlier. When she moved into Stanley from West Falkland as a teenager in the early 1970s she used to help with logging music, filing records and playing music on the weekends to guide the weekly flight in (at the time there was no beacon to guide the aircraft to the Islands, so the radio station output was utilised). She said: “The radio has always been a passion of mine, having lived in an isolated part of the Islands - and often not seeing anyone for month at a time apart from family and the neighbours who lived two miles away, the radio became a real 'friend' and an important part of my life, a link to the outside world.” Before the war of 1982 Liz co-hosted the popular weekly hour long News programme at FIBS with the then Editor of the Falkland Islands Times, Dave Colville. She helped to present a programme with the BFBS presenters who worked from FIBS after the war in 1982, and presented The Folk Music Show with her husband Jock (including live recordings of the folk scene at the time), before starting full time at the Station. Jock has now taken over the reigns – for all of the folk music fans out there. Programme Controller Liz is kept very busy. She said: “I love the work - especially my on-air time. I am lucky to be in a job that I love doing.” Once her daily three hour programme Lifestyle is finished, Liz is responsible for rotas, scheduling and programming.


News Editor Stacy Bragger has also worked at FIRS for a number of years.

Stacy Bragger - News Editor

Stacy started working full-time for Falklands Radio in August 2005 as a Junior Reporter, after a couple of years of working as a freelance presenter. He is now the News Editor and oversees the news output at the studio. Along with Samantha Addison, Stacy conducts interviews, edits them and then goes on air and reads the news, which he says is his least favourite part of the job! The station has hourly news bulletins and Stacy also works on daily feature programs. Stacy enjoys many things about working at FIRS such as the chance to meet new people and find out more about the community, and he also enjoys the unpredictability of his job. “Every day is different and you never know what may come up”, he says. Stacy also hosts an alternative music show on Thursday evenings called ‘The Fusion’. “Music has always been my passion in life so I love having the opportunity to play my favourite songs for two hours every weekend. Also on the show I regularly speak to bands which I really enjoy”, he says.
And finally you have me, Deputy News Editor Samantha Addison.

Samantha Addison - Deputy News Editor

Samantha Addison is Yorkshire through and through, despite being born in Germany. She moved to the Falkland Islands in January 2010, after deciding that the UK city life wasn’t for her. She started work at FIRS in February 2011 as the Junior Reporter and enjoys being able to do different things every day and a job that allows creative thinking. She went to Chester University and gained a BA (Hons) in Advertising and thinks it's great this is useful for working at FIRS. Sam is the one who tends to the FIRS website and updates podcasts. She's usually the one behind the @FalklandsRadio twitter feed and she is also behind the Falklands Radio blog. Sam enjoys reading, films, listening to her eclectic taste in music and practising poi. She can ride a unicycle, make balloon animals and walk on stilts, but she can’t juggle.

We also have lovely Leslie working on reception, but we dont' have a bio or photo of her yet. A little info, she's from Canada, she makes the chocolates at local coffee and chocolate shop BitterSweet and she's just started going on air, which isn't her favourite part of the job. She occasionally brings chocolates into work.

Leslie on Lifestyles, MLAs Chat & I Go Driving.

It's been a fairly busy week here at FIRS HQ.

We've had Monica covering the Breakfast Show and Leslie covering Lifestyles. It was Leslie's first week on air and she's done brilliantly. I've been hearing a few compliments around town.

We've had MLA's back from various visits. MLA Sawle is back from meetings in Brazil and Uruguay. He came into the studio to tell us more about that, as did MLA Elsby who was at the recent CPA meeting in South Africa. Good on them, spreading the Falklands message and making contacts.

We've had Fred, from Media Ops up at MPA, visit us in the studio. We were talking about the FIG exercise that's happening next week. Of course we'll tell you more about that after the event. Fred does like to pop in occasionally.

I've been up to the Leisure Centre to talk about the new hot tub and sauna spa experience soon to be available. There's been a bit of controversy about that, as it's included the removal of the toddler pool. I made a few phone calls to local parents to get their views.

The Falklands Conservation Charity Ball is happening soon and they're showing their auction lots at BitterSweet. I went along to the exhibit last night and it was a lovely affair. There are some wonderful pieces up for auction, including two unique reproductions of Captain FitzRoy’s charts from his voyage to the Falkland Islands on HMS Beagle in 1834. These are an Admiralty Chart of the Falkland Islands and FitzRoy’s outline survey of Berkeley Sound that includes FitzRoy’s original notations. Both charts are the only copies to have been reproduced and have been donated by the UK Hydrographic Office. There was also a lot of local artwork, by some very talented local artists. There was a gorgeous painting of the Lady Elizabeth shipwreck on a piece of driftwood that I wouldn't mind owning. I was there, looking around at the lots on offer, with my complimentary bubbly, live acoustic music and chatting to a nice crowd of people, thinking...this is a great job!

Also this week, I had my first driving lesson, given to me by Station Manager Corina. We went out on the roads and I didn't do so bad.

~Sam~

News Direct 2nd – 6th September 2013

This is the news from this week.

Politics

Sawle’s Busy Week

MLA Dick Sawle and FIG Director of Central Services Simon Fletcher have had a busy week of meetings in Uruguay.

The visit to Uruguay follows a week of meetings in Brazil.

In an interview with the Uruguayan press, MLA Sawle said that the visit has taken place because they hoped to interest potential businesses to trade in goods and services with the Falklands, and even have Uruguayan companies in association with local partners actively participate in the logistics of the hydrocarbons industry.

 

Falklands at the CPA

MLAs Roger Edwards and Barry Elsby recently attended a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in South Africa.

One of the plenary sessions of the Small Branches Conference featured a session on self-determination which was led by MLA Edwards. Self-governance was the subject of another session.

The CPA during its conference in Johannesburg noted a motion recognising the Falkland Islands Referendum as a free and fair expression of the Falkland Islanders wishes and their right to Self-Determination.

In the debate that followed, the Hon Dr Barry Elsby was invited to speak. Dr Elsby said: “the Falkland Islands are being constantly bullied by Argentina, they are attempting to blockade the Islands, destroy fish stocks and obstruct the development of the Islands oil industry.”

He also said that he was aware that many Commonwealth States supported the Falkland Islands position, but asked if it was unreasonable to ask that all Commonwealth States supported Falkland Islanders.

 

Gibraltar’s National Day

Political representatives from eight UK Overseas Territories, including the Falklands, will be in Gibraltar to celebrate National Day next week.

A full programme of activities and events has been prepared for them, including working meetings in advance of the Joint Ministerial Council between the Overseas Territories Governments and the United Kingdom Government which will take place at the end of the year.

MLA Ian Hansen will represent the Falklands and will be accompanied by FIG London Representative Sukey Cameron.

Royal Visit to Argentina

The Daily Telegraph reports that the Princess Royal has been threatened by militant Argentine groups as she begins the first official senior royal engagement to the South American country for 14 years.

The three-day visit is being made in Princess Anne's capacity as a member of the International Olympic Committee.

She will attend the opening ceremony of the 125th session of the International Olympic Committee in Buenos Aires this evening.

Protest group Quebracho – which led riots against the British Embassy in Buenos Aires last April – has vowed to disrupt proceedings.

Local News

On-land Oil Spill Report

The Falkland Islands Government has received the independent investigation report into the Mary Hill Quarry oil spill that occurred in June.

Members of the Legislative Assembly felt that the incident was of such a nature that an enquiry should be carried out to investigate the circumstances of the spill. The Chief Executive was asked to draft terms of reference on behalf of MLAs for an enquiry.

The report reviews the circumstances of the spill, and makes recommendations for implementing plans and procedures for dealing with any future onshore oil spills, and also makes recommendations for improving the handling and disposal of waste oil generally.

The report will be considered by Executive Council in September, following which it will be made public.

Sir Rex Hunt Memorial

A memorial to Sir Rex Hunt is to be unveiled in his home town.

The Governor of the Falklands in 1982, who was from Redcar in North Yorkshire, died in November last year, aged 86. A memorial has been commissioned and it was unveiled this Friday. Sir Rex's widow, Lady Mavis Hunt attended.

Councillor Josh Mason said that Sir Rex was born in Redcar and they felt it was really important that those who have contributed to the area’s rich local history and culture are remembered.

Shackleton Scholarship

The Shackleton Scholarship Fund is offering a flagship scholarship worth £10,000 for research in the natural or social sciences of relevance to the countries of the South Atlantic, in particular the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the British Antarctic Territories.

The scholarship is being offered due to 2014 marking the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition setting out for Antarctica.

The closing date for applications is the 15^th September. Applications from individuals or teams of research workers from any country should be made to the Funds website www.shackletonfund.com. A decision will be announced in November.

Baroness Thatcher Bust

The Falkland Islands Government are in the process of commissioning a sculptor to create a memorial bust of Baroness Thatcher.

The project follows a public consultation held as to how best to commemorate the late Margaret Thatcher.

Following the consultation, the Legislative Assembly agreed to commission a local sculptor to create a bronze bust of Baroness Thatcher, to be mounted on local stone with a plaque containing the quote delivered by Baroness Thatcher on the 3^rd April 1982:

“They are few in number, but they have the right to live in peace, to choose their own way of life and to determine their own allegiance”

It is intended that the bust will be situated on the corner of Thatcher Drive.

The Legislative Assembly have written to the Thatcher family informing them of the proposed project and seeking their approval.

The Legislative Assembly would like to thank the community for their participation in the consultation and for their patience as this sensitive matter has been pursued.

 

Meetings

Antarctic Memorial

At a meeting of the Planning and Building Committee held this morning, approval was given to an application from the British Antarctic Trust to site a memorial in Stanley Dockyard to those who have died in the Antarctic in the pursuit of science.

 The memorial will be three metres tall and its plinth will have the names of the dead inscribed on it. The Stanley memorial will marry another memorial to be erected in Cambridge. It is currently anticipated that the memorial will be dedicated in February 2015.

 

Public Health Board Reform

The Government’s public health board is to be reformed.

The group has not met for some years and Senior Veterinary Officer Steve Pointing said that at a recent meeting with the Chief Medical Officer Angela Rowlands it was agreed that that it would be useful for the board to hold more regular meetings.

 

MEETING POINTING LONG

SP:    Last Thursday Angela Rowlands and I had a meeting to discuss issues of public health concern in the Falkland Islands with the idea that we would reconstitute the old Board of Health. There is such a thing as the Board of Health in the Falkland Islands. It used to consist of Chief Medical Officer, the Senior Veterinary Officer and the Director of Public Works; and I think the last time we met was when Roger Diggle was here and it was when there was that concern that there would be a, there could be a pandemic of avian flu that could possibly get into the human population and what would we do if it got down to the Falkland Islands and how would we try and stop it from coming in? and I can’t remember how long ago that was - two, three years ago – certainly when Roger was here, and we’ve not had any meetings since, on any other subject. So we had a meeting last week just to discuss something to do salmonella and to get a list of ideas together of other issues in the Falkland Islands that could be a public health concern that we feel ought to be addressed in some way; so rather then being reactive to something when it happens, we’ve been proactive and thought about what might happen before it actually happens, so that was juts our starting meeting last week, and we bantered ideas of each other and so we will now, in the coming month – certainly before the end of this year – have another meeting, we will invite the Director of Public Works to come to the next one, because he should be on, it should be useful to him because he’s responsible for the water supply to Stanley and sewage and all that sort of stuff that has the discharged tip at Eliza Cove, you know, which gives a lot of people, you know, concern and things like that, so it’s quite a good idea to have somebody from Public Works there as well to say what’s practical, what can be done, why certain things haven’t been done in the past, you know, because it’s too expensive or this other, that other.

 

HMSC

At a meeting of the Health and Medical Services Committee held this week, the Director of Health and Social Services Hilary Rowland reported on current issues for the department.

On staffing matters, it was reported that Janette Vincent continues as Acting Hospital Manager. The post will be advertised in September. It was stated that a good response was received for the recruitment of nurses. Nine nurses were interviewed with offers being made to four nurses who initially will be based on the ward. The new team leader for Social Services arrives later this month. The position of Laboratory Manager has been advertised locally and will be advertised overseas this month.

The Director of Health and Social Services also reported that a visit by mammography specialists was being planned. The visit will take place either in December or next March.

 

Local Events

Walking Millers

Islanders Jan and Tim Miller last weekend took part in the Walk on Wales charity endeavour. This will see an 870 mile walk around the Welsh Coastline path take place. The aim is to raise £1million for Welsh Veterans who served during the Falklands War as well those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

 Jan and Tim joined many 1982 veteran friends and yomped 16 miles on the north east coast. Tim says that everyone was delighted to have an Islander presence, and that he carried a Falklands flag on his pack. The veterans have now taken it on and so the Falklands flag will fly all the way to the end in Cardiff on the 2^nd November.

 

School News

Annie Arrives

The new Director of Education has arrived in the Islands to take up the position.

Annie Tempest’s appointment to the role was announced in May and she will be the first permanent Director of Education since the department was separated from the health service.

She says that she is pleased to have arrived in the Islands.

EDUCATION ANNIE

AT:    Well I’m loving it. I’ve had a great start to my first few days here. The weather’s been gorgeous so that was a lovely, coming from the airport was great and the Islands incredibly beautiful; and people have been really warm and welcoming so very, very lucky.

 

SB:    So what was it about this position here in the Falklands that interested you?

AT:    I think an Island community, and I know there’s been lots of changes in the Islands and so I was really inquisitive and I thought it would be a lovely place to work so when the opportunity came up, I was lucky enough to get the job so that’s great.

SB:    Have you worked in far flung places before? What’s your background?

AT:    I have. I have worked in far flung places before.  Worked in Papa New Guinea for a while and I worked in Lagos for a while.

 

Sports

 Commonwealth Baton Relay

Planning has begun for the arrival of the Queen’s Baton in the Falklands next year.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is held before every Commonwealth Games.

Chairman of the Falkland Islands Overseas Games Association Mike Summers says it is hoped that the community will be involved in the Falklands visit of the baton.

RELAY SUMMERS 1

MS:    The Queen’s Baton will arrive here on the 27^th of February next year and it’ll leave on the LAN flight on the 1^st March so that gives us a day and two halves with the Baton here. And we’ve, we’ve started quite a lot of work on how we’re going to run those two days. We want to get as many people as we can, we want the schools to be involved, we want the sports clubs to get involved. We want the population generally to be involved.

 

Darts Scores

In darts news, Ottos Outlaws have won the league this season after the final round of games was played this week. They finished four points ahead of Sharpshooters.

Colin Smith won the most legs during the season. He also had the highest on the back of the card. Roy Shepherd scored the most tons and Alan Bonner scored the most ton pluses.

For the ladies, Jackie Thomas won the most legs and she also had the joint highest on the back of the card with Lizzy Bonner. Lizzy also scored the most tons and Teresa Clifton scored the most ton pluses.

 

Local Reports

August Weather

Both the mean maximum and minimum temperatures were slightly below the long-term average for August, according to the MPA Met Office.

 Rainfall was above average as was sunshine.

The highest temperature recorded in August was 10.1 degrees Celsius on the 17th. The lowest minimum was –5.2 degrees Celsius recorded on the 24^th.

The monthly sunshine total was 107.3 hours, with the highest daily total of 8.2 hours recorded on the 24^th August.

It was the third windiest August on record. The highest gust of wind reached 52 knots recorded on the 1st and 14th. There were 21 days with gusts in excess of 33 knots.