FIBS NEWS DIRECT: FRIDAY, 25 JULY 2003
INQUEST TO TAKE PLACE IN ROTHERA:
The Inquest of Kirsty Brown is to take place in Rothera. Falklands Coroner, Nick Sanders, will fly to the research station as soon as an aircraft is available. They will also have to wait for a suitable weather window to travel to the icy continent. At the moment, the Dash 7s are being serviced in Canada. Once he's arrived, he will start his investigation and talking to witnesses. He says that the inquest will probably reconvene in the Falklands, where the post mortem will be taking place.
WOMEN'S RIGHTS CAMPAIGNERS GET THEIR WAY:
In the last two days, Government has made a tough decision concerning the stopping of free abortion flights to the UK. "Actively Women," the group who sent in a petition to the Councillors, have won their cause, as the decision has been overthrown. Debbi Summers (DS), from the Group, explains how they are feeling.
DS: We're pleased with the outcome. Apart from the obvious issue, it's raised questions about the processes in leaving to decision making in Government in the Falklands. We are pleased that these processes are also being examined. I think it shows that we have a sound and democratic Government.
LH: For them to overthrow a decision like this, it does sort of go back on things, doesn't it?
DS: Yes, sure, it shws they are responsive to public opinion, so that can't be a bad thing.
FARMERS DON'T WANT ABATTOIR CLOSED DOWN:
Yesterday's meeting at Hope Cottage shows that there is support out there for the Falkland Islands Meat Company. Farmers also stated that if the export market was to be withdrawn and the local market concentrated on, then things would go rapidly down hill. One of the main reasons is there are too many farms trying to make it in the meat industry and, as has happened before, the demand runs out.
ANOTHER MYSTERY FLARE:
Police are very concerned about more reports of distress flares being set off. Yesterday, Fisheries Officer, Steve Waugh, saw a red Parachute Maritime Distress Flare. It passed over his vehicle on the Bypass, travelling from Stanley Common, some distance east of Stanley Services. The Police would like to inform the Public that flares are controlled by the Firearms Ordinance. All reports of flares are followed up. A licence is required to own, purchase or hold flares. Police Inspector, Len McGill, says it's a dangerous and reckless pastime, setting off flares, unless it's a genuine distress situation. there's also the consideration that, in future a legitimate flare might be mistaken for one of these pranks. Police say that anyone holding uncontrolled flares would be well advised to get rid of them. Flares can be handed in to EOD in confidence or returned to the source organisation.
DARTS:
The Globe Tavern is holding an open darts competition on Sunday, 03 August. The main aim of the event is raising money for the Darts club members who wish to travel to the UK to take part in the British Open Championships from the 19th to the 21st of September. Proprietor, Julie Clark, says there has been a lot of interest shown in holding an open competition as there hasn't been one held here for several years. Players interested in taking part should go and see Sibby in the FIC Entertainment Centre, to put their names down and pay the £5.00 entry fee. These have to be in before 1600 on the 31st. The start time on the day is 1200 and Julie reminds players at MPA that they are more than welcome to take part.
STINKY FLOWER:
A local woman has been to see what is branded the World's smellyest flower. Government House Head Gardner, Ginge Kidd, has been working at Kew Gardens for the last 8 weeks where there is an example. Ginge will be coming back to the Islands after finishing her herbarium course on the 9th of August.
FISHERY NEWS:
Theere are good, sustained catches in the Zone this week. Five vessels are fishing in the Falklands Conservation Zone. The three Korean Trawlers are catching good to average amounts of Skate and Ray. The two Tooth-fish Long-liners are also logging good hauls. Inshore, there are a few vessels. Berkley Sound has two Russian Refers and the Tanker, Zalgares, but the Harbour is very quiet.
(100X Transcription Service)
