FIBS NEWS DIRECT: TUESDAY, 29 JULY 2003
EXCO DISCUSS ANTI-FRAUD POLICY:
Will Government adopt an anti-fraud policy? This was one of the issues put before Executive Council last week. In a report, the Deputy Financial Secretary says that the policy and procedure has been developed having regard to best practice in public sector organisations in the UK, saying that it’s not just a statement of intention but also outlines the steps which will be taken should any suspicions be reported and the responsibilities of affected individuals. Before going to EXCO, the policy and procedure was discussed with the Chief Executive, Attorney General and the Financial Secretary. And, more recently, the Senior Auditor and the Personnel Officer, who are making sure the procedures are in line with the new management Code.
1982 VETERAN TAKES ON BRITISH LEGAL SYSTEM:
A 1982 Veteran is getting ready to take on the English Legal System on his own. Former Royal Marine, David Rosseter, has had a high court writ against the Lord Chancellor, the Bar Council and the Law Society. Business Bristol reports that he’s claiming £30 Million for loss of earnings or damages for breaching Human Rights He says the structure of the English Legal System has stopped him and others from achieving their ambitions or becoming solicitors and barristers. The 42 year old did all he could to become a barrister but to qualify, he needed a firm to take him on for a year to shadow a practising barrister but says he’s had no luck because of the lack of vacancies. The legal system says it’s rigorously defending the case.
GRILL ABATTOIR TEAM:
As promised by Councillors at the last public meeting, the presentation on the Abattoir is to be held next Tuesday. This follows on from meetings in Camp where General Manager of FIDC, Julian Morris, and Marketing Manager, Connie Stevens ran through various options on the way forward for the Falkland Islands Meat Company, which also included talks on the Abattoir. Everyone is welcome to come along to the Court and Council Chamber at 1700.
FISHING NEWS:
The Spanish Squid Fleet report big losses in Argentina. This is because of the early closing of the Illex season, which reduced the number of fishing days. This has cut the Annual income of these companies by 25 to 35%. Fishing days were cut by a total of 40%, resulting in a drop of 50% in the catch volume. The season was closed early after a decline in the Squid catch in the Patagonian fishing grounds. This forced the fleet to move north where the campaign also failed. The scientists for the National Institute of Fisheries Research and Development in Argentina had warned that the situation would happen if the extraction of Squid carried on. And, said that there was a high risk that the Squid population wouldn’t recover for the following year. This fear has also been expressed by the fishing companies who say they are worried that they are facing another poor campaign next season.
FALKLANDS PUBLICITY:
During the last 12 months, more than 25 Million people have been exposed to stories about today’s modern Falkland Islands. According to Keen, the UK Public Relations company for FIG, the coverage appeared in newspapers, magazines, media, business publications and leading industry titles. All included important messages about the Islands, with almost a third noting its modern and self-sufficient status. Many articles also commented on the Islands flourishing industry, beauty and high-quality public services. The Times describes our hospital and schools as being of a higher standard than they are in Britain. One of the things that was a big hit was the Islands’ golf scene, which was read by Golf Club Secretaries across Britain. Extensive colour articles have appeared in Corporate Golf Magazine and Golf Club Management, both of which express surprise at the amount of golf played in the Islands and some of the Falklands quirky rules.
(100X Transcription Service)
"A" Press: Tuesday, 29 July 2003
Top story today is that the IMF has approved the economic targets agreed with the Argentine government. This automatically releases another billion dollars to cover Argentina's current debt repayment obligations and permits negotiations to continue for a three year deal. But IMF Head Horst Köhler has warned that the Argentine government must "speed up the work of structural reform". He also praised the current stabilisation of the economy.
The surrender of more of the military criminals wanted by Judge Garcon in Spain continues to make news. Only two remain to surrender now. The Israeli government has now applied for the men it wants for murdering Jews to be extradited and France was reported on Sunday to have applied for the extradition of Alfredo Astiz for the murder of the French nuns. The Heads of the Armed Forces are reported to have had dinner at the Presidential Palace yesterday with two Ministers in what was officially a meeting to discuss the Armed Forces' budget, but is seen as a gesture of conciliation to wounded feeling in the military.
Police corruption stories continue. Today the papers report Felipe Sola, Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, as saying that he is "saddened but not surprised" by the involvement of policemen in recent high profile kidnappings. Also, today, in La Plata, the head of the anti-kidnap squad and three other policemen are reported to be fugitives from justice and six are under arrest after a total of ten policemen were accused of corruption. Six of them are accused of arresting a known criminal, supposedly for kidnapping, and then extorting a 48,000 peso bribe and a car out of him in exchange for his release! In Tucuman five policemen are under arrest for killing four bandits, but their victims were criminals.
(100X Translation Service)
