FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD

(With Relevant Articles from FIBS)

Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)

FIBS NEWS DIRECT: THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2004

COURT CASE DROPPED AGAINST CHIEF EXECUTIVE:

The private prosecution against Chief Executive, Chris Simpkins, was dropped this morning after Sarah Davis was given the document at the centre of the case.  Mrs. Davis withdrew the charge against Mr. Simpkins of refusing to furnish a Committee Document to an entitled person, after Dr. Roger Diggle handed over the document on Doctors’ Hours, which he read aloud at January’s Meeting of the Health and Medical Services Committee.  But neither side has backed down from their positions.  Kevin Kilmartin, representing the Chief Executive told the Court, “Chris Simpkins has been advised all along that these personal notes belong to Roger Diggle and they are not a document as defined by the Ordinance.  He added “Chris Simpkins believes that there has been no infringement of the law and that this private prosecution has been miss-conceived and is without legal merit.  Mr. Simpkins later told us this:

CS:  This whole farce has been a monumental waste of time.  The legal principle Mrs. Davis sought to challenge remains in tact and all she has achieved is a copy of some notes that would have been printed.  Falkland Islanders will, I’m sure, draw their own conclusions as to the value of this miss-conceived prosecution.  At least, now that it’s over, I can devote my full attention to the job I am paid to do and Mrs Davis can get back to her Ironing.

SG:  Mrs Davis was also sticking to her position after the hearing.  Here’s what she had to say.

SD:  The piece of paper delivered to me yesterday by FIG should have been given to me weeks ago when I asked for it.  If there is no harm in doing so now, why could it not have been done then?  Must a Government Official dragged through a court every time a member of the public asks for a document which has been read out at a public meeting and even given to the press?  I do hope the answer to that is no.  Access to information is no frivolous matter.  It is the only chance we have to scrutinise policy decisions and actions taken on our behalf.  FIG would do well to recognise that the people of the Falklands are grown ups who can tolerate descent and debate.  We understand that you sometimes have to make very difficult decisions, which are not going to please everyone.  But all we ask is that we are allowed to see why.  Knowing the basis of tough decisions will help us trust you.

SG:  Mr. Simpkins made no application in Court to have his legal costs paid for by Mrs. Davis.

ARGENTINE MEMORIAL TO ARRIVE ON WEDNESDAY:

The Argentine war Memorial is expected to arrive into Mare Harbour next Wednesday night, according to AWG Regional Manager, Ken McKenzie.  The Company will then start putting the monument together at the Argentine Cemetery at Darwin.

ALBATROSS CAMPAIGNER:

Save the Albatross campaigner, John Ridgeway, is expected to be in the Falklands between 05 and 12 March.  It will be just one stop on his round the world voyage to publicise the deaths of Albatross in Longline Fisheries.  Mr. Ridgeway set off from Ardmore in NW Scotland in July onboard the English Rose 6.  And, he’s aiming to follow a typical Albatross journey, stopping off at key ports and sites along the way to speak on the plight of the bird.  He will be doing a full programme of talks here for members of the public when he arrives.  Details will be confirmed nearer the time.  More information is available at Falklands Conservation on 22247.

ELLEN McARTHUR HEADS FOR THE FALKLANDS:

It’s also been confirmed that yachts-woman, Ellen McArthur, will be calling into the Falklands next month on her new tri-mirand.  Miss McArthur is expected to leave New Zealand at the end of February and will arrive in the Falklands around 22 March, depending on the weather.  The 75 ft carbon-fibre vessel was launched in Sydney on 08 January.  She then took her maiden voyage to Auckland, NZ and since then has been undergoing boat testing.  Miss McArthur intends to attempt a whole series of solo speed sailing records in the Tri-mirand, including the 24-hour record, transatlantic record, around Britain and Shanghai to London.  Ultimately, she hopes to start a non-stop around the world record on the vessel.

CPA:

CPA delegates are enjoying a second day of exploring Camp today.  Those who went to Sea Lion Island yesterday will be taking a trip to Darwin and Goose Green today and visa versa.  The Conference concludes tomorrow with sessions on environmental concerns and commercial development and a final session on restoring trust between the public and the politicians.

FISHING, HARBOUR AND SHIPPING NEWS:

There are now 33 vessels fishing in the zone.  Numbers have dropped over the past few days with more vessels leaving to try their luck on the high seas.  Fisheries Operations say this is normal for this time of year.  They also report there have been some good catches of Blue Whiting and Hoki.  The Tamar arrived back into Stanley this morning and there are 5 vessels in Berkley Sound: Tanker Centores, and Zalgeres and the Typhoon and two reefers:  Vega and Frio Sevastopolis.  Japanese Blue Whiting vessel, the Nataka Maru is coming into port tomorrow to pick up her licence.

HORTICULTURAL SHOW:

Have you the urge to help out with the next Horticultural Society Show?  The Society is holding their AGM on Monday night at 1800 in the Chamber of Commerce.  Director, Tim Miller says that if anyone wants to help out at the show then they are welcome to come along.

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