FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD: FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST 2004
Compiled BY J. Brock (FINN)
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 27 AUGUST 2004
STANDING FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Standing Finance Committee this morning agreed to try and get back some of the legal fees from other companies involved in the sale of Stanley Services shares. A paper from the Attorney General, David Lang, said the prospects of achieving reimbursement were not good. Nonetheless, members said an attempt should be made, given that most companies don’t have the benefit of a wealthy party such as FIG to cover the costs. It was felt to be fair that costs should be apportioned between the relevant parties.
Also up for discussion at SFC this morning were a number of items approved at yesterday’s meeting of Executive Council. A sum of £185,000.00 is expected to be enough to see FIG through the final stages of the Gordon Forbes Construction Appeal in respect of costs. Although members said that figures had to be looked at on a monthly basis, and keep a close eye on what is going on.
There is to be a 2% increase in fees for Skate Licences for the first fishing season of 2005 but no increases in the others. A potential saving of £52,000.00 in child allowance was also approved, although it was stressed that this was on the condition that the allowance wouldn’t be taxed. Also approved was a start-off price of £5,000.00 for the Doctor’s house at Fox Bay. The house is due to go on sale by tender.
And finally, from SFC this morning, charges for European Computer Driving Licences were confirmed. They will cost £18.00 per person, although the training centre does have a grant available to reimburse half of the costs. FIG employees are sponsored by Government for half the costs, therefore, paying only £9.00 up front, where the other part will be reimbursed upon passing the exam.
EDUCATION BOARD:
Also meeting this morning was the Education Board. Members heard a report on exam results achieved by Falklands students at all levels, potential changes to school holidays and new security measures to try and beat vandalism at the Leisure Centre.
Parents are in favour of school kids breaking up closer to Christmas for their summer break, the Education Board heard this morning. Director of Education, Sylvia Cole, said that a public consultation had confirmed that parents were in favour of the late break, which will mean a slightly shorter half-term between Christmas and Camp Sports. The survey also showed that parents in Camp had no objection to pupils remaining in town on public holidays although they wouldn’t be in school on those days. It would have the benefit that they could take part in parades, if they were members of youth organisations.
Proposals to amend holiday dates will now be discussed with the Attorney General and then EXCO. Mrs. Cole emphasised that there will be no changes to the 2004/5 academic year. The very earliest any changes will be made will be from September 2005.
Finally, from the Education Board, members saw exam results ranging from the standard attainment tests or “sats” taken by 14 year-olds up to degree level. Sats results were particularly good in English with 91.9% of people hitting the target grade of Level 5 or above. In Maths, 86.4% reached that level but the score was lower in science at 70%. Of 18 pupils who took GCSEs 1/3rd got 5 or more “A” to “C” grades. Mrs Cole said of the GCSE results, “They are not good but they are what we expected.” But she said it was more important to judge the results against the expectations for each individual pupil rather than overall statistics. She added, “There’s nothing to suggest these reflect problems with the changed pattern of the school year.
NEW NAME FOR CHILDCARE FACILITY:
The new childcare facility for the Falklands has been named by the eight directors, who are working together to launch the project. One of them, Andrew Newman (AN), told us this: The name has been chosen. The name for the new facility will be “Stanley Kids Zone.” We had lots of suggestions by mail and by phone. This is the name that was chosen.
SG: You are having another meeting next month. Although there is a confirmed board, you are still keen to have people come forward, aren’t you?
AN: During this last week, we have got 8 directors and signed the documentation for the incorporation of the Company and various directors have taken on various responsibilities. All of them are wanting to carry them out, so, yes. We are still wanting to hear from anybody at any time who can provide assistance in any way.
SG: The Directors will next be meeting in the Geography Room at the Community School at 1900 on September the 9th. Anyone who is interested in the future of the project is invited to go along and add their thoughts. The Directors say they are hoping to see the Kids Zone registered as a Limited Company by Guarantee within the next month or so and the Government is to make the building at 3 Jersey Road available to the project from next March. The Board Members are also planning to carry out a telephone survey to parents to help guide them further.
UPLAND GOOSE HOTEL:
The Upland Goose Hotel will be reopening for business on Wednesday under the management of SODEXHO. I spoke to Contract Manager, Dianne Robinson (DR) this morning and asked her what was planned for the new season.
DR: We would like to keep all the good factors that are associated with the Goose. We would like to keep the history and the comfortable, homely feel that you get when you come into the Goose. We would also like to introduce a little bit of a different type of service. For example, we are going to be silver serving the evening meal. Also, we are providing a very slick, polished and friendly staff.
SG: Are you employing any local staff?
DR: Unfortunately, we didn’t get very much of a local response from the local community at all, which was a disappointment to us. This seemed like a good opportunity to get involved with the local community. Though we didn’t get any local responses we do have UK based personnel, St. Helenians, and Chileans. The Manager of the Goose will be Ian Thompson, who was working in a hotel in the UK.
SG: Gas there been much refurbishment while it has been closed?
DR: Not in terms of carpets and painting. We have rearranged most of the building completely and made it look different. I think people will see a difference.
SG: What sort of menu are you going to have?
DR: We will start with morning coffee, move on to lunch where there will be a full lunch menu available with a bar type choice as well. In addition to that, we will move on to afternoon tea and then bar snacks - like chilli, baggett’s, scampi and chips - that sort of thing. I think you will see quite a difference in the dinner menu because we are trying to introduce something a little bit different in that respect, in terms of presentation and choice. You will see a very different menu than what you have seen in this establishment before. We have got some special things planned. We will try and have a monthly event and try and do something for Christmas as well. There will be theme nights.. It won’t just be the menu that’s a theme. We are going to start with a Chilean night but it will be a Chilean night from start to finish with a Chilean dinner and then we will invite people to get up and dance. It will be a party affair as opposed to just the food.
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