FINN(COM) DAILY RECORD: FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2004
Compiled by J. Brock (FINN)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE STATEMENT ON STRAW/BIELSA MEETING
Acting Governor, Harriet Hall (HH), issued the following statement via FIBS this morning.
“The Secretary of State reiterated the well-known British position that there wouldn’t be any negotiation on sovereignty, unless and until the Islanders wished it.
SG: Was there some discussion of flights? What’s the position there?
HH: The meeting was very short and the Argentine Foreign Minister did raise the issue of flights but there wasn’t any substantial discussion. Ministers have already said that Councillors would be consulted on any specific proposal. That remains the case.
SG: The press reports where there is a possibility of going back to this sort of “Open Airs” (I think she means Open Skies Agreement) policy. Is that just something that comes from the Argentines since the discussion rather than have been actually done specifically?
HH: I don’t have the exact details because there isn’t a word for word record of what was discussed. I think the Secretary of State said we are willing to keep talking but, obviously, anything the British side said would have to be acceptable to Councillors.
SG: Could you tell us more about what was discussed that would be of interest to the Islands.
HH: The meeting was so short - just a minor exchange of courtesies and there really wasn’t anything substantive discussed. As you know, the Foreign Secretary always meets people who are new on the Security Council. And, Argentina are joining the Security Council in January 2005. So, that was the main reason behind the meeting.
INTERNET NEWS:
Next year the Island Games may be missing one team. The Cayman Islands say they are likely to drop out after Hurricane Ivan reeked a wave of destruction across the Islands. Richard Parchman, from the Cayman Islands Games Association said the Islands had been devastated by Ivan with its 17-hour onslaught of winds up to 217mph. Ninety percent of the homes suffered some damage and it will take 6 to 8 months before many homes are up to living standards. He added it would take years for the Islands to recover.
It would take £200,000.00 at least to fund the games - an amount that would be difficult to raise given the destruction.
NEWS FROM ST. HELENA
Constitutional Change Coordinator appointed.
Mr Anthony Green has been appointed as the Constitutional Change Coordinator with effect from today 20th September.
The main role of Constitutional Change Coordinator as the title suggests, will be to coordinate the Constitutional Change Process, which includes providing support to the Constitutional Change Task Force, Liaising with the Constitutional Development Working groups, communicating with the public on constitutional matters, collating and analysing information and preparing reports as necessary.
Tony’s previous experience includes:
Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Island Works & Services Agency 2001-2004
Senior Manager, Ascension Island Services 1997 - 2001
Administration Officer, Ascension Island Services 1989-1996
Prior to 1989 Tony was employed by St Helena Government as Deputy Chief Secretary, his wealth of knowledge in office and managerial skills will certainly be an asset to the new and challenging role.
Tony said his aim is to accomplish all the tasks that are set for him by SHG, the Task Force and Legislative Council. As with all jobs this new role will no doubt be a challenge and one that he looks forward to.
Tony will be based at Broadway House and can be contacted on Telephone no: 2425.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
20th September 2004
FIBS NEWS DIRECT: 24 SEPTEMBER 2004
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION BALL:
With over 100 seats reserved, and tickets almost sold out, you had better hurry along to Beauchene if you still want to make it to the Falklands Conservation Ball tonight. The doors for the charity auction will be open at 1930 and the auction kicks off at 2000, with prizes including a cruise for lucky bidders. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the door and prizes include a hand-tied Albatross mobile by Tim Stenning, a photograph donated by Cable & Wireless made out of natural materials, two bottles of spirits donated by Mary Hawksworth, lunch for 4 at Lookout Lodge donated by John Birmingham and Falklands Conservation will be donating a bottle of champers.
MID-WINTER SWIM FUND TOPS £4,000.00:
All money raised from the Mid-Winter Swim this year has now been collected, reaching a grand total of £4,385.37. The funds will be split between two charities - the Overseas Games Association will be receiving £1,966.00.50 and the remaining £2,318.87 to go to the Seaman’s Mission.
FIDF EXERCISE:
The Falkland Islands Defence Force were carrying out an exercise last night to expand the Force’s patrol Techniques. Nick Watson, from the FIDF, said the exercise went very well and was exceptionately good training value for all. There were only a couple of bangs during the course of the exercise and most of the general public were warned off. The patrol was in conjunction with the Royal Falkland Islands Police and a member of the Police Force joined in the exercise to provide closer bonds between the FIDF and Police learning how to operate with each other.
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