MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Wild life island still “smouldering”
Despite a prolonged fire fighting effort rare wild-life on South Jason island are still in danger as according to Governor Donald Lamont there are still several 'smouldering areas'. (underground fires).
Black browed albatross and rock hopper and magallenic penguins nest on the island which lies to the north west of the Falklands. A fire started after British Troops destroyed munitions found on 2 crashed Argentine Sky Hawk aircraft. Civilians and troops fought the fire on the ground while Military helicopters were used to drop water on the affected areas. Governor Lamont said that the damage was 'not as devastating as first thought' but that there would be a need 'to find out what damage has been caused to wild-life on the Island'.
However officials of Falklands Conservation said that as a result of the fire 'the long term effects on this years breeding success could be disastrous - most of the rockhopper penguin chicks are thought to be lost, while many of the Albatross will have perished along with their recently hatched chicks'.
The Commander of British Forces, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon, announced that an Inquiry into the outbreak of the fire would be held.
Falklands war heroes return.
The Falklands will shortly receive two distinguished visitors who both played important roles in the 1982 Falklands War.
Former Governor Sir Rex Hunt and his wife Lady Mavis and Major General Julian Thompson and his wife Jane will arrive in the Islands on board the cruise vessel 'Saga Rose' on 27th January.
Rex Hunt was Governor in the Islands at the time of the Argentine invasion on April 2nd 1982 and was deported by occupying Argentine troops. He later returned to a heroes welcome to govern the Islands on an extended tour, while also receiving a knighthood from the Queen. Sir Rex Hunt and his wife will stay at Government House for the duration of their 3 weeks visit.
Brigadier Julian Thompson, was declared 'Man of the Match' by the Commander of the Land Forces, Major General Sir Jeremy Moore, for the role which he played in ensuring the liberation of the Islands by British troops on June 14th 1982. He commanded 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines during the conflict.
Foreign Officer Mi
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