MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

FIBS Direct News

Chilean Oil spill in Antarctica

As reported in Mercopress yesterday, a Chilean vessel, the Patriarche, ran aground for 25 hours, spilling an undisclosed amount of fuel. The Chilean Navy reported that there were no risks of damages or oil contamination. A later report indicated a ?moderate spill of fuel' but said that ?a specialised team had the situation under control.

CBFFI's message to the islands

The CBFII handover was made official yesterday, FIBS spoke with Air Commodore Cliffe to ask him how he felt about his new post .

Indian Earthquake appeal

Following the horrific earthquake in North West India, The Disaster Emergency Committee are appealing for donations in the UK. In response to this, Mrs Lynda Lamont, Rev Alistair McHaffie and Mr Keith Biles have set up a fund to allow islanders to contribute. All donations can be made at Standard Chartered Bank.

Meeting of the Planning and Building Committee

A bid for the permanent siting of a container for equipment at the Community School sports pitch was turned down today by The Planning and Building Committee. It was thought that the container would be an eye sore on what was said to be a highly visible and well used area. Discussions did take place about the once promised pavilion and it was suggested that this could be a replacement plan. Another item on the agenda this morning was a garage to be built on John Street. This has ramifications for the junior school as for the garage to be built, the waiting area for parents will lose two parking spaces, the proposed plan was however agreed. Stanley Golf Club were also mentioned at the meeting for not having painted their container ? the committee agreed to consider the possibility of terminating consent for the container unless something was done before the next meeting.

The Governor's Report on ExCo

His Excellency, the Governor, Mr Donald Lamont was in FIBS yesterday to read the record of the meeting of executive council which took place on Thursday the 25th January. This included mentions of the plans for the 20th Anniversary of Liberation 2002 and the new ?island's plan of 2001 ?2003' The governor discussed child restraints in cars, and a wor