MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Faklands Day

Many Falkland Island people are today celebrating Falkland Day. The holiday was introduced in 1992, Heritage year to mark the anniversary of the sighting of the Islands in 1592 by John Davis. This holiday replaced peat cutting Monday, which used to be taken on the first Monday in October.

Solo Spirit

The latest update from the round the world attempt of balloon Solo Spirit shows that overnight the balloon was tracking Northeast, roughly parallel to the West coast of South America. Meteorologist Bob Rice said Solo Spirit had been flying around the top end of a low pressure trough, which elongated north-westward, adding this spread an area of light winds over the balloon. Rice described the balloons recent path as a temporary setback and said that it has now picked up a more secure wind pattern towards the coast. Fossett who faced some difficulties changing a propane vapour tank last night is still expected to reach the Western coast of Chile sometime Wednesday, passing about 50-100 miles north of the coastal city of Antofagasta.

Menem Campaign

The Argentine press has reported today that former President Carlos Menem has suffered a reverse in his campaign for freedom. The investigation of possible "illegal enrichment" has now been put in the hands of Judge Urso, the judge who is already investigating him for the arms case. Officers of the court are reported to be looking into the possibility that Menem, Emir Yoma, his brother in law and other associates might have bank accounts in the Bahamas and elsewhere containing the proceeds of their activities.

Harbour News

In the harbour news. The Polar Fury was in port this morning collecting a Loligo license and there is currently one reefer in Berkeley Sound awaiting transhipment.

Baby Born

And Falkland Day is being celebrated for more than one reason for one couple in the Islands because at three minutes to midnight last night Catriona Mitchell and Terrence Smiler Jaffray became parents. They have named their baby Max James.