MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Scores flock to see giant squid; Islander in charge of Public Works; Tough budgeting to follow illex closure; Sanders to Ascension; Nurse trial begins Monday; Change your clocks.

Scores flock to see giant squid.

Photo: (L-R) Sasha Arkhipkin and Joost Pompert of the Fisheries Department and Stuart Wallace of Fortuna Ltd with a giant squid, caught by Fortuna's fishing vessel John Cheek 30 miles south west of Weddell Island last month. The squid attracted scores of people to FIPASS on Wednesday when it was brought out of the freezer and placed on display for a few hours. The animal's body is 2.1m long, although with its tentacles unfurled scientists believe its overall length could be nearer to 10 metres. The squid weighs approximately 200 kilos. The British National History Museum has shown an interest in preserving the squid.

Islander in charge of Public Works

A FALKLAND ISLANDER has been appointed Director of Public Works. Manfred Keenleyside, who has been Acting Director for five months, has been appointed Director of the department on a five year contract. A government spokesperson said, "Following an overseas recruitment campaign, Manfred won through against stiff opposition and will assume his duties in leading one of the most important government departments with immediate effect. "He has been employed in the department for 32 years, the last 16 years as Deputy Director." Speaking to Penguin News yesterday, Mr Keenleyside said he felt the biggest challenge he will face in his new role is, "...if the income downturn continues, then making outputs shrink less than budgets..." The government spokesperson said Mr Keenleyside's appointment has been made against a difficult financial background. "It has enabled the senior management structure of the department to be reviewed in the light of shrinking budgets. "The post of Deputy Director is to be removed producing a total saving of around £80,000 per annum as a consequence of removal of the post and making a local, as opposed to an overseas appointment." Chairman of Standing Finance Committee, Councillor Mike Summers explained the £80,000 saving. He said, "In addition to saving the salary of the post of Deputy Director, there are a number of savings from not recruiting abroad, but they will inevitably be an estimate since it depends on the circumstances of the appointee." Councillor Roger Edwards, who holds the Public Works portfolio, welcomed Mr Keenleyside's appointment. He said, "Manfred has done a very good job as Deputy and, over the last five months, has shown that he would make an excellent Director. "I am delighted that he has been appointed and looks forward to working with him."

Tough budgeting to follow illex closure.

IN THE wake of the early closure of the illex season, government heads have until the end of this week to determine the effect a five per cent budget cut would have on their services. Next week the Chief Executive, Chris Simpkins, Standing Finance Committee (SFC) chairman Mike Summers and Financial Secretary Derek Howatt will meet to consider the proposals from each department. They will then put together what is expected to be a tough budget package to go before SFC at the end of this month. FIBS

Sanders to Ascensión

THE Senior Magistrate, Nick Sanders, has been appointed as the first Senior Magistrate of Ascension Island. He will not live on the island, but says he will visit when he is needed for trials. Previously the Administrator of Ascension Island acted as Magistrate, however the Governor of St Helena has decided an independent Magistrate is necessary in a move for greater democracy in Ascension. Mr Sanders' contract as Senior Magistrate in the Falklands is near its end and he expects to leave the Islands on May 27.

Nurse trial begins Monday

THE trial of a former staff nurse who is accused of stealing drugs from the hospital begins on Monday. Denise Schophaus faces four charges of theft of pethidine, one charge of theft of a drugs register and four charges relating to forgery.

Change your clocks

DON'T forget summer time ends this weekend. Clocks will be put back one hour, reverting to local mean time, at 2am on Sunday, April 18.