MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Mixed reactions to A level results; Chile backs up Argentine claim to Falklands; Forbes' agents urge against appeal; Wedding holiday for kids? Military chief to visit.

Mixed reactions to A level results.

FALKLANDS students' A Level results began arriving in the Islands yesterday and the Director of Education says "...initial impressions are good," however reactions from the students are mixed. Mrs. Sylvia Cole said some students have gained a high number of As and Bs in their studies at Peter Symonds College in Winchester. However, as not all results had been received when she spoke to Penguin Newsyesterday, Mrs. Cole said she was reluctant to comment on individual achievements, "...except to say it appears that very few local students should be disappointed by their results and a high take up of university places is anticipated." Penguin Newscontacted a number of the A level students to gauge their reactions to their results. Sam Cockwell, currently on holiday in the United Kingdom, gained a B in Biology, a C in Chemistry and a B in Environmental Science. He said he was, "...chuffed to bits," with his results. Sam plans to return home in September to work before heading to Fiji in April to study coral reefs with Greenforce, an organisation which carries out ecological studies using volunteers in their gap year. Next year he plans to head to Manchester University to study Environmental Science, with a future view to working in, "...combating marine pollution." Greg Hall said he had gained an "assortment" of results, including an A in Sport Studies. He said he was "not overly disappointed" with the rest of his results as, "....I didn't enjoy my other subjects." However his A means he qualifies for a Sports Physiotherapy course at Chichester University. He said his future ambitions include, "...netball teams and massage." Toby Poole was "relieved" his A levels were over. He gained a C in Sport Studies, a C in Business Studies and a D in Geography. He intends to take a gap year during which he will, "...make some money, travel and learn to cook." Next year he hopes to go to university in Bristol to study business. Christian Williams, passed all his subjects but said his results were, "...not as good as I had expected." He said he is now considering his options and deciding whether to spend the next year working in the Falklands or to head straight to university . More results and reactions next week. Picture: Relieved to receive their results. (L-R) Christian Williams, Terri-Ann Ormond, Greg Hall and Toby Poole.

Chile backs up Argentine claim to Falklands.

THE Chilean Foreign Affairs Ministry has reiterated its support for Argentina's "legitimate sovereignty rights" to the Falklands. The statement made on Wednesday appears to be a reaction to a declaration from the Argentine Congress' Chamber of Deputies "deploring" the attitude of Chilean and Uruguayan diplomats who participated in the June 14 (Liberation Day) Lincoln's Inn reception hosted by the Falkland Islands Government. Early this week, Argentine Foreign minister Rafael Bielsa was quoted in the South American press as saying his country "could not stand indifferent" if Chilean diplomats, for example, "...were present at a celebration of the illegitimate government of the Malvinas to celebrate the fall of Puerto Argentino (Stanley)." He said, "If, supposedly, Chilean diplomatic officials are present at a party to celebrate an Argentine military defeat in a territory which is Argentine, and hosted by an illegitimate government, definitively we can't stand indifferent..." Councillor Jan Cheek says the Chilean reiteration of their support for Argentina's claim comes as "no surprise." She commented, "This has been their official stance for many years whether at the United Nations, Mercosur or any Latin American grouping. "It would appear to be response to recent criticism in the Argentine press but you would really have to ask the Chilean government." The Lincoln's Inn reception is an annual event which has taken place since the 1970s. Councillor Cheek commented, "Its proximity to Liberation Day is actually coincidental."

Forbes' agents urge against appeal.

THE government's Chief Executive has expressed surprise at a letter sent to Penguin Newsfrom the arbitrations agents for Gordon Forbes Construction (Falklands) Ltd. The letter urges Executive Council to rescind its approval of a further appeal against the Arbitrator's decision announced last month as it, "...may well prove to be further waste of taxpayers' money." The Chief Executive, Mr Chris Simpkins, said he did not wish to comment on the content on the letter, "...other than to express mild surprise at its publication, bearing in mind that Gordon Forbes Construction have also laid appeal papers before the court." Mr Simpkins confirmed government papers have been laid before the court, "...in accord with the decision of Executive Council which was itself based upon very firm advice from our legal advisers."

Wedding holiday for kids?

SCHOOL students may be granted a holiday in recognition of the Governor's wedding in October. The Chief Executive yesterday confirmed that an application has been made by the Director of Education to the Acting Governor, "...to exercise discretion available under the Education Ordinance to declare a discretionary holiday for schools on October 21." Mr Simpkins said "it is anticipated" that the application will be approved shortly. However, Mr Simpkins added that there are no plans for the rest of the public service to close. He commented, "Any applications for leave will be considered in the normal way."

Military chief to visit.

THE new Chief of Joint Operations is to visit the Falklands next week. Air Marshal Glenn Torpy will arrive in the Islands for a familiarisation visit, having assumed his appointment as Chief of Joint Operations on 26 July, 2004. He will spent the week visiting various military units from all three services and his itinerary will include a visit to Stanley where he will meet councillors and visit Government House.