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Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
East/West ferry sounded out; General Election: November 17; Double assault case; Happy Birthday Mrs T!

East/West ferry sounded out

FARMERS have expressed cautious support for a trial ferry service between East and West Falkland that is proposed to begin next month. In a letter to Campers sent last week, coastal shipping company Island Shipping Ltd invited views on the introduction of the trial ferry service - using the MV Tamar FI- between East and West Falkland over the 2005/6 summer period. The idea for the trial ferry has been explored following talks between farmers and staff of the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC). FIDC General Manager, Mr Julian Morris told Penguin NewsIsland Shipping has provisionally "penciled in" November 4 for the start of the trial, about which he is "very excited". He said, "There are a handful of people who will be waiting for it to fail but you can't make progress without there being some pain. We can't let a fear of failure stop us from trying." He added that the ferry service should be "pushed to get it going" then improved, "...based on customer feedback." Island Shipping plans to keep the existing "door-step delivery" service operating, as well as running the ferry trial, Mr Morris said. When Penguin Newscontacted Island Shipping for further information on the proposed trial, Manager Ian Wilkinson, was unable to reveal details. He explained, "Island Shipping was asked by FIG to look at the feasibility of operating a regular cross sound ferry service; we have done just that. The regularity, cost and period of the trial, and any likely impact on servicing outlying islands etc, have all to be discussed with FIG and indeed there is no guarantee that FIG will accept our proposals or support any possible additional costs." The draft proposed schedules and recommendations were sent to the Chief Executive last week but as he is away until this weekend, Mr Wilkinson said, "...it is unlikely that our proposals have yet been considered." He added, "Under those circumstances it is not possible to say if or when any ferry service will begin." Captain Wilkinson said he is "personally skeptical" about the trial. He commented, "We know the ferry can run, we've already operated it at Christmas and Sports Week, so I'm not sure what a trial will achieve." Island Shipping needs to look after its customers on the outer islands he said, adding, "we've got to make sure we're not upsetting anyone." Penguin Newsspoke to a number of farmers to gauge their enthusiasm for the trial. Marshall and Deirdre Barnes of Dunbar said it was a "good idea." Mr Barnes commented, "I'm 100% behind the ferry being weekly, with crossings on Fridays and Sundays." He added, "I've felt strongly about it for a few years and even more so now. With the road programme nearing completion, the whole system has got to change." Although he warned that the price of freight needs to be "brought down considerably", he added, "the ferry has to happen. Without it there can be absolutely no development on the West." Christopher Lee of Port Howard said, "It'll be a brilliant thing for us if it happens," however he questioned whether the Tamar was suitable for the job and expected, "...a few teething problems." He also warned that there was likely to be an "initial rush" and later, "there could be a struggle to get enough to use it." However he added, "It's a good thing for the West; it will open it up to all sorts of things, and it will be good for us to get cattle to the abattoir." Danny and Joy Donnelly of Roy Cove were excited about the trial. Mrs. Donnelly said, "A regular ferry is just what we need. It will benefit tourism and bring more people to the West; if they have easy access they may settle which can only be for the good." Mr Donnelly was equally enthusiastic: "It would be the best thing that could ever happen if a proper ferry were to go into the Sound." Photo: This sight, a vehicle being lifted aboard MV Tamar FI for a ferry trip to West Falkland, may become commonplace, if the trial goes ahead. Picture: J Bellhouse Continued on page 3.

General Election: November 17

THE General Election will take place on Thursday, November 17. On Monday, Legislative Council was officially dissolved by the Acting Governor and she fixed the November 17 date of the election, along with November 22 for the next session of Legislative Council. Nomination papers for the election can be obtained until October 27 (Mondays to Fridays) from the office of the Deputy Returning Officer, John Rowland, at the Town Hall. The last day for delivery of completed nomination papers to him will be October 27, 2005. At the General Election five people will be elected to represent Stanley and three people to represent Camp. Two more people have confirmed to Penguin Newsthis week that they are standing for council in the election. Mr Philip Miller and Dr Richard Davies will be standing for Camp and Stanley respectively.

Double assault case

A STANLEY man has been remanded in custody following an incident which occurred last weekend. On Monday morning Barry O'Dean pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court to charges of causing grievous bodily harm to Trina Berntsen and assaulting policewoman Shiralee Collins while resisting arrest on October 7. Mr O'Dean did not have legal representation and was remanded in custody to face further charges. The case reconvened on Wednesday when Mr O'Dean entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage. Proceedings were adjourned once again and resume this afternoon. Mr O'Dean was remanded in custody.

Happy Birthday Mrs T!

Former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher celebrated her 80th birthday yesterday with a lavish reception. The party was attended by the Queen and hundreds of people from the worlds of politics, sport, industry, the arts, showbusiness and many other walks of life. Falkland Islands Government representative in the UK, Sukey Cameron attended the party. Former councillor Norma Edwards plans to visit Baroness Thatcher while she is in the UK; it is hoped that she will be able to call on her to present her with a copy of the limited edition book by Ian and Georgina Strange, Atmosphere.

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