Penguin News Update.

Friday, March 24th 2006 - 21:00 UTC

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Headlines: A marathon effort; Proposal rattles tourism industry; Argentine annoyance at ?double play'; Millennium tragedy; Airbridge assurances; Rotterdam goes solo.

A marathon effort

RIGHT: Runners Paul Gordon, Carol Peck and Oliver Ince are a picture of determination with over twenty miles remaining in Sunday's Standard Chartered Marathon. For the second year, Hugh Marsden was first across the finish line in this, the world's most southerly marathon, followed by David Adam of Mount Pleasant and Elfo Lazo of Rincon Grande. Falkland Islander Carol was second woman across the line, behind Katherine Badham-Thornhill of Mount Pleasant. Third woman was Ali Liddle of Stanley. ? Turn to centre pages for full coverage.

Proposal rattles tourism industry

RUMOURS of a proposal to allow the manager of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB) to be based abroad for a large part of the year have concerned members of the tourism industry. Penguin Newscontacted the Chairman of FITB, Councillor Ian Hansen, about the accuracy of the rumours. He said there is "absolutely no question" of the Director of Tourism relocating to UK full time, however, there is a suggestion that instead of spending "an inordinate amount of time" travelling overseas, "...perhaps it would make more sense if the director spent a longer period of time out of the Islands in a block; it may be more productive and cost effective to FITB - given the fact that marketing the Islands is a policy priority." The suggestion is on the table to be discussed and decided on by the Board of Directors at their next meeting, Councillor Hansen confirmed. "Directors will decide the outcome based on facts presented and whether it will be detrimental or not to the long term future of tourism within the Islands." Councillor Hansen stressed that members of the industry, "...do not all have all the facts at their disposal," and may therefore not be able to make informed comment, however Penguin Newscontacted a small number of members of the industry to gauge their feelings on the matter. John Pollard of Sulivan Shipping Ltd said he had already written to the Chairman of FITB, who confirmed that the proposal, if approved, would see the Director of Tourism absent from the Islands for half of the year. Mr Pollard commented, "I have not seen the proposal but I would find it very difficult to accept that the absence of the Director of Tourism for half of the year was in the best interests of the industry. "Falkland Islands tourism needs strong leadership and management that cannot, and should not, be managed from the UK or anywhere else outside of the Falkland Islands." Mr Pollard added that tourism promotion does require travel but added, "...a huge amount can be achieved in a few weeks of travel if the planning, organisation and timing are effective. Six months is excessive." Neil Watson, who runs a tourism business at his farm, agreed. "I'm against it from both the practical and financial sides. If they want to go to the odd conference to promote the Falklands then fine, but not for a long time and not during the season." Bruce Wilks, who operates a walking tour company, wanted to know if anyone from FITB would explain to members what the actual proposal is. "I appreciate that it is a decision for them to make but if they are planning something as radical as allowing a move to the UK, I think they'd be wise to consult their membership before considering allowing such a thing to happen." Continued on page 3

Argentine annoyance at ?double play'

THE Argentine Deputy Fisheries Secretary says he is in favour of tightening "affairs related to the Falklands," referring particularly to fishing companies which work with both the Falklands and Argentina. In an interview with Pescare.com, Oscar Fortunato said that companies involved in "double play" - Spanish companies with associates in the Falklands - are ignoring "Argentine sovereignty over the Islands" by taking fishing licences extended by the British. He mentioned the John Cheek, the Falklands-registered vessel which was arrested by Argentina last month: "...the government is determined to severely sanction those responsible in that poaching incident." The owners of the John Cheek say the vessel was fishing in international waters when she was arrested. The John Cheek'splight was discussed in the House of Lords this week with Lord Triesman reporting that the Foreign Office is closely following the case. "We have provided the Argentine authorities with the precise position fixes of the John Cheek and are waiting their response," underlined Lord Triesman. Endurance stuck The British naval icebreaker HMS Endurancebecome stuck in Argentina this week, after workers at its dry dock in Argentina went on strike. The vessel headed to Puerto Belgrano earlier this month for repairs to its rudder; however port staff went on strike, stranding the ship and crew. According to British tabloid The Sun, officials at the Ministry of Defence have security fears over, "...secret research equipment on board." (MP/PN)

Millennium tragedy

TWELVE American cruise ship passengers have died in Chile after the bus they were travelling in during a visit to a national park plunged into a ravine. They were on a private excursion away from their cruise ship, Millennium, which last visited the Falklands on March 10. Two more Americans are said to be in a serious condition. The Chilean bus driver and a tour guide were also hurt.

Airbridge assurances

CIVILIANS travelling on the airbridge flight between the Falklands and the UK are not considered "second class citizens," a member of the movements staff has assured. Squadron Leader Rich Pratley says passengers need to communicate their needs to staff, particularly those who are travelling abroad for medical treatment. He appealed, "Help us to help you." Full story on page 4.

Rotterdam goes solo

ONLY one cruise ship is due to visit the Islands in the next week, the second to last of the season. Rotterdam is expected in Stanley on Tuesday, March 28 with 1,316 passengers.

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Categories: Falkland Islands.

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