MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
New Governor, same message; Tourist Board directors take ?hands on' approach; Coastal tender talks continue; Airbridge fares rise; Clocks change this weekend.

New Governor, same message

THE Falkland Islands may have a new Governor but the message to Argentina remains the same: there is no room to maneuver on sovereignty. In his first address to the nation, made after he was officially sworn into office, Mr Alan Huckle said the British government's position on sovereignty is unchanged: "There can be no question of any transfer of sovereignty without the agreement of the Islanders." Relations with the government of Argentina are now more difficult than we would wish, Mr Huckle acknowledged. "My understanding is that the Argentine government is becoming increasingly impatient that there has been no progress towards a transfer of sovereignty to Argentina over the Islands. But the British government's position on this has been consistent and clear." He reminded Islanders of the words of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in his message to the Falklands on the 20th anniversary of the Falklands War who said: "In all our dealings with Argentina, we are absolutely clear that the sovereignty, security and right of self-determination of the Falkland Islands and its people are not open to negotiation or compromise." "This message," Mr Huckle said, "will not be subject to change. There is therefore no room for maneuver on sovereignty unless the Islanders change their minds." He outlined the importance of the "sovereignty umbrella", the stability of which has been threatened in recent months by Argentina. Mr Huckle said the umbrella allows, "...sensible, co-operative measures to be agreed with Argentina without compromise to their sovereignty claim." Stable relations with Argentina and other South American countries are clearly desirable for the future development and well-being of the Islands, he added, "...and there have been several mutually advantageous agreements with Argentina, negotiated under the sovereignty umbrella. "But if the government of Argentina decides to put increasing pressure, be it diplomatic or economic, on the Falkland Islands or those having dealings with the Islands, this can only harm relations and make the negotiation of future such agreements that much more difficult. Such pressure can only be counter-productive." He is hopeful the Argentine government will recognise that there continues to be benefit in co-operation on practical matters of mutual interest, "...without resort to other, unwelcome pressure, which will not succeed." ? Turn to page 4 for more from His Excellency the Governor's swearing in ceremony. Photo: Fresh from taking the oath, His Excellency the Governor, Mr Alan Huckle, inspects the Falkland Islands Defence Force detachment in the Guard of Honour.

Tourist Board directors take ?hands on' approach

THE structure of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB), under the spotlight following the company's annual general meeting last week, has been scrutinised by its directors. At a meeting between the directors and the government's Chief Executive, it was decided to, "...continue with the make up of the board as it is, a decision supported by the majority of members who have up till now replied to an e-mail question asking their views," the Chairman of FITB, Councillor Ian Hansen, reported. The meeting also looked at designating directors with individual areas of responsibility within the industry. Responding to coverage of the AGM in last week's Penguin Newsand criticism from members that the company accounts had gone missing, Councillor Hansen said this was not accurate. "The accounts are not actually ?missing'. There were no signed off accounts to present to the meeting; directors had seen a draft version with which they were content. Members are being circulated those accounts by our company secretary." More on page 3

Coastal tender talks continue

THE two companies short-listed for the coastal shipping contract are to meet with councillors next week. The tender exercise for the contract was discussed by Executive Council at its meeting last week which was chaired by Acting Governor, Harriet Hall. Miss Hall said members of ExCo were aware of the fact that this is a vital part of the Islands' transport infrastructure and of the need to make the "best decision possible" for the Islands and they wanted a chance to meet the tenderers to discuss aspects of their proposals "face to face". ExCo felt this would give both companies a good opportunity of clarifying any points to the government (FIG) and also make sure that FIG's concerns and requirements were fully understood. In view of the potential for military use of the new shipping contract they also asked whether a member of the Commander of British Forces' staff could be present at the interviews ? in an advisory capacity only ? and considered that it would be useful to have an adviser to hand who had experience of working with boats in Falklands waters. The new coastal contract was originally planned to commence in November; given the urgency of the matter, ExCo requested that the Chief Executive set up these meetings "without delay". Councillor Andrea Clausen confirmed on Wednesday that the first meeting is scheduled to be held early next week. She said that, as the service will "potentially cost a lot of money", it is important to, "...get it right."

Airbridge fares rise

THE cost of flying to the UK and Ascension Island on the military airbridge has been increased by 3%. The increased fares will be charged with effect from today (Friday) and will apply to any new bookings received on or after today. Any bookings received before today will not have been affected by the price increase. Contact your travel agent for further details.

Clocks change this weekend

SUMMER time is officially here this weekend. Government clocks will be advanced one hour at 2am on Sunday, September 3.

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