MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Terry honoured; Consultation begins on school structure; Late plea change in vandalism case; Underage sex: youth detained; Mental Health site;

Briefly
FCO man to visit; Sunday is Census night; Rapier Squadron says goodbye; Protect yourself from the sun.

Terry honoured

THE Falklands branch of the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA82) has honoured its founding Chairman, Terry Peck MBE. At a special reception held yesterday morning at Government House, Terry, who is terminally-ill with cancer, was presented with a limited-edition print of a painting by artist David McEwen, depicting the cross on Mt Longdon. In 1982 Terry fought in the battle for Mt Longdon alongside members of the Third Battalion, Parachute Regiment. He was presented with the picture by Brigadier Nick Davies, a member of the Parachute Regiment who becomes Commander of British Forces in the South Atlantic in November, on behalf of SAMA82 Falklands. Terry was Chairman of the Falklands branch of SAMA for four years; at yesterday's reception his successor Gary Clement paid tribute to his work for veterans. He commented, "Since 1982 Terry has been tirelessly trying to help veterans return to the Islands and help them to lay their ghosts to rest. "The South Atlantic Medal Association started here in 2001 with Terry pushing right from the front... he retired having helped literally hundreds of veterans return." SAMA82 Secretary Jock Elliot spoke of the regard in which the Parachute Regiment holds Terry. He read a message he had received in 2000 from the Regimental Secretary: "Terry Peck is one of ours and we would be most proud if he would represent the Regiment at all official functions and parades in the Falkland Islands and to do so wearing his red beret and cap badge with pride." After receiving the picture from Brigadier Davies, Terry commented, "When I wear the red beret I always stand ten feet tall." He in turn paid tribute to others who helped the 1982 war effort: "It wasn't just me. There were many of us throughout the Islands who performed many tasks not always recognised or known about; they gave me that physical and moral support throughout my period on the hillsides..." He continued, "This, today, is absolutely wonderful and I'd like to thank everyone for making this gift to me and my family."

Consultation begins on school structure

A CONSULTATION paper on the restructure of the Education Department is being released this week to seek the views and comments of the community. The consultation paper addresses many of the questions and queries which have been raised since the new structure was announced last month and explains the rationale behind the proposals. A spokesperson for the Education Department commented, "Much of the detailed work is still to come and a start has been made by asking staff at all the schools to work together to put forward their suggestions for what the best campus management structure and roles of responsibility might be in order to promote higher standards of attainment or pupils and the further development of Lifelong Learning opportunities for the community." The consultation paper will be placed in every mail box and a copy will be sent home with every school pupil. It will also be available at the Post Office. An electronic version is available from Lucille McMullen at the Education Department. A public meeting will be held to discuss the issue on October 24 in the Town Hall. The spokesperson added, "The closing date for responding to the consultation is October 31, and the Education Service will be pleased to hear your opinions."

Late plea change in vandalism case

IN A dramatic about turn, a Stanley man facing an array of charges changed his pleas to guilty as his trial began on Wednesday morning. Crown Counsel Ros Cheek asked for one of eleven charges against Andrew James MacDonald to be dismissed as the prosecution did not intend to offer any evidence. This was a charge relating to interfering with a Land Rover 130. Ms Cheek also asked for a charge of taking without consent to be amended to "allowing himself to be carried knowing that the vehicle, a Land Rover 110, had been taken without the consent of the owner". The remaining nine charges, three of criminal damage, three of vehicle interference and three of theft, plus the amended charge were put to Mr MacDonald who proceeded to enter pleas of guilty to all. The charges all related to events which took place on the night and in the early hours of July 18 - 19, 2005. Mr MacDonald originally entered not guilty pleas in May and, due to no legal representation being available, was represented by Crown Counsel (A) Alison Inglis in the interim of defence counsel Adam Lodge being brought to the Islands from the UK for the trial. Presenting a summary of facts Ms Cheek said Mr MacDonald had been out drinking on the night of July 18 and had returned home at about 11.30pm. He had asked his brother to go out "for a spin" with him and, when he was refused, walked away from their home. Ms Cheek reported the offences in the time scale they were believed to have happened and a trail of destruction, beginning East of Gordon Lines where the Land Rover 130 was abandoned, unfolded. Ms Cheek said however, that it was not known who was driving the vehicle or the circumstances of it being taken to where it was left in a ditch. Overall more than £11,000 in damage was caused during the spree. Continued on page 3

Underage sex: youth detained

A YOUTH who had sex with two underage girls and admitted to police - "I just do them and forget them" - has been placed in detention for a month. The seventeen year old was sentenced by the Senior Magistrate, Clare Faulds, in court yesterday; he had admitted having sex with the two girls, one in January and one in June. In mitigation, defence lawyer Richard Marlor said the youth still ascertained that the girls in question had approached him and asked for sex. Senior Magistrate Clare Faulds said the youth was aware of the girls' ages and that his attitude, although it may have improved of late, was both "callous and casual." She said he had not tried to be responsible and had tried to pass on the responsibility to the girls. In sentencing him to a month's detention for each offence, to run concurrently, she said it was time for him "to be brought up with a jerk" and face the "grim reality" of his actions. The youth was also ordered to pay £70 prosecution costs.

Mental Health site

THE Falklands' first mental health website is to be launched next wee at www.mhsg.co.fk. The website has been develop by Jason Lewis on behalf of the Mental Health Strategy Group The website has been developed by Jason Lewis on behalf of the Mental Health Strategy Group, a group of individuals who volunteered their time and energy to develop a Mental Health Strategy for the Islands. Community Psychiatric Nurse Karen Chenery said the website will provide information on various mental health issues, contact details and links to other useful websites. "The group plans to eventually publish the strategy document on the website, once it has been approved by Executive Council. "Log on to find out more."

Briefly

FCO man to visit THE Head of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Overseas Territories Department visits the Falklands next week. Leigh Turner will be paying a familiarisation visit from October 6 to 12. His programme will include tours in Stanley as well as a trip to West Falkland (accompanied by Harriet Hall), during which he will visit Port Howard, Bold Cove, Little Chartres, Fox Bay and the Dunnose Head Farm Wool Craft Centre. On East Falkland he will visit Darwin, Goose Green, San Carlos and Mount Pleasant, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor.

Sunday is Census night

THE Falkland Islands Census takes place on Sunday night. Completion of the census form is compulsory for everyone except military personnel and their spouses. Collection of all Census forms will begin on Monday.

Rapier Squadron says goodbye

THE Resident Rapier Squadron has officially said goodbye to the Falkland Islands. A sunset ceremony was held on the site of the former RAF Stanley base on Wednesday night. Photos and report next week.

Protect yourself from the sun

REMEMBER to wear sunscreen when venturing outside over the next few weeks as Ozone levels over the Falklands are particularly low at the moment. See page 13 for details.