MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update

Headlines:

Royal remembrance; CE: no truth to 'ferry fall out' story; Blank firing on for Ex. Cape Petrel; Cheryl is new CFL head; Relocated reindeer 'doing well'; Thousands visit this week; Telecoms man to look at pricing.

Royal remembranceHer Royal Highness The Princess Royal and her husband Rear Admiral Timothy Laurence read the names of servicemen killed during the 1982 conflict. Their visit to the Liberation Monument on Sunday was part of a two day stopover in the Falklands en route to Antarctica. The Royal couple flew to Rothera on Sunday evening, half a day earlier than planned, due to a forecast of poor weather. Picture: J Courtney Inside: full story on page two and colour photographs by Norman Clark in a special commemorative supplement. CE: no truth to 'ferry fall out' storyTHE Chief Executive has rubbished a rumour of a falling out between the government and the military over the use of the proposed cross sound ferry service, and says that in fact he is about to open talks on how it will work. He was responding to a query from Penguin News, asking whether the military was no longer intending to use the ferry. He confirmed there had been no falling out with the military as far as the government was concerned. "My latest discussions (before Christmas) revealed that they intend to use it and I will shortly be opening discussions on detail, including charges." He added that there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes regarding the design of the ferry terminals which, "...as I have previously stated, will be submitted to the Transport Advisory Committee." The contract with Workboat Services Ltd is in the course of being prepared and, Mr Simpkins said, at the moment there is no reason to believe that the original plan for the vessel to be operational by July 1 as planned will not be achieved. However he added, "... there is a great deal to be done. All involved are working hard to make sure it happens." Attorney General's departureMr Simpkins yesterday confirmed that the Attorney General, Melanie Chilton, is due to leave the Islands on January 23. Mrs Chilton tendered her resignation in mid December, less than two months after officially taking up the top legal job. Ros Cheek will continue as Acting Attorney General while efforts are made to recruit a locum, Mr Simpkins said, and a locum Crown Counsel is currently in post. The process to recruit a permanent replacement for Mrs Chilton has begun he said, and, "....subject to suitable applications being received, the selection process is expected to commence at the beginning of March." Mr Simpkins added that - "as was always intended" - former Attorney General David Lang will be undertaking some work to assist with the backlog of legislative drafting. Blank firing on for Ex. Cape Petrel THERE will be a period of increased military activity next week with British Forces troops exercising around Mount Pleasant on Exercise Cape Petrel. Captain Laura Evans of Media Operations said blank firing will take place over the course of the week, "...and the exercise will be supported by air assets." This exercise takes place every four months and allows units to, "...confirm their plans and procedures and in particular, practice their ground defence tactics," Captain Evans said. Visitors, dependents and contractors working at Mount Pleasant are likely to encounter troops wearing helmets and carrying weapons around the local area and may be stopped and requested to provide proof of identification at any time by military personnel. Visitors are also reminded that they must be correctly booked in by their sponsor and escorted during the exercise period. Captain Evans said blank ammunition will be used during this exercise and may be fired outside normal working hours, but it will not be used in or around any of the married quarters or other restricted areas. Cheryl is new CFL headCONSOLIDATED Fisheries Ltd (CFL) has a new person at its helm. As part of the natural rotation of the position of Chairperson among CFL's Directors, Cheryl Roberts has taken on the role. She succeeds Stuart Wallace who a company spokesperson thanked for all his hard work and guidance as Chairman of CFL. "Stuart has worked as Chairman over some of CFL's most progressive years," the spokesperson said. Commenting on her new role, Mrs Roberts said, "The implementation of the quota based system into the Falklands fishery makes these new and exciting times for all local fishing companies. I look forward to the challenges ahead this will bring for CFL." Relocated reindeer 'doing well'THE National Reindeer Herd seems to be doing well in its new home near Cape Meredith, vet Joe Hollins has said. Last week Penguin Newsreported on a population crash in the herd and its subsequent move from Hill Cove to Albemarle, where the animals' initial response has been "good", Mr Hollins said. He said he was grateful to Peter Nightingale of West Lagoons for his "expertise and sheer hard work" in the capture of the animals from Hill Cove. Mr Hollins said the reindeer had initially performed well at Hill Cove in an area that other stock thrive in. "The population crashed unexpectedly over just three months, and the Nightingales reacted immediately by expediting their removal to camp near Cape Meredith, with its unusual abundance of reindeer-appropriate foods." Thousands visit this weekTHERE is a busy week ahead for those involved in tourism in the Falklands. Today, the ship Explorer will visit Stanley bringing around 100 passengers, while both Infinity (approx 1,800 passengers) and Orlova(114) will be in Stanley. On Saturday, Profesor Multanvoskiy(50) will visit New Island and Carcass Island before heading to Stanley on Sunday. On Monday, Hanseatic(194) will visit New Island and Carcass Island. Tuesday is a busy day for Stanley with visits from Explorer II (199), Rotterdam (1,316), Norwegian Crown (1,050) and Hanseatic.On Thursday, Insignia (824) will visit Stanley while Clipper Adventurer(122) will call into Carcass Island and New Island. Telecoms man to look at pricingTELECOMMUNICATIONS consultant Chris Doyle is visiting the Islands soon, arriving on the January 27. He is coming to consider a range of telecommunications and broadcasting issues, including pricing. He will meet with representatives of Cable and Wireless and the Chamber of Commerce and will report back on his visit to the government.