MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Weekly Update

Headlines: A right old knees-up; Port facilities back on the agenda: consultants enlisted; Census figures stalled; New environmental boss; Four cruisers visit this week; Scholars learn of Island life.

A right old knees-upPICTURE: April Faria, Jessica Chapman, Lesley Stewart and Gabriella Hoy race along the length of the Stanley Town Hall, during 'The Riverside' dance at Wednesday night's family ceilidh. The evening was the grand finale of a week of performances by the visiting Glenelvan Scottish Dance Band, and attracted more than two hundred people of all ages. For more on the band's visit, see centre pages.Port facilities back on the agenda: consultants enlisted EVERYONE with an interest in the development of port facilities in the Falkland Islands is being encouraged to take part in planning their growth. The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) this week appointed port experts Royal Haskoning to create a port development plan, and input from everyone with an interest in the port will be a key part of their work. A spokesperson for FIDC commented, "The plan will draw together the diverse needs of everyone using port facilities in the Falkland Islands to identify the best way forward at an exciting time: issues currently facing the port include the growth of containerised traffic, the continued increase in cruise ship visits, and the potential for further hydrocarbons exploration." The plan is the next step in the long-term development of port facilities in the Falklands. In 2005, the government considered the creation of a deep-water port at a new site, but decided that, largely due to financial constraints, port development should continue to be focused at the FIPASS site for the foreseeable future (though not necessarily with the existing facilities). Royal Haskoning have therefore been tasked to create a plan for the growth and improvement of facilities at this site. According to FIDC, their work will tackle issues including: â€Ã‚¢ The growth of containerised shipping and need for improved container handling facilities. â€Ã‚¢ Anticipated growth in the fisheries sector stimulated by the new, property-based rights fishery introduced by FIG. â€Ã‚¢ Potential hydrocarbons exploration. â€Ã‚¢ Continued growth in cruise ship visits. â€Ã‚¢ Potential growth of an aquaculture industry. â€Ã‚¢ Infrastructure development. â€Ã‚¢ Future management options, including the potential for public-private partnerships. Royal Haskoning were chosen to carry out the work by an FIDC tender board, which considered five proposals submitted by both local and international companies. Tender board member Tim Cotter said, "The board was unanimous that Royal Haskoning's exceptional expertise in this area made them the obvious choice. "Their proposal tackled all of the issues raised in the tender documents, and their team have a great deal of experience in carrying out this type of work - the company carries out about 250 studies of this nature each year. We very much look forward to working with them." Two staff from Royal Haskoning's UK offices will visit the Falklands to see the site for themselves and meet with everyone who has an interest in the port. The exact date for their visit is to be confirmed, but FIDC aims to contact all those who might want to meet the team ahead of their arrival. Anyone who does not hear from them and would like to have some input is encouraged to contact Mr Cotter on tcotter@fidc.co.fk or 27211. They can arrange a meeting with the Royal Haskoning team, or simply provide their input directly to Tim. News in brief Census figures stalledISLANDERS are becoming impatient for the release of the results of the census held in October. Government Chief Executive Chris Simpkins said he too is keen to see the results published and added, "...we do now seem to have the final figures." He said the information will first be submitted to Executive and Legislative Councils before being released. In the past, initial results have been available within two months - sometimes sooner - of the census being conducted. New environmental bossTHE new Environmental Planning Officer stepped into her job on Monday. Andrea Wright (36) has come from a role in planning policy with a local authority in Kent. She has worked in planning for around thirteen years in local authorities in England and Scotland and has been involved in both planning policy work and dealing with planning applications. She also has an interest and background in environmental issues. Ms Wright succeeds Dominique Giudicelli, who left the Islands in January. Four cruisers visit this weekSTANLEY will be full of visitors today, with calls expected from Golden Princess and Insignia, carrying 3,100 and 824 passengers respectively. Clipper Adventurer- with 122 passengers - will spend today at Carcass Island and New Island. On Tuesday, Norwegian Crownwill spend the day in Stanley, with 1,050 passengers. Scholars learn of Island lifeSIX Argentines visiting this week to learn about life in the Falklands have had a busy week. A press conference will be held this afternoon with the six, who all studied in the UK as part of the UK Government's 'Chevening' programme. They leave the Islands tomorrow.