MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Journalist Damon Green with veteran Richard Passmore at the end of the yomp.

Headlines:
In the footsteps of '45'; New police boss appointed; Firearms Bill riles importers; Mass whale stranding; Galahad and Tristram honoured; Liberation commemoration.

In the footsteps of '45'IN A fitting lead up to Liberation Day, ITV correspondent Damon Green has recreated the epic yomp of the Royal Marines of 45 Commando. He was encouraged over the miles by Richard Passmore, who was an intelligence officer with 45 Commando in 1982. Damon, who had trained heavily for the feat, said his aim was to give viewers an appreciation of what the British Forces achieved 25 years ago. Admitting he had found the yomp mentally challenging, Damon's spirits were constantly boosted by the Falkland Islanders he met en route. Seeing the way they embraced Richard was moving, he said, and gave him an insight into the regard in which Islanders hold veterans. "People have been so helpful; nothing has been too much trouble," he said. Television viewers have been able to follow Damon's progress on ITV News and its website throughout the week. New police boss appointedCHIEF Inspector Paul Elliott is to be the Falklands' new Chief Police Officer. Pre-contract formalities are in the process of being completed but it is hoped that Chief Inspector Elliott, who will be accompanied by his wife Alison, will be able to commence his duties in about three months time. Inspector Len McGill, who has been Acting Chief Police Officer for more than a year, will continue to act in this role pending the arrival of Chief Inspector Elliott. Inspector McGill also applied for the position and flew to London to interview for the job. He said he respected the decision of the appointments board. He commented, "I gave it my best shot, however the board saw fit to recommend Chief Inspector Elliott for the post. I respect their decision, as I believe they were determined to appoint the best person for the job. I would not expect otherwise." As a matter of priority, Chief Inspector Elliott is required to conduct a comprehensive review of the police when he arrives. Inspector McGill said he looked forward to this review and its conclusions and added, "I also look forward to working with him..." Chief Inspector Elliott joined the Lincolnshire Constabulary as a Constable in 1977 and moved through the operational ranks to his present role of leading on community policing matters at County Headquarters in 2004. Inspector McGill said he hopes the new Chief Police Officer will bring, "...a fresh and clear mind to the job, especially when carrying out his review." He added, "He has great experience in community policing matters, so I very much look forward to participating in the initiatives he will bring with him. "I will wish to learn from his undoubted experience and improve my professional knowledge and abilities. I hope that the next few years will be a positive and progressive time for the Royal Falkland Islands Police and the Falklands community as a whole." Firearms Bill riles importersTHE men in charge of a company which imports firearms to the Falkland Islands are unhappy with the self-confessed "reactive" legislation passed by councillors last month. At the meeting of Legislative Council held in May, an urgent Bill was passed to provide the Governor with the power to extend the definition of prohibited weapons. Commenting on the Bill at the time, Councillor Mike Summers said it had been introduced, "...because somebody in the community thought it necessary to basically advertise and sell lethal weapons for which there is no apparent reasonable use..." He added, "There can be no good reason for wanting to import into the Falklands automatic weapons that fire off rounds at huge rates." Steve Dent and Jonathan Butler of Shooting Solutions feel councillors have been unfair. Mr Dent said the weapons featured in a recent advertisement in Penguin News- which appeared to prompt the legislation - were semi-automatic weapons, not automatic. He said Councillor Summers was aware of this and asked that he apologise for the accusation. In a letter to councillors, Mr Dent said he felt they had either been misinformed or had chosen to ignore expert advice and urged them to "see sense." Semi-automatic weapons are "extremely popular" in the Falklands, Mr Dent said, "...and clearly hold great sporting and farm work value." He described shooting as a "major part" of Falklands life, adding that, of all sports in the Islands, shooting is the most successful internationally. Mass whale strandingSTAFF from Falklands Conservation visited Danson Harbour on Wednesday to investigate the stranding of 106 pilot whales. Grant Munro of Falklands Conservation believes the stranding happened around ten days ago and says little now remains of the whales: "...they've been completely stripped by birds." He said there is "no indication" at the site as to why the whales stranded. Galahad and Tristramhonoured A MEMORIAL service will be held at Fitzroy at 10am today to remember those who lost their lives in RFAs Sir Galahad and Sir Tristramduring the amphibious move of 5 Brigade in 1982. Liberation commemorations June 14 is Liberation Day and will be marked by a service of remembrance in Christ Church Cathedral and a parade at the Liberation Monument. A series of events is planned for June 15-17, details and timings of which are inside. Along with a number of invited guests, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG KCVO will arrive in the Falklands on June 12 to join Islanders for the commemorative period. Penguin Newsis publishing a special edition on Liberation Day. It will be on sale at a cover price of £2, with £1 from each being donated to the Falklands branch of the South Atlantic Medal Association. Penguin Newscan be purchased on Liberation Day from the West Store, all the Kelper Stores, Stanley Services Ltd and the Jetty Visitor's Centre.

Categories: Politics, Mercosur.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!