MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands: Penguin News weekly update

DESPITE being a thoroughly water-logged affair, spirits were high at the annual Royal Show in Stoneleigh (report on page 2).

Headlines:
Should we take self-determination message direct to Argentina?; Blanch to return; Ferry contract signed; No local tourism applications; Live Earth this weekend.

Should we take self-determination message direct to Argentina?THE Falklands should be actively taking its message to countries outside the UK, Councillor Richard Davies believes, but do we take it direct to Argentina? He wants to hear Islanders' views. He was responding to comment carried in last week?s Penguin Newsin which the Editor asked if funds spent on the Islands? attendance at the United Nations Decolonisation Committee (C24) would be better spent elsewhere. Argentina uses the C24 as an opportunity to push its sovereignty claim and the Falklands should be at the meeting to counter that, Cllr Davies said. "Primarily it?s an opportunity for us to put our case in a forum outside of the UK, to Argentina in particular, because it is widely reported in their press." He believes this canvassing could go further - ?If other countries have a better understanding of our situation, it will make life easier? - but wants the public?s view on how far. On his way back to the Islands from the C24 meeting in New York, Cllr Davies spent a few days in Montevideo, during which he gave a number of press interviews. He also addressed students about the Falkland Islands of today and the arguments for self-determination. This was a chance to, ?...test the water,? as to the success of such meetings, he said, because much of what he said in Montevideo will likely feed into the Argentine press. So should we take the message direct to Argentina? Cllr Davies is cautiously willing, but does not support talking to politicians. ?If someone was to go to Buenos Aires, it would be very much to talk to journalists and maybe students; it would be to promote Falkland Islanders? right to self-determination, to tell them what the modern Falklands are about. It would not be to negotiate or talk to the government - no way.? He continued, ?I think we?ve got to be very clear between the Argentine government, whose policies we abhor, and the Argentine people - there is possibly some merit in trying to enable them tounderstand us better.? There are problems with this idea, though. The Argentine press is very pro their own government and there are risks that they would spin the story their own way, Cllr Davies admits. ?One has got to be a bit savvy about how one says things, and about the way it would be perceived here.? There is also overwhelming public opinion against the Falklands in Argentina. Cllr Davies acknowledges this is ?a big obstacle?, but adds, ?you have to just start chipping away at it.? More C24 news on page 2.Mrs President? Argentine President Néstor Kirchner will step aside in October, making way for his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, to run in his place. Telamthis week quoted the president?s Cabinet chief as saying Kirchner?s powerful wife would be the leftist ruling coalition?s candidate for the October 28 vote and the president will not immediately seek a second term. Blanch to returnDR Michael Blanch, who was Chief Executive for three years ending in March 2003, will be returning to the Islands as interim Chief Executive at the end of September. He will serve for three months pending the appointment of a permanent successor to Chris Simpkins who will leave on September 12 to take up a new appointment in the UK. A spokesperson from Gilbert House said councillors ?carefully considered? options to maintain leadership of the civil service, ?...and are very pleased that Dr Blanch is able to return for a short period.? He will be accompanied by his wife, Penny, and will leave early in the New Year. Ferry contract signedAFTER months of waiting, the contract for the new coastal shipping service has been signed. The service is now expected to begin in January 2008. Stuart Wallace of Workboat Services Limited, the company providing the new service, said they are ?very pleased? that the agreement is now in place. He commented, ?We look forward to working with the Falkland Islands Government in the establishment and operation of this important public project.? The company has already purchased a newly-built vessel and work has begun on the necessary refitting for its Falklands role. No local tourism applicationsTHE next General Manager of the Tourist Board (FITB) will not be a Falkland Islander. No local applications were received in response to the latest advertisement for the position. Mark Brunet, one of the FITB Directors, said he and his colleagues are now looking to see how they can, ?...best recruit someone to help all sectors of the tourist industry in the Falkland Islands to develop over the coming years.? Live Earth this weekendAN estimated two billion people will see British Antarctic Survey?s (BAS) Rothera Research Station wintering rock band, Nunatak, make its global debut on TV and the internet tomorrow (Saturday) as part of the Live Earth concerts. Coverage begins on BFBS at 6.30pm.