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Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News update

Headlines:
In with the new...; Worship in our schools?; Chile vows support for Argentine claim; Man guilty of sexual assault; FIGAS remains leader-less.

In with the new...As HMS Dumbarton Castle, accompanied by RFA Gold Rover, leaves the Falklands for the final time, the Islands' new protection vessel HMS Clyde(back) steams in. Clyde is to patrol the Falklands until at least 2012. She is capable of operating a variety of aircraft from her flight deck, including Merlin and Sea King helicopters. Picture: MPC Photo Section.Worship in our schools? CHRISTIAN assemblies could return to Falklands schools following discussions at this week's Education Board. Councillor Janet Robertson made the proposal after receiving a letter from a parent asking what the government's policy was on religious education. Cllr Robertson said it was not sufficient to provide classes in comparative religion, as these would offer only an intellectual understanding of different faiths: "That's information, that's knowledge, that's an understanding of the world around you, but in terms of spiritual guidance what do we provide? We provide nothing. Even a course of comparative religion is not spiritual guidance - it provides knowledge and understanding." Natalie Smith agreed that religious assemblies should be reintroduced, and favoured a return to the previous practice of alternating between Anglican and Catholic assemblies. Councillor Richard Stevens said he had no strong opinion on the matter, but playing "devils advocate", said: "It would perhaps be a Christian hymn and a Christian prayer. I don't know in today's society whether it would be appropriate for the schools rather than the families to lead. "There are a number of different religions and different sects of the same religion and by bringing in a certain sect - even if it's the majority religion - it probably won't suit the majority. A number of parents might think if we are having a particular sect in, that it's - well, less than indoctrination, but it is just coming in from one direction." Although acknowledging that the Falklands have more than one religion, Cllr Robertson said: "We are overwhelmingly a Christian country and I think it's got to be taken into account. "There are certainly lots of non-religious people, and I think that's why the Ordinance provides for people to remove their children if they feel strongly about it, but the system we have at the moment is to provide no spiritual guidance at all, which is not the right thing either." Continued on page 3.Chile vows support for Argentine claim CHILE has promised to actively promote Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands, following talks between the South American countries' foreign secretaries. Argentine minister Jorge Taiana and his Chilean counterpart reportedly reached the understanding at a meeting held this week to discuss an array of issues including the supply of Argentine gas to Chile. According to Ambito Financiero, Chile has committed to leading the call for the UK to discuss sovereignty issues in the South Atlantic. Council spokesperson Andrea Clausen was unsurprised by the reports in light of increased pressure on the Chilean government to secure steady and reliable energy supplies from Argentina. She commented, "We must not forget that the Argentine presidential elections are very close and it's normal practice for Argentine candidates to use the Falklands issue to curry favour among voters. "Furthermore, President Bachelet is at an all time low in ratings, largely linked to energy issues." Councillors do not intend to directly appeal to the Chilean foreign minister for support, however they are planning a new public relations strategy for South America, Cllr Clausen revealed: "This will allow us to target effectively within South America to get our message across." She is unconcerned by the Chilean support for Argentina: "Regardless of what the Chilean government is saying in terms of encouraging the UK to start negotiations on sovereignty, the Falkland Islands enjoy a close relationship with Chile and there are a number of Chileans living in our community - the relationship is mutually beneficial." Man guilty of sexual assaultA 24 YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody after admitting the sexual assault of a child. In court on Tuesday Leroy John Young did not apply for bail after pleading guilty to assault of a child under the age of 13. He will spend the next six weeks in custody while a pre-sentence report is prepared. The Mount Pleasant worker was visiting Stanley with friends on the day of the assault. He picked up the twelve year-old girl in his vehicle and took her to his room at Lookout Lodge, where the assault took place. Crown Counsel Julia Kraehling-Smith said the girl was not entirely sure she should go with Mr Young to Lookout Lodge but nevertheless went with him and later regretted doing so: "She lacked the emotional maturity and street smart to handle a situation of this kind." She said the case came down to an adult male putting a twelve year-old child through a sexual experience. When interviewed by the police about the assault, Mr Young gave a full and frank admission of what had happened, Ms Kraehling-Smith said, and immediately admitted the offence. The case is scheduled to return to court on November 20. A second man based at Mount Pleasant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was released on conditional bail after he appeared before the Senior Magistrate on Tuesday. He is charged with the rape of a child under the age of 13. FIGAS remains leader-lessA SECOND candidate has turned down the job of running the government's air service (FIGAS). In July Penguin Newsreported that the preferred candidate from South Africa had been unable to take up the appointment of FIGAS General Manager. The position was subsequently offered to a reserve candidate and the government announced this week that he too had turned the job down after a "somewhat prolonged" consideration of the offer. The post is now being re-advertised, in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Inside Penguin NewsCentre: ew Welsh memorial Page 7: Your letters Page 5: Cruise ship 'aground' Page 3: Dave's new Quest