MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands: Weekly “Penguin News” Update

David Barton RM

Headlines: David becomes Royal; Not guilty' say rape trial jurors; Stanley Marathon this Sunday; Hospital recommends yellow fever jabs; Public meets with Foreign Affairs team; Early publication next week.

David becomes RoyalFALKLAND ISLANDER David Barton (17) has received his green beret after passing out as a Royal Marine Commando, watched by his parents John and Alison and his aunt and uncle Leif and John Pollard RM. The pass out parade for 947 Troop took place at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone last weekend. 947 Troop started training in June 2007 with 55 recruits and David was one of just 17 originals who started and completed training with the Troop. He is believed to be just the third Falkland Islander to join the Royal Marines with Terry Morrison and Clem Harrison respectively going before him in the 1960s and 70s. David will undertake driver training for a few weeks before joining 45 Commando. 'Not guilty' say rape trial jurorsTHE father of a child who claimed to have been pressured into sexual intercourse, left court visibly shaken after a not guilty verdict was returned by a jury following a three day trial in the Supreme Court. The trial of Darren Clingham (20) on a charge of rape of a child under 13, began on Monday before Chief Justice Gardner QC, who at its conclusion described the case as "difficult." Mr Clingham pleaded not guilty to the charge in November 2007; the offence was alleged to have taken place in September, 2007. On Monday he pleaded guilty to a second count, of touching the girl in a sexual way. The jury were told not to consider this charge, for which he was sentenced by Chief Justice Gardner. In relation to the rape charge, it was the complainant's word against the defendant's. Evidence was given via video link by the girl, who was 12 years old at the time of the alleged offence. She said that after being pressured by 19-year-old Mr Clingham she had agreed to have sex with him. Continue Page 2 Stanley Marathon this SundayTHE fourth annual Standard Chartered Bank Stanley Marathon takes place this Sunday. Officially the world's most southerly marathon, registration for all individual and relay runners starts at 8.30am at the bank. A pre-race briefing will be held at 9.40am at the Town Hall and the race will be officially started at 10am by Acting Governor Paul Martinez. Bank manager Rino 'Donny' Donosepoetro said he had received confirmation from 41 individual runners and 30 relay teams, a total of 161 runners – a new participation record. He said most of the runners were from MPA and Stanley but a number of international runners were participating, from the United Kingdom, Austria, and Argentina Trophies will be awarded to the winner and runner-up in the Men's Open, Women's Open and Team Relay categories while a challenge trophy will be presented by Councillor Mike Summers to the first Falkland Islands-born runner. The Commander of British Forces or Chief of Staff at Mount Pleasant will also award a trophy for the first MPA-based team across the finish line. Turn to page 15 for race route.Hospital recommends yellow fever jabs THE hospital is advising people who plan to travel to Argentina, Brazil or Paraguay be immunised against yellow fever before they leave home. Ideally the jab should be given at least two weeks before travel. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roger Diggle, said the main urban areas of the three countries and the coast were not affected. He added: "The situation is changing on an almost daily basis, so if travellers are planning to go outside the main urban or coastal areas of Paraguay, Argentina or Brazil they should check with their travel agent in the first instance or the casualty department of KEMH." Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It is common in South America and in sub-Saharan Africa. Anyone can get yellow fever, but the elderly have a higher risk of severe infection. If a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms usually develop three to six days later. Public meets with Foreign Affairs teamMEMBERS of the UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons are hosting a public meeting at the Chamber of Commerce tonight. The meeting will begin at 5pm. The visit forms part of the committee's inquiry into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's exercise of its responsibilities in relation to the Overseas Territories. Early publication next weekNEXT Friday, March 21, is Good Friday. Penguin Newswill, therefore, be on sale a day early, on Thursday, March 20.