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Falkland Islands: Weekly Penguin News Update

Tucked under the wing of a C-130 aircraft, 1312 Flight celebrate 25 years in the Falklands

Headlines: 1312 Flight 'uphold the right'; World CO2 emissions increase while Falklands' carbon footprint shrinks; Appointment; Disappointment.

1312 Flight 'uphold the right' Hangar party rounds off 25th anniversary celebrationsA HANGAR bash rounded off the 25th anniversary celebrations of 1312 Flight at Mount Pleasant this week. More than 200 guests attended the event hosted by the Commander British Forces Air Commodore, Gordon Moulds, with his Excellency the Governor, Alan Huckle, the guest of honour. The hanger was festooned with flags, photos and cuttings, which, though impressive, were outshone by a C-130 Hercules aircraft parked up in the corner. The local Mount Pleasant band played a rousing range of crowd pleasing hits from the back of a four ton truck, while guests took the opportunity to avail themselves of the beer tent and catering. A charity raffle in aid of 'Help for Heroes' raised £750. 1312 Flight's commanding officer, Sqn Ldr Neil Cooper, commemorated the occasion with a speech. He said that while there is a modest staff of around 40 in the Islands at any one time, it equates to a considerable commitment over 25 years, which illustrates the dedication and long term support of the Flight. 1312's crest depicts an Upland Goose in flight and sports the motto, Uphold the Right, a distinct echo of the Falkland's own motto, Desire the Right. Sqn Ldr Cooper closed with the following thoughts: "For five and twenty years 1312 has stood together, bound to 'uphold the right' no matter what the weather. Its numbers are legion, its spirit always strong, today I swear its allegiance to vanquish any wrong." World CO2 emissions increase while Falklands' carbon footprint shrinksWHILE the Falklands are rapidly reducing their fossil fuel usage, the increases in some parts of the world will still impact on the Islands in relation to climate change. Scientists announced today, in the annual update on the global carbon figures, that CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels and cement manufacturing continue to increase rapidly, despite international agreements to limit emissions of greenhouse gasses. The Falklands government signed up to the Kyoto Agreement under the UK's ratifications in March 2007, but are not required to reduce emissions before 2012 and even then it is considered unlikely that guidelines will be put in place. Fuel consumption at the Stanley power station has been reduced by two thirds over the last year and Environmental Planning Officer Helen Otley said it is quite probable that the Falklands are the only UK entity to demonstrate a significant drop in fossil fuel usage. Professor Corinne Le Quéré from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the University of East Anglia, a leading expert involved in the international Global Carbon Project, said world emissions in 2007 were at the high end of those used for climate projections in the last Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) report. "If this trend continues and the natural sinks weaken, we are on track towards the highest projections of climate change," she commented The State of the Environment Report, published this year, indicates that there is unlikely to be any climate warming in the Falklands, indeed scientists suggest that the initial strong melting of Antarctic ice will result in cooler water and air temperatures. Areas particularly vulnerable to a rise in sea level include most of Lafonia and many low-lying offshore islands. AppointmentTHE Falkland Islands Government has announced the appointment of its new Major Projects Manager for the Port development. Ken Johnson, who was interviewed in London in July, has been confirmed to the appointment following contract discussions which were delayed by a long family holiday. Mr Johnson is a Chartered Surveyor who has a substantial track record directing major development and regeneration projects involving public-private partnerships. These have included the development of the Royal William Yard in Plymouth and Bristol Harbourside development and a £600 million public-private partnership to re-generate 66 acres of Bristol's waterfront. Mr Johnson will be visiting the Islands in mid October prior to taking up his appointment in November. DisappointmentTHE new Development Corporation General Manager elect, David Waugh, will not now be taking up his appointment. FIG Chief Executive, Tim Thorogood, explained, "David Waugh has had to withdraw following concerns that have just emerged in relation to his wife's health. The circumstances have been communicated to the Board and are fully understood. "David is both sorry and upset professionally and obviously personally, that this development has occurred," he said. Tom Cosh will remain as interim General Manager until a permanent replacement can be found.