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Falkland Islands: weekly Penguin News Update

Nigel Miller on Concordia Bay as she was alongside FIPASS this week

Headlines: Captain Miller back at the helm after 30 years; Landing Day commemorated; Councillors prepare to set difficult budget; May Ball tonight.

Captain Miller back at the helm after 30 years

AFTER more than thirty years away from home, Islander Nigel Miller (72) is back at the helm in Falklands waters.

Currently in command of coastal shipping vessel Concordia Bay, Nigel was captain of the RMS Darwin, the Islands’ main link with the outside world, from the mid-1960s until 1972.

After reading about the position on a UK shipping agency website, he arrived within a few days to take over as master of Concordia Bay from Malcolm Jamieson. He is set to stay until he is relieved by John Thain in late June, however he is keen to return if the opportunity arises.

Captain Miller said he was “thoroughly enjoying” his stint in the Islands and getting to know the crew of Concordia Bay, many of whom had names, if not faces, that were familiar to him: “They are a different generation to me but, so far as the Falkland Islanders among the crew are concerned, I know their families.”

He was also pleased with Concordia Bay: “As ever, there is no such thing as a perfect ship but she’s fine for what she is expected to do at the moment and I will see if I can make her do a few other things before I finish, although I am just a temporary captain.

“With this (bow) ramp, I can go to an awful lot of places and that’s what I’m looking at, at the moment - but I have to remember I’m only here temporarily.”

After leaving the Islands with his family in the 1970s, Nigel continued his career at sea - “I’ve been just about everywhere, except New Zealand” - until his wife became ill around seven years ago. Sadly, she died five years later and Mr Miller decided to return to sea. He has three sons, Jason, Roger and Lee.

Landing Day commemorated

THE day British troops arrived at San Carlos on East Falkland in 1982 to expel invading Argentine forces, was commemorated on Thursday.

Military and civilian personnel gathered at the Blue Beach Cemetery dedicated to the British war dead overlooking San Carlos waters at 11am, for the Landing Day service conducted by the forces chaplain and assisted by the clergy from Stanley.

His Excellency the Governor Alan Huckle and Commander of British Forces, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds laid wreaths as did representatives of the army, airforce and navy as well as many civilians who paid their respects to those who lost their lives in 1982.

Councillors prepare to set difficult budget

IN LIGHT of the global economic crisis and the no-show of illex squid in the Falklands, the budget session, due to take place next week, is set to be one of the most difficult for decades.

The session begins on Tuesday at 9am with a parade of members of the Falkland Islands Defence Force. Legislative Assembly will then open and His Excellency the Governor, Mr Alan Huckle, will deliver his annual address.

Councillor Summers will present the motion for the adoption of the Islands Plan, then the financial discussions will commence.

The budget outcomes are expected to be delivered at 2.15 on Thursday afternoon.

Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon’s proceedings will be broadcast live by the Falkland Islands Radio Service.

May Ball tonight

FALKLANDS’ young people will be donning their finery tonight for their social event of the year.

A traditional event, which is also a fundraiser for the Falklands Scout movement, young people over the age of 15 will dress in ball gowns and suits so that the May Queen and Prince Charming for 2009 can be chosen.

May Queen will be selected by a panel of judges kept secret until the moment they take to the stage and Prince Charming by popular vote.

The Town Hall doors open at 9pm for an evening of old time dancing, leading up to the main event at 11.30pm.

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