Stories for February 2018

Friday, February 23rd 2018 - 07:49 UTC
Falklands: Second flight statement meets approval and dismay

A statement entitled ‘Progress made towards establishing a second commercial Falkland Islands air link’ released last week by the Falkland Islands Government, but too late for publication in the Penguin News, has met with a mixed reception in the Islands. While some have expressed favor others have reservations and questions as witnessed by readers’ letters in this Friday edition.
Friday, February 23rd 2018 - 06:56 UTC
Falklands/Uruguay strengthening of links is of interest to visiting diplomats

Two British diplomats based in Latin America were visiting the Falklands this week, arriving on Sunday on the delayed LATAM flight after enjoying an unexpected one-night stopover in Punta Arenas. Making his second visit to the Falklands was His Excellency Ian Duddy, British Ambassador to Uruguay. He was accompanied by Richard Jones, Second Secretary at the British Embassy in Buenos Aires.
Friday, February 23rd 2018 - 00:12 UTC
Venezuelan opposition to Boycott: won't contest on presidential elections

The Venezuelan democratic opposition, represented by the Democratic Unity, announced that it will not be presented to the elections convened by the government of Nicolás Maduro for next April 22 and calls for a national boycott as it is considered a fraudulent process and without guarantees.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 09:41 UTC
Argentine union leader Moyano remembers Macri where the real opposition stands

Argentina's teamsters powerful boss, Hugo Moyano supported by members from banks, judicial and teachers unions, plus social, picketers and left wing groupings, together with Kirchner followers marched on downtown Buenos Aires Wednesday evening for a huge rally to protest President Mauricio Macri's economic policies and attempts to reform labor legislation.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 09:35 UTC
Theresa May sets out proposals for post-Brexit transition period: Tories divided

UK has published proposals for how it wants the transition period immediately after Brexit to work. It says the period should last as long as it takes to “prepare and implement the new processes and new systems”. Number 10 denied this meant it would be longer than the planned two years.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 09:27 UTC
Meirelles says pensions reform “not dead and buried”, but was “credit negative” for agencies

Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said on Wednesday that he is focused on Brazil’s economic recovery and not thinking at this time of running for president in the October election, though he might consider a bid in April.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 09:20 UTC
US share of global sales of soybean and grains to shrink as South American competition grows

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sees U.S. corn and soybean exports generally increasing over the coming decade but the U.S. share of global sales will shrink as competition from South American producers heats up, the government said in its annual report.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 09:07 UTC
Fed more positive on economic outlook ...and more rate hikes expected in 2018

United States Federal Reserve officials grew more positive on the economic outlook, citing “substantial underlying economic momentum,” and were increasingly optimistic about achieving their inflation target, according to minutes of last month’s policy meeting.
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 08:00 UTC
Helicopter carrier Ocean will be delivered to the Brazilian navy next June

HMS Ocean pulled into Portsmouth for the last time as a Royal Navy ship as it is now due to be delivered to Brazil, which has bought the RN sole helicopter carrier. The Royal Navy's flagship has served for 20 years and has traveled all around the world. She was sold to Brazil for 84 million pounds (US$117 million) as new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth prepares to take over as leader of the fleet
Thursday, February 22nd 2018 - 07:45 UTC
Falklands' new patrol vessel starts her long journey to the South Atlantic

The first of the Royal Navy's next-generation patrol ships set sail from Glasgow on Wednesday for her home port of Portsmouth. HMS Forth is the first of a class of five state-of-the-art Royal Navy vessels, designed for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, fishery protection, border patrol, counter terrorism and other maritime defense duties.