News

In November and December this year Falklands Conservation will undertake a penguin census which will provide essential information on breeding sites and colonies to determine action for the protection of the wonderful seabirds. Penguins are an extremely important feature to the Falkland Islands and Falklands Conservation need to raise £30,000 to undertake this vital work which will cover boat charter, essential survey equipment and data analysis. Please email sarah.brennan@conservation.org.fk for further information or to make a donation.

Dale Evans has always been interested in natural history and earlier this year he made an extremely important discovery near his home at Spring Point Farm, on West Falkland. He uncovered the skull of Warrah. The Warrah, or Falklands Wolf, is the Islands’ only native land mammal but has been extinct for over 130 years. There are actually only six complete specimens in the world, all of which were collected in the 1800s, so Dale’s discovery is extremely exciting. The specimen has recently been sent to the UK for testing.

(Penguin News)

The group outside the Houses of Parliment 10th August 2010

Eight Girl Guides from the Falkland Islands, accompanied by two team leaders, made the 15,826 mile round-trip to attend the Centenary Camp, at Harewood House in Leeds on 31^st – 7^th August. The group have been fundraising for 18 months organising a variety of children’s discos, bazaars, raffles, dinners and dances, sponsored activities and organising refreshments at Farmer’s Week and shows to raise the £20,000 needed for the trip. Before the group left, Christine Scipio-O’Dean (Branch Commissioner) said, “We’re extremely excited to be taking part in the Camp it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

After completing the Centenary Camp, the group travelled to attend a second camp at Waddow Hall in Lancashire and did some sightseeing, including a trip to Falkland House and the Houses of Parliament in London, before enjoying the rest of the holidays in various locations.

Last Sunday dozens of Islanders turned out to complete a charity trek to raise money for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. People of all ages raised over £250 for the worthy cause.

(Penguin News)

Restoration work has begun on two sites which were recently cleared of landmines in the Falkland Islands. A group of 20 volunteers, led by Dr Rebecca Upson from Falklands Conservation, planted grasses in two areas of Surf Bay. The grasses will prevent soil erosion whilst the areas are void of vegetation.

 (Penguin News)

Two Falkland Islanders have been granted funds from Stanley Services Scholarship in order to gain qualifications that will be put to use in the islands.

Tiphanie May was awarded £6,000 to undertake an MSc in applied aquatic biology which will enable her to further her career as fisheries scientist.

Nathan Browning received £521 in order to undertake a BTEC in construction and surveying.

The Stanley Service Scholarship funding scheme was launched in March 2008 and is open for those aged over 21 who wish to retrain or gain qualifications which will be used within the Falklands in the course of their individual careers.

(Penguin News)

The Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) competed in the HM Froces Cenbtre Skill at Arms Meeting, June 24 – July 8. The team of eight were the smallest international team taking part in the training and competitions. The team consisted of two new shooters Pte Samantha Brownlee and Pte Lucas Biggs who joined Maj Peter Biggs, Capt Derek Clarke, Capt Andrew Brownlee, Cpl Dustin Gilson-Clarke, L/cpl Daniel Biggs and Pte Zoran Zuvic. The team was supported by Pte Caris Stevens and won many medals including four gold and 16 silver. Congratulations to all who attended.

(Penguin News)

The Falkland Islands Government yesterday released  the ‘Economic Development Strategy’ for the Falkland Islands for public consultation.

The document is a culmination of nearly 2 years work between the private and public sectors of the Falkland Islands. The process has involved many groups and individuals across the islands and everyone is thanked for their work and input.

The public consultation period will end on Friday 10^th September 2010. 

To read the press release in full click here

To read the document click here

A cricketing first takes place this July when Falkland Cricket Club (FCC) Fife will play their namesakes from Newbury Berkshire, and the Falkland Islands Cricket Association (FICA) who are travelling 8,000 miles from the South Atlantic to take part in the Festival of the Three Falklands Cricket Week. This will be the first time the three ‘Falkland’ teams have met creating a ‘triangular tournament’. 

The week-long festival takes place from 19 to 23 July and forms the centrepiece of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Scottish Falkland Cricket Club who play in Division One of the Scottish National League.

To read the press release in full click here

The Falkland Islands Government would like to congratulate the young Falkland Islanders who are celebrating this week following the announcement of university results. Seven students scored top honours, further boosting the ranks of qualified people equipped with skills relevant to the Islands. Achieving a first-class honours in Applied Biomedical Science, Kimberley Finlayson had particular reason to celebrate. Having completed training in her third year in a NHS Laboratory at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, she plans to work in a UK microbiology department once her application for registration with the Health Professions Council had been processed. Speaking of her plans to work in the UK before bringing her skills back to the Falklands, Kimberley said ‘I feel it is important to gain as much experience as possible in these busy UK labs first’.

Another student, Zoran Zuvic, will be heading back to the Falkland Islands in the near future to take up a post as an Engineering Assistant with Colas Ltd on Project Shackleton for the refurbishment of the runway at Mount Pleasant. He graduated from the University of Southampton with a Bachelor of Engineering degree, with honours in Civil Engineering. ‘I think my degree is relevant and can be put to good use in the Falklands’, Zoran commented. 

Other students who have graduated are Matthew Strange, Christopher Cant, Gillian Cotter, Ashley Jaffray and Laura Street.

(Penguin News)