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Penguin News Penguin News, the only newspaper produced in the Falkland Islands, featuring local and overseas even

22/11/2024

A couple of clues were missed off the crossword this week - apologies for that

16 down: Foxglove number first appears low in supply (9)
17 down: Brief twist of a canal coil (9)

Flash Fiction Competition Prize WinnersDon't forget to pop in to Penguin News this week before lunchtime Wednesday to pi...
18/11/2024

Flash Fiction Competition Prize Winners

Don't forget to pop in to Penguin News this week before lunchtime Wednesday to pick up your prize (see photo) and have your picture taken (if you wish)

Adults
1st Nick Roberts - Overthinking
2nd Jane Clarke - Dragon Rider
HC Cody Betts - The Light Keeper
HC Jamie Crossley - The Dark Abyss

Over 10
1st Colin Jimenez - The Last Letter
2nd Oliver Goodwin - Timmy
HC Amelia Barlow - The Maze
HC Rose Fenwick -Coles - The Life of a Back Pack

Under 10

1st Raife Dann - The Lost Boy
2nd Ezra Marsh - The Time Machine
HC Arthur Marsh - The Imperial Shipwreck
HC Primrose Vincent - SuperNASA Space Adventure

Thank you again to Consolidated Fisheries Ltd, Saul Pitaluga and Family and King Insurance for their kind sponsorship

11/11/2024

NEWS of the Flash Fiction Writing Competition - we've had an amazing 133 entries and the winners will be announced in Friday's paper. Initially there were to be two categories of prize winners (adults/children) but courtesy of Saul Pitaluga and family there is now an additional category - we've divided the children's category into under 10s and over 10s so there are now two children's Kindles up for grabs rather than one. Consolidated Fisheries Ltd has sponsored one of the children's Kindles and the adult's Kindle plus the goody bags. Penguin News has also added two £25 second prizes to the children's categories because of all the entries.
Edit - King Insurance has now added £50 to the prizes - many thanks to them for their kind donation - I'm sure our writers will be delighted.
Many thanks to the schools for their enthusiastic attitude and hard work - we are so impressed by the writing and also terrified by some of the scary stories. Many thanks also to all of the talented adults for their entries - they have been such a pleasure to read. All entries were carefully anonymised by a very strict and well organised Paula Fowmes before being presented to a panel of five judges (one of whom was outside the Falklands just to be extra objective).
Thanks everyone especially CFL Ltd and Saul Pitaluga and Family and all the hardworking writers

25/10/2024

The Board of Fortuna Ltd has announced the acquisition of Holyhead Towing Company Ltd as of October 25, 2024.
Holyhead Towing has a long relationship with the Falkland Islands. They were instrumental in identifying the Falklands ferry Concordia Bay and assisting with the subsequent adaptation. They were partners in the establishment of Workboat Services in 2002, remaining a substantial shareholder in the company until 2023. More recently, Holyhead Towing provided a vessel in support of the 2015/2016
hydrocarbons exploration campaign.
Holyhead Towing operate a fleet of modern and versatile vessels used in support of energy, marine civil engineering, dredging and renewable energy projects. The fleet includes ultra-shallow and shallow-draught anchor handling tugs, multicats, workboats and specialist transport vessels.
Holyhead Towing has a range of vessels in its fleet of 15 and is known for innovations in the sector.
Established in 1966, Holyhead Towing is based on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales but works throughout the world. Current or recent projects include those in the Arabian Gulf, Africa, Indian Ocean and throughout Europe.
James Wallace, Managing Director Fortuna Ltd, said: “This is a significant acquisition for Fortuna which builds on our strengths as a company, helps further diversify our business, and provides exciting capabilities and opportunities for the Falklands in the
future. Holyhead Towing is a strong company that we know well, with a clear plan for growth. We are very excited to be involved in the future of the Company, and I am delighted to welcome them into the Fortuna Group. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the teams at Pinsent Masons and Kreston Reeves for their invaluable assistance in progressing this acquisition”
James Burns, Managing Director Holyhead Towing Company Ltd, said “This is a great step forward for the Company, allowing us to chart a course toward an impressive
future. Over the coming years, we will focus on strategic investments in our fleet, driven by our commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, all grounded in our extensive experience and deep understanding of our customers’ needs. We extend our gratitude to the board of Fortuna, as well as the crews, management, and customers of HT, for their patience and support throughout this process.”
Stewart Graves, Chairman of Holyhead Boatyard Ltd, said: “This transaction marks the end of the Meade family’s ownership of Holyhead Towing after almost six decades. The business is passing into good hands with the Fortuna team, and the Meade family will remain active supporters of the Marine Services business in Holyhead which they retain. We appreciate the hard work of all concerned including our advisers Cavendish and DLA.
We wish Fortuna and the Holyhead Towing team the best of luck for a bright future in their development of the Company.

Check out our Flash Fiction Writing Competition - 250 words max - two categories one for students from IJS/FICS and one ...
08/10/2024

Check out our Flash Fiction Writing Competition - 250 words max - two categories one for students from IJS/FICS and one for adults. Prizes of a Kindle Paperwhite for adults and Kindle Kids for younger ones donated by CFL Ltd and second prize goody bags from CFL Ltd - entries from those currently living in the Falklands (because of the nature of prizes). Email your entry to [email protected] by October 31

24/09/2024

New cooperation agreement between the UK and Argentina

The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly has welcomed an announcement of a new cooperation agreement between the UK and Argentina on a suite of matters relating the Falkland Islands and wider South Atlantic, which reflects the importance of collaboration on key issues which affect the Falkland Islands and Argentina, and the wider region. This agreement comes with no change in the individual positions of the Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, or Argentina, in regard to the sovereignty, or territorial or maritime jurisdiction over the Falkland Islands – as per the formula on sovereignty in paragraph 2 of the Joint Statement of 19 October 1989 between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
The content of this new cooperation agreement includes the resumption of the weekly São Paulo–Mount Pleasant flight; the need to take concrete steps in the areas of fisheries conservation and improved connectivity for the Falkland; to organise a visit to the Islands by next-of-kin of fallen soldiers and an agreement to resume negotiations to complete the third phase of the Humanitarian Project Plan together with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
MLA Jack Ford, Chair of the Legislative Assembly, said “We have been involved throughout the negotiation on these important measures of cooperation. The resumption of the weekly São Paulo–Mount Pleasant flight will continue to strengthen our economy, tourism, and connectivity to South America and beyond. We look forward to being able to announce a timeline for the return of this connection, though this is subject to ongoing discussions with the airlines.”
“Cooperation on fisheries matters is essential for the conservation of marine resources in the South-West Atlantic, and the stability of our economy. We recognise the importance of working together on the exchange of fisheries data, which will help to protect the sustainability of our shared maritime environment.”
“We also support the continuation of humanitarian cooperation through the third phase of the Humanitarian Project Plan, which aims to identify remaining currently unidentified bodies at the Argentine Cemetery. The resumption of family visits to the graves of Argentine soldiers in the Falklands provides an opportunity for grieving families to pay their respects.”
The Legislative Assembly is committed to engaging constructively while always upholding the self-determination and wishes of the people of the Falkland Islands.

16/08/2024

Cancellation of the second Loligo season

In July 2024 the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department conducted a routine pre-season survey prior to the second Loligo season, working in close partnership with local fishing companies. The survey results showed the lowest second pre-season biomass estimate since 2008, with the lower end of the estimate being below the Fisheries Department safe stock replenishment threshold of 10,000 tonnes. Following FIFD consultation with the fishing industry it was agreed to take a precautionary approach and delay the start of the fishing season, subsequently carrying out a repeat survey in early August 2024. The results of this survey, which was completed on Wednesday 14 August, revealed the average biomass estimate was now well below the 10,000 tonnes safe threshold.

As a result, the Fisheries Department has made the decision not to open the second Loligo season. This decision has been taken as a conservation measure; allowing fishing to proceed when the biomass is at an unprecedented low would pose a serious risk of long-term damage to the Loligo population, which may in turn negatively impact the industry for many years in the future. The Falkland Islands Government is committed to scientific evidence-based decisions that ensure the long-term sustainability of one of the Falkland Islands most valuable fisheries and this approach has been taken following discussion with stakeholders in the Falklands fishing industry.

Despite the fishing industry agreeing with the reasons not to open the second Loligo season, it was noted by them that this will have a significant impact on the fishing sector, financially and operationally, over the coming months and possibly years.

FIFCA Chair Cheryl Roberts, speaking on behalf of the Loligo Producers Group, said “This is a challenging situation following on from the early closure of the second season in 2023. High bunker prices, elevated levels of global supply-chain inflation not experienced for decades and continued high borrowing interest rates are adding to an already challenging environment, particularly at a time when around 20% of the Loligo fleet are currently or are about to be renewed at substantial capital cost (£100m+). It is unprecedented in the Loligo fishery for vessels to mobilise for the season and then for the fishery not to go ahead. LPG recognises the need for a precautionary approach to protect the future seasons. Once these factors are accumulated, it is highly likely that 2024 will see a downturn in profitability and tax payments from the sector and that we are currently working with our membership to better understand this. We remain committed to working collaboratively with Fisheries on the matter and seeking the best possible outcome for the fishery.”

15/08/2024

Update on the consultation on Sea Lion offshore oil development

On Tuesday 2 July 2024 it was announced that Navitas Petroleum Development and Production Ltd (Navitas) issued a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concerning its proposals for the drilling of oil wells and offshore production from the Sea Lion Field Northern Development Area, Phase 1 and 2.

The Falkland Islands Government began a public consultation on this revised EIS, from 2 July 2024 to 13 August 2024.

A total of 25 representations were received from individuals, businesses and other organisations, with several FIG departments also submitting representations.

The representations have been shared with Navitas, who now have 28 days to review the submissions and provide FIG with a response. This may result in revisions to the EIS, which will be presented to ExCo. After this, the representations and Navitas’ response will be made public.

The Department of Mineral Resources would like to thank members of the public and organisations for their active participation on the EIS process.

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