News

Conservationist right at heart of relief work

Published

11 years ago

December 19, 2013

A PRESELI girl and conservation activist is on the front line of the Typhoon relief effort in the Philippines.Last month, the world was shocked to see the devastation left behind in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan which had recorded record wind speeds.

With many areas cut off and in desperate need of essential supplies, such as food and water, the country has since relied on a worldwide effort to provide both material and human relief.

The Pembrokeshire Herald had an exclusive interview with one of those helpers, Sally Snow, who is also a shark researcher.

Sally explained the organisation for whom she works and what her role is.

“I work for a non-profit organisation called Physalus. I guess I am primarily a whale shark researcher in the Philippines. Earlier this year I co-ran our whale shark project in Southern Leyte, one of the provinces that has been hit worst by Typhoon Haiyan.”

Asked about her and her organisation’s contribution to the relief effort, she said:

“We organised a relief trip to Ponson Island in Camotes who had received very little relief before we came (this is what you will have seen us doing on S4C or ITV).

“The Caluya islands were badly affected by the Typhoon and their main livelihood, seaweed farming, was swept away. Operation Seaweed is all about helping the community get back on their feet. Money raised will help replace lost seaweed plants so they can get their lives back on track. With their houses now destroyed they are in desperate need of this resource in order to help rebuild their homes and lives.”

Sally went on to talk about the current state of affairs in the region: “Conditions are improving: power is coming back and, now that the people have food and water, it’s more about building materials. Now is the time when things get harder, when the world takes less interest; those who needed saving are still alive but the rebuilding is the greatest challenge. So many people have been displaced and are without homes or work, it will be a long time before these people are able to stand up on their own feet again”.

“If people want to support our relief effort with Operation Seaweed then they can donate via paypal on the operations seaweed facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/operationseaweedcaluya.

Alternatively, people can donate via our paypal link on the physalus website: www.lamave.org/publications/donate/.

Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

18 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.