News
Trip of a lifetime for schoolboy
FOURTEEN YEAR OLD Pembroke schoolboy Charlie has just returned from the trip of a lifetime, as the solitary Pembrokeshire representative in a St John Cymru- Wales team of twelve cadets aged 14 to 17 selected to take part in the 2016 International Cadet Camp.
This exciting initiative, which brings together members of St John from different parts of the world, has been organized since the midnineties in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and leads to the strengthening of relationships among its members from different parts of the world irrespective of differences in culture, beliefs and resources.
Hong Kong was a particularly fitting location for this year’s camp, which was held between January 2- 10, because this is its centenary and the ICC was but one of a series of activities planned for this special year in the society’s history.
Charlie was clearly delighted by the Welsh team’s success (they came fifth overall) and is convinced that the experience has given him greater confidence to deal with his future work as a volunteer and then hopefully, as he pursues a career in medicine.
As for the teeth Charlie explained: “Hong Kong was fantastic. The food was brilliant and the weather was interesting and sticky. There were different scenarios in which we were all judged and I was really chuffed that Team Wales came fifth.
“We did a lot of different things such as working in homes for the elderly and in homeless shelters. The language barrier was obviously a challenge though, and my best memory is that of teaching a WW2 veteran how to clean his teeth when we didn’t speak the same language.
“I remember trying to explain that I was not going to touch his teeth. I told him ‘I’m not doing it for you. I don’t speak the same language as you but somehow I am going to have to get this done’. He did brush them eventually, and I am glad to tell you that he was smiling broadly at the end.
“But the best thing of all was meeting lots of people from so many diverse cultures. This has given me so much more confidence and I’ve been told others have noticed it too.”
Charlie had to raise £2500 to cover the cost of the trip and did much of this through such ordinary fund raising activities as bucket collections and curry nights. But he also raised support in more exotic style too by abseiling down the keep at Pembroke Castle.
He is keen to say thank you to all who helped him raise the funds not least St John Cymru Wales who covered the shortfall with a grant.
Charlie says he would do it all again without any hesitation and adds: “It’s definitely something worth doing. It might seem pretty daunting when you realize you have to raise that amount of money but I can truly say it’s definitely worth the effort”.
Speaking on behalf of the local St Johns group Sam Davies, Member in charge of cadets, said: “All of us at the Tenby/Pembroke division of St John Cymru-Wales are extremely proud of what Charlie has achieved. Charlie raised nearly £2500 which funded the trip and has come back a much more confident and enthusiastic person.
“I want to stress that this was a genuine competition in which they competed for Wales as a team and they were genuinely tested on their first aid and nursing skills. As a division we look forward to sending more young people from the area on international trips with St John Cymru-Wales.”
The next International Cadet Camp is scheduled for 2018 and will be held in South Africa.
Crime
West Wales teenager sentenced for terrorism offences and assault
A 19-YEAR OLD male from west Wales appeared before Winchester Crown Court today (Thursday, September 19, 2024) after pleading guilty to terrorism offences and an assault that was motivated by and demonstrating hostility towards the victim based on her transgender identity.
Alex Hutton, from Swansea, who has previously been convicted of offences under the Terrorism Act was arrested in November last year after South Wales Police received a report from a member of the public stating they had viewed a video on Hutton’s Instagram in which he claims to have kicked an unidentified person in the head. The video also contained far right imagery.
Hutton has been sentenced to ten years and four months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: “We welcome the outcome of this case. Alex Hutton, motivated by hate, engaged in a horrendous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless young girl who was minding her own business one afternoon in a Swansea park in May 2023.
“There is no doubt that the attack will have lasting effects on this young person and I really hope today’s outcome provides her with some comfort.
“Furthermore, Hutton demonstrated a clear intention to spread his hatred across the internet encouraging acts of terrorism. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing Wales uncovered his actions during a detailed investigation, which then led us to the assault that took place earlier in the year.
“I hope he now uses the time in custody to reflect on his actions, with a view to leading a far more productive life upon his eventual release.”
Bethan David, Head of Counter Terrorism Division at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alex Hutton is not simply a fantasist that held extreme views, he is a dangerous young man.
“His unprovoked attack was driven by hate and he poses a substantial risk to other groups and society as a whole.
“He celebrated terrorist acts of white supremacy and encouraged his friends and associates on various social media and messaging platforms to join him in his extreme and disturbing views.
“The CPS will always prosecute those who encourage acts of terrorism and hate to protect the public.”
Chief Inspector Lindsey Sweeney from South Wales Police said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this investigation, a case which involved a senseless, violent Hate Crime. We want to reassure the community that this behaviour will never be tolerated in our area, and the perpetrators will be swiftly identified, arrested and duly sent to prison.
“Here in Swansea, we have a great multicultural city which has been demonstrated by a series of fantastic events involving the whole community in recent weeks and months. At South Wales Police, we work every day to ensure that the city is a safe and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.”
Anyone who sees or hears something that could be terrorist-related should act on their instincts and call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999. Visit gov.uk/ACT for more information, including how to report extremist or terrorist content that is online.
News
Cardiff Airport’s future under scrutiny as Government proposes £206m subsidy
AT THURSDAY’S hearing before the Senedd’s public accounts and public administration committee, Welsh Government officials revealed that there is currently no “exit plan” for the government to sell Cardiff Airport. This statement came during a session where airport executives and government officials faced questions about a proposed £206 million subsidy intended to support the airport’s growth and development. This move, if approved, would mean the government has invested nearly £400 million in Cardiff Airport since its acquisition in 2013.
Andrew Slade, the Director General for Economy, Energy, and Transport, defended the government’s stance, highlighting the strategic importance of the airport for Wales. “We are committed to the airport and ministers are very clear that Wales needs to have an international airport,” he stated, emphasising the economic contributions and potential surrounding Cardiff Airport. He acknowledged the long-term possibility of exploring different ownership models but indicated that such considerations are not a priority at present.
This proposal aims to boost job growth linked to the airport and attract new airlines and routes, with a target of increasing passenger numbers to over two million annually. Planned upgrades to the terminal and facilities are also part of the proposed investment. While the subsidy has been sent to the Competition and Markets Authority for review, Slade confirmed that their advice would not be binding, leaving the final decision to the Welsh Government.
Challenges in attracting airlines
During the hearing, Cardiff Airport’s Chief Executive, Spencer Birns, disclosed ongoing discussions with airlines such as Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair to establish operations at Cardiff. However, he noted that these airlines currently do not see Wales as a “significant marketplace” for investment. Birns explained that while the airlines using Cardiff Airport are growing, the airport has faced challenges in replacing carriers that have pulled out, notably Wizz Air, which was an integral part of their growth strategy. He emphasised that while the airport has recovered 52% of its 2019 passenger volume, achieving pre-pandemic targets remains difficult due to the limited availability of aircraft and a tendency for airlines to prioritise larger markets.
Passenger targets and financial details
The airport had previously set a target of 1.3 million passengers, but this milestone is now expected to be reached two years later than initially planned, by March 2028. Birns attributed this delay to the withdrawal of Wizz Air and route cancellations by airlines like Ryanair. Despite these setbacks, he pointed out a 7% growth in passenger numbers for 2024, asserting that Cardiff Airport is on a positive growth trajectory.
Questions about the financial aspects of the airport’s operations were also raised during the hearing. Conservative MS Natasha Asghar sought detailed information on how the funds provided by the Welsh Government have been utilised. Slade agreed to provide a summary to the committee but cited commercial sensitivities and security concerns for not disclosing more specific details.
The committee discussed the cost implications of upgrading airport facilities, including the installation of new security scanners. While these scanners were included in the airport’s rescue and restructuring plan, the actual costs exceeded initial estimates. Mr. Slade explained that retrofitting modern equipment into a terminal designed in the 1970s presented significant challenges, leading to additional expenses. Cardiff Airport was allocated an extra £6.6 million by the Welsh Government in October to cover these costs.
Environmental considerations were also highlighted, with Birns reporting a 60% reduction in carbon emissions at the airport over the past four years, from 1,700 tonnes to under 600 tonnes of CO2 annually. This reduction was achieved through measures such as switching to electric vehicles, using renewable energy, and minimising natural gas consumption. The airport aims to further cut its emissions by 50% within the next five years, aligning with Wales’ broader environmental goals.
Impact on the Welsh economy
The airport’s role in Wales’ economy was underscored, with Birns stating that Cardiff Airport generates approximately £200 million in economic value, working with 50 companies and supporting 4,000 jobs. The proposed £206 million subsidy is seen as a means to sustain and enhance this economic contribution.
However, the airport has struggled to retain and attract international routes. The direct flights to Doha with Qatar Airways, which were suspended during the pandemic, have yet to resume. Negotiations with Qatar Airways are ongoing, but details remain commercially sensitive.
The proposed subsidy and the future of Cardiff Airport have sparked debate among Welsh politicians and the public. Critics argue that the airport has not met growth expectations and question the continued injection of taxpayer money. Some point to other regional airports, such as Teesside, which have recovered more rapidly post-pandemic and have clearer plans for financial sustainability.
In contrast, supporters emphasise the strategic importance of maintaining an international airport in Wales, not only for travel convenience but also for the economic and employment benefits it brings. The Welsh Government’s commitment to the airport, despite its challenges, reflects a belief in its potential to contribute significantly to the region’s growth and connectivity.
As the Welsh Government awaits the Competition and Markets Authority’s advice on the subsidy, the future of Cardiff Airport hangs in the balance. Whether this latest investment will spur the airport towards its ambitious growth targets remains to be seen. However, for now, the government appears steadfast in its support, with no plans for an exit strategy in sight.
News
Early-morning crash closes road for over two hours
A PERSON has been taken to hospital following an early-morning crash in west Wales, which resulted in a road closure for more than two hours. Emergency services were called to the Sheltery Hill area, north of Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, on Thursday morning (Sept 19).
The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred on a road between the A40 and the B4330. Police and paramedics attended the scene, and the road was shut until shortly before 9am.
The injured individual was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police. A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on an unclassified road between the A40 and B4330, near Sheltery Hill, at around 6.40am on Thursday, 19th September.
“One person was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The road was closed whilst both vehicles were recovered and reopened at around 8.50am.’
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