Premier forced to suspend Board

BREAKING NEWS

PREMIER ANDERSON SUSPENDS BOARD OF MINISTERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Alston, NCD, Nov 2 - Premier Daniel Anderson has been forced to suspend the Board of Ministers until final notice with growing tensions between Sirocco and those outside of it.

At 8:22pm this evening, Anderson made the announcement that the Board of Ministers is to be suspended pending an investigation into the conduct of certain Board members. This comes as Anderson fields attacks from all sides against himself, his leadership and Sirocco as a whole.

"It has come to my attention that there are ominous rumblings by those outside Sirocco" stated the Premier in an announcement just minutes ago. "I have also discovered there is dissention within the Board of Members. I have called for an immediate investigation into this. I have also been forced to suspend the Board of Ministers whilst this is underway. Essentially this means that I will be running Sirocco by myself. I have no other option but to do this. The suspension will not mean the firing of any persons within the Board until we can ascertain exactly what is going on inside it. We may see some members fired within days, but it is too early to call at this stage."

The suspension means foundation ceremonies could possibly be put on hold until the problem is sorted out. However it is not all bad news for the Premier, as both Vice-Premier Jesse Coles and Minister of Health and Education Chanelle Gibson have come out in defence of the Premier.

Coles gave his two-cents worth after the announcement: "I think he should stand up for his beliefs. He knows what he's doing and I support him. It's not fair what these guys are doing and it's good he's fighting against them. It's a shame that this has happened, though."

Gibson also voiced her support. "If my opinion counts for anything, I'm glad the Premier is different. We need someone who isn't afraid to be their own person.

With just hours to go until foundation, this crisis could mean a very bumpy start to the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco.

Federal Constitution finished

Alston, NCD, Oct 31 - Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that the Constitution of the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco has been finished after two months' work.

At around 3pm this afternoon the Constitution was completed after work began on it on September 4th. After final checks were made it was printed off at around 3:10pm, much to the Premier's relief.

"I put so much work into that, and it has been frustrating at times, but at last it is complete. We're at last ready for foundation now" stated Anderson this afternoon. "We're finally ready."

The Constitution, the legal document of the Federal Commonwealth upon which all laws are based, shall be ratified by the Premier on November 4th during the foundation ceremonies.

Disaster in A1 as volcano erupts

New Central, A1, Oct 27 - The A1 protectorate of Lichthalzen is today in a state of emergency after the eruption of a nearby volcano, which has claimed the lives of at least 29 Indonesians and injured seven A1 citizens.

Mount Merapi, located in Central Java, erupted on Tuesday, spewing ash across a wide area, including across Lichthalzen. Some 13,000 people were immediately evacuated, yet this order came too late for seven A1 citizens who were out on a day trip when the volcano exploded into life. It is understood hot ash rained down on the citizens, causing severe bodily burns. The party was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment in Yogykarta.

In Aldebaran commune working parties have already been organised to clear the ash and debris. There have been reports of breathing difficulties, but despite this a meeting was held last night in Aldebaran by the protectorate's Governor, Mars McTavish. The meeting was held to discuss the course of action to be taken after the eruption and what to do in the resulting clean-up.

It is not known if the earthquake which occurred after the eruption has caused any damage to the already volcano-stricken protectorate.

Chairman Fish said that he hoped everyone emerged from the catastrophe unharmed. He also stated that he had heard of the injuries to the party less than half an hour from his briefing on the Lichthalzenite situation.

Many nations have expressed their sympathies and offered their thoughts and prayers for A1 and Lichthalzen. Premier Daniel Anderson stated that "all Sirocco joins with A1 in their time of need. As we are based in a volcanic macronation we understand the trauma Lichthalzen is going through. We wish all the best for a fast recovery for both the injured citizens and Lichthalzen in general."

The Most Glorious People's Republic of A1 was dissolved yesterday in preparations for reorganisation into the Federated Republics of A1. This comes as A1 changes from a democratic communist dictatorship (known as 'A1ism') to that of a parliamentary democracy. The date of reformation is scheduled for November 4.

When asked what his opinion on the matter was, Premier Anderson merely gave a tounge-in-cheek reply: "We booked November 4th first!"

The end of Wikia as we know it?

Alston, NCD, Oct 19 - The Wikia users have spoken, and the Wikia staff aren't listening.

Wikia users from across the world are outraged at the mandatory change from the old 'Monaco' skin to the new 'Oasis' skin. The reasons for this have been made very clear: it is too cramped and it is too ugly.

Prominent micronational leaders Alexander Reinhardt, Philip Fish, Aldrich Lucas and King Anthony I, to name a few, have lashed out at the new skin.

"The new skin is actually pretty good, I think, but it's terrible for our wiki" Reinhardt commented. "We need something that does not stick to a certain size, that can have infoboxes without having the text look all cramped."

Philip Fish of A1 stated that "If it stuffs up our articles, we need to move. MicroWiki is now almost certainly moving away."

Alrich Lucas of Yabloko confirmed that the old 'Monaco' skin will be switched off from November 3rd. Mr. Lucas has also announced the reservation of several MicroWiki sites on different wiki hosts, such as Referata and ShoutWiki.

King Anthony of Zealandia gave a more light-hearted response to the controversy: "This new design seems to be bad news for us, why does Uncyclopedia get to be exempted? That wiki is stupid and useless. If the Wikia people are going to act like this then good bye, Tschüs, au revoir, arrivederci, vaarwel and don't let the door knob hit you where the good lord split you."

Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that he is displeased with the changes. "It's too cramped. It's article title, infobox, THEN information. Those blue bands aren't being used for anything except loitering like shifty chavs. This skin needs to be tweaked. I urge all Wikia users to adopt the slogan 'Oasis must go!' Wikia isn't listening, we'll now have to vote with our feet."

Despite the universal protests, Wikia staff are refusing to listen to users and administrators alike. Many users have been reporting being blocked from the site for protesting. The new 'Oasis' skin has been rolled out across Wikia and will become the only skin used for the site. The only exception to this is Uncyclopedia, a parody site spoofing Wikipedia. Many users have slammed this "useless" wiki being exempt from the change.

See the protests at http://community.wikia.com/wiki/Forum:Anti-Wikia_Alliance

YOUR TIMES
What do you think of the new 'Oasis' skin? See it for yourself at www.wikia.com and leave a comment below. If you want to see how it affects the MicroWiki page in particular, visit http://micronations.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page.

Slinky Empyre, Los Bay Petros recognise Sirocco

Alston, NCD, Oct 18 - The Slinky Parliamentary Monarchy, better known as the Slinky Empyre, and the Federal Republic of Los Bay Petros have officially been recognised by the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco and will become official friends from November 4th this year.

Yesterday, Premier Anderson was informed of a diplomatic request from the President of Los Bay Petros, Adriansyah Yassin Sulaeman. Within a few minutes, it was accepted, becoming the first official friendship with an external micronation. The Times understands that the Premier was very pleased at this opening of relations.

However, Los Bay Petros was not the first nation to enter diplomatic relations with Sirocco.

Late last night, whilst the Premier was going about his MicroWiki business, he discovered that Sirocco had a section within the diplomatic page of the Slinky Empyre. After some investigation, he found that Kyng Fyrst of the Slinky Empyre had accepted his earlier request for diplomatic relations on October 9th (October 8th Slinky Time). Sources have revealed that the Premier was most jubilant at this discovery.

The Premier has stated that "we look forward to working with other micronations just as soon as we officially become one."

Don't forget that Sirocco is now on Twitter! Follow the FCS at FCSirocco.

Sirocco will stay out of Atlantis Civil War

Alston, NCD, Oct 13 - Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that Sirocco will be adopting a neutral policy towards the Atlantis Civil War should it continue to be active by the time of Foundation on November 4.

Anderson joins a growing list of leaders condemning the War, including Alexander Reinhardt (St.Charlie), Sir Philip Fish (A1) and Wilhelm I (New Europe). He said today that after studying the Atlantis Civil War, he too views it as a pointless and silly conflict.

"The Atlantis Civil War strikes me as a very silly little quarrel between two people that don't seem fit to lead a micronation. There does not seem to be any point to this fight and it would be beneficial to all micronations if those involved would put their stuff away and go home. If this fight continues through to November 4th, Sirocco will not get involved. We don't want to have to fight in wars, much less ridiculous arguments like this."

The Atlantis Civil War began one month ago today after a vote of no confidence was passed against President Alexander Virgili by Minister of the Interior Sante Carbone and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriele Pellecchia.

Board of Ministers announced

Kingford, NCD, Oct 12 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced the full list of Ministers who will serve in the Siroccan Board of Ministers from November 5 this year. In alphabetical order, they are:

• LIVIA AÏROSSER, Minister of Finance
• ANDREA CARROLS, Minister of Defence
• JESSE COLES, Minister of Transport
• CHANELLE GIBSON, Minister of Health and Education
• TAYLOR PETRELLI, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• ELIZABETH POUNTNEY, Minister of Culture
• JOHN PRESIDENT, Minister of Sport and Recreation
• JEMIMA RIDER, Minister of Architecture and Design
• BUDDY WRIGHT, Minister of Justice

Premier Anderson announced that Minister of Transport Jesse Coles has also been appointed Vice-Premier. Anderson also stated that alongside the office of Premier he shall also hold the portfolio for Minister of Broadcasting.

 

The Ministers confirmed today will not be able to resign from their positions until December 31, 2010 at earliest.

Micronationalism gains mixed responses: Premier slams 'Subversive Dissidents'

Alston, NCD, Oct 11 - Premier Daniel Anderson today publicly announced plans for a new micronation (Sirocco) within New Zealand, which has gained mixed responses.

Upon revealing plans at around 2:20pm this afternoon, Premier Anderson received numerous responses, many of which were positive, but a few that contained more than a little slander. Whilst the Premier was called "stupid" and the nation ridiculed as "a dumb idea", more positive messages of support were given to the Premier. It is understood that most were of an inquisitive nature, asking about the details of the nation, whilst a few were wishes of support and congratulations.

Anderson slammed the ill-wishers, stating that "Sirocco is not a project to be taken lightly. Micronationalism is a popular pursuit for many like-minded individuals worldwide, and such subversive comments  are just proof of the jealousy and wonder of the dissidents surrounding us. If you mock Sirocco, you mock the great micronations - St.Charlie, Molossia and Sealand, for starters - and you mock micronationalism as a whole. Such comments should not be tolerated."

Despite the setbacks of external criticism, the day has been very productive for the preparations for the Federal Commonwealth in twenty-three days. The first members of the Board of Ministers have been decided and details will be confirmed within the next few days. The Times understands that the final Minister to be appointed was the Minister of Justice, a Mr. B. Wright.

In addition to this political success, a local eccentric, who identifies himself as the 'Tsar of History', forwarded a grant of §40,000 towards the foundation of the new micronation, which was gladly accepted by the Premier.

When asked about his views on today's events, the Premier stated that he was "pleased that Sirocco has come so far even though it hasn't actually been founded yet. A complete government means one less task that needs to be completed now, and focus can now switch back to the Constitution, which is still in a state of construction."

The Premier added that he did, indeed, observe yesterday's curious time oddity: 10/10/10 at 10:10AM.

Sirocco gains first political party

ALSTON, NCD, Oct 9 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced the creation of Sirocco's first political party. The Siroccan Federal Party is a liberal conservative party aligned to the New Zealand National Party and shall be the first party to govern Sirocco when it is founded on November 4th this year.

Anderson, who will be the President of the Federal Party, stated today that it was important that Sirocco had a governing party as ruling without one could be troublesome.

In light of the news, it is understood there is already talk of the creation of a liberal political party. There is some speculation a social democratic party could be on the way.

Andersonia to be renamed Sirocco

BREAKING NEWS: SIROCCO REPLACES ANDERSONIA

Government announces that Andersonia is to be renamed Sirocco.

ALSTON, NCD, Oct 3 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced that Andersonia will not be seeing foundation on November 4th. Instead, that honour shall go to Sirocco.

This afternoon it was made public talks were underway about the soon-to-be-nation's name. The Times can now confirm that at 8:25pm this evening, Sirocco was confirmed as the new national name.

The Times has decided to reflect this change, altering its name from the Andersonian Times to the Sirocco Times. However the archived news articles will not be changing from the use of the names of Andersonia and the FCA for archival purposes and historical accuracy.

The Government has confirmed it will take a few days to change the names of many key departments being set up, as well as the Constitution.

Ministry of Finance announces "No GST Increase"

ALSTON, NCD, Sep 30 - The Ministry of Finance has announced that tomorrow's GST rise in New Zealand will not be passed onto citizens of the FCA.

A spokesman for the Ministry yesterday announced that "GST shall apply to the FCS, but it will be set at a rate of 10%. Of course, external expenses will rise due to outside GST rises, but within our borders, customers can expect to pay a flat ten percent rate."

Some have voiced their concerns that Andersonia may be at a disadvantage before it's even founded. A Times street poll found that some think that the Government would be wise to adopt the 15% rate, or 12.5% at the least.

"If Andersonia has its GST at 10%, then it means there'll be considerable snarl-ups when trying to manage finances between us and New Zealand" one said. "If we have our GST at 15%, then the only conversion we'll need is the 1.6 for the currency."

"We'll go around in circles" said another.

The Ministry is however defending its choice to keep the GST rate at 10%. "It means that customers can be satisfied they don't have to pay too much tax on their goods, and the Government gains some income out of it. We're not the only ones that have a lower GST rate, Canada has a 5% rate, Singapore has a 7% rate, and Australia has a 10% rate like the one we are intending to implement."

However there is a chance that the 10% rate may rise in the near future. "We're not ruling out a possible rise in the future, but it won't be too severe." There is some speculation that by the end of 2011 GST may rise to 12.5% or to the New Zealand rate of 15%.

The exchange rate between the simoleon and the dollar is unchanged.

Premier announces members of the Board of Ministers

ALSTON, NCD, Sep 24 - With just forty days to go until the foundation of the Federal Commonwealth, Premier Daniel Anderson today announced his choices for the Andersonian Government. Whilst he has not confirmed a complete Government yet, he has announced the following choices for positions on the Board of Ministers:

MINISTER OF FINANCE

Livia Aïrosser

MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Andrea Carrols

It has been announced that in the next few weeks a complete Board of Ministers will be formed in time for Foundation on November 4th.

FCA Gains Television and Radio Service

Premier Daniel Anderson today announced that the government is setting up experimental television and radio broadcasts by the Andersonian Broadcasting Service (ABS). No programs have yet been confirmed for the ABS Television Service or ABS Radio, but it has been confirmed Government broadcasts and other news will be broadcasted from here.

Television and radio listings shall be made available by the Times.

Predecessor State to be Dissolved

It has been announced that the FCA's predecessor state, the Glorious Dictatorial Republic (GDR), shall be dissolved before Proclamation Day to make way for a smooth transition into the Federal Commonwealth.

Speaking in Alston this afternoon, the Premier announced the beginning of the end of the nation he founded nearly two years ago.

"The GDR has been an honest and faithful state to me. It has been through good times and bad, and the people and I have grown close and strong as one. And yet it is necessary to bid the GDR farewell, so that it may bow out of the spotlight in favour of it's successor, the Federal Commonwealth. This has not been an easy decision, but it is necessary in order to get this micronation going. But it is not all bad news, many key persons within the GDR heirarchy will be coming over to the FCA on November 4th, and the GDR shall live on in name too, as both nations shall share the same common nation name: Andersonia."

There is some animosity as to the exact date the FCA was founded, with dates ranging throughout the month of November 2008, although November 4 is the date generally accepted. During its early months, the GDR began rapid expansion, although actual physical territory was not claimed. There were several opponents to the regime, although there were supporters, several of whom have, as the Premier stated in this afternoon's speech, consented to becoming Ministers within the FCA. During 2009 and 2010 there were many battles and clashes won against the aggressors, however a period of inactivity ("down-time"), was noticed around late 2009-early 2010.

Activity within the GDR has declined sharply since the Times announcement of plans to form the FCA (August 30, 2010). Today, it was decided to dissolve the GDR under the GDR Dissolution Act 2010, in order to found the FCA. The date of dissolution has been set atNovember 3, 2010, one day short of the second anniversary of the GDR.

Arr me hearties, 45 days to go!

Avast, ye lily-livered scallywags! Thar be 45 days until we be hoistin' the jolly roger of the FCA! Cap'n be workin' all day an' all night ter be gettin' th' nation ready, an' a whole gov'nment's bein' created!

Cap'n be lettin ye know that thar be a special bottle fer yer messages to be stuck in and thrown into th' sea to sail to the FCA: mailto:fcagov@gmail.com Cap'n also wants to let ye know ye can soon fly th' flag of the FCA as yer own, and we also be lookin' for other pirate vessels to raise our rum to.

Things be lookin' mighty ship-shape for Novembarrrr the fourth, so raise the rum and get ready! Arrgh!

NCD, Auckland Suburban Region, Camina and Tasman Districts to form FCA

The Provinces of Andersonia have been announced today from the soon-to-be capital, Falls Town. Speaking from the Capital Buildings today, the Premier announced the following division of the FCA to take place:

National Capital District (NCD)
The capital, Falls Town, is situated in this province. The province encompasses the towns of Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Opua. It is the hub of the FCA.

Auckland Suburban Region (ASR)
There are four areas within Auckland City that comprise the ASR. These are Lynnavon (New Lynn, Avondale, Rosebank, Titirangi, Kelston, Green Bay), Hills District (Hillsborough, Lynfield), Auckland & Eastern Bays (Auckland City, Newton, Parnell, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Orakei) and Franklin County (Waiuku, Patumahoe, Glenbrook). Lynnavon shall serve as Provincial Capital.

Camina (CAM)
Part of the city of Tauranga has agreed to join the FCA for foundation on November 4th. This Province shall comprise areas around Tauranga CBD.

Tasman Districts (TSD)
There are two areas of the Tasman Districts on the East Coast of Australia: the Upper Tasman District (Surfers Principality) in southern Queensland, and the Lower Tasman District (Bass Principality) in eastern Victoria.
 
Each Province is to be represented in the Board of Ministers by an appointed Provincial Representative. It has also been announced the Constitution allows for provincial expansion, should this be desired.

FCA Currency Announced by Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance has announced that the official currency of the Federal Commonwealth of Andersonia shall be the ANDERSONIAN SIMOLEON (§, ASM). This shall be divided into shillings (s).

CURRENCY STRUCTURE

100 shillings (100s) make 1 Simoleon (§1).

10 shillings (10s) make 1 decimal (1d).

10 decimals (10d) make 1 Simoleon (§1).

25 shillings (25s) may also be written as 2/5d, or two decimals five shillings.

75 shillings (75s) may also be written as 7/5d, or seven decimals, five shillings.

25s (2/5d) shall be equal to one farthing.

50s (5d) shall be equal to one florin (two farthings).

Decimals apply to any ten-shilling total: 1d, 2d, 3d, 4d, 5d, 6d, 7d, 8d, 9d. These are the only numbers that may be used - 10d, 11d, 15d is not an accepted decimal amount and must be converted to the Simoleon.shilling format, in these cases §1, §1.10s/§1.1d, §1.15/§1.5d.

The x/5d shall not apply to any other decimal amount (1d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 8d, 9d), and the x/5d may not be used for any other shilling purpose (2/6d-26s, 4/2d-42s). This format is not necessary for a fifty shilling amount (5d, 5/0d, 5/5d).

When currency is written down WITH shillings (§2.30), the letter 's' may or may not be affixed. Either use shall be accepted (§2.30/§2.30s). However when NO Simoleons are involved the letter 's' MUST be affixed(30s).

Example amounts:

§4.30s is four Simoleons and thirty shillings.

§6.5d is six Simoleons and five decimals, or fifty shillings.

§226.7/5d is two hundred and twenty-six Simoleons and seven decimals, five shillings, or seventy-five shillings.

COINAGE AND NOTES

Coinage: 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 50s, §1 and §2 (that is, 1s/2s/5s/1d/2d/5d/§1/§2)

Notes: §5, §10, §20, §50, §100, §200, §500

NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS

The New Zealand Dollar ($NZ/NZD) is also legal tender in the FCA and shall be accepted alongside the Simoleon.

One Simoleon shall be equal to One dollar and Sixty Cents.

The appearance of the coins and notes has not been confirmed by the Ministry of Finance, but it has been confirmed the Treasury shall be responsible for the printing of notes and the striking of coins, and that the Imperial Bank of Andersonia shall be responsible for distribution.

Note: The Times would like to point out the conversion between dollars and simoleons as:
Simoleon>Dollar: Simoleon amount x 1.6.
Dollar>Simoleon: Dollar amount ÷ 1.6.

National Website under construction

The Federal Party of Andersonia has confirmed a website is under construction for the nation. This website shall contain news and information about Andersonia and shall be the centrepoint for all Andersonian affairs.

The Times shall remain as the official news source for the Federal Commonwealth of Andersonia, but shall be closely tied with the website.

The website is not yet live and no address or date of launch has been given, however a Micronations link has been given for now.

Something big is coming

Something big is coming.


Something epic.


The time has come to take charge. The time has come to say enough's enough. The time has come to be freed from the chains of injustice and have a go at it ourselves.


The FCA is coming. Be ready. November 4th.