Ascension : The Ascension Island Council
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 26.07.2012 (Article Archived on 09.08.2012)
The Island Council met on 20 July in the Courthouse. The Governor presided by telephone from St Helena.
The Ascension Island Council
The Island Council met on 20 July in the Courthouse. The Governor presided by telephone from St Helena.
The Safety of Children
The Island Council approved a regulation to formally establish the Island’s Safeguarding Children Board. This is an important body, which has been in place informally, but was not legally constituted. Its responsibilities range from formulating policy on child rights and safety issues, to investigating the safety of individual children of concern.
The Board will be chaired by the Administrator and comprise the Police Inspector, Senior Medical Officer, Head Teacher of Two Boats School, Social Worker, and a representative of voluntary organisations working with children. The Administrator informed the Council that he was in the process of appointing a Social Worker to assist in the care and assessment of children of concern, and to advise the board.
The Process of Legislating
The Council approved a policy paper setting out the process to be undertaken when taking an issue of concern from its inception to legislation. For most bills this will be:
- The Council approves a policy principle
- Legislation is drafted and given informal approval by the Council
- Public consultation is undertaken on the policy and draft legislation
- The Council reconsiders the legislation
- Legislation is recommended to the Governor by the Council.
Petrol Driven Motorbikes
Councillor Kitty George recommended that the Administrator use his powers under the Customs (Import Control) Regulations 2012 to allow:
- The import of petrol driven motorbikes
- Flexibility to allow the refused import of a particular motorbike on the last RMS sailing to now proceed.
Councillor George noted that diesel powered motorbikes were difficult to procure. The Council agreed with Councillor George. The Administrator indicated he would follow their advice and issue guidance soon on importing petrol driven motorbikes. But, petrol driven cars were still banned from import.
Workers Ordinance
The Council agreed to undertake a popular consultation exercise to obtain views from employers and employees on the draft Workers Ordinance. Employers will be sent a copy of the text. Details will also go in the Islander for residents to read and a public meeting will be held to explain the provisions and seek views.
The draft ordinance updates 85 year old law and provides new rights for workers such as written contract provisions and a disciplinary process (with protection from unfair dismissal), as well as the provision of accommodation and healthcare, and reinforces the right of employers to renew and not renew contracts. This is a very important law in Ascension terms.
The Management of Bars and Restaurants
The Council had a first discussion of a range of issues relating to the management of bars and restaurants on Ascension including limiting access at night by children, smoking, gambling, noise pollution and limits to closing times. They agreed to work during August to agree a policy principle and then consult the public and the managers of bars and restaurants.
Youth Training Scheme
Councillor Cathy Cranfield said the Youth Training Scheme had been a real benefit to the Island’s 16-18 year olds. But, she asked, if the next group of school leavers could be taken on before October. The AIG Director of Resources agreed to explore the scope for this and for expanding the number of employers engaged in the scheme. Currently only Babcock and AIG were partners.
Ascension Island Arms and Flag
The Administrator informed the Council that Her Majesty had approved the new Arms for Ascension Island. The Council commissioned two potential designs for the Island’s first flag based on the new Arms and would consider which design to recommend to the Governor. The Administrator agreed to put details of the new arms in the Islander.
Paul Cook, Director of Resources
The Governor praised the work of Paul Cook, Director of Resources, who would shortly be leaving Ascension. The Governor and the Island Council wished Paul, Lorna and Kitty well in their future endeavours.
Colin Wells
Administrator 23 July 2012
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