Ascension : Familiarization visit to Ascension of Mr Leigh Turner
Submitted by The Islander (Nathan Prince) 12.10.2006 (Article Archived on 26.10.2006)

Head of Overseas Territories Department, FCO. Informal meeting with Elected Members – Monday, 2 October 06.

The following is one of the statements put forward by the Councillors:

“Thank you for this opportunity to meet with you and represent the people of Ascension.  Hopefully when time permits, you will give the following few concerns your attention and serious consideration.

With reference to the contingent liability concerns as communicated by the FCO:

The UK Government continues to invest huge amounts of British taxpayers’ money promoting and advancing Democracy and Human Rights & Freedoms throughout the world.  But it seems in relation to the people of Ascension, Britain’s FCO officials will devise any tactic, endorse any policy and create any law that denies and deprives the people of Ascension credible democracy and the human rights & freedoms that are essential to significant local development and progress.

As the new Head of Overseas Territories Department, your recent appointment has brought us an opportunity to renew commitment to our “Partnership for Progress”, and to formulate a new direction for the future; one that will serve to enhance and satisfy the political and social needs of our community and fulfil the aspirations of the people of Ascension.”

Cllr C Leo