Ascension : LETTERS TO THE ISLANDER - open letter to the Islander
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 04.12.2008 (Article Archived on 18.12.2008)

Who is this U.K.A.I.S.A.? United Kingdom Ascension Island Support Association, obviously they haven’t kept abreast of the on-goings of Ascension Island, A.I.G. and the residents.

There is confidence with the elected Council and the Government, and the mandate with this relatively new democracy is to start this municipality and the Govt. and supply the necessary amenities for the residents who indeed pay their fair share of taxes.

As the UKAISA would imply the FCO is a rubber lipped insensitive office 4000 miles away. If this is the case is the UKAISA another outside rubber lipped group 4000 miles away that “ wants a stake in the Island”

The social and economic development of Ascension will be dictated by the residents via the elected Council, i.e. AIG and submitted to the FCO for review and assistance. All residents understand that revenues for the GOVT. are largely taxes at the moment but the democracy is only 6 years young. It will take all Saint Helenian citizens residing on Ascension Island to set the course for Ascension Island. This includes Saint Helenians who are of age to vote and Saint Helenians who will soon be able to vote. To have this democracy evolve you must get involved don’t be complacent, the opportunities are endless.

Finally, the U.S, Base. All Saint Helenians who reside on the American Base pay Ascension Island Taxes. All American Contractors also pay additional taxes for employed Saint Helenians and bare in mind residents of the base (Saint Helenian) use very little support services supplied by Ascension Island Govt, not to mention the amount of real time pounds and dollars the Saint Helenians, the British and Americans put directly into the economy.

The British Govt. American Govt , Ascension Island Govt and all Island residents understand the strategic importance of Ascension Island. I’m sure all residents have seen new security issues instituted by all three Govts to accommodate this new democracy. All three Govts will support and assist the newly developed council keeping in mind the importance of security issues on Ascension Island in the Southern Hemisphere.

Is it to bold to suggest that the course of Ascension Island should be put together by the residents that live, work, attend school, and generally care about the Island and not the people that want a stake in the lsland.

Continue the good work Council, AIG and Residents                                                                  

                                                                                         Concerned Citizen