Ascension : EXCO REPORT 35 (St Helena) – 15th September 2009
Submitted by The Islander (Public Relations Information Office) 24.09.2009 (Article Archived on 08.10.2009)
Today’s Exco had only one substantive item on the agenda and that was my report to Executive Councillors following my recent visit to the UK.
However in view of my absence it also provided a forum for Councillors to bring me up to date on what is happening here; so we had a very useful two-way discussion on a number of topics.
Councillors were concerned over the situation that has arisen over the new quarry at Horse Pasture. It is not possible for me to say much about this because not only is commercial confidentiality important but there is also a legal dimension to the situation that makes any comment difficult. However I can say that your government at all levels has been striving to ensure that a Saint who is trying hard to set up a viable business should not be disadvantaged, and that all possible undesirable aspects of the situation, whether environmental or financial, are mitigated as best we can in the interests of the community at large.
We discussed the future of the media, as indeed we did at my last Exco meeting on 7th July. We have begun the process of opinion research on what you all want in terms of media, and we will take stock of the results of that survey before any decisions are made. Throughout this process we will also continue to consult with all those concerned, and the public, as much as is possible.
On a completely different subject, I raised the matter of our urgent need of a fully qualified vet. This is in no way a criticism of those who have been fulfilling that role in the absence of a vet, but there was a strong recommendation from both the veterinary officers who visited recently as well as members of the fishing community, that this would be of considerable help to us in terms of our livestock and pets as well as the ongoing need for development and regulation of the fishery. Indeed our aspirations for expansion of our fishery make the appointment imperative. I know that DfID are in favour of such an appointment and we will begin the process in the near future.
The mention of fishing stimulated a further discussion following my meetings with consultants in London. My last report from London spoke of the involvement of MRAG who are currently working on the second stage of a comprehensive report on fishing in our waters, and I was able to share with Hon.Members my belief that we should consider seriously working in close cooperation with Ascension Island when it comes to the development of an offshore fishery. I hope to be able to bring some clear recommendations to our new Council following Dick Beales’s visit in November.
I was also able to share with Councillors the fact that we are currently seeking a new Chief of Police to carry on the excellent work being done by Royce Hipgrave. Royce’s brief term with us will be over at the beginning of December and so we will be moving quickly to fill that vacancy.
Last Saturday, shortly after my return, I was able to receive a full briefing from the DfID team that included the tourism expert Catherine Leech. I asked her specifically whether she was confident that tourists would in fact want to come here; are we attractive enough? Do we have a heritage that really is worth visiting? Will the economic model of an airport bringing in thousands of tourists really work to rescue our economy? I was surprised by the robust nature of her response; she was totally confident that we have the necessary foundation in place, but she felt that we have a great deal of work to do in building on that base. She was full of praise for the museum which she described as “World class”, and credit must go to Lucy Caesar for that. She agreed that our variety, heritage and scenery were all something to be proud of. However that pride must be shown in the way we manage and maintain such assets.
The major part of my report was obviously to bring Members up to date with discussions on the airport. At present the Consultation process has closed and Rosemary Stevenson will be bringing together all the representations that have been made to her. She is especially pleased that so many people have been able to give her good reasons for their choice. The statement of the result of the consultation is still expected before the end of this year. I am sure that most of us anticipate a strong preference for Option A – “An airport now please”. However the shadow of the recession remains over the ultimate decision, and that has created a downbeat feeling to the whole process.
Among those making submissions were quite a few private sector businesses. Our own Chamber of Commerce represented many of those here, but Andrew Weir and Shelco also made their preference and reasons known. There have also been some ideas coming from companies we may never have heard of, about sources of capital that would not come from DfID, such as private sector funds. If there really is a strong business case for our airport, and if a good return on any investment can be made, then in normal times the private sector would show an interest. If that could be achieved without diluting this government’s ownership or income, then such concepts are worthy of consideration. I have no idea how such submissions may influence any comment at the end of the consultation, but there have been ideas put forward that could give hope for the future and are worthy of further consideration.
I know that most Saints are realistic, and the history of this project is littered with disappointment and there may well be further disappointments ahead. But I am certain that an airport is the best solution to our economic plight and it would be irresponsible to future generations to stop hoping.
On a personal note, it is really good to be back and to pick up the strands of island life that are essential to our existence here. The governance and functioning of this island is really almost as complex as a much larger community, and you will all have the opportunity shortly to exercise your democratic rights in selecting the 12 Councillors of your choice. Because of our small size, just one vote here can actually make a considerable difference. In that sense we are quite exceptionally democratic.
As your Governor I would plead with all of you to listen carefully to what your candidates say and read carefully what they write. Then vote for those you feel will best serve you and the island as a whole. I believe that only those who actually vote have the moral right to criticise their politicians. Polling will be 50 days from today on 4th November, so please encourage those potential candidates you want to stand and to argue their policies, and then turn out to elect them.
Andrew Gurr
Governor
15th September 2009
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