Ascension : Communication to the public re AIG restructure 01.02.10
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 11.02.2010 (Article Archived on 25.02.2010)

The very reason I made no promises to the Electorate leading up to the last general election was simply due to the fact that by then I had had enough experience of the political institutions and systems an elected representative on Ascension must work within.

Within the limitations and parameters, I continued to serve the community of Ascension to the best of my ability.  As a councillor, I am comfortable with my commitment and dedication but seriously disappointed with the little I have managed to achieve on behalf of the people I represent.  I will therefore share the responsibility for this very difficult period that many people are now forced to deal with on Ascension.  Let us consider who else is responsible for the present dilemmas within our society, and in particular the uncertainty, insecurity, confusion and other negative employment issues affecting employees of the Ascension Island Government.  In my opinion, the following are responsible and for these reasons: 

• As the UK Government concentrates its efforts on the importance of creating jobs and strengthening Britain's economy, the FCO continue to refuse to allow any creditable development for real progress on Ascension.
• The RAF/MoD refuses to pay the full amount of property taxes due to AIG, and is simply allowed to be a law unto itself by the UK Government at the expense of Ascension’s fragile economy. 
• The elected members who resigned en masse consequently abandoned our tax money and, in so doing, also political oversight of AIG’s budget. 
• And last but not least AIG: during the 18 months that there was taxation without representation on Ascension, AIG Management seemingly took advantage of the situation with uncontrolled irresponsible spending. 

This present economic situation, that is having a detrimental affect on so many livelihoods and on our community as a whole, did not happen overnight; and it is certainly not all down to the rising costs throughout the world and the international economic crisis.

At this moment in time, where we are, rather than how we got here, is more important to many people employed on Ascension.  This will be the case for those who may have invested many years of their lives and their taxes into our community, the facilities and the infrastructure, and now face possible unemployment, upheaval and deportation.

One of the major organisations most affected by the local economic situation is the Ascension Island Government.  In addition, many taxpayers on Ascension have regularly complained that AIG is inefficient and wasting taxpayers’ money.  The process of bringing about improvements and efficiencies throughout AIG began with a Review of Government Operations by Chris Cooper (Report - May 2008).  After considering the report, Council was required to advise the Governor accordingly (In closed session - March 2009).  I can disclose that Council supported the proposal to alter the management structure of AIG, this included the recruitment of a Director of Operations and a Director of Resources.  The holders of these new posts were to be responsible for further internal change, within AIG, aimed at value for money.

On 7 November 2009, I became very concerned following a complaint from an AIG employee claiming he had been made redundant (which he fully accepted), but in the process, and after a decade of loyal service, was treated like a suspected criminal by AIG.  The matter was brought to the Administrator’s attention with the following: ‘...unless I am given justification for AIG’s actions, I will consider this treatment appalling.  This apparent blatant disrespect by AIG officials towards AIG employees does not reflect Council’s in-depth careful deliberations on the delicate sensitive issues of restructuring AIG following the Cooper Report.  Please can I request that you seriously consider halting the redundancy process, and arrange for both AIG Directors to inform the Council of their suggestions/intentions for reforming AIG, in an attempt to avoid any further unnecessary confusion and distress.’  My request was refused but with the assurance that those affected by the changes will continue to be treated with respect and dignity.

Following the concerns that have since been brought to my attention by members of the community, during the last few weeks, relating to the restructuring of AIG, I intend to raise the issue at the next informal Council meeting on 8 February 2010.  In the interests of transparency and accountability and to provide an opportunity for the taxpayers to have their questions answered, I will request that the Administrator, both AIG Directors and each Councillor hold a joint meeting with the Public.

C Leo (Cllr)

01.02.10