Ascension : “Partnership for Progress and Prosperity” Britain and Ascension Island - Cyril Leo
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 12.08.2010 (Article Archived on 09.09.2010)

Ascension, on the whole, has been good for both my family and me, and therefore being a member of the Administrator’s Forum and later the Island Council was primarily my way of putting something back into the island.

“Partnership for Progress and Prosperity”

Britain and Ascension Island

Ascension, on the whole, has been good for both my family and me, and therefore being a member of the Administrator’s Forum and later the Island Council was primarily my way of putting something back into the island.  There have been many negatives - setbacks, disappointments and frustrations – on the political front, but as I look back over the last forty-two years and reflect also on the steadily unfolding positive transformations within our society, I can’t help but entertain a sense of gratitude.  I have no doubt a large majority of those that are in a position to also make the comparison will agree that St Helenians, in particular, have benefited.  The journey for further progress will depend on the people of Ascension electing representatives onto the Island Council, and that will require a democratic process where each taxpayer is willing to play a part and vote. Now, with your own Constitution, the people of Ascension have the opportunity and option of influencing the direction Ascension can take into the future.  However, ultimately, this will all largely depend on the results at the next general election.  And that is just over two months away.

To those people willing to stand for election, I would recommend a realistic approach if elected. There is no political recipe for Councillors to make big strides and achieve great things on behalf of the people.  In my experience Councillors’ efforts were often dominated by the might and machinery of the FCO. It took me just on four years of pleading for unaccompanied employees on single status contracts to have the option of renting outside of employment contract.  Just on two years and I’m still calling for the option of temporary work permits to be introduced on Ascension – a policy-change that will assist our 18-year-olds in particular if they are unable to secure a job under contract.  However, the seemingly insignificant things can be equally important especially to those directly affected, and achievement in the small objectives brings a huge sense of satisfaction.  As a member of the Administrator’s Forum during the lead-up to the introduction of taxation in 2002, I requested that employees’ gratuities not be taxed.  This was finally agreed and written into the Income Tax Ordinance.  There are very good reasons why gratuities should not be taxed on Ascension, and I hope future elected representatives will continue to oppose attempts to do so.  As we are on the subject, the Income Tax Ordinance makes an important distinction between “pension” and “gratuity”.    

The domineering involvement by the UK Government in local affairs and its consistent opposition to creditable development must be reduced to allow progress on Ascension that will provide sustainable economic and social support for the community.  The UK Government’s irresponsible refusal to allow creditable development on Ascension in the past is largely responsible for the present economic difficulties.  The status quo for Ascension should not continue to be the UK Government’s undisclosed chosen option.  There has been a change of government in the UK, and the FCO should now be prepared to embrace the true meaning and true spirit of the Constitutional Partnership between Ascension and the UK.  The FCO must provide a clear direction for each of the partners to apply their strengths in support of the best interests of the people of Ascension.  I recently wrote to the new Minister for Overseas Territories concerning these fundamental issues.  I will request that the Minister’s reply be made public.

St Helena and Ascension, just 700 miles apart, complement each other with their uniqueness and difference, and therefore both peoples should be encouraged to develop the islands and thrive.

As I am determined to take a break from politics (at least until my final return to St Helena - God willing), I will take this opportunity to thank those people who voted for me at the last election and gave me the opportunity to serve you on the Ascension Island Council - it has been both a privilege and a pleasure.

C Leo