Ascension : MEETING OF THE ASCENSION ISLAND COUNCIL HELD ON 18 MAY2006 As reported by Georgie Benjamin
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 26.05.2006 (Article Archived on 15.06.2006)

The meeting was opened by Governor Clancy via teleconference link. From the matters arising the following items were awaiting action from either the Governor, Attorney General or the Administrator.

The meeting was opened by Governor Clancy via teleconference link. From the matters arising the following items were awaiting action from either the Governor, Attorney General or the Administrator. “Strategic Review of Medical Services on Ascension, Air Ticket Sales, Road Traffic Ordinance, Application of English Law, Telecommunications Review, Election law, Civil Partnerships, the Revision or Replacement of the Workmen’s Protection Ordinance and Wideawake Agreement”
Council expressed concern that the provisional licence for a 650 motor bike should be given high priority as the draft was drawn up in October of last year.  It was further stressed that the sharing of draft legislation between St Helena and Ascension is not working.  The Governor replied that he was considering a Crown Council for Ascension and getting the Attorney General to work more effectively between both Islands.  The application of English Law is still tied up with the Attorney General, with some assistance from FCO, to look generally at what legislation is needed on Ascension. The Administrator informed Council that he has received a copy of the report concerning the Telecommunications review but has not yet read it. Council asked if it could read the report the same time as the Administrator who answered “no”. The Governor considered there may be a conflict of interest. Councillor Jones stressed that the review was initiated by Council using tax payer’s money and there are Councillors who have knowledge in this particular field. The Governor stated that he will first discuss this report with the Administrator.

Comments from Council will be collated and discussed on how to go forward with the Police Review. It was considered that younger people should be encouraged to join the Police Force. Council has received a draft Island wide Housing Policy which will be discussed with Council formally on a future occasion.  The Director of Technical Services will shortly submit an up date on Public Conveniences.  Councillor Bennett expressed concern that Government employees booked through the air head are allowed 54 kilos weight allowance where as other personnel on Island have to book through Andrew Weir Shipping and are only allocated 27 kilos. It was noted that all local people on the Falklands are given the full allowance.  The Administrator and FCO are to review the existing out of date policy and to include the question of limited number of seats for non military personnel.  The Administrator advised Council that he has had a good meeting with Mr Donald Johnson regarding the proposed Sports Field at Two Boats and has discussed the way forward.

Funds have been approved in the 2006/7 budget for improvements to playgrounds and bus shelters. Work on the Links West houses have not yet been completed and although no new money has been authorised for this project the outstanding work is to be completed.  The Director of Finance is awaiting pricing details for the Fisheries Research Project.  Under the amended guideline for Turtle Nesting Beaches as approved by Council dog owners will be informed that from December to August all dogs must be kept under control at all times whilst walking their dogs on the beaches. Signs are to be erected at Long Beach and NE Beach.  In response to the roll of Council and Councillors the governor stated that the way forward is to review how Government and Council can work together, training and how Council would like to see themselves.  The Administrator advised Council that Mr Frank Savage an ex-Governor and independent adviser will be visiting Ascension in June to discuss this issue.

The Director of Finance reported that the end of the financial year showed a good result and that expenditure has been delivered within Governments 2005/6 Budget.  The Auditor will be arriving in July and a copy of the audited report will be published in the Islander news paper for the benefit of the general Public. The Finance Committee has recently met and will continue to do so on a regular basis, keeping Council informed. Revising the Ascension Island Strategic Plan 2006/2012: The Governor agreed that a long term plan is needed rather than on a day to day basis and that the Administrator will bring something forward for the Council to consider. Council considered that the revision of the Strategic Plan should be done via brain storming methods and the sharing of views with Council and then to include the Governor/Administrator. The Governor agreed to meet the Council half way but would like a draft presented to Council first. Council reiterated that it should be included in the formation stage and to draw on the knowledge of Councillors and although the Governor did not disagree he remained adamant that a draft be presented to Council first.  Councillor Jones stated the plan has already been drawn up and that it only needs to see what strategically needs changing.  The Governor implied that work on the draft has already commenced to which Councillor Jones thanked the Governor for informing Council as they were unaware that  this was going ahead.  The Governor expressed concern about the lack of trust between the Administrator and Council to which Council expressed concern that the trust is missing.  At this point communications with the Governor were severed due to a power cut on St Helena; the Administrator took over Chairmanship of the meeting.

A memorandum on the Chichester College Further Education Fund was presented to Council by the Head teacher Ms. Matthews who explained that the College Fund was set up four years ago to provide a sixth form scholarship scheme for qualified students.  As students have been treated as UK students the tuition fee is met by the UK Government and the AIG funds largely cover the costs of their accommodation.  The AIG contribution of  £35,000 per annum has not been reviewed since the fund was first set up and with no provision for increased costs the fund has overspent for the last two years.  This year twelve students have applied for the Chichester College Scheme with three students already at college who will continue with their second year in September.   Without additional funding the AIG fund as it stands now will only support two new additional students from this year September. Ms. Matthews stressed that whoever is selected  for this scholarship is expected to meet  the criteria  not only academically but those student  must be able to cope living away from home and to manage their time independently.  Councillor Bennett asked if through lack of funds a student was not selected, and if parents arrange their own accommodation would that student be allowed to study at College. The Head Teacher stated that the entry qualifications must be met and the College would need to clarify if it would be prepared to accept the student.  The Director of Finance informed Council that four new students would be able to go this September if additional funds are redistributed from the local devolved budget, plus a contribution from the Administration Training Initiatives budget as well as support from the FCO Discretionary Fund.  The shortfall in the existing Student Scholarship fund for four new students plus three existing ones amounts to £13,356.  This amount covers the additional costs of single accommodation, course equipment, air flights twice yearly, taxis and field trips.  Council agreed to the redistribution of Budget Funds.

Under Any Other Business Councillor Leo expressed disappointment at not being able to address the Governor and went on to say that last month Lord Triesman spoke on relationships between the UK and Overseas Territories and that seven years on from the White Paper we should take stock and review with pride what has been achieved.  In March 1999 the White Paper said; the people of the Overseas Territories must exercise the greatest possible control over our lives.  We are proud that Overseas Territories are beacons of democracy and we want them to have the autonomy they need to continue to flourish. Councillor Leo went on to say that the Councillors and the people we represent are dissatisfied with the absence of a real democracy and autonomy on Ascension and asked what intentions Government have to bring about improved democracy and autonomy for the people of Ascension.

Councillor Henry referred to the letter sent to the elected members regarding the letter sent directly from Council to Ms. Denise Holt FCO and stated that the Governor is trying to gag Council. He went on to say that the UK and Ascension Government do not believe in democracy but FCO colonialism and is trying to block communications because the letter did not first go to Government.  The letter Councillors have received interfere with democratic rights and freedom of speech.   Policy issues are imposed on Council and are not done democratically.  Eight months have passed since Lord Triesman’s acknowledgment and nothing further has been heard.  Councillor Henry stress that Government cannot impinge on his democratic rights and freedom of speech.  The Strategic Plan was presented to a former Secretary of State but the Governor denied knowing anything about it. Democracy is not happening on for the people of Ascension and Government is not willing to discuss burning issues such as housing.  Council needs Government officials to work with Council rather than send Councillors letters trying to gag them.

Councillor Jones asked the Administrator why the minutes of the last Island Council Meeting, opened to members of the public, were not published.

Councillor Yon noted that it has been advertised in the press that the St Helena CPA delegation were going to discuss Ascension issues and asked what they are to discuss.  The Administrator will report back.