Ascension : Fresh Produce
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 21.12.2006 (Article Archived on 04.01.2007)
At a recent meeting during any other business (re: Islander dated 7th December 2006 Issue 1821) Councillors raised the issue of fresh fruit and vegetables.
At a recent meeting during any other business (re: Islander dated 7th December 2006 Issue 1821) Councillors raised the issue of fresh fruit and vegetables.
It was said that there is no will shown by the company. Solomons have previously sought permission to import fresh fruit and vegetables on flights, which resulted a few years ago in an informal freight allocation of 40kgs per week. This was not guaranteed and meant that losses were incurred.
The willingness of Solomon’s to be able to have regular supplies of fresh produce was again raised in February 2006 when it was pointed out that the problem could only be solved by AIG itself obtaining official sanction for the Shop to obtain regular and meaningful quantities of fresh produce on flights. The Administrator officially set-up with the MOD the Air Bridge Link, giving an opportunity to import fresh produce from the Falklands. Due to high costs of airfreight, and at times when the Falklands themselves couldn’t provide they had to import from other countries, which out priced the goods to the consumer. During the trial period when goods were brought in losses outweighed the sales. The detail surrounding this was explained in a meeting with Dr Owen who did the Medical & Health Services Review. It was then suggested that AIG might be able to subsidise some costs to enable an acceptable retail price to the public.
The sea freight options remain but as acknowledged by Councillors some time back (letter dated 16 July 2003) that the freezing of fresh produce from South Africa on one occasion at the time was not Solomon’s fault. The risk of something going wrong beyond Solomon’s control is the reason why this procurement option is not currently used.
In 2003 when various matters including fresh produce were communicated to Solomon’s, the company responded on 12 August 2003 setting out in detail the various issues that impact on their operation on Ascension Island. Most of these issues still remain unresolved.
Another issue raised concerns St Helenians taking back fresh fruit and Vegetables to Ascension and with the Governor undertaking to investigate why passengers are not allowed to take this as part of their personal allowance.
Fresh fruit and vegetables (perishables) cannot be classified as personal effects and this policy which is supported and applied by the shipping agents Solomon & Company is fully endorsed by the managers of the shipping service Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd.
However there is still an opportunity to send fresh fruit and vegetables to Ascension and that is by the Small Parcel Service, which has a minimum charge of £9.20 for a box measuring 0.220m3. It has been noted that this service is starting to work well.
A.A. Green I.N. Gough
This forthcoming Saturday the 23rd of December, the One Boat Golf Club will be holding a Xmas 2 person Greensome at 1400hrs, followed by presentation, bit of food, background music, and possibly a Xmas happy hour, so come along to the Golf club, get your partner and sign up on the notice board ASAP!!!!!!!.
There was going to be a bit of a Xmas raffle, but due to delays in prizes etc, this will now be held in January, at the Gary Stern Scramble.
To finish off December, and bring in the New Year, there will be a Monthly medal at One Boat Golf Club on the 31st of December, starting time 0815hrs for 0830 start.
There will be food available this day also, with music as well, a drop of gluwine before tee-off just to get you in the mood.
If I don’t see you over the festive period, some of us have to work, a very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all our members at One Boat, as well as all Ascensionites on the Island.
A N Turner
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Chief Executive Officer General Manager, Ascension Island
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