Ascension : Press Release
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 27.09.2007 (Article Archived on 11.10.2007)

Ethel Yon Sworn in as Acting Governor - Today, 24 September 2007, Ethel Yon, Acting Chief Secretary and Deputy to Governor was sworn in as Acting Governor for St Helena and its Dependencies.

Mrs Yon has been serving as Deputy to Governor from 19 to 22 September 2007 inclusive and will serve as Acting Governor from 23 to 30 September 2007. Following this, she will be appointed Deputy to Governor from 1 to 18 October 2007.

Governor Clancy is currently away from the Island to attend an assessment centre and final interview for future employment in the United Kingdom since he will complete his tour of duty this year. Governor Clancy returns on 19 October 2007.

The swearing in ceremony was held in the Governor’s Office at the Castle with the Sheriff, Pat Musk, administering the Oaths of Office. Alan Bateman, Vicar General, gave the blessing.

In attendance was Mrs Yon’s Husband, Mr Gilbert Yon, the Executive and Legislative Councils, Heads of Government Departments, representatives from various non-government organisations and staff from the Office of the Chief Secretary and the Governor’s Office. It was the first time for Ernie Manley, Head of the Governor’s Office and Clare Burton, Staff Officer, to attend a ceremony of this nature on Island.

In her address, the Acting Governor said that she believed this would be the last time for her to take the Oaths. Her Excellency added that the challenges were great and that she knew that the journeys would not be smooth ones. However, she said that “we have not fallen into a ditch”. She added that a lot of progress had been made and that this would not have been possible without the support of staff in the Office of the Chief Secretary, Heads of Department and Executive and Legislative Councils, to whom she paid tribute. The Acting Governor also made special mention of her husband Gilbert who had been a pillar of strength.

The Acting Governor concluded by saying that in a few weeks, St Helena will have a new Governor and a new Chief Secretary in post. Andrew Gurr takes up appointment as Governor later this year and Martin Hallam will commence his appointment as the new Chief Secretary next month.

The swearing in ceremony concluded with light refreshments, and those in attendance took the opportunity to congratulate the Acting Governor.

Public Relations/Information Office

Office of the Chief Secretary

24 September 2007