Ascension : Public Meeting held at the Saint’s Club on Wednesday 16 January 2008
Submitted by The Islander (Georgina Benjamin) 24.01.2008 (Article Archived on 07.02.2008)

Over eighty people attended this meeting which was opened by the Administrator Mr Hill who introduced Governor Gurr.

Public Meeting held at the Saint’s Club on Wednesday 16 January 2008

Over eighty people attended this meeting which was opened by the Administrator Mr Hill who introduced Governor Gurr.  Also in attendance was Amanda Ross-McDowell, Desk Officer FCO. 

Governor Gurr said it was a privilege to be on Ascension Island where there is a strong link to St Helena as 78.1% of the working population are St Helenians. The Governor was keen to find out the views of the people regarding how the Island should be governed within the perimeters as set by the FCO which excludes ownership of property and the right of abode.  Governor Gurr considered that if there is no democracy on Ascension then the Island could be governed by dictate which is not in the interest of the people and that it is for the benefit to the people of Ascension to have a properly elected Government  and in turn a Council to represent the people.  The floor was then opened to questions.

The first question came from a US Base worker who asked why he was paying tax on the room he lives in as AIG does not maintain his room and further stated that since the introduction of taxes he is worse off pay wise.  It was said that prior to the introduction of taxation discussions on taxes were discussed many times but the mechanics of the tax system did not take into account the people living on Base.  At the time all Users agreed that their workers would not be worse of financially but perhaps the US Base has fallen back on that agreement. The Governor said that if there is a Company not going along with the letter of agreement this needs to be looked into.

The question of a minimum wage was raised to which the Governor responded that this could be introduced but would need to have an elected Government to discuss with Users. He explained that the reason for having a minimum wage is to ensure that there are no sweatshops being run however he did not think there are groups of people working on a minimum wage here but does not know for sure. Another person asked why people who are contracted from the UK are paid far higher than the Saint Helenians who are also British for doing the same work. The Governor agreed that if St Helenians have the same skills they should be paid as much but again he can only suggest this to the Users. A Serco worker complained that their living allowances of £60 per month was withdrawn and replaced with a £40 rise in pay leaving him £20 short. The Governor considered this an erosion of a deal and this outstanding amount should be paid back or the User should be more upfront with employees however he cannot tell Users what to do but can only discuss with the Users.. Another employee of Serco said that commercial world competition is not understood and that Serco when bidding for this post on Ascension had to lower its bid. He referred to the higher salaries of those contracted from the UK and said the pay is higher to reflect the cost of housing in the UK which is far higher than the cost of housing on St Helena.  Another person commented that there may be some merit in this but he would like to think that the AIG is paying him for what he does and not from where he comes from.

Much was said regarding the plight of the last Council, the attitude of FCO Officials, the make up of the Island’s different groups with some paying tax some not.  The people are not aware of what taxes they are paying for as beer, fuel etc. are paid for from the individual’s own money which has already been taxed by Government.  It was suggested that the Governor should talk to the individual Ex- Councillors who resigned to find out why and what the problems were as they were treated very badly by the FCO. The public considered there is no incentive if no development or expansion on Island (socially or economic expansion) and cannot set up new businesses.  The Administrator said that there is no framework for setting up businesses but once the policy is in place this can go ahead.

Governor Gurr said he aware of the issues involved although not in detail but it has happened and now is the time to move on.  The public commented that they also want to move ahead but do not trust the FCO.  Also there is no plan on how the Island should run and there has to be a period of reconciliation as the people have been let down badly. The Governor agreed that the Island has been wounded and that he is here to heal. He went on to say that he is only one person and it makes much more sense to have an elected Council for him to come and work with.  He assured the people that he can be trusted to do his best in a democracy and saw no reason why it should not work here.  The FCO is embarrassed and it is within their interests to have a democracy on Ascension Island.

Ms. Ross-McDowell addressed the public by first commenting on the written consultation document whereby people could remain anonymous.  She said the perimeters should be accepted and we should move forward.  At the moment the policy is not in agreement to renting out property and she will look at where the policy can be improved upon or not.  Ms. Ross-McDowell informed the public that a lot has been happening within FCO on how to proceed forward and this will be bought back for discussion on Ascension Island. She appreciated the frankness of the public, whether the problems can be solved she did not know but doubts Ministers will change their minds on these issues.  It is a pity that the birth pains of democracy has been painful but does not mean to give up on democracy.  Aid money to Ascension is declining, revenue is not increasing and the basic structure on Ascension needs to be funded as compared to costs of other places overheads on Ascension are expensive.  The Governor commented that the only solution to this problem to enlarge the population but the perimeters do not allow this. 

A member of the public stated that we should move away from controls and allow workers to have family life here which was hard to obtain before but now this new frame work will not allow this to happen.  Regarding Taxation she asked how the US  and Travellers Base can benefit as they don’t need services. Another person stated that a large section of the community do not benefit or are not interested in education and why not go back to the old system where Users paid a contribution.  The Governor replied that it’s a view however some amount of money would have to be paid somehow but cannot see why this will not work somewhere down the road.  Governor Gurr was told that a decision was made without consultation to cut the age limit for the children/dependencies of families from 25 years to 18 years when they are expected to leave the Island if not in employment. Now taxpayers cannot enjoy fundamental rights to have their families with them.   Other issues raised included a girl working on a single status contract that became pregnant and was made to leave the Island and return to St Helena although the facilities are here and why could that person not have stayed. Her Human Rights were invaded. Unfair dismissals can go to Court but there is no Public Solicitor to seek advice from. This is not the best way to have bureaucracy or a Committee to make decisions. It was also stated that it was the FCO and not the previous Council who mishandled issues.

It was generally agreed by all that an information paper be circulated on Island from the FCO stating what they are setting up within the perimeters to allow the people to make up their own minds about a future Council.  Governor Gurr thanked everyone for attending the meeting and he appreciated the frankness of the people.   He will move towards an election at some time but realises there are certain stages to go through first. The meeting closed at 8 45 pm.