As you may be aware, the British Government has announced a “pause” in its negotiations over the contract for the construction of an airport on St Helena. This effectively brings the project to a halt.
The airport is vital to reduce the isolation of over 4,000 inhabitants who are loyal British citizens and give them and thousands of other “Saints” in the UK and other countries hope for a better future.
St Helena has changed in recent years from the idyllic paradise of past memories. Life is becoming increasingly desperate for many people. There are only limited opportunities for skilled workers and young people, many of whom are being forced to leave their families to seek work abroad. Over a hundred and fifty children and young adults are now in informal foster care as a result.
The close family unit upon which Saint Helena prided itself is fast breaking down. The population is now increasingly comprised of the elderly and children. Consequently revenue will continue to decrease, the Island will become more dependent on British Aid and its viability will continue to be eroded by isolation and economic decline.
An airport provides the only real hope of reversing our dependence by enabling us to develop tourism and other businesses. A sustainable high value, low volume tourism industry would inject cash into the community whilst minimising negative impacts. We need this to survive. Saints do not want UK handouts. Being able to provide for ourselves would restore pride and motivation to our community.
The airport project has been planned for over six years and was scheduled to be completed by 2012. It had galvanised islanders to plan for a future of self sufficiency after years of steady decline. Whilst the Island is grateful for the many years we've been served by the RMS St Helena, sea access alone has not stimulated economic development; nor will it in future. The RMS is also increasingly expensive to maintain and will need to be replaced in a few years at considerable cost
A decision not to build an airport would be a false economy. Continued shipping subsidies will ultimately cost the British taxpayer far more than the cost of an airport and offers Saints no prospect of self sufficiency.
We believe that St Helena can have a prosperous and vibrant future but we desperately need your help to persuade the British Government to honour its commitment to the loyal British Citizens on St Helena and to allow the airport to go ahead. You can help us in the following ways:
If you live in the UK:
· Write to your Member of Parliament and ask them to support Early Day Motion 175: ‘Airport for the Island of St Helena’
(http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37167&SESSION=899). Go to www.theyworkforyou.com and type in your postcode to identify your MP.
· March with us to Downing Street in London and encourage as many of your family and friends as possible to join the march as well. The aim is to attract the attention of the Prime Minister and the media and to raise the awareness of St Helena’s plight. The march cannot take place without your support. It is planned for 11th March at 11am. Transport from Swindon will be provided on a first come, first served basis, contact Kedell Worboys to book your seat; transport from other areas will also be considered depending on demand. Please confirm your participation by Thursday 5th March to Kedell Worboys or Sharon Wainwright (contact details below). Details will follow on a meeting place etc.
· Make an appointment to lobby your MP in Parliament on 11th March by contacting their office. Go to www.theyworkforyou.com and type in your postcode to identify your MP and get their contact details. Get in touch with us if you have any problems.
· If you live on St Helena, sign the petition now being circulated on the Island.
· If you are resident elsewhere overseas, write to your British Government Representative in support of the airport. Go to http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-an-embassy-overseas/ to find the address.
For further information and to confirm your participation on the march, please contact Kedell Worboys, the St Helena Government Representative in London on +442070310314, +447989404654, +441322523902 or email shgukrep@sthelenagov.com. Alternatively contact Sharon Wainwright, St Helena Government’s Access Project Manager on +447590310717 or email sharonwainwright@yahoo.co.uk
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
