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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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Ascension Island Scouts 25th AnniversaryOn Sunday 1st November the 1st Ascension Island Scout group celebrated 25 years on Ascension Island. A celebration of the event took place at the Scout's Beach Hut, where Scouts, Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts past and present, young and old took part.
More photographs and the full story will be in next week's edition.
 The Ascension Island Scout Group |
 Why
has the Scout Leader not got any trousers on? - |
Next week we say a sad farewell to Cordon and Dorothy Knipe as Gordon is retiring from the stores at English Bay Power Station. Gordon first came to Ascension in 1956 to work for Jones & Tomkin at the U S. Base. He returned to St. Helena, where he married Dorothy in November 1958, before returning to Ascension to continue working at the U.S. Base. Then in March of 1964 he came back to work for M.P.B.W. at English Bay, as a store keeper.
Those were the good old days before Two Boats village was built, accommodation was in tents at English Bay Camp, Gin was cheaper than water and most washing was done with salt water soap and sea water.
Once Two Boats village was built however, Gordon moved into one of the houses and was joined by Dorothy and family in 1968. Gordon worked for a time in the Senior Mess in Two Boats before returning to English Bay with the D.o.E. and then P.S.A. who had successively taken over from M.P.B.W.
Gordon has remained with the stores at English Bay and has seen the passing of M.P.B.W., D.o.E., P.S.A. and BBC and now works for Merlin Communications International Ltd.
On Tuesday next week Gordon and Dorothy will sail back to St. Helena, but they will not be forgotten and we hope to see them again some day soon.
From all the Power Station Staff both past and present we say thank you and wish you both all the best for a happy retirement.
(P.S. Don't rush the brush!)
Administrator's Forum:
meeting of 27 October, 1998 The meeting was attended by representatives of most organisations operating on Ascension. The following matters were discussed:
Shopping basket: with the demise of the LUC, each island user now sets its own annual cost of living adjustment (usually an increase). This has meant different COL awards, which are seen by some staff as unfair. To get round this a shopping list system has been suggested. But an agreed and fair list is not an easy proposition - especially as one for Ascension would be unique in that accommodation, utilities and other items normally taken into account would not apply.
Shop: As requested at the previous Forum the Administrator asked about the possibility of re-opening Two Boats shop. This is unlikely in the immediate future for reasons given to Forum members. The Forum complained about rising prices and items being unavailable despite the recent ship replenishment. Whilst it was initially hoped that the closure of the Two Boats shop would lead to lower prices, later developments have dictated otherwise. This is of major concern to all senior managers who are studying ways to alleviate the situation.
Baggage: it was generally agreed that the revised RMS baggage arrangements announced on 20 October are an improvement over the earlier proposal. But staff are complaining at the arbitrary 4.6 cu ft criterion for personal freight and hope that it can be increased to 6 cu ft. It was noted, however, that employing organisations could themselves be more generous and agree to underwrite an increased allowance.
Any other business:
Taxation: the Forum was told that there is still some confusion. The Administrator explained that the SHG Fiscal Review was wide-ranging and looked at various options for revising SHG's revenue base. The only immediate changes will not really affect Ascension residents. But no-one could guarantee that some new form of taxation may not be imposed in the future - Councillors change after each election and have new ideas. The Forum queried three points in Mr Siraut's (SHG Economist) open letter to Ascension Saint residents of 15 October.
SHG Pension Scheme: Ascension Saints are uneasy. They feel that they are not being involved in this debate although their senior managers have been approached by the Financial Secretary (staff themselves have been excluded). The Administrator explained that any government pension scheme was likely to be very expensive. The Financial Secretary would discuss the matter with the Government Actuaries Department in London during his leave. Members expressed concern that a government pension scheme would be compulsory although it accepted the logic for this otherwise some expatriate Saints could make demands on SHG social services without having contributed anything towards them.
Access to St Helena: some Ascension Saints are unable to get berths on the RMS. The situation is likely to worsen with increased overseas employment opportunities and more tourists. The Administrator recommended that employers and employees alike should make their views known to the consultant undertaking the St Helena Access Study. Some members of the Forum hoped that a dedicated inter-island vessel could be introduced to supplement the RMS service.
Political: The Forum applauded HMG's recent statement at the UN Anti-Colonial Committee - the Committee of 24: "The colonial era is over and colonialism as a practice is dead". The Forum also hoped that more locals will be encouraged to play a part in their own political future. It also accepted that outside TCO assistance is valuable for St Helena's future but stressed the importance of TCO's taking heed of local views.
Small Island Games. the Forum hoped that some Ascension representatives could be included in the St Helena team at next year's games - there are funds to underwrite our inclusion.
Millennium Monument: it was suggested that a plaque/sculpture could be placed near the "lizard" to commemorate the Millennium. An island-wide design competition could be held. The winning design would need to be produced by local craftsmen.
Litter: despite the good works by members of the Youth Club, the Forum is disappointed at the amount of litter which has subsequently built up.
Two Boats Library: Because it is no longer used, AIS would like to close the library, transfer the books to the Georgetown Library, and re-allocate the space for a shop. The Forum is concerned that this could be perceived as yet another Two Boats amenity being shut down without seeking the views of residents (even though no-one has used it for many months). The Administrator will seek the views of residents before a final decision is taken.
Public toilet at Red Lion: Administrator to confirm whether the toilet at the Red Lion is open to the public.
Vehicle testers: More testers may be required. The overall cost of putting a vehicle on the road is thought to be excessive.
Forum membership: the Forum regretted that none of the US or RAF contractors (some of the largest employers of St Helenians on Ascension) are represented.
The next meeting of the Forum will be on Tuesday 8th December.
R C Huxley
Administrator
28 October 1998
This week has been one of many losses, the Tuna laughing at us "ha ha". On Monday evening the tuna were jumping all around Rainbow Runner and myself and Noddy took seven fish. It was fast and exiting. 1 missed one of Noddy's fish five times with the gaff but had it on the sixth time. It had more holes than a tea bag. He told me what he thought of my gaffing skills. This can not go to print! Both he and the fish needed the exercise. Tuesday saw Larry take a fish along with three others but Sea Spray on a trip took none. The fishing not being consistent during the week and dropping off towards the weekend. Sea Spray came good tonight with 6 Yellow fin, Robby sadly loosing a big tuna over 200 pound next to the boat. Not a happy man. "That's the biggest fish 1 ever lost" he said. 1 was probably THE great fish god. Thursday saw five fish on the pier head but two trips on Friday night did not produce a fish. Lots of lost fuel was taken in search of the fish god. Saturday 3 A.M. and down to Red Dirt the sea how it normally is down there, big. 1 saw Sharks swim all around the boat in the dark. Steve Chase hooked the first Tuna and as it came to the side of the boat it was lost to one of the nasty brutes that bit it clean in half. He brought in the head. A night barracuda came first followed by a shark then another shark and we moved on. We took 8 Tuna in the end and home by 9 A.M. Later that Morning two more trips went out with the arrival of UK anglers. Rainbow Runner returning with one Skip jack and Sea Spray with nowt. Jeffrey not to be without fish took the UK anglers straight back out for old spotty the grouper and showed his cricket skills by catching 2 cans of beer as they flew past his head. The fish god made the gaff that 1 left on the cab jump into the sea so it was lucky nothing big was hooked. (Sorry Danny). Sunday saw Fish Hawk come to the pier head triumphant with the biggest catch this week of 11 good size Tuna. Buffalow only to tell the sad tail of the fish that took the 12/0 rod and reel over the side of the boat. We mourn the loss of the rod to the great fish god. Ascension Frigate taking 3 Wahoo and also having a nice size Hoo on Tuesday evening. I'll swap a bit of Tuna for some Hoo from you. Sea Arrow took nowt on Saturday evening but a Wahoo and 2 Tuna on Sunday. As sacrifice to the fish god she lost 4 lures to big fish off English bay. If you see a fish with 4 lures, a rod and reel, a gaff, my pride and twenty gallons of fuel, weighing over 200 pound, just let me know.
The pier head has been producing some nice fish. Sunny and Gerald landing lots of soldier fish and 3 good size old wives mid week. Tasty. Silver fish seem plentiful but not many have been landed. Soldiers are there for easy pickings and a few conger eels too. A good variety of fish to be had at night. There have been a few dingy trips just out from the pier head Dog taking a good catch of our spotty friend the grouper. On that note. How to catch and cook a grouper. Go to the pier head after dark. Put a weight and a hook on a fishing line. Put some bait on onto your hook and throw it in. Catch fish until you have a grouper. Flay it. Take it home and throw it in a frying pan with oil. Put some salt and pepper on it first. When it's cooked eat it. Go on have a go.
Tight lines.
Spotty the Grouper ]
NEWS FROM ASCENSION AUXILIARY AIRFIELDAs most of you know, WO1 Mick and Ms Elaine Hill will be departing the island toward the end of the month. Mick and Elaine and their family are what we colloquially refer to as "good people." Professionally, Mick's hard work has created positive results in several challenging circumstances between the US Air Force and RAF. On the personal side, I've seen Mick and Elaine exhibit tireless exuberance. Mick's presence will be missed on the "hash," and the map of the UK that Elaine gave to us may have seemed a simple gesture, but one that greatly magnified our knowledge of the UK. As I'm sure most of you share my sentiments, I am personally elated at Mick's promotion and wish the entire Hill family the best of luck.
On Tuesday, 27 October, we received the final three power transformers we needed to replace all polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) power distribution transformers we operate on Ascension Island. The Herculean efforts of everyone involved in this program, most notably our facilities staff and personnel, will make our 31 December timeline for project completion a reality. This aggressive timeline was adopted due to our continued commitment to be good stewards of the environment on Ascension Island.
On Thursday, 29 October, we supported the successful shuttle
launch STS-95. Our role on the base was to provide radar orbital
coverage. This shuttle contained a crew of seven to include
Senator John Glenn for a scheduled nine-day science mission. The
crew also includes one person from Spain and one from Japan.
Senator Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth as he did
three times in a Mercury capsule on 20 February 1962. Did you
know that Wideawake Airfield is one of 37 airfields around the
world designated as emergency landing sites for the Space
Shuttle? We have been working with the RAF to tentatively hold an
airfield "Red Bird" exercise in November. The current
concept includes conducting this exercise in blocks:
notification/mishap/assembly, fire, medical, and runway clearing.
As this contingency has not been practised in quite a while, the
exercise will be widely advertised and be conducted at a pace
which will maximize training. Therefore, we are employing a
"walk before you run" philosophy. Once this exercise is
complete, it is hoped future exercises will include less prior
notification to truly test our individual and collective
capabilities.
This week a double elimination softball knockout tournament began at the base. There are a record nine teams in the tournament. Mr Melvin Moyce held an organizational meeting with the captains on Wednesday, 28 October. One of the initiatives being pursued is to solicit donations from players from which gloves can be purchased to loan players who don't have a glove or who might be on island temporarily. Not that I'm biased, but watch out for the Admin Team.
On 14 November, a 10-year CSR anniversary party will be held at the Volcano Club. Station personnel can invite guests for a $5 charge. It promises to be an exceptional evening with steak, BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, pork 'n beans, green salad, a large anniversary cake, and fruit salad on the menu. CSR has provided the US Air Force with exceptional support for the past 10 years and has been a cornerstone in the US and world space support operations. I salute Mr Jack Whitaker, CSR Station Manager, and all of the fine CSR team
Major Jeff Lowdermilk
SCHOOL PAGE - From the Headteacher: Mrs Betty Joshua.
Hello again from the School. This week I would like to share some news about 'A' level studies for post-16 students in the UK.
Readers will no doubt recall from our school page in September 1997, news about Andrea Peters who had departed Ascension to take up 'A' Level studies at Tewkesbury School in Gloucestershire, England. Well, Andrea is now into her second year of studies and although we have not heard from her recently, we understand that she is doing very well and has settled well to student life. Following Andrea's successful placement, it has been the intention of the school to continue to encourage and motivate other students to work towards gaining necessary qualifications for entry into further education in the UK.
More recently then, a second student has successfully gained the necessary GCSE qualifications to allow her entry in to another sixth form school and she is Kerry Benjamin, daughter of Colin and Pam Benjamin of Georgetown. Kerry had shown quite early signs of achievement when she sat her first GCSE examinations a year earlier than is normally expected. From these sittings Kerry gained four certificates in Grades C and above and this was an excellent achievement which obviously set her in good stead for further success the following year. Well, Kerry did have further appropriate gains and following discussions with her and her family, plans were put into action to find a suitable school which was preferably near her relations who would be able to 'look after' her as the host family in the UK. Through the good fortunes of having Linda and Gerald Yon (Kerry's cousins) living a bus ride away, contact was made with the Central Foundation School for Girls in London's Tower Hamlet area, and things started moving from there. After receiving information from Linda and Gerald, we wrote off to the Headteacher requesting consideration for a placement for Kerry and during their holiday period in the UK, Kerry and her parents were able to visit the school and a date was set for the interview. Well, we were delighted with the outcome of all of that and Kerry, without returning with her parents to Ascension, took up her sixth-form studies in September of this year where she has settled very well and is enjoying student life. She lives with her cousins and we thank them for their support to Kerry and we wish Kerry success in her endeavours.
For both Andrea and Kerry, and for future students, this is a marvellous opportunity to further their education in an environment which enhances not only their educational development but also the social and cultural aspects of living and learning abroad. We wish them well.
Of course educational opportunities such as this do not happen without money so a fund (Educational Trust Fund) has been set up to support our students. Similarly, a fund cannot exist unless money is actually put into it. So there have been fund-raising activities to build this and with the support of the Falkland Islands Government, the Administrator and one or two organisations, we have managed to secure funding to maintain these students. However, because we are delving into the fund each month, the account will need to he replenished from time to time so we ask that the general public continue to support any activities organised to keep the Trust Fund healthy and any suggestions would be very welcome in support of this.
That's it for now.
Betty Joshua Headteacher.
Readers may be interested in an e-mail The Islander received this week:
Last updated: 15/11/98
All articles © copyright 1998 The Islander Newspaper.
All rights reserved.