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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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MERRY CHRISTMAS
It has become pretty
obvious already that young Courtney is going to be a precocious
child. After biding her time and waiting for all the hospital
staff to be summoned to work, she finally decided to make a grand
entrance on the night of Saturday 19th, weighing just 5lb 13oz.
Proud parents Roy and Nikki Nicholls would like to thank all at
the hospital, especially Sue the midwife, for their patience and
kindness.
Pictured right: Courtney
Pictured below : Courtney with parents Roy and Nikki and big
sister Teri
FROM UNDER THE EDITOR'S MISTLETOE1998 has seen many changes here at ye olde Islander building. Editor's have been coming and going like no-one's business. This year alone has seen 6 editors or editorial teams; Debbie Morris, The A Team, Steve Fowler, Sue Edgar, Tony Jenkins/Bill Cooper, Kate Hayward/Raxa Sukhtanker and Caz Parker.
It is hoped that despite all this turmoil the Islander still delivers its promise to be informative, a vehicle for public debate and comment and occasionally entertaining.
This was also the year that saw the start of regular colour features thanks to our new cameras and printers. Thanks must go to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for dipping their short arms into their long pockets and funding a new computer and printer. Seriously, we are most grateful and shall probably be grovelling again one day for yet more funds.
Look out in January for another infamous 'Friends of the Islander' meeting. These refined and sophisticated get togethers are open to anyone who; either contributes, has strong opinions on or may be able to help in any way with the production of the Islander. OK you've found us out, yes it does usually involve a small amount of drinking.
On the subject of which....we have read the 'Administrator's Desk' article with some amusement and would wish to point out to Roger that editors are known for their impatience and can't wait for Heavenly Rewards but please feel free to award us with limitless alcohol at any time.
I was going to thank everyone by name but I'm bound to miss someone out and then there'll be a very non-festive row. So to everyone who helps with the Islander in any way, consider yourselves well thanked.
That's all, except to wish all our readers, whether you are local, an overseas subscriber or following our small offering on the net, a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Caz Parker
 The Islander 'Team' collating the paper this morning |
 The Editors Caz Parker & Tony Jenkins join the rest of the team and celebrate 'in style' the last edition for this year! |
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Dear Friends,
We are told that Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey of some eighty miles, at the command of Caesar Augustus. So they found themselves far from home on what was to become the very first Christmas.
Caesar’s decree had demanded that each should return to the place of their birth, and so whilst no doubt Joseph and Mary felt alone and even unwelcome there were others from whom this meant a family re-union, as visitors arrived in the little town to be greeted by family and friends from whom they had been parted.
Ginny and I knew that in many ways this Christmas, our first on Ascension, would be ‘different’, but I don’t think we had realised just how much coming and going would take place, with so many rushing off to Brize Norton and beyond or taking the RMS to St. Helena. There are too quite a few ‘new faces’ around as family members have arrived on the Island to join their relatives for the festive season. So some of you will be like Joseph and Mary, away from home and missing their loved ones, others catching a few precious days together before we all find it is suddenly all over, and it’s back to normality and reality and getting on with our lives as the New Year opening it’s door to us.
Somewhere in the midst of all of that ‘a child is born, a Son is given’.
One who shares in our joys and our sorrows, our reunions and our separations.
He is ‘God with us, Emmanuel’.
This is the mystery we celebrate this Christmas. Let us celebrate together.
We wish you all a Happy and Holy Christmas, and a Blessed New Year.
Fr Keith & Ginny
ROMAN CATHOLIC SERVICE AT THE GROTTO, OUR LADY OF ASCENSIONSunday at 7 pm Mass for Christmas Eve will be at 11.00 p.m. There will be no Mass on Christmas Morning but will be 7.00 p.m. in the evening Mass will be held every evening at 7.00 p.m. while Fr. John is on the Island. Fr. John Hughes is resident at the Vatican Villa if anyone wants to see him. He can be reached on tel. 6867 We, the Catholic Community wish all the residents on
the Island a Merry Christmas |
After the very successful Open Evening on Tuesday 15th December, when many people showed interest in the Ascension Heritage Society we are now looking for new members to help take the Society into the next century.
We work to preserve the history of Ascension, but more importantly we are very interested in the future of the Island, and supporting all of the initiatives that are working for the conservation of the animals, plants and buidings that are such an important part of the life here.
We have three categories of member:
If you would like to help with the Society, either as an active working member or just because you would like to have some say in the future of Ascension Island with regard to conservation, please contact the Chairman: E-Mail: jjohnson@atlantis.co.ac
Frantic activity at Two Boats School on the 8th and 9th December as this year's Nativity Play went into production. Despite rave opening night reviews the play only managed two nights before being closed down. This was probably due to imminent lawsuits for slander. A veritable cast of thousands assembled for this ambitious production, penned by a little known local author, Maire-Anne Leo. It has been rumoured that her agent is currently talking to undisclosed "Big Names" at the National Theatre and in Drury Lane.
| The unenviable task of opening the show fell to the youngest cast members (right) who gave voice to such Christmas songs as, 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney' and 'Here We Go Round the Christmas Tree'. They were ably assisted by Tammy Green (disappointingly not in costume) and Cynthia Bowers on the guitar. |
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Next came the Primary School (left) who plumped for the traditional Nativity play. The choir/narrators gave voice to the actions of the younger children and were accompanied by Wendy Joshua on the guitar and Karen Green on the flute. Once again near perfection was achieved with none of the cast putting a foot or note wrong. |
| (Pictured right : the choir/narrators performing their vocal warming up exercises) |  |
After a short break it was the turn of the Senior School to entertain the masses. Their interpretation of an Ascension Nativity spared no mercy and left no one unscathed. Poor old Johnny Hobson came in for a fair bit of (deserved ??) stick, as did Brize Norton/RAF and that famous Teetotaller's meeting place, the VC.
Mind you, it's a bit worrying how so many under-age children managed to protray the VC customers so accurately. Personally I blame the parents!
| Pictured right : a typical evening at the Volcano Club |  |
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The Three Wise Men (left) have to be
awarded the honours as the biggest luvvies since Sir
Laurence Olivier. A special Islander award has just been
commissioned to go to Aaron Peters for "The Most
Chronic Over-acting Since Gone With The Wind". Musical accompaniment was provided this time by Eric George on the organ |
All in all a fantastic night's entertainment and definitely good value for money. The wine wasn't bad either. Well done to all the cast and the many helpers behind the scenes. Encore !!
Tarquin Fforbes Ponsonby Smythe
Freelance Theatre Critic
| Mary and Joseph looking a little nervous at the approach of the Wise Men |  |
STAMP PANEL: 10 DECEMBER 1998
Panel discussed the progress on our 1999 stamp programme.
- SPORT AIRCRAFT / WINSTON CHURCHILL - members were shown the colour proofs of this issue - release date 21 January 1999.
- ON CASTLE SHIPS / AUSTRALIA '99 WORLD STAMP EXPO - to-date we have colour copies of artworks - release date 5 March 1999.
- WWF - FAIRY TERN - members were very pleased with the artworks for this issue - release date April '99
- 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MOON LANDING - July 1999. Alternatively, it was suggested that this issue could be tied in with the Millennium.
- CHRISTMAS '99 - Our advisers at Crown Agents Stamp Bureau have suggested popular pantomimes for consideration. This seems a good idea.
- The Queen Mother would also celebrate her 100th birthday and an omnibus issue was likely.
- CABLE & WIRELESS CENTENARY - several ideas were suggested for this issue including the following:
Telegraph Cable Morse Code 4 different logs's of C&W ETC Logo Old morse key code Cable Ship The first station at Donkey Plain It was also suggested that a picture of the cable being brought ashore could be used for the First Day Cover or a Souvenir Sheet.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 4 February. If any member of the public has ideas for future issues, please contact me on 6260.
Postmistress
The Ascension Island Post Office website is at www.ascension-island.gov.ac/postoffice.htm which sells current issues of Ascension Island stamps.
JANUARY:
Joyce and Jimmy Bennett discover an unusual bird which turns out to be an ‘Allen’s Gallinule’. It is from the Moorhen family and is 10 to 12 inches long with a blue/violet head and olive plumage on the wings. It has a white patch underneath the tail and red legs, eyes and bill. The bird was released on Green Mountain after losing it’s way from Africa.
Nicholas Herne and Lucinda O’Bey marry in St. James’ Parish Church, St. Helena. Very bravely they had Geoff Jones as Best Man.
Geoffrey Richards sadly passed away at Georgetown Hospital after a long illness. Geoffrey had worked at the hospital for over 30 years before becoming ill.
Cable & Wireless Internet Service ‘Atlantis’, finally goes fully operational. Ascensionites can now ‘surf’ to their hearts content or as their purses allow !
Ascension Frigate put back to sea after 2 years of maintenance. Slightly dodgy start or not as the case may be. The engine didn’t work and she had to be towed out to her mooring.
Dr. Johnny Ahrens wins the Ascension Island Clay Pigeon Club Solstice Shoot. His score of 46 points saw off competition from Harold Henry and David Caswell.
Mike Robin Gilbert Youde, the first Ascension baby of the year, was born at Georgetown Hospital on 16th Jan to proud parents Elizabeth and Robin.
Father George Punshon departs and is replaced by Father Martin Payne at St. Mary’s Church.
FEBRUARY:
Ascension Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded and tom cats everywhere start crossing their legs.
Debbie Morris relinquishes the Editor’s Chair to Stephen Fowler
Robin Cook MP makes his first encouraging speech on the subject of Citizenship raising hopes that Saint Helenians will finally win their crusade.
Jeffrey Beard wins the Ascension Island Game Fishing Club Open Fishing Tournament with the largest fish, a 102lb Big Eye Tuna.
Rosemary Bargo and Mike Schmaling wed on Valentine’s Day and strangely enough decide to spend their first night at the Georgetown Guesthouse. Still the complimentary bottle of bubbly probably helped.
Gerald George is crowned Champion of Champions at One Boat Golf Club beating Roger Huxley by a net 2 points. Just one point behind that in third place was Mike Lahoff.
MV Silver Cloud, luxury liner, visits Ascension on its way to Capetown from Rio de Janeiro.
MARCH:
Sue Edgar returns and reclaims the Islander for 6 weeks whilst Steve Fowler is on leave.
Kyle Nathaniel Francis is christened at a ceremony conducted by Father Martin and attended by godparents Jean Peters, Donald Peters and Tevor Fowler.
Debbie and Gordon Morris leave Asi. John will follow in April and then it’s off to Brunei.
Errol Herne wins a gold medal at the A.I.C.P.C. Winter Series Competition.
Georgetown A victorious at the Jeff Hercules 6-a-side Competition after just beating Harts 1-0.
Mike and Maryan Giddings gain the dubious honour of being Ascension’s first official tourists after coming here on the strength of a radio broadcast made by HH Roger Huxley.
Geordie, Jason and Daryl win the Scout’s Crazy Camp after spending the night under the Two Boats/North East Bay cattle grid.
Oosterschelde, a Dutch top-sail schooner, anchors off Clarence Bay on the final leg of a round the world journey that has taken her 18 months. She is the last remaining representative of the huge fleet of Dutch schooners which sailed at the turn of the century and is now a floating museum.
Tony Jenkins arrives on Asi to take over the running of the Georgetown shop.
Sharon Fowler and Darrin Henry tie the knot at St. Mary’s Church.
Two Boats Shop Closes prompting an unprecedented couple of hours of hysteria and outrage.
Georgetown win the Jimmy Lawrence Knock-Out Trophy Final which was presented by Mr.. Lionel Lawrence. Georgetown also win the League but are runners-up to the US Base in the District Cup.
APRIL:
Connelly House win the School Swimming Gala at Traveller’s Hill.
Stephen Fowler takes over the editorial reins once more.
Johnny Ahrens on a winning streak again. This time at golf. He won the Turner’s Trophy with 39 Stableford points from Paddo Johnson with 38 and Brian Legg with 37.
Errol Duncan won the first Dewpond Race of the year in 1 hour 2 mins and 48 seconds. Carolyn Nicholls was the first lady to finish in 1 hour 26 mins and 42 seconds.
His Excellency, The Governor arrived on his annual visit and took the time to swear in Adrian Fowler as a Justice of the Peace and awarded Sergeant Clarence Roberts with a Colonial Long Service Medal in commemoration of his 18 years service with the St. Helena Police Force.
Occultation has astronomers in frenzy. This phenomenom results in Venus and Jupiter, the brightest objects in the sky, being obscured by the moon. It last happened in 1791 and is predicted to recur again in 2200. So if you missed it this time you better start on a healthy living program.
Courtcase resolved amicably. An eleventh hour summit at the courthouse resulted in the case against Lion, David Henry’s dog being settled out of court after reaching what Judge Martin called a sensible agreement.
John & Gill Wright leave Ascension for there new home in Scotland after 3yrs 1 month.
Head of S.A.A.D. Mr John White visited whilst on a whistle stop tour to talk to the Governor of St Helena and the Administrator of Ascension Island.
Ethan Hayes, weighing in at 9lb 2 oz a son born to Karen & Jeffrey Hayes on 23rd April.
MAY
Gannet launch sank was it a bone shark or just old age after being here for 31 years.
Lower School splash gala was a great sucess, and the day was brought to a close, to the delight of all present, by throwing Johnny Hobson in the pool. Well done ladies, revenge is sweet.
Lt. Col. Lahoff wins Great Ascension lawnmower Race.
30th Ascension Day Fair a great day and a wonderful total of £10,500 was raised.
George Crebbin returns after a 34 year gap.
Mick Evans wins the Dr Bill Trophy
RAF Transmitter at Donkey Plain. Handing over of the new MOD transmitter building at Donkey Plain.
JUNE
Emma Jane Evans is born another daughter for Jo and Mick.
BFBS live television is transmitted to the Island in time for the World Cup.
700th Hash Trash takes place and after to Sniffy’s for a celebratory BBQ.
Two Boats win Ascension Island District Charity Sports Competition. They managed to raise a grand total of £700.
KWV met for the last time.
Sidney Nathaniel Bowers died aged 57.
Queen’s Birthday celebrations at The Residency
Yellow Fin Tuna. Two largest fish captured weighing 225 and 220 pounds.
Tourism. Tour Operator Richard Gee visits the Island.
Ian Gillham retires from BBC
JULY
Confirmation at St. Mary’s. Bishop of St. Helena confirms 8 candidates.
Governor’s Lodge demolished. For safety reasons the Governor’s Lodge built in the late 1820’s as a home for the Island Commandants (also known as Bates Cottage), was demolished by fire.
Lambeth Conference. Bishop of St. Helena attends conference in England.
Bird Census. The Army Ornithological Society visit Ascension to carry out its regular census of sea and land birds resident on the Island.
Rosemary Christie leaves the Island.
New Commander at US Base. Sadly goodbye to Lt. Col J. (Mike) Lahoff and welcome to new Commander, Maj. Jeffrey Lowdermilk who was sworn in at a Ceremony at the American Base.
Ascension Youth Centre opens at Crystal Block. Long-awaited opening of the Ascension Youth Centre at Two Boats.
Islander Newspaper Crisis. The Islander Newspaper is now in danger of closing unless a new editor comes forward.
Doctor leaves. Johnny Ahrens leaves the Island after 12 months to return to South Africa. The Island welcomes back Dr. Robin Reed and Robert Frauenstein, this time with the addition of Rachel.
Passing through Ascension On 20th July, President Mandela of South Africa passed through Ascension while his jet was refuelled, en route to Brasilia from Luanda, Angola.
Snooker Knockout A Saints Club Snooker team won a thrilling victory over the Exiles Club to take the Knockout Trophy.
Lifeguards on the increase. The number of lifeguards on Ascension increases as candidates obtain National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications.
University Expedition Six ecology students from Edinburgh University undertake a seven week visit to seek out the seven remaining endemic plant species on the Island.
Ascension Island Clay Pigeon Club Daryl Harris emerged winner of the Solstice Shoot.
AUGUST
Maersk Celebrates 15 years in Ascension. Captain Paul Owen and the Officers and Crew host a dinner on board to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the arrival of the vessel.
Control of baggage on RMS St. Helena. Baggage changes take effect and only baggage in cartons up to 4 cubic feet is allowed.
Merlin Radio Festival. Merlin Network One Radio Festival took place on 15th, in celebration of over 30 years of commercial radio in the UK.
HMS Triumph’s visit. Submarine HMS Triumph surfaced to the North of Clarence Bay.
Ascension Island Sports Day. Disappointing turnout for road race, won by Errol Duncan in 1 hour 9 minutes and 48 second.
Enough is Enough. The Police Detachment effect a clamp-down on Drink-driving.
Island Editor Throws in the Towel. Steve Fowler reclaims his social life and throws in the towel as Editor.
St. Helena represented at Commonwealth Games. In Kuala Lumpar, Simon Henry and Patrick Young compete in Malaysia
SEPTEMBER
Ascension Island Sports Day Priya Sukhtanker and Timmy Reynolds win Best Female and Best Male athlete respectively.
Maersk Ascension. H.H. The Administrator Roger Huxley and Mrs. Niddy Huxley accept a portrait of the Maersk Ascension in commemoration of the ship’s 15th Anniversary on the Island.
Exercise Turtle Reef 5. 35 personnel arrive from 3 Company, based in North London to carry out live firing exercises on the Island.
Leaving the Island. Daryl, Amy & Emma Constantine say farewell to all their friends on Ascension.
New Arrival. On 10th September saw the birth of Scott Lee Marc Coleman to parents Derek and Angela.
Battle of Britain Service. Sqn. Ldr. John Hughes conducts service.
New Vicar Arrives. Father & Mrs. Keith James arrived in the Parish.
Nature Reserves Declaration. The Governor of St. Helena declared Mars Bay a Nature Reserve with a plan showing the boundaries.
Father Martin departs. St. Mary’s Church expressed thanks to Father Martin Payne, who departs for his home in Cape Town.
Passing Out Parade. Julie Arms and Tina Thomas attend the Passing Out Parade from 93 Course RAF Halton.
BFBS Visit Ascension. The British Forces’ Broadcasting Service visit.
Operation Cyclone Change. Expected aircraft were: Tristar, VC10, Nimrod, Hercules and Tornado F3s.
Julie Maggott and Roy John were married in Cambridgeshire on Saturday, 5th September.
OCTOBER
Errol Does it Again. Errol Duncan once again won the Dew Pond Run.
Administrator Change. The successors to the Governor of St. Helena and Ascension’s Administrator were announced.
Another Boy. A new arrival of a baby boy to Carrie & Nicky Augustus. Dominic Scott weighed 8 lb 2 oz.
510 Specialist Team Royal Engineers. Visit Ascension and undertake refurnishment of the clocktower on the Exiles Club and construction of an Archive Building at Fort Hayes Museum
Island Goes Live on the Internet with it’s own website.
MV "Explorer" with 64 passengers and crew and the MV "Acila" anchor of Clarence Bay.
Darren Benjamin & Julie Young leave to work in England.
Norman Thomas champion of the Open Golf Tournament.
Madria Herne and Gavin Knipe wed at St. Mary’s on Saturday, 24th.
NOVEMBER
Corbett Williams celebrates the ‘Big 60’
CSR Celebrate its tenth anniversary at the Volcano Club
MV Bremen anchor off Clarence Bay
Two Boats Prowler has villagers locking their doors.
Caledonian Society formed at the Exiles Club.
Mick, Elaine, Emma & Lucy Hill depart for merry old England after just over 2 years.
Sue Ryder Appeal raises £1,039.62 and shares the profits with the Island youth.
Graham & Chris Avis leave the Island for pastures new after 15 years.
First Ascension Island Scouts celebrate their 25th Anniversary.
Patricia Peters and Gavin Youde wed at St. Mary’s on Saturday 28th November.
DECEMBER
Sandra & Bill Cooper leave Asi for the UK.
Jackie Williams & Mario George wed on the 5th at the Residency.
Old Bakery Coffee Shop opens for business in Georgetown.
School Nativity Play breaks the Box-Office record with its ‘Tongue-in-Cheek’ look at Ascension life.
Annette Broderick and Brendan Godley arrive to undertake a two-year study of the Green Turtle, funded by the Darwin Initiative for the Survival of the Species.
Courtney Paige arrives at Georgetown Hospital on Saturday, 19th December, a second daughter for Roy and Nikki Nicholls.
Open Evening at Fort Hayes to officially open the ‘new look museum.#
GRAND OPENING OF 'ROGERS' ROOM AT FORT HAYES MUSEUM
On Tuesday the 15th December HH Roger Huxley aided by wife, Niddy performed the opening ceremony of the new 'Rogers' room at the Fort Hayes Museum. As usual where there was free drink to be had and therefore the press was there in force .......
At a special open evening, the Heritage Society gathered to welcome people to view the new 'Rogers' room and the re-vamped museum. HH Roger Huxley gave a short speech outlining the aims of the Heritage Society and thanking all those who had been involved with helping in any way.
He started by giving a special welcome to Brigadier General Starbuck, Commander USAF 45th Space Wing. The Heritage Society (formerly known as the Historical Society) has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with its American friends. Some of the founders in 1966 were Americans - not least Doug Rogers, after whom the new room has been named. This relationship has continued and thanks must go to the American Legion for the Display Cabinets and the many CSR volunteers who have transformed the Museum annexe over the last couple of weeks. The added space and new layouts were the brainchildren of Gabrielle Cavana (Curator) and Pete Johnson (Society Chairman) so special thanks to them. Also, thanks must go to the other committee members for their efforts and to the BBC and C&W for their donations, the FCO for giving £ 16,500 to build the new archive building and Maersk for providing £5,000 to furnish it and also for the DF and marine safety equipment donation. Roger went on to say that we should safeguard and conserve our unique heritage such as the turtles, sea birds, volcanic landscape, marine resources and flora. (For example the spurge Euphorbia Origanides can only be found on Ascension Island and is one of the rarest plants in the world). There is also the man-made heritage to consider, such as the Exiles building, the Admiralty Store, the forts and the water system. Ascension has many beautiful buildings and we should do our utmost to conserve them. He also cautioned that we should be vigilant in keeping the island clean, the paths clear, continue the good works of the museum and to keep predators (both human and non-human) at bay. The Society is the Administrator's advisory body and provides a vital role of conservation. We owe it to future generations to bequeath them a clean, biodiverse environment. In order to ensure these continued good works it is vital that the Heritage Society survives and to this end Roger emphasised the need for more members. Please do consider joining and do your bit for Ascension.
M.V. ASCENSIONThe M/V Ascension arrived and anchored in Clarence Bay on her maiden voyage under USA flag on December 17th 1998. The vessel has a three year contract with the US Military to provide dedicated liner service to Ascension. We will arrive every 60 days. In fact, the ship is so dedicated to the island that the owners decided to name it M/V Ascension !
The ship is 97.9 meters long (321 ft) and 17.3 meters wide (57 ft). Completely loaded the ship and its cargo would weigh 6623 metric tons. Fully loaded the midship draft is 5.62 meters (18.5 ft). The ship has two cargo holds and can hold a total of 270b twenty foot containers in the the holds and atop the hold hatch covers. The ship has two cargo cranes rated at 25 tons each. The main engine is a 4560 H.P. Diesel and the propellor has controlable pitch.
The compliment of persons on board is 16 and is composed of; Captain, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Engineer, 1st Engineer, 2nd Engineer, 4 Ablebodied Seamen, 2 Ordinary Seamen, 3 Oilers and 1 Steward.
The ship was originally built for the Russians as a timber carrier. She was built in Turkey in 1993. The Russian timber trade takes place around Kamchatka/Siberia so this ship has an ice breaker bow and ice class strength hull. I don't think we will need to dodge any icebergs between Cape Canaveral and here but in case we encounter any Ascension Ice we will be prepared !
The ship was purchased by Sealift Inc. NY specifically for this run and became American Flag with American officers and crew on November 25th 1998.
We sailed from Canaveral on Dec 2nd and arrived here within 15 days. The distance was 4426 nautical miles (a nautical mile at 6080 ft is longer than a statute mile). The ship averaged 12.5 knots.
On behalf of the officers and crew I would like to thank everyone that we have met for being so friendly and accommodating. We look forward to returning soon.The M/V Ascension wishes all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Dana Haff
Master - M/V Ascension
p.s. Since we are so dedicated to the island, how do we go about campaigning to have a M/V Ascension postage stamp nominated for the issuance from the island ?
(Philately committee please take note....Ed)
THE BISHOP OF ST. HELENA’S COMMISSION ON CITIZENSHIP PRESENTS........
THE GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER CHECKLIST
Have all these concerns been met ? You decide !
Has the British Government accepted that, because of its history and geography, the Island of St. Helena is unique ?
YES/NO
Has the Government accepted that this uniqueness demands a specific, tailor-made solution to the problems of St. Helena ?
YES/NO
Have Saint Helenians been given free entry to the mainland without visas and with no time restriction on their stay ?
YES/NO
Have Saint Helenians gained the right to live and work on the mainland and in European Union countries ?
YES/NO
Will Saint Helenians have full access to all universities, colleges and training institutions, with the same rights as all other UK students?
YES/NO
Does this solution give more power to a locally elected assembly ?
YES/NO
Will the Island Government be fully democatic and accountable, with no non-elected members of the assembly ?
YES/NO
Have the prospects for easier access to and from the Island, whether by sea or air, been improved ?
YES/NO
Will the solution give any incentive to attracting and maintaining high quality inward investment to the Island ?
YES/NO
Has St. Helena been made part of the sterling area and given access to UK banking and capital markets ?
YES/NO
Will Saint Helenians have universal pensions, civil works and social welfare comparable to those enjoyed by fellow citizens on the mainland ?
YES/NO
Has lasting justice and a long term future been achieved for St. Helena and her children?
YES/NO
In April 1998, at the requst of the British Government, a memorandum was submitted by The Legislative Council of St. Helena containing the main points which they considered should be raised during the Government Review of Overseas Territories.
Because of the uniqueness of St. Helena, compared with the other Overseas Territories, it was hoped that special notice would be taken of the submissions contained in that memorandum.
FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR’S DESK
As we approach the Christmas holidays and all the fun that the season brings Niddy and I extend to all of you our warmest best wishes for Christmas and a wonderful, peaceful and successful 1999.
As many of you know the Administrator's Forum meets every six weeks or so to advise me about people's concerns and to appraise me of island thinking. I then follow up with the appropriate people. At the most recent Forum amongst others two suggestions were made which need addressing now:
- We must celebrate the Millennium in an appropriate manner. Lots of ideas were mooted. So many, indeed, that it was decided that a special committee should be set up to develop a firm plan and, if necessary, to find the money to implement it. I have asked several residents to be on the conunittee and so far Donald Johnson of Merlin and Donald Arms of the Two Boats Club have agreed. They are both experienced and knowledgeable about such things and they and their colleagues will I am sure, get the
campaign off on a good footing.
- Ascension should be involved in the next Small Island Games, which will be held at Gotland in the Baltic next June/July. Unfortunately, for bureaucratic reasons, we cannot enter an Ascension team (there is a waiting list for new member countries) so I have written to Saint Helena to see if we can be included in that team (we already have the necessary funds). I reckon there are up to half a dozen of you out there who are good enough to compete so I am hopeful that St Helena will agree. Any budding athletes better get training now - standards are high. Some of you will remember Tony Pickup who was here last January helping me draft
the island's Conservation Management Plan. I had a nice letter from him this week saying the Plan's publication was delayed because he had been on a quick consultancy visit to the Seychelles (all right for some!). Whilst there he had met Dr Jeane Mortimore of Green turtle fame. She asked to be remembered to all her Ascension friends from her visits here in the 1970s.
Niddy and I had a splendid afternoon at the Youth Club Junior Section's Christmas party last Wednesday. Sandra Bendall and her main helpers Jeannie Peters, Tammy Green and Debbie Prince are to be warmly congratulated on making the Club such a success. The children were incredibly well behaved but at the same time were having enormous fun. The ladies have done wonders with the building and are providing a superb amenity enjoyed by young folks of all ages. But the ladies did say that it is a strain to open the Club so often with only a very few volunteer helpers. So if any of you out there can spare the odd evening to lightly chaperone the youngsters, please get in touch with Sandra.
Whilst on the subject of volunteers, my thanks to the dozens of you who without financial reward willingly organise things; who sit on civic, club and sports committees, who act as Justices of the Peace; who organise the youth groups; who keep island paths clear; who gather up litter; who run the library; who edit, print and distribute the Islander; who help at both churches and who act as teachers' aids etc etc. You are all brilliant and much appreciated. Your rewards will be in heaven.
At Mr Basil George's suggestion I have been in correspondence with the Simonstown Museum in South Africa. The upshot is that the Museum has agreed to present to our Georgetown Museum an Ascension Island Royal Marines dinner service (it fills a large trunk) which was purchased by a Surgeon Commander Bee when the RN left the island in 1922 and sold off all its paraphernalia. I am hoping that the RMS will be able to ship the china to us before Niddy's and my departure next June.
By the time you read this our youngest daughter, Karen, will be here for the holidays (the other, Sian, is in Dubai). So we hope to have a family party (supplemented by several temporary family members) at the Residency on Christmas Day. It is lovely, too, to welcome back all the other "children" who have been in the United Kingdom for various reasons: Andrea Peters and Kerry Benjamin (both at sixth form college) and our military contingent: Julie Arms, Julian Fagan and Sean and David Leo. We, their mums and dads are the lucky ones, I know. Many of you will be far from your loved ones and you will be thinking of them over the holiday - and they of you.
God bless.
Roger Huxley
21 December, 1998
PRIVATE LEO -
ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
Private Leo completed military training at the British Army Apprentice College, on 17 December 1998 after a gruelling 28 week course. Having arrived in England in April 98, Pte Leo joined the Apprentice College with forty seven other Apprentices who had qualified to join the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Throughout the course he competed for College awards with apprentices from the Royal Signals, Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Engineers.
During the 28 week course Private Leo learned all aspects of the Common Military Syllabus which has to be passed by all apprentices before they can progress to training in their chosen trade. As an apprentice Leo quickly established himself as a quiet but determined individual who could not only achieve the high standards required but also assist others in doing so. His leadership qualities were so evident that he was one of only four apprentices in his troop to be given apprentice rank and the responsibility of supervising others. He also represented his Squadron at swimming and dominated the freestyle event throughout his time in the College.
The training provided at the Apprentice College supports the AIM which is:
"To provide young men and women with the military skills, education and opportunity to develop as leaders in the Technical Corps of the Future Army."
Leo attended three weeks of adventurous training in Wales which included rock climbing, canoeing and hill walking and he was also trained in survival, Command and Leadership.
Pte Leo was placed runner up, for the Military Skills College Award which is an outstanding achievement considering he was competing against 120 apprentices from all four Corps. He now goes on to Borden in the South of England for technical training with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
MAJOR A K B JOHNSTON ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS
OFFICER COMMANDING ST OMER SQUADRON
Announcing another New Website for Ascension Island!
Ascension Island Services Website - < www.ais.co.ac >
This week sees the launch of the AIS website. It has been launched with the aim of promoting Ascension Island and Ascension Island Services.
The contents of the site is still developing but currently contains:
Find this new Ascension Island site at www.ais.co.ac - Any feedback about the site would be appreciated.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Nathan Prince <ncprince@atlantis.co.ac>
HAPPY
CHRISTMAS & A MERRY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!
From the whole team at The Islander
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updated: 24/12/98 |
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