The Ascension Island Newspaper
Internet Edition
Index Page About The Islander Ascension Island Links Ascension Island Visitors Book

The Islander - Thursday 1^st April 1999

FIRST SATELLITE PICTURES OF ASCENSION ISLAND GREEN TURTLES

The first satellite pictures of Ascension Island Giant Green Turtles received from space.

The tracking system appears to be working well.

We are hoping to have pictures from the
on-shell cameras in next week's issue.

CONDOLENCES

SCHOOL NEWS
From the Headteacher - Mrs Betty Joshua

Hello everyone!

Holidays

Let's begin this week with a look at holidays. Not more holidays I hear you say! Well, the general public is due these and, of course, that includes the school! So this week and the next are short ones for us because of the Good Friday and Easter Monday holidays. A nice long weekend seems a very good idea doesn't it. Our end-of-term holidays begin from Monday, 19th April and Term 3 commences May 3rd.

New School Bus

We now have a second (white) mini-bus for our use, as we no longer operate the large brown and white buses. This bus was shipped out on the last southbound voyage of the R.M.S. and is proving to be a very comfortable resource for transporting our children to and from school and on school trips. It arrived safely even though it did go down to St. Helena first, and we say a big thank-you to all those who handled it with care during its loading, carrying, off-loading and checking operations! The bus has forward facing seating in doubles and singles with safety belts attached to all seats. So that we could let you have a 'closer' look at it, Nathan Prince, equipped with tripod and camera, came into school to take a picture for the 'Islander'. Some happy riders are featured alongside the bus. Thank you Nathan.

Cynthia Bowers with the new mini-bus

Some of the "Georgetown" Children with their new bus

Achievements

It is always good to share our children's achievements with you and since we last brought news to you of these, we have had some of our youngest members receiving praise for their fine efforts. Jamie Herne has been trying really hard in all activities. Well done Jamie! Christiane Anthony, Michael Yon and Jack Howell have been successful in being able to write their names. Well done to the three of you!

Easter Fete

This fundraising event takes place on Wednesday, 14 April at the school from 1.15 to 2.45 p.m. If you wish to contribute, we would welcome any contributions from you for any stall (Cake/Confectionery, Craft, Bottle & Can Tombola, White Elephant) and thank you in anticipation of your support. Funds raised are being divided between the Ascension Day Fair and our School Playground Enhancement Funds.

Betty Joshua

Headteacher.

Father Keith Writes:

PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN.  ASCENSION ISLAND (Diocese of St. Helena) Parish Priest: Fr. Keith James - 6431 Church Warden: Marvyn Isaacs Church Warden: Cheryl Anthony

HOLY WEEK & EASTER

Dear Friends,

'Truly, this was the Son of God.'
That's what one of the Centurions said. He had probably been part of the events right through that first
'Holy Week', part of the guard that was sent to follow Judas to Gethsemane to arrest the man he kissed.
That was the pre-arranged signal.
And he may well have been on duty at the court of Pilate, watching the mockery of a trial that took place there.
And then, out of boredom and the want of something better to do, he had joined in the fun as they spat on him and mocked him and put that ridiculous purple cloak and crown of thorns on him, then after stripping him had cast dice with his mates to see who would get Jesus' clothes.
Then there had been that long treck up the hill, and watching as the prisoner was nailed to the cross.
And in the scorching heat he had had to stand there, keeping guard.
Then, after Jesus had died, he came out with it.
'Truly, this was the Son of God.'.......that was his conclusion.
Not the sort of thing you would expect from a rugged, tough, been-everywhere and seen-it-all-before, hard-drinking soldier of the Roman guard.
Maybe there was something about this man Jesus after all.
What do you think?

God Bless You and Keep You this Eastertide and Always,
Fr Keith & Ginny.

---

URGENT - PLEASE COULD ANYONE PLAY THE PIANO FOR EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE, l0am??
Tel 6431.

God Bless and Keep You
Fr Keith & Ginny

Administrator's Forum: meeting of 23^rd March, 1999

Six members from most island organisations attended. The meeting was briefed on the AIMG meeting held on 18 March (see The Islander of 25^th March). Then the following matters were discussed:

Millennium: An organising committee has been formed.

RMS Baggage: The Administrator will discuss further with AIS the recently introduced baggage collection system. He will also ask about the promised 6-month review of baggage allowances. Staff continue to feel that the new allowances are unfair.

Pension Scheme for Saints: the Administrator had heard from the Governor. No final decision has been taken. But one possibility is for all employees to be required to make contributions to private insurance schemes. The Forum will keep this matter under review.

Sponsorship for visitors to Ascension: the Administrator has been in touch with Solomon’s who will ensure that RMS tickets will only be issued to travellers with sponsors on Ascension.

AIS: Mrs Caswell, the new Customer Services Manager, had responded helpfully to various Forum concerns.

Postal Services: now that mail is the first item off the RMS it is distributed much faster than previously. The Forum noted with approval that a parcel-post service to the UK would soon be started.

Bookings on RMS: Forum members had seen a copy of a letter from the Governor in which he said that pricing policies are currently under review with a view to rationalisation. The Administrator reported that from mid-2001 the RMS would operate a 3-week shuttle Cape Town-St Helena-Ascension (i.e. omitting any UK calls). That would provide easier access to both our islands.

RAF Flight Bookings: the Administrator reported on the new seat allocation for Ascension which he considered an improvement over the old system although in future residents would only be able to book immediate family members (i.e. spouses and children). All bookings from St Helena must be via Curnow’s.

Black box activities: several teams of scientists are visiting over the next two months to establish seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide stations as the UK’s contribution to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty monitoring programme.

MV Ascension: the Forum welcomed Capt. Haff’s offer to transport cargo to Ascension from the US - although this is subject to USAF’s agreement.

Telephone Services: the Administrator had heard that C&W is proposing to reduce the costs of many international calls and perhaps introduce local call charging. The meeting decided to await developments.

CSR Representative on the Forum: in December the Administrator had expressed his concern to Gen. Starbuck at the lack of a CSR representative on the Forum, given that CSR is the largest employer on Ascension. The General had replied explaining that because of legal and contractual constraints, no CSR staff could be released during working hours.

25-year old age limit for dependants: the Forum asked if the present 25 year old limit for resident dependants could be extended or, even better, done away with. The Administrator agreed to consult the users.

Dangers from radiation: some concern was expressed at possible radiation dangers to members of the public from the new RAF Donkey Plain transmitter aerial field. The Administrator assured the meeting that he had seen copies of impact assessment studies which said that there is no such danger.

The Islander: all members were asked to do what they can to encourage their colleagues to help produce the paper. Some Saint Helenian members of the editorial staff would be especially welcome. Without more help the paper might expire.

The next meeting: of the Forum will be on Tuesday 4th May at the Residency.

R C Huxley
Administrator
25^th March 1999

The Met Office Weather Report

Statistics for the week ending Sunday 28th March 1999.

 

ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST (based on data available on Monday afternoon) : NW’ly 1.2 - 1.5 m.

Sea temperature around Ascension Island : PS 28 DEG C

Thanks to Si, again for completing the summaries for UK and here!

ASCENSION ISLAND: What a week! It’s almost been a completely dry, hot and sunny week with low humidities. However, the day I decided to go up Green Mountain on Sunday, it poured down with low cloud bases! Temperatures still haven’t made 31.0 C at the Airhead but watch this space.

ST HELENA: Gary Thomas reports: Generally sunny and warm with light showers spread over the whole week making no significant impact on farming. Some decent rainfall is still awaited, but it is pleasing to report the domestic and irrigation supplies are in good stead.

Mean temp 20.3 C, sunshine 38.8 hours and mean wind speed 9.2 kts. Sea conditions have been very good.

U.K: The first half of the week saw near normal temperatures with a westerly airflow and only small amounts of rain. Temperatures were generally a respectable 13 C in many areas by day and remained fairly mild overnight. By Friday, colder air spread down from the north, however many places stayed dry with good sunny spells but night frosts.

FALKLAND ISLANDS: The week started quiet with temperatures around average for late March, but as a series of depressions swept up from the Antarctic peninsula, running to the south-east of the Falklands, much colder air began affecting the islands. Combined with strong winds for much of the week, the weather has certainly changed, with daytime temperatures of 7 or 8 degrees, compared with the 16 or 17 of the previous two weeks. Since Tuesday a dusting of snow can be seen lying on the tops of the hills - a taste of things to come perhaps? A 24 hour special visit was conducted by a certain Ascension Met person this week, she quickly scurried back north again on Saturday seeking warmth.

METCHAT

So I made it. To the Falklands and back in 35 hours and thirty five minutes, never to return, I hope. I only managed to see MPA, Port Stanley and the Messing and accommodation blocks (know what I mean?) and two bars in my short stay. I can confidently assure you that was sufficient. I need not see any more of the Islands ever again. It’s far too cold down there and I’ve never seen such a bunch of hairy, scary Met men. I‘ve become a real whimp and can no longer cope with temperatures below 18 deg C. The memories of life below 18 deg came flooding back as I remembered just how cold a loo seat can be and how much Wayne hates me warming my ice cold hands by sticking them up his jumper. But if you’re only around for less than a day, you can get away with anything, I highly recommend such a trip for this alone.

The fearless, handsome, dashing crew who bravely took the Tristar south and back, made me very welcome on the deck but threatened me with unthinkable torments if I didn’t lie about what they were like and what they got up to. I said, ‘No, you ruggedly good lookings hunks. You’re just too damn hot. The people have a right to know.’ I have to report it was a hive of activity on the flight deck, a kind of abandoned type of hive but I can honestly say, blink and you’ll miss the action. And guys it no good getting your Loady to sweet talk me to stop me telling the punters just how gorgeous you lot really are out of uniform. The world must know just how womanly you look in Baco foil skirts, long blond wigs and false boobies. I don’t think it went down well with the other passengers. I really think Charlie is the RAF’s answer to Lilly Savage.

Geoff is, apparently, the only Capt who carries anything useful in his flight bag ie salt and pepper mills, which brings a certain refinement to meal times at 33000 feet. Neil adds a touch of badly needed glamour to the trio as apparently he can be seen topless on various adult educational internet sites. Steve’s role is to keep the cabin crew continually occupied with his requests for drinks and/or half hourly light snacks through the whole flight. The other things I’m not allowed to mention are the landings, which I wont say anything about, except I was really impressed by the use of the full width of the runway. Saves wearing out just that middle bit. I guess I’m going home by boat now but thanks for a great trip, it was really good fun.

The Met Office is having to diversify the services we offer to survive in the cut throat real world. Here at Asi Met we’re branching out into the long distance dating agency game. Roger has taken to this with unseemly gusto and can often be found networking with an unknown female, meteorological person resident at Jo’burg Airport, on the pretext of securing some South African weather. The Tristar crew are quite perplexed as why they keep getting Cape Town weather updates on their route to Brize! I’m not sure we’re going to be so successful at this match making malarky, especially if Roger wants to date all the clients!

Turners are also diversifying into personal health assessment. It’s all based on a revolutionary system called the Murray Unit Count. Simon tells me he’s been assessed and also Andy, their Murray Unit Count is way above the safety limit and corrective action is needed. The Hugh Murray Clinic, once finished will offer patients the safe and secure environment they need to make the transition from Ohlssons to Lilt under the close eye of it’s founder. Appointments for your own individual assessment aren’t needed, just offer to buy Hugh a drink at the bar.

W

LETTERS

Prizes for: 1st, 2nd & 3rd 1st Veteran Male & Female 1st Team of Four Merlin Communications 1999 DEW POND RUN Sunday 18th April Starting at 0800 hrs ENTRY FEE £5.00 (to be donated to charity) Presentation at M.V.C. Bar opens 5:00pm Presentation 5:15pm Followed by Food and a DISCO

22nd March 1999

Commission Meeting in Oxford

 

ANALYSIS OF THE WHITE PAPER

The United Kingdom Branch

of the

BISHOP OF ST HELENA’S

COMMISSION ON CITIZENSHIP

 

On Wednesday, 17th March 1999, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonweath Affairs, the Rt Hon Robin Cook MP, presented a White Paper to Parliament entitled ‘Partnership for Progress and Prosperity – Britain and the Overseas Territories’. We have published this brief analysis to help people on St Helena and in the UK understand more fully its implications for the Island.

Our only authority for such a judgement is that we have been working as members of the Commission for the past seven years; we claim, however, no formal expertise. Nor do we wish to preclude further or even contrary reactions from the Island Branch of the Commission. It seemed better to publish something quickly (that could be later superseded) than to produce a committee report across five thousand miles.

IN BRIEF

We warmly and wholeheartedly welcome the restoration of full British passports and the right of abode in the UK for all Saint Helenians. The Government has understood the justice of the case and responded with both honour and generosity.

We are, however, worried that the need for a fundamental constitutional change in the relationship with mainland Britain does not seem to have been fully grasped and outlined. And this despite the official Response from St Helena of April 1998, by the elected members of Legislative Council as well as the Commission, in which these issues were clearly raised.

We remain encouraged that this oversight does not appear to come from a lack of commitment from the Government but from an insufficient appreciation of the Island’s unique history and circumstances.

A FULLER ANALYSIS

Chapter Three

Chapter Three on citizenship is unequivocally excellent. It does not merely restore full British passports and the right of abode in the UK, it does so in a manner that is open, honourable and generous. It expresses the issues involved far better and with greater clarity than the press reporting of it, before or after its publication.

We recommend people to read it in full. Over recent years (not surprisingly) we may have become a little cynical about past UK Governments’ approach to the overseas territories. The fair-mindedness of this chapter, and its understanding of the justice of the claim of citizenship, comes therefore as something of a surprise.

We note the phrase regarding the necessary legislation ‘when parliamentary time allows’; we feel confident in presuming such time will be found soon; and we sincerely hope that it will not be delayed by any difficulties over human rights in any other Overseas Territory.

It is worth taking time to appreciate this chapter and to grasp the Labour Government’s undoubted commitment. Not only because what it offers in terms of citizenship is of inestimable value, but also when considering where this text as a whole fails to meet all St Helena’s needs.

Other Chapters

Chapter One outlines the background to the drawing up of the White Paper, and Chapter Nine simply commends it by way of conclusion. Chapter Four is on human rights, Chapter Five on finance, and Chapter Six on drug trafficking and drugs-related crime: none of these are directly relevant to St Helena, and therefore need no comment.

Chapter Eight, on the environment, is positive. The greater seriousness which the Government is giving to these issues will surely be positive for the Island. St Helena’s national heritage is of national importance, and must therefore receive national support. This leaves Chapters Two and Seven as a cause of concern.

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven is on ‘sustainable development – economic and social development’. The commitment to ‘providing development assistance’ is serious and to be welcomed – as far as it goes. This seems the key phrase. As far as it goes, we are pleased with what this chapter offers. It might seem churlish to put it this way, for the commitment to offer assistance is real.

The fundamental issue, however, is not about the quantity of funding, but the manner of it. Assistance provided by the Department for International Development is welcome, but it does not properly respond (we would suggest) to the character of St Helena as a British Island – Saint Helenians as British citizens deserve government support as of right, not by way of assistance.

The first point to note is that while passports and the right of abode are restored as a matter of justice and for ever, the offer of assistance is inevitably contingent. Circumstances change and the level of assistance with them. It may not have been the intention, but if such assistance is linked to such concerns as ‘good governance’ and ‘proper management’ (7.3) it offers future (less honourable) Governments the opportunity for economic blackmail.

An earlier White Paper stated that ‘the reasonable assistance needs of the Dependent Territories are a first call on the development programme’. But what is ‘reasonable’, and what about cutbacks in the (unknown) future? Other overseas territories, more economically independent, may be reassured by the promise of assistance in time of need, but St Helena’s relationship with the UK is different.

The paragraph on the Island (7.11) ends ‘We shall continue to look for other ways of expanding economic activity on St Helena, in partnership with the private sector.’ Which is fine, as far as it goes. But it does not go far enough. It is not the encouragement of a private sector that will answer the Island’s ‘economic and social development’. We would have expected/hoped for a following chapter on the next stage – a new constitution. That chapter is not there. To find out why, one must turn back to Chapter Two.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two has the same title as the White Paper itself: this implies a general overview as well as its own particular concerns.

We welcome the clear statement in 2.7 ‘Each Overseas Territory is unique and needs a constitutional framework to suit its own circumstances. Suggestions from Overseas Territories governments for specific proposals for constitutional change will be considered carefully.’ However, the statement in 2.6, ‘We concluded that neither integration in the UK, nor Crown Dependency status, offer more appropriate alternatives to the present arrangements’, does not seem to accord with St Helena’s unique circumstances.

It is true that it continues ‘these arrangements need to be revisited, reviewed and where necessary revised’, but it seems clear to us that more is needed for a stable long-term future that simple improvements to the existing constitution.

At the conference in February 1998, Councillor Eric George made it clear. ‘The restoration of citizenship rights will be a major step towards a better future for St Helena. However, for a permanent and lasting solution in the long term, we need to consider our constitutional relationship.’ The Response to Her Majesty’s Government in preparation for the White Paper, by the elected members of Legislative Council in April 1998 was equally clear. ‘We look to British Island status and a closer political and constitutional integration with Britain. Being a Crown Dependency would give . . .’

Why does St Helena’s request for constitutional change seem to have been overlooked in the White Paper, when its request for citizenship is given unexpected prominence (box on page 17)? The reasons may be: 1) The consultation referred to in 1.11 was not as thorough as intended; perhaps because of difficulties of communication; 2) The Commission (and perhaps LegCo as well) laid the stress on the principles of a new constitution, rather than on its title: much of the time we used the term ‘British Island’; 3) Is there an inate conservatism within the FCO? There is also (inevitably) a lack of first-hand knowledge of the Island among ministers.

The White Paper should be warmly welcomed.

But the case for constitutional change must not be forgotten!

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. St Helena should request, as a priority, a visit by the Minister for Overseas Territories – passing through Ascension and staying on the Island for at least a week in order to get to know it.
   
2. Members of Legislative Council (we respectfully suggest) should ask specifically for Crown Dependency status, as it did in its Response; and work through the details at the next stage.
   
3. Legislative Council should lay stress on their Response. It was brief and clear. Its points are still valid and it should be insisted upon.
   
4. We should not confuse tinkering with the present constitution with the real change that is needed.

Canon Nicholas Turner

UK Chairman of the Commission

Hash Trash
Hash No.742

Once again the faithful followers of the ash gathered at the turn off to the Pines from the NASA road. There were a few enthusiasts who decided to walk down from the mountain, and had a sneak look at the trial that was to come for the rest of us. After some very strange parking along the road, the briefing was given by Ivor The Engine, and the On On was given! Which direction? Well, it was a HASH, and there was a rather big mountain near by! Need I say more…..
The FRB’s were of like a shot, and the On On calls started to filter back to the knitting circle. After a climb up to a small monument along the road to the Pines, there was the first Circle check. When the knitting circle has all arrived, there was a lone figure spotted in the distance – the HASHers with the better eyesight picked out the figure of Hong Kong Phooey panting up the hill! When he arrived he gave some excuse about looking for fellow HASHer Shirley Temple! But we all knew that Shirley was one of the first followers to arrive at the HASH start! The On On went around towards the Mountain Red side of the road, and after the first Bar check, dipped down into the valley, only to come out again and head for the Pines picnic area, where there was a debate about the type of check it was….. Circle or square, polo or cube! Who cares?!
The On On was directed up the valley, when another circle was found a short distance away! Strange…… The On On again was given farther up the valley, and the FRB’s found they were had! A back check! After a few descriptions of the hares were exchanged, we all made our way back to the last circle, the hares with grins from ear to ear, and pass! The real On On had to be found, and Up Up to another circles check! The FRB’s again trying to be smart, went farther up the hill to wait for the knitting circle, only to be caught out again as the On On turned into a Down Down, with Stealth doing his thing again……
A few more circle checks and a bar check, and it was Down Down to the cars for the beer and Sandwiches. Nobody flatten any trees, no major blood loss, but a great HASH guys, and Sandwiches!

This weeks HASHers: Smallthing, Sniffy, Dozy Ha’P’orth, Roly Poly, Gilligan, A-Drain, Frank-n-Furter, Prambo, Stealth, New Knees, Warp Speed, Hot Lips, Ivor The Engine, Morticia, Radar, Lollipop, Occasional, Lady Like, Thomas The Tank Engine, Chief Longpole, Shirley Temple, Hong Kong Phooey, Penguin.

Next Weeks HASHers: Dozy Ha’P’orth, Peacock & Lollipop from Nasa Site car park.

Receding Hare-line:
10th April: Stealth & New Knees, Georgetown.
17th April: The Fugitive & A-Drain, to be announced.

A-Drain

ASCENSION PREMIERSHIP 1998/99
By Crocky

Results – Tables – Fixtures - News

EDITOR -Tony Jenkins
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327
E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac
Deadline: 12 pm Tuesdays

Contributors: Gwen Roberts, Penny Peters, Nathan Prince, Father Keith, , Roger Huxley, Betty Joshua, Richard Thomas, , Sharon Andrews,Cheryl Anthony, Raxa Sukhtaker

Printers: RAXA & Stella
The Islander post-box is situated in the entrance to the Administrator’s Office.
Deadline for all contributions as 12.00 on Tuesday

All articles © copyright 1999 The Islander Newspaper. All rights reserved.

Please visit our sponsor: