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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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The Ascension Island Newspaper |
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There was a big turn out from the community for Remembrance Sunday and Veterans Day Service on Sunday morning 11th November. The service was conducted by Fr Keith James, and was held just outside the front of St Mary's Church in Georgetown to accommodate the numbers of people.
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World Aids DayAccording to estimates from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), 36.1 million adults and 1.4 million children were living with HIV at the end of 2000. This is more than 50% higher that the figures projected by WHO in 1991 on the basis of the data then available. During 2000, some 5.3 million people became infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. The year also saw 3 million deaths from HIV/AIDS - a higher global total than in any year since the beginning of the epidemic, despite retroviral therapy which staved of AIDS and AIDS deaths in the richer countries. Deaths among those already infected will continue to increase for some years even if prevention programmes manage to cut the number of new infections to zero. However with the HIV-positive population still expending the annual number of AIDS deaths can be expected to increase for many years. To promote a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS, various activities will be
held on the island, which would be good for all of you to attend.
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Dear Friends,
THANK YOU.
We sometimes hear that the "Community Spirit" seems to have gone,
and that there is not the same amount of co-operation on the Island that there
used to be. Sadly too there was talk recently that with the introduction of
taxation goodwill might be eroded even further, with a greater tendency among
the companies to feel that if they have paid into the running of the island
they will draw the line at doing things 'for free'.
Sunday was an excellent example of working together for a common cause - the Remembrance Sunday Service.
I am indebted to the RAF for their part in the arrangements - they looked after the selling of the poppies around the island, and made sure that the wreaths were here in time and saw to the distribution of them. This is all the more appreciated when we realise that this happened when the station was short on personnel. And where would we have been without our bugler?
My thanks go to those who prepared the area around the church, brought the chairs on time, and had collected them all and were driving them away by the time we got back from Georgetown Cemetery. And then there were those who, unasked, put the pews back and tidied the church. Thank you.
Everyone who took part - readings, the amplification, playing of the hymns, laying of wreaths and presenting flags did so with a willingness that made it all not only easy to organise but gave me a sense that they were pleased to be asked!
Our young people as always came up trumps. It's not easy being a Beaver at
the front of the Colour Parties, or trying to take the collection, or making
sure that the right people get the right wreaths to lay and that everyone has
a copy of the service, but everyone did their bit and did it well.
And good to see so many uniforms, not just the youngsters but our members of
the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy as well. You did yourselves proud. And all
of you who came, just being there, remembering. Thank you.
Next year, God willing, we shall be standing in the cold somewhere in the UK
as the Last Post is sounded. On Remembrance Sunday especially we will remember
Ascension Island.
Remember the co-operation, with affection and thanks.
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God Bless you and keep you, Fr Keith & Ginny. |
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Services at the Grotto
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THE LAW AND YOU |
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This article by the Public Solicitor of St Helena, Mr Colin Forbes ,relates to Purchase of businesses on Ascension Island. Purchasing a business is a big step. It may require substantial investment of both time and money. It is essential therefore that comprehensive investigation is carried out prior to the purchase and that any contract of purchase protects the purchaser's interest. As a purchaser you should get as much information as you can before you buy. If the seller is not an individual but a limited company, check that it has power to sell the business and ask for copies of its audited accounts. Contracts for the sale of business often contain warranties assigned to protect purchasers. These warranties will be worthless if the company is not financially sound. Does the Vendor own or lease all the assets used in the business? Those purchasing businesses on Ascension should take particular care to ensure that any rights to occupy premises used by the business will continue after purchase. The fact that the seller is allowed to use the premises does not entitle the purchaser to do so. If there is a continuing right to occupy, what rent is payable? Are there any other conditions affecting occupancy? Ensure that you know how the business is doing. Ask to inspect trading accounts. You should also seek copies of any contracts with suppliers and those using the services of the business. Some contracts may be brought to an end by a transfer of ownership of the business. Make sure that any contracts for essential supplies are not brought to an end or that a new contract with the supplier can be negotiated. How many people does the business employ? What are the terms on which they are employed? What liabilities will arise if an employee is dismissed or made redundant? Ask the seller to confirm that there are no known outstanding liabilities as a result of litigation, notices served by Government etc. Once detailed information has been obtained, you can make an informed decision as to whether to purchase the business and, if so, at what price. Never sign a draft agreement produced by the seller. It is likely to have drafted in a way which protects only the seller's interest and is prejudicial to those of the purchaser. Always take advice as to the terms of any draft agreement and seek to negotiate the terms which protect your interest as purchaser. The terms of business sale agreements, not only have legal consequences, but may have tax consequences. In the UK, the purchase price of a business is often divided between various elements, such as premises, plant and fittings, stock and goodwill. Stamp duty may be payable in respect of the price apportioned to goodwill and the premises. Therefore the purchaser may wish to minimise the sums paid for these assets. On the other hand, the purchaser may wish to maximise the part of the price apportioned to stock and to plant, to minimise taxable profits, to maximise any capital allowances available. It is impossible to give informed advice to those purchasing businesses on Ascension as to the best apportionment of price until the tax regime is known. As a purchaser however, you should bear in mind that the apportionment may well affect your future tax liabilities and therefore, deserves careful consideration. The purchase of business assets on Ascension may well offer worthwhile opportunities. Those selling businesses, no doubt, wish to ensure that the services they provide meantime, continue to be available and are expanded and improved. Those aims are only likely to be met if purchasers purchase on terms that are fair and which protect their interests. If you require advice in this connection, please contact the Public Solicitor's
Office. |
 By the Headteacher - Mrs Betty Joshua |
SCHOOL PAGE |
 www.ais.co.ac/school/ |
I'm sure that many of us can look back on our school days as being the good
(and in some cases the bad!) ole days!! We hear adults often say ' school is
so different nowadays to what we knew it to be'! Other comments like ' My boy's
doing Maths work that I never knew about when I was at school', or ''My daughter
says they do ICT during the week. What's that?' give an indication that schooling
has changed.
The School's Open Evening last month was a well-attended event when parents and other interested people from the Island's community would have had the opportunity to freely visit all classrooms and have an insight into what does go on there!
To be quite honest the curriculum has not changed much - yes, of course we still do the 3 Rs but there are many different approaches taken by teachers when they deliver these lessons. Teachers work really hard to make their lessons interesting and appealing, and the whole way of planning and organising is much more challenging for them . And when you hear that the school is on holiday - AGAIN - we can assure you that the majority of children miss it and are quite happy to return - yes and Mums are quite happy for them to do so!! And teachers are taking a break but are still having to plan and prepare for the next round! Our school attendance rates are very high - we actually have to tell children to stay away if they have a bad cold or cough because they tell you when questioned 'why didn't you stay at home today and let your cold get better?' 'Oh Miss, I knew I would be missing out on something good!' Well, that's encouraging indeed, isn't it! School is meant to be the best time of our children's lives especially when you consider how much of the daytime is actually spent with their teachers and we work hard to make it so! Judging by our children's reactions - we are still enjoying the 'good ole days!'
The 3 Rs - formerly referred to as Reading,'Riting and 'Rithmetic are better known nowadays under the terms Literacy and Numeracy. Rather posh words aren't they but they cover much the same work as was done in the past - vocabulary and grammar work, punctuation and story writing, mental arithmetic and the four rules (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) but using many more resources and teaching aids and a variety of approaches in making the lessons more practically based. Science is not just learning about nature and how plants grow or animals live - it is incorporated under programmes of study (topics) which lend themselves to a much wider focus.
Schools were introduced to the Literacy Hour and then later the Numeracy Hour over the last three to four years. These dedicated hours when the focus is fully on reading, writing and 'arithmetic', are uninterrupted periods in the daily timetable when teachers and pupils work together as a class, in groups (some aided, some unaided) as well as individually. It all happens and the focus here is on activity ideas when the 'hour' is broken up into chunks and given over to various activities which are more meaningful and learning becomes more fun! Information Technology is being incorporated into as many subjects as possible and the interest and motivation grow!
Our children are constantly being encouraged to take more responsibility for their own learning and they assess themselves from time to time and reflect on how they are progressing. They get involved in a target-setting process and in making decisions about whether their 'objectives' have been met or not. Sounds very business-like, doesn't it!
However, no matter how demanding this may be on our teachers and our school's financial resources, the one thing we all need to remember is that it's done with the one aim and objective in mind and that is 'TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN'S STANDARDS IN EDUCATION'. But we cannot do it alone as the cooperation of everyone who has a concern for our children's education and welfare is very necessary to make it all happen.
I've rambled on a bit this time, haven't I, so next week we will let Year 7 bring you some of their 3 Rs' outcomes, perhaps.
Until then, have a good week!
Betty Joshua
Headteacher
Rare bird sighted in Georgetown
On 2 and 3 November an adult kelp gull was seen in the Georgetown area. On the first date it was found by Rob Frauenstein and Julia Henshaw while they were looking for turtle tracks on Long Beach. The following day it was seen from the pier by Richard White and Danae Stevens, a visiting RSPB researcher, and spent most of the day sitting on the container pontoons. Kelp gulls are found in both southern South America and in southern Africa so this bird could have come from either side of the South Atlantic. This may be the first Ascension record of this species.
From the Inspectors Desk
A section of the road above Olive Cottage on Green Mountain is cracking. We need to prevent any further subsidence.
On Wednesday 7 November an inter-agency meeting was held with representatives from Merlin Communications, Cable & Wireless PLC, the Property Manger from the RAF, Ascension Island Commercial Services, the Technical Service Manager from AIWSA and the Police. Some remedial work has been undertaken by having a concrete gutter installed to carry away storm water. This has reduced the risk.
In the interests of public safety and in accordance with section 37 (1) of the Road Traffic (Ascension) Ordinance 1984, the Administrator has the power to restrict or prohibit the use of that part of the road by vehicles or vehicles of any particular class or description if it appears that there is a danger to the public. He has decided to exercise that power in respect of the road through the Farm.
The lower gate on that section of road will be closed to all vehicular traffic save that requiring essential access to the Cottages and Aerial and water installations. To allow access beyond this point for pedestrians, a side gate entrance will be made. All persons are therefore asked to park vehicles outside the gate in an orderly manner as parking space is limited. A notice for the closure of the road will be erected.From the 1st - 11th November we have received and dealt with a total of twelve reports and the following are of concern. One person was arrested on Friday 2 November for being Found Drunk and Disorderly at the Volcano Club. Upon his release from custody he was given a formal caution for the offence. One Saturday 3rd November a person was found in charge of his motor vehicle on a road and suspected to be Over the Prescribe Limit, he was required to supply a specimen of breath for analysis but refused. He will appear before the Court on Monday 19 November. On Saturday 10 November a Breach of the Peace occurred at the Volcano Club involving a number of persons which is now under investigation. We take a serious view of those persons committing Violent Disorder Offences and we will not hesitate to prosecute the offenders. In order to clamp down on this sort of behaviour I have spoken to the Manager of the Club who has agreed to ban those persons responsible. One person was given a verbal warning for Common Assault. The remainder of the reports were of a minor nature with the appropriate action taken.
In the Magistrates Court.
On Thursday 25 October 2001 Mr Anthony Jenkins of Georgetown was charged for Driving a Motor Vehicle on a road having consumed so much alcohol that the proportion of alcohol in his breath exceeded the Prescribe Limit contrary to section 2(1) (a) of the Road Safety (Ascension) Ordinance 1990. He pleaded guilty to the charge as was found guilty. He was fined £75 and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of 12 months for vehicles of class A. He was also ordered to pay costs of £30.
Magistrates presiding were Mrs Caroline Yon as Chairperson and Mr Adrian Fowler as member.
On Thursday 8th November 2001 Mr Peter Dunne of Two Boats was charged for keeping a animal, namely a dog which was of an unreasonable source of an annoyance to a passer-by, contrary to section 4 © of the Summary Offences Ordinance 1975. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty. The court made an order directing that the dog be kept under proper control by the owner. The court also made an order of costs of £30. Magistrates presiding were Mrs Jean Peters as chairperson and Mrs Caroline Yon as member.
R M Williams
Insp. of Police
LETTERS|
From the Editors:-Adrian O Fowler Hello Readers, So, what is this about the RMS broken down again?! This rumour is floating around the island and is untrue! I have been reliably informed….J For those that get bored reading….. shame on you…. There is a promised questionaire on the back page of the islander! Please take the time to fill in and return this questionaire - express your views about Ascension and Waste Management! You know, I saw a few strange birds around Georgetown as well…… might even have a few pictures if anyone is interested!!!J Good article from the Public Solicitor of St Helena in this weeks paper - worth a read for those people that are planning purchasing businesses on Ascension. Well, this is going to be my last paper for another few months. Must
go to see the 'other side' Happy reading - Merry Christmas to all you
readers!
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Dear friends I am looking for friends in Ascension Islands who are interested in postcards
exchanging. Vicente A. Queiroz Hello from England On and off I have been trying to trace a bit of my family history. When
I put my surname into the Yahoo search engine I was very surprised to
get a result back.. Trouble is I can't see any reference to Mandy Fenemer
on the web site which happens to be "The Islander". The web
page the search engine threw up was - www.the-islander.org.ac/1477.htm.
Perhaps you know Mandy Fenemer or know of somebody who knows her. Either
way I would be grateful because up to now the only Fenemer's I know are
all my own family, bit of an unusual name you see. Mark Fenemer. |
| Letters
to the Editor can be sent to editors@the-islander.org.ac |
The Met Office Weather Report |
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Statistics for the week ending {date}.
| Max (deg C) | Min (deg C) | Rainfall (mm) | |
| AIRHEAD |
28.3
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21.8
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0.1
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| TRAVELLERS |
27.3
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20.5
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6.8
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| GEORGETOWN |
30.0
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22.5
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nil
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| RESIDENCY |
24.5
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16.6
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10.5
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| ST. HELENA |
20.4
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14.6
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1.0
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| FALKLANDS |
17.2
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0.0
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5.2
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| BRIZE NORTON |
14.3
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-2.1
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10.4
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ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST: Around 1.7 Metres, mainly from the Northwest.
Sea temperature around Ascension Island: 25 Celsius
ASCENSION ISLAND: Another relatively quiet week weather wise, some fine days, but also one or two heavier showers, these mainly towards the end of the nights. Temperatures were again close to the seasonal norm, with the maxima near 28 Celsius and minima near to 22 or 23 Celsius.
ST. HELENA: Although there were some sunny spells, the week was rather cloudy with odd showers.
UK: It has been a fairly cold week in the UK, with sleet, snow and hail showers, and also a few thunderstorms. Temperatures at the beginning of the week peaked at 16 Celsius in Guernsey, but by midweek highs of only 11 Celsius were being recorded at Weymouth. Coldest overnight spot was Benson with minus 5 Celsius, and London saw the wettest day with 1.3 inches of rainfall on Thursday.
FALKLANDS: The past week has been rather settled with some good sunny periods and a fresh southwest to westerly wind. The early part of the week saw some wintry showers, but strong northerly winds developed during Saturday.
Tuesday saw a solitary mettie in the bar, the others being at work or laid up. Bill, Lee and Andy were again the company, but this time all strolled off to bed at a sensible time.
Makem had a very pleasant but rather busy day on Wednesday. First off it was a visit to the office for some computer fixing, then it was off to Georgetown to buy some supplies with Tommy. A visit to reflections for lunch followed, then it was off to the beach to top us the tan. Due to the rather clement weather, about an hour was all that could be tolerated under the blazing sun, so it was off up Green Mountain in search of fresh raspberries and guava. A fruitful yomp (or should that read chomp) part way down Breakneck Valley led us eventually to the tunnel, this being negotiated by lighter as neither of us had had the sense to take a torch. The funniest bit of the whole day was Tommy's nigh on hysterical reaction to some dangling roots towards the tunnel exit. I am just glad there were no spiders (Sorry! they are all extinct aren't they Tommy) as she would probably still be running now. A quick visit to the VC for tea followed before it was time to actually stop having a good time and get into work for a night shift.
Thursday was another quiet day, Cornish bimbling off to Northeast Bay on foot, unfortunately he realised at the bottom of the bank up to Two Boats that he had probably over stretched himself and that maybe walking so far on such a fine day was a little bit too much. (Give him his due though, he is recovering from a broken leg) Makem, arising from Blanket Cove, found Cornish recovering outside his basha with a tin of Castle in hand. The evening saw Fifer, Tractor Boy (never let medication get in the way of a party) and Cornish turn out in the mess bar to celebrate Fifers fiftieth birthday, which he had kept very quiet from his colleagues, but fittingly we didn't let the milestone go unmarked. To Fifers surprise a card was produced, annotated with several apt and amusing comments.
Friday saw a short visit to the mess for happy hour, but due to lack of sleep, the Makem left very early (yes twofers were still going on). After doing some serious scrutiny of the inside of his eyelids, Makem arose to accompany Fifer and Cornish down the bank to Pond Life for a meal with Gary (ops) and Brian (Commcen). We arrived to find Gary cooking by torch light, but a very pleasant spag bol was served up, along with a few tins of Ollies for Fifer and myself, with Cornish trying his best to finish off a box of wine. Cornish trundled off early again, claiming he had to get up for work. The two remaining metties strolled back up to Snob Hill quietly (no singing this time), checking all the storm drains on the way for signs of any errant metties. Fifer, who amazingly managed to miss his mouth with some of the food, spent Monday complaining that he had had to wash his shirt several times to remove the sauce stain.
Saturday was a fairly quiet day, mainly devoted to washing and ironing (not my favourite jobs but they have to be done), although a trip to Georgetown for more supplies was undertaken by myself during the morning. The afternoon was spent swinging gently in the hammock while listening to the rugby and football (and also catching up on some missed sleep).
Sunday saw an early start for Fifer and Cornish, braving the walk to the Arianne site again, though this time it was Fifer who was doing the complaining about the bank up to Two Boats, claiming that it was far too steep to negotiate under the merciless sun. Fifer and Tractor Boy then spent the afternoon soaking up more sunshine and spent some time snorkelling at English Bay. The evening saw Makem amid a knot of twisted cabling and a heap of CD ROM's, attempting to fix his PC, while Fifer and Tractor Boy paid a flying visit to the mess for a few drinks.
It is sad to think that this many people have nothing better to do with their
time on a lovely Saturday afternoon then gather at a very hot and dusty area
and run over rocks, around picky bushes, and up and down hills. MUST be the
Ascension Hash House Harriers. With some hash notes of things to come given
by the Grand Hash Master, the rest is turned over to 'The Rat Pack' and Rusty
Head for today's course. "95% flat" Rat Boy says and "Very
Fun" from Rusty. ON-ON is sounded and off we go to find the first of
many back arrows. Back to the trail and down the dusty road, off the beaten
path a bit, then to an 'O' check to catch some air.
Off again to parts unknown with Fugitive leading the pack and missing his
FRB mate of F-n-F who flies out over the big puddle for some needed R&R
with Monsta and Monsta Mommy. Another back arrow shows off the trickery the
hares have for us this day as we have FRB's trampling over the Middles and
catching up to the Knitting Circle. Island Boy shares his feelings about this
event and gives Rat Boy a friendly nickname of FINK. Wyle E. Coyote tangles
with some barbed wire(wya?) and shows off his battle scars at the next circle
check.
The ON-ON is sounded once more and the pack takes foot towards the big fans
and an unending UP. Over the top and a home arrow leads all back to the vehicles
and some very lovely nibbles and some delishous curry & rice put out by
Rug Rat (however, Rat (Fink)boy states it was he who slaved over the cooker.
Me thinks not to eat then). Great hash Rusty Head and Rats and great foods!!
After some liquids and foods have been consumed, an un-named soul is presented
before the pack and chastised with names and anointed into the fold as SCOOTER.
It was here that most realized that sometimes the afterhash lasts longer then
the hash itself as the beloved Nectar and other delights of the alcohol kind
are brought forth and consumed heartedly. As day light sets and the sky changes
it's shades, the party continues. Memorable sayings like "fingering dikes"
and "erotic handshakes" are voiced and more liquids are consumed.
Also missing hashers are ridiculed as to their whereabouts, i.e. - Twin Peaks
and a party WE were not invited to; Mortica and Radar and bouncing with the
'Evil Mistress of Torture" instead of playing with us; Ballerina and
Razorback preferring to blow bubbles; and many more.
Today's hares - Rusty Head, Rat Boy, and Rug Rat
The hounds - Fugitive, Fruit Bat, Wyle E. Coyote, A-Drain, Miss Trunchbull, Limp Sausage, The Major, Fido, Yeti, Ivor the Engine, Thunderthighs, Crystal Tips, Beany Baby, HKP, Elmer Fudd, Chief Longpole, Island Boy, Golden Locks, Blackfish, Scooter, Michael
Next week's hares - Fido from Two Boats School
Hash note - The 'All Day Hash' is only 3 weeks away so get ready for a day of fun and run. Also, shirt ideas are still needed for the 900th hash and/or 2002. Bring these to HKP or A-drain before the end of Jan 02 so we can get them to the printer.
Hash Scibe - Hong Kong Phooey
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