ASCENSION ISLAND GOVERNMENT

ESTIMATES 2002/03

Introduction

The Financial Year 2002/03 sees a fundamental change in the funding of public services and Government on Ascension, with the introduction of a new fiscal regime made up of Income Tax, Property Tax and Customs Duties. The introduction of taxation enables AIG to operate on a sustainable financial basis and provides funding for developing and maintaining the infrastructure of the Island.

A summary of the approved estimates is given below. The full estimates, showing expenditure and revenue by department, together with the services provided by each department, is a public document. Anyone wishing to receive a copy should contact the AIG Finance Department.

Revenue

AIG's income is derived principally from Taxation. Further income comes from Local Revenue and Good Government Funding from the FCO. Local revenue includes, Immigration fees, Medical fees, Light dues, Licences, Registrations and Stamp sales. A summary is given below:

	2002/03	2002/03
	£	%

Income tax	1,664,394	42
Property tax	1,168,712	29
Customs duties	752,584	19

TOTAL TAXATION	3,585,690

Local revenue	319,450	8
Good Government Funding	91,750	2

TOTAL REVENUE	3,996,890	100

Expenditure

AIG's expenditure is split between the Consolidated Fund (recurrent expenditure) and the Development Fund (capital expenditure and infrastructure costs). A summary of total AIG expenditure plans is given below:

		2002/03	2002/03	2001/02
		£	%	%
Department

Administrator's Office		481,701	16	24
Finance		207,924	7	n/a
Police		157,105	5	5
Post Office		107,378	4	4
Education:	Two Boats School	448,140	15	14
Health Services:	Hospital	558,030	19	19
	Dental clinic	106,897	4	4
	Environmental Health	28,320	1	1
Public Services	Payment to external contractors	890,835	29	29

Total consolidated fund expenditure		2,986,330	100	100

Development fund expenditure		686,750

Total expenditure		3,673,080

Included within the Administrator's Office is £40,000 towards the costs of establishing a democratic body on Ascension. This money is available for any costs that may be incurred in organising elections and for support staff that may be required once the democratic body is established.

The Administrator's Office also incorporates AIG Technical services and the central budget for the maintenance and servicing of all AIG staff accommodation.

The expenditure on Public services relates to road maintenance, refuse collection, One Boat tip management, sewerage, public toilets, fire service, maintenance of public areas, cemeteries, swimming pools and street lighting.

During this financial year, AIG will be instructing an external body to perform a Value for Money review of the services provided under these external contracts.

Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure Development

AIG has a five-year development plan showing capital expenditure. In the current year planned expenditure is £686,750. All capital expenditure is subject to prioritisation and a detailed approval process to ensure that funds are being used where they are most needed and in the most efficient manner.

The major projects and expenditure planned for this financial year are:

Replacement Pierhead Crane £350,000

AIG has recognised the replacement of the Pierhead Crane as the first priority in the capital programme. A replacement crane has now been purchased and should arrive on Ascension during May. Significant cost savings have also been achieved in the region of £25,000 on the original estimate of £350,000.

Refurbishment of Islander Hostel £91,750

The funding for the refurbishment of the Islander Hostel has been provided from FCO Good Government Funds. The key components of the scheme are the provision of a meeting room for the new democratic body and the combining of the Administrator's Office, the Finance Department, Cashiers Office and Savings Bank into one location. This will allow savings to be made in AIG operating costs and will enable us to provide a better service to the public.

Development of serviced residential plots £100,000

AIG is also conscious that for the Island to develop there is a need for more housing on Ascension. AIG plans to stimulate the development of housing by making plots of land with utilities in place, available for sale.

The planned expenditure of £100,000 is the first stage in this process. A further £100,000 has been planned in 2003/04 for the development of serviced residential plots.

These sums will be in addition to any other buildings that AIG make available to the market place for those people who wish to purchase property on the Island.

Reserves

To ensure future stability it is vital that a sufficient level of reserves is built up over time.

The excess of Revenue over Expenditure, which will transfer to Reserves, is forecast to be £323,810. Guidelines followed in other Overseas Territories recommend a minimum level of reserves equivalent to 90 days recurrent expenditure, giving a minimum target level for AIG reserves of £746,583. It is anticipated that this target will be achieved by 2004/05.

Adam Henshaw

Director of Financial Services

News From St. Mary's:

On Sunday, 28 April, eleven young people will be renewing the vows made for them at their baptism, and with their own lips rejecting all that is evil and making a declaration that they accept the Christian faith. The bishop will then lay his hands on each of them, filling them with the power of the Spirit for worship, witness and service.

This is not only a great event in the lives of these young people, but it is a great event in the life of this island. In our ever increasing secular society with its apathy and indifference towards Christian values and standards, the witness and courage of these young people stands out in stark contrast. They are beacons reflecting the light of Christ on a confused world.

Do you renounce the devil and all the spiritual forces of wickedness which rebel against God?

Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy what God has created?

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit Who gives life to the people of God?

Please come along to Church on Sunday and support these young people as they profess their Christian faith and renew your own commitment to God.

Sunday will be my last day on the island and after the Service I will be leaving on the RMS for St Helena. Many thanks to all of you who have made me so welcome.

No letters this week, so you are left with 'From the Editor'

Public Notice No. 16/02 (Amendment to PN No. 14/01)

Immigration Procedure for Yachts

Ascension Island warmly welcomes members of the sailing community. Arriving yachts may anchor in the area to the North of the Pierhead at Georgetown. They must not anchor in any position that could obstruct the arrival and departure of ships or the unloading of cargo. They must not tie up to any buoy or mooring in Clarence Bay.

Landing is permitted only at the Pierhead steps, Georgetown. An Entry Permit Fee of £11.00 per person is payable at the Police Office (Children under 12 gratis).

At the earliest opportunity after arrival the Master of any yacht must report to the Police at the Police Office to clear immigration and customs (open from 8.30 am - 3.30 pm Monday - Friday and 8.30 am to 12.30 pm Saturday). Emergency messages may be passed on VHF to the Maersk Gannet or via Ascension Radio. The Master should bring ashore details of his vessel, a crew list and crew passports. No person may take leave of a yacht at Ascension without the prior permission of the Administrator.

Permission will normally be given for a yacht to remain for any reasonable period and for the crew to come ashore between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm unless they have a special pass issued by the Police to stay ashore overnight. The pass will give details of the Island sponsor with whom the visitor must stay. (Sleeping rough on shore will not be permitted). Applications for such passes will not be accepted after office closing hours.

The Master and all crewmembers are required to take out Medical Insurance (ideally in advance of arrival) to cover medical costs including, if necessary, medical evacuation by air to country of origin. If medical insurance is not taken out in advance, a local medical insurance cover must be taken out on arrival at Ascension, the cost of which is currently £4.00 per person per day. Fresh water shower facilities are available at the Georgetown Swimming Pool. This is a community project provided by the people of Ascension and we request that you keep the facilities clean and use the scarce water sparingly.

Animals are not normally allowed ashore. Cooking gas is not available at Ascension.

Visitors should note that credit cards are not in general use on the Island. There is no commercial bank. Sterling, St Helena currency and the US dollar are all accepted on the Island.

Administrator's Office	Geoffrey Fairhurst
Georgetown	Administrator
5 April 2002

ASCENSION SEA SWELL FORECAST: Some pretty big swells around this week, up to 2.5 metres by Friday, and coming mostly from the south and the northwest.

ASCENSION ISLAND: A fine week, although some high cloud making the sun a bit hazy early in the week, and with just a few overnight showers.

UK: A spell of wet weather crossed the British Isles around the middle of last week but otherwise it was quite fine and sunny. Some cold nights with frost early in the week but it became quite mild by the weekend.

ST HELENA: An average of 8 hours of sun per day, so quite a fine week but still with some showery spells.

“METCHAT” ************************ “METCHAT” ************************ “METCHAT” ************************“METCHAT”

A double entendre and innuendo packed edition this week to honour the departure of 'His Lordship'.

In an exclusive interview to our rambling Metchat reporter, His Lordship expressed deep gratitude to all those who allowed him 'to go down for one or two' during his stay and also to those who enabled him to 'slip into the back' for his return.

His over-riding memory of his tour will be the opportunity to handle a different household appliance to the one he was previously used to. -The need to aggressively twiddle the knob to turn it on, giving particular pleasure.

He also confided in me, that a report had been received, that a 'dazed and confused' figure dressed completely in white was recently discovered in Plymouth High Street. The person, having been identified as Her Ladyship, was apprehended by members of Devon Constabulary for her own safety. She was later reinstalled in the kitchen of the Crowle residence, to continue her work with the other household appliances. When, on their return later in the day to check that her ladyship was recovered from her ordeal, the officers found her in the lounge, they were forced to shorten the chain.

The interview was rounded up by my asking what His Lordship was most looking forward to doing on his return. He replied that 'he looked forward to taking Her Ladyship by surprise, by going around the back and slipping in unannounced'.

Yes Chris arrived last week to take over the reins of His Lordship. Chris comes to us from RAF Odiham where choppers being exercised are a common sight. There was some doubt up until recently that he would make it. He's been training hard in case it was necessary for him to take over from his cousin Mike (several times removed of course) should he fail in his bid to challenge our very own Lennox Lewis for the heavy weight crown. You may at this point feel it necessary to enquire, as I did, about the er.. how shall I put it? ..difference in skin tint (not to mention lack of bodily stature). It appears that it's all to do with Chris treating the sun's radiation with some caution. Anyone hearing the sounds of 'slip-slap-slop' coming from Basha 6B can rest assured that there is nothing unsavoury going on. Before he left the UK he took full advantage of Marks and Spencer's offer of 'two-for-the-price-of-one' on all anti-sun products. He still managed to spend something like £80 in order to ensure adequate supplies of factor 35.

Also a big welcome to the Island to Dave, our new 'Health & Safety' officer (Oh dear! This is likely to cost a penny or two!!), who will henceforth go by the name Buzzbee.

Buzzbee spent his first evening with the 'professionals' of the combined mess (another - oh dear!). Now, Traveller's Hill is not exactly Birmingham town centre is it? And Tristar Village is but a chip with a nine iron away, - just a short trip down the steps from the mess, and down the road. So how did he get lost? - After roaming the streets for some considerable time it was decided that the Cable & Wireless phone booth looked like suitable accommodation for the night. (Would sir like a double or a single? En-suite, or shared ablutions?). Anyway, on his return to full consciousness it was decided, as he was already there, to undertake a full H&S check on the accommodation. C&W are now holding their breath as it seems that the telephone cable might just constitute a 'strangulation hazard'. This could enforce a total rethink in telecom. equipment design.

He's had a couple of weeks off, but Boggey (or is that one 'g') deserves a mention -even though the threat of dismemberment hangs over Ratty. He was spotted at breakfast with a suspicious limp (limp what? I hear you ask) which had been absent the previous evening. Conjecture was rife. Was it caused by leaping from third floor windows to escape the wrath of some poor cuckold? But no,- there are no three storey buildings on the Island. Or perhaps he was just particularly peckish and was scurrying to breakfast. OR could it be the panic caused by the mysteriously vanished Security Landrover? - It's at the Mess.-No it isn't. Then it's up Snob Hill. - No it isn't. Then Jane's got it. - Jane's here with me (in the mess at breakfast, before you start thinking). Turns out it had been abandoned on the pan with a flat battery and nobody thought to pass the message on. The mystery of the limp remains though. - Suggestions on a postcard to….

The Security vehicle was not the only one suffering from a lack of juice this past week. Having completed the security checks on the freighter, the RAF police Landrover rather embarrassingly failed to respond to ignition - something to do with the heads, fogs, blues and hazard lights having been left on for the duration. As everyone else involved in the aircraft movement had all shot off to their beds, it was left to Boggey and Cliff to bump-start the vehicle. Could THIS be the cause of the limp?

Last but not least, the much awaited new Atlas cargo hoist to replace the one the fire section ALMOST had to put out when it caught fire, managed to break down THREE times last week. This is put down to the fact that the unit is deemed to be unsuitable for operating in temperatures in excess of forty degrees! Ratty remains unconvinced. by this explanation. The Le Mans starts and the handbrake turns may seem a more likely one.

It was one of those showery, spring days. A sudden burst of heavy rain followed by the sun shining brilliantly from a clear blue sky.

"Can you bake us one of your delicious date and walnut cakes to have with our cup of tea, Granny? - After you've finished the laundry, will do. - Then you can get on with the sweeping and dusting before you do the washing up."

Reality Stranger than Fiction shock!

This week has been full of surprises, not least the following actual exchange in the House of Lords (we kid you not):

"Lord Howell of Guildford: My Lords…….Are we to believe the report in the Ascension Island newspaper that advice on organising the elections is being taken from the Zimbabwean How to host an election committee? Is the Minister convinced that this is the best possible source of advice?

Baroness Amos: My Lords….. I must say that I was unaware that advice was being taken from the Zimbabweans…….I would certainly not recommend that advice should be taken from the Zimbabweans."

In the light of the Lords debate AIG have changed tack and a 'How to host an election' committee has been formed from the local electorate. This column will steer clear of criticising this committee as one of your Political Commentators happens to be a member of it!

AIG also confirmed that the Zimbabweans role is now being confined to advising on land reform. They advise that all farmland should be trashed prior to making plots of land available to the public. An AIG spokesman claimed that due to remarkable foresight, there is nothing to prevent plots of land being distributed to the public immediately as a previous government policy has already led to the dereliction of all cultivatable land and the Red Lion farm buildings in particular!

Reality followed fiction a second time this week as it now appears likely that there will be two elections on Ascension, one to establish the preferred democratic system (A, B or Geoff F) and then a second election for council members. Given how accurate our reporting has been so far, we now predict the following:

The Airheads Party found its origins last week, when a mob congregated on Non Tax Paying territory, allegedly to wave goodbye to friends and family. The hallowed untaxed and unsullied klinker is now out of bounds for all tax payers, particularly well-wishers. The gallant, uniformed security force at the Airhead are trying to avoid a Songatt situation, with double fences being used to contain the fiery dispositions of the mob who are perceived as a serious security threat. Which is why we are calling them Airheads.

Readers may be able to tell from the previous paragraph that Priya is leaving Ascension this week and so has become quite brave. Her Cowardly Co-writer on the other hand will probably not be able to pluck up enough courage to risk arrest by going to the Airhead to wave her farewell. So goodbye Priya!

Geoff II and (dare you to see me off!) Priya

A Management Plan for the Marine Turtles of Ascension Island

http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/projects/ascension/mplan.shtml

HASH TRASH

Hash Hounds:Rat Boy, Frank-N-Furter, Puff Granny, Twin Peaks, Tit Pecker, Yeti, Knob Twister, Blind Pew, Morticia, Barley Buck Eye, Eeyore, Elmer Fudd

A smaller than usual pack this week gathered on Green Mountain. All appreciative of the cool air and edible vegetation!

As the Hash Hare ambles towards the waiting hounds, one gathers The Major has been carrying out some last minute adjustments to the route, blaming treacherous weather for disturbed plans, the previous evening. The hash hazards are spelt out with added warning that old hash could be found in the vicinity of the trails. The Major kindly laid out a Crisps (Walkers) Hash and Hot Curry (Runners) Hash.

ON-ON through private land and onto Ruperts. Geoff the Landlord was guarding the stile and gate while overseeing the tourist gardeners at work. No toll was charged this time, largely due to the fact that we picked up the Divining Rod and removed him from aforementioned private land.

Yeti joins the Knitting Circle having investigated Cronk's Path. The lack of hash and hounds on the trail increases the uncertainty of being on the true trail, until Divining Rod appears through the ginger with Blind Pew, running in the opposite direction. Tit Pecker had decreed that Divining Rod should not continue on account of poison. The Major belatedly points out another hazard on the trail - cat bait.

A circle check and then ON-ON up; and after a scramble and a rest ON-ON towards a back arrow. Lots of running and harassment as overtaking on narrow trails causes havoc. Tit Pecker actually expected the knitting circle to stand aside and allow his ample frame to pass! More of the same, (grass, scratches, holes, hills, gates etc) and we were on to a circle check on Elliot's.

More false paths and then a slippery path down the side of the Mountain. Here the Crisps and the Curries split up, only to meet up again after respective leaps and kerfuffles. Tit Pecker arrives first having bunny hopped up the cliff, grumbling he is taking the Crisps' Trail next time The Major lays the hash. Rat Boy emerged all smiles. Blind Pew had stained her favourite shorts by falling into a berry bush. No big loss!

ON-ON to the start point, conveniently avoiding road-side circle check and SUPERIOR route down. Plenty of wholesome fare and liquid refreshments ensued.

Great Hash Major. Last Hash with Blind Pew and Radar for a while. Stay well and safe till then.

THE LAW & YOU

MMarriage breakdown is becoming increasingly common. In general three issues are arise from the breakdown of as marriage:-

Whether parties to the marriage whose marriage appears to have broken down should divorce is not really a legal matter. Friends, relatives and, in some cases, the clergy, might be able to help the parties in coming to a final decision on whether to divorce or not. The only advice that I would give would be to take time before reaching a final decision. Often a period of reflection helps.

If the parties or one of the parties decides that a divorce is inevitable then order to get a divorce one of the following grounds must apply:-

1) that one of the parties has committed adultery. This can only be a ground for divorce on the part of the spouse who has not committed adultery.

2) that one party has behaved in such a way hat the other cannot reasonably be expected to live with him/her again this can only be a ground for the spouse who has not behaved unreasonably.

3) that the parties have lived separate for at least a year and both parties agree to a divorce.

This ground would only apply where one of the parties does not agree to a divorce. All divorces are dealt with by the Chief Justice. He decides whether there are sufficient grounds for a divorce after he has heard evidence from the parties. Generally the parties ought to attend Court although it is possible, in some cases, to have the Chief Justice grant a divorce without either party attending. Once the Chief Justice has granted a divorce the parties must wait three months before the divorce becomes final. At that stage each party is free to remarry.

At the time of the divorce, the Court must also decide where the children of the marriage will stay once the parties begin their new lives. The main priority for the Court in coming to a decision is what is in the best interest of the children. Many factors influence the Court's decision. If the parties have reached an agreement themselves then the Court will almost always follow that agreement. If the parties do not agree then the Court will want to try and implement an arrangement which causes least disruption to the children. So if mother is a housewife and has historically looked after the children they are more likely to remain with her (particularly if they are young or female). The person who looks after the children following the divorce is said to have custody of the children. In almost all cases the parent who does not have custody of the children will be encouraged to maintain contact with them. This contact is called access.

With almost all divorces there are financial implications and in general both parties have to accept that following divorce they are likely to be worse off (because they will have to run two households instead of one on the same income). The Court has power to make an Order that the absent parent pay maintenance for the upkeep of any children. It also has power to order that one spouse pay to the other spouse maintenance. In addition the Court has power to divide up the money held by both parties and to divide up other assets eg house, house contents, car etc. The precise division will depend on the individual circumstances. The Courts task is to make an order that is fair and reasonable and legal ownership of property is only of limited importance. What this means is that in some cases, for example, the legal owner of property can be ordered to transfer it to the other party as part of any financial settlement.

This article is designed to give a broad overview of the legal position. Each case depends on its own circumstances and anyone needing advice should contact the Public Solicitor.

MINUTES OF STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

19th April 2002

Present: Johnny Hobson, Shub Sukhtankar Geoff Jones, Lawson Henry, Linda Yon, Glen Yon, Geoff Fairhurst, Raymond Ellick, Jamie Thompson, Glyn Smith, Gordon McHugh, Johnny Clingham.

Geoff Fairhurst began. Aims and timeframe for the committee had already been decided at public meeting on Tuesday 16th April. First question to be addressed: do options C and D need to be considered as well as A and B?

Jamie Thompson suggested that option B needs expanding because some socioeconomic issues between Ascension and St Helena did not appear to have been addressed. The flexibility needs to be increased.

Gordon McHugh added that people need to be informed of the choices so they can have an informed choice. The positions need to be stated clearly before a vote is allowed.

Shub Sukhtankar said that people eligible for tax should all vote. The information about both options needs to reach all of these people including spouses. 100% would be difficult, but the committee needs to reach the maximum number of people. He suggested the committee should split into groups and hold weekly meetings in each 'district' on different days so people can attend. The other option would be to approach employers and arrange meetings through them. Gordon added that there is a need to write to people as well.

Geoff Jones pointed out that there should be canvassing to see if people have proposals for options C and D. Possibly giving a period of 2 weeks to see if anything is suggested. If nothing were submitted, continue with A and B. Since this could delay the process, Johnny Hobson suggested that canvassing could run in line with other meetings etc.

Lawson Henry said that the paper had not explained options A and B clearly enough. He suggests that possible drafts should be drawn up, taking into account the legislation involved, to give people a better idea of what would happen. He stated the need for as much autonomy as the law allows. He also felt that financial issues had not been fully addressed in the paper, or the role of the Governor. He also thinks that options A and B need expanding, so a more comprehensive form can be presented.

Johnny Hobson brought up the subject of timing. These issues of expanding the options need to be addressed later. The committee should proceed as if there isn't a third option, but allow people to give ideas. Glyn Smith added that the committee will only know if a third option exists when ideas start coming in, so it needs to remain objective. Geoff Fairhurst pointed out that this would mean expanding both options A and B. There may be more sense in waiting for one to be picked and then expanding it. Linda Yon said that she feels there is not enough information in the existing paper to educate people fully about the options. Lawson said that a draft including legislation would help with presenting the facts.

There was then some debate on whether the steering committee should divide into three groups to decide the franchise and research the options. The franchise was discussed at this point. Gordon felt that all those paying taxes should be able to vote. Lawson stated that the aim is to create an environment that people want to live in. There should not be restriction of the franchise. There was discussion about people wanting to retire here.

The debate regarding three groups initially involved splitting the committee so that each third would meet and discuss either A, B and the franchise, or each issue separately, and then meet as a full committee at the end of the week.

Johnny Hobson then said the following: splitting into groups is pointless. Possibly splitting into two, one for A and one for B, and then the whole committee could discuss the franchise. The groups would talk to people this week, put the aims in the islander, and then meet again on Friday. The consultation process would involve districts, like Bradley did it, take feedback.

Gordon then wondered why the franchise couldn't be decided at this meeting, and Linda wondered why the committee needed to split at all. At this point Jamie decided that minutes would be a good idea as well. Geoff Fairhurst said that there was no one available from AIG to do it.

In the end, after much deliberation, it was decided that the committee should not split, but that everyone should go away, read the facts and form an opinion, and then return on Monday and talk about them. Everyone will be given an opportunity to speak if they want to.

The franchise was then discussed. Geoff Jones said that the best way would be to start with everyone over 18 and then exclude people. Jamie said that visitors and short term contractors should be excluded. Gordon's opinion was that if short term contractors are present at election and are paying taxes then they should be allowed to vote. Johnny Hobson wondered if it would make a practical difference anyway, since the short term contractors would probably not be interested even if their tour coincided with an election. It is better to keep the franchise as wide as possible, as Michael Bradley suggested. Linda pointed out that candidates would be able to canvass short term contractors and this might make an unrepresentative election. Everyone agreed that Bradley's recommendation for 2 years residence before being eligible to vote was too high. A 6 month period of residence was agreed upon. It was recognised that this would exclude some tax payers, and also that very small groups would influence the outcome of elections. Lawson added that election rules would need to be strict. A majority of 10 would be a deciding vote.

Geoff Jones pointed out that the role of the committee is to decide who can vote for A or B. The franchise does not go beyond that.

In the end everyone agreed that all people eligible for tax who had been on the island for more than 6 months should be able to vote. As Bradley suggested, the Americans should not be part of the franchise, and the committee decided that the RAF should be excluded as well. Johnny Clingham stated that MoD contractors may be apathetic and not vote. It was pointed out that when the election does happen it will have to be well publicised and accessible to the entire franchise.

Franchise for voting option A or option B is everyone over 18, who has been on the island for 6 months or more, who is eligible for tax.

JOB VACANCY

VACANCY FOR SCHOOL SECRETARY, TWO BOATS SCHOOL

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of School Secretary.

The successful candidate will be responsible to the Head Teacher and will be required to manage the school office and to provide efficient secretarial service for the Head Teacher and staff in the school.

The main duties of the post are:

Applicants should have at least 2 GCSE's in English and Maths at Grade C or above and at least 2 years experience as a Secretary. Developed IT literacy is essential particularly in Word and Excel. Good communication and inter-personal skills and being able to work, as one of a small team is essential.

The gross salary before tax for the post is £5000 per annum and the post is offered as a Household status contract (no accommodation will be provided) for one year in the first instance. The successful candidate will be expected to take up post on 1 August 2002.

Interested persons can obtain further information from the Head Teacher on telephone no 6155.

Application forms are available from the Administrator's Office and should be submitted to the Senior Executive Officer/Personnel Manager by no later than Friday, 10 May 2002.

From the Constable's desk

As the School Liaison Officer, I am currently in the process of delivering several programmes of law enforcement coupled with other matters of general interest, the most important being the law. I see my position as very important working in partnership with the school in order to build up a rapport with the staff and children. This also gives me the opportunity to gain the confidence of the children in particular. As children grows into maturity they can see the developments of human nature not only to be responsible persons but also to depart on the verge of committing crimes.

The Police place a high emphasis on Unlawful Sexual Intercourse. In order to create general awareness, a presentation was recently presented to the school to children ranging between the ages of 11 and 14 years. The presentation was a partnership approach with the health department and the Police, working in conjunction with the school management. Miss Shirley Anderson delivered a presentation on teenage pregnancy, coupled with the implications it can cause. Becoming a young parent and how Unlawful Sexual Intercourse can damage health at an early stage, coupled with transmitted sexual diseases.

My presentation was centered primarily on the law and the punishment one could face if convicted. Advice was provided on how Unlawful Sexual Intercourse should be prevented. Parents have a role to play in educating their children at an early stage, to assist them in becoming involved in underage sex related cases and to try and prevent them from embarking on the road of crime. Further presentations will soon be delivered to children in older age groups.

In cases of suspected unlawful sexual intercourse, the Police will conduct thorough investigations and where there is sufficient evidence persons will be prosecuted before the court.

I trust that a joint presentation on underage sex and the general awareness created will discourage people from embarking on what is a serious offence.

Closure of Traffic/Immigration on Saturdays.

With effect from Saturday 4th May the Traffic/Immigration section will be closed for business. The opening of the Office on a Saturday morning for two hours did not prove to be cost effective. In consultation with Heads of Departments they were in favour to give their employees time off to conduct any business during normal opening hours. The Traffic/Immigration section will be open from Monday to Friday at normal Office hours. The half day closure on Thursday's will no longer take effect.

Sandra Crowie

School Liaison Officer

EDITOR : Richard White
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327

E-Mail: editors@the-islander.org.ac

Internet Team: Richard Thomas, Laura & Mark Handley, Gavin Yon, Richard White

Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday

	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)
AIRHEAD	30.9	25.1	Trace
TRAVELLERS	30.1	21.4	5.0
RESIDENCY	28.1	18.7	13.8
GEORGETOWN	32.0	22.0	NIL
ST. HELENA	24.7	17.2	19.8
UK	21.0 (London, Sunday)	-5.0 (Aboyne, Tuesday)	32 (Capel Curig, Thursday)
FALKLANDS	14.7	-0.9	15.2

The Islander - Thursday 25th April 2002