From the Editor:- Richard

Hello again,

Another week in the editor's chair.

Some good news this week with the re-opening of the VC to non US Base personnel and no imminent end to fresh bread supplies. Minor details, maybe.

Apologies for the recent delays in getting the on-line version on-line - 'The Islander' is an entirely voluntary and sometimes it's difficult to find the time for this as well as other commitments.

See you at the VC on Friday,

Richard

Solomon's Georgetown Shop

Ascension Island,

South Atlantic

Tel: 00 247 6320 Fax: 00 247 6785 Email: Solomons-Trading@atlantis.co.ac

NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR BREAD SUPPLIES

In April of this year the Administrator notified Solomon's that the US Base, which currently provides the shop with bread would cease to do so from the 1 July 2002.

This decision was made for administrative reasons following the commercialisation process on Ascension. However the cut off date from the US Base was extended to the end of this month.

In a meeting this week with the Acting Administrator Matt Young, it was agreed to extend this date even further to 1 October 2002. This will be a reduced service to 50% of the current supply, however we will supplement this with frozen bread from St Helena until a long-term solution can be reached.

Although establishing a bakery had not been included in the agreement with Solomon's during the bid process, Solomon's have taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the Island is not left without bread. Prior to the news that the US Base would continue supplies for a further two months, arrangements were made for bread to be baked on St Helena and shipped to Ascension.

The quantities being supplied have been calculated using current sales figures on Ascension, bearing in mind the period the stock would need to last between shipments.

It is anticipated that the price of the bread will be held at the present level on Ascension.

22 July 2002

To All Island Personnel

Subject: Volcano Club Operations

I am pleased to announce that the Volcano Club Snack Bar and Bar will re-open to Island personnel as our guests at 1700Z Friday, 26 July 2002. Please come and help us celebrate the re-opening -- SEE you there!!.

The new Volcano Club hours are tentatively scheduled as follows:

BAR: Monday through Thursday - 1700 to 2300Z

Friday -- 1630 to 0100Z

Saturday -- 1630 to 2400Z

Sunday -- 1630 to 2300Z

SNACK BAR: Monday through Sunday -- 1700 to 2200Z

If anyone has any questions or queries, please call my office at Extension 2201.

Thank you.

Jack Whitaker

CSR Station Manager

CAUTIOUS PROGRESS FOR ASCENSION'S ECONOMY: THE PRESENT WAY FORWARD

By J. Brock (SARTMA)

To say that Ascension is going through a period of change is putting it lightly. In the matter of a few short years, many Government businesses have been sold and the Island is on its way to democracy. Thanks to those who are persistent in speaking out at public meetings and in the Islander as well as the St. Helena Herald, the inadequacies that are important to the people on Ascension are being pointed out. With all of the talk of democracy, one item that makes it work - facilities for private sector businesses - needs steady pressure and attention to detail. Without a vibrant private sector to ensure necessary competition, services that Government cannot (or will not) provide and that all-important squeaky wheel - democracy is in a poor state indeed. With this in mind, SARTMA conducted its final interview with the former Administrator, Mr. Geoffrey Fairhurst (GF).

BANKING, FINANCE AND BUSINESS

SARTMA: Have improvements at the bank made doing business on Ascension any easier?

GF: I must specify that on Ascension as in St. Helena the bank is a savings bank only. The improvements at the bank were really to computerise the facilities. There is a movement in St. Helena for a commercial bank but I don't have any details on that.

Many people on Ascension who have done any travelling know the value of credit cards. Some banks offer debit cards, which are not all that easy to use when overseas. Visitors here will welcome credit card facilities at the bank when they are introduced. Credit cards are also good for businesses because confirmation of adequate funds is but a swipe away and, in many cases, much needed goods could be on the way within 24 hours.

SARTMA: What facilities are there for credit card usage on the Island?

GF: The Post Office and Cable & Wireless accept credit cards. Solomon's and Obsidian Hotel are being encouraged to do the same.

The introduction of electronic banking would put Ascension on par with the rest of the world and allow e-businesses to have a go at making a profit. Electronic banking, as well as credit cards are the one-two punch of potential success.

SARTMA: Is there encouragement to introduce electronic banking either here or in St. Helena?

GF: When a commercial bank is introduced in St. Helena, electronic banking will probably be considered too.

SARTMA: How are the new businesses bought from AIG doing?

GF: They are all progressing but it would be up to the individual businesses to provide a detailed report.

A positive report of an enterprise's success will encourage hardworking people with good business plans to consider potential investment on Ascension. By investment, I mean not only money but the enthusiastic working of a good business plan to a successful conclusion. That takes people, their determination and talent, as well as money.

SARTMA: Aside from the businesses sold by AIG, have any other new businesses set up on Ascension?

GF: There is a company setting up a sports fishing business. The trials have gone extremely well and there are two boats here at present. A third boat is expected in October. We also have a freight forwarding business established by Richard James International.

New Businesses that are established on the Island will be a teaching facility for the other businesses here. As they observe, other businesses will spot some practices and policies that they may wish to incorporate in their own ventures. If there are failures amongst new businesses, it would be constructive to find out why the failure occurred so others won't make the same mistake.

SARTMA: It's taken six weeks to unload the freighter. Surely, something more appropriate could be arranged. Are there any plans to improve Ascension's port facilities?

GF: It's taken that long to unload 6,500 tonnes of material for the fuel storage tanks at Catherine Bay. We are getting some new equipment but a proper port with an along-side facility would take a massive investment and AIG doesn't have that kind of money on hand.

SARTMA: Had you thought about getting a grant from the EU for some of the funding needed for better port facilities? I note that such a grant was made available and taken up on Tristan da Cunha.

GF: Through the Foreign Office we are looking into access to EU money for Ascension.

Though access by air is a hot topic amongst some businesses, it is equally important to consider access by sea. Though it might seem quite an adventure to offload tourists via launch or rubber dinghy, it's not practical. Equally, much needed facilities for sea freight are needed if businesses on Ascension want to increase trade with the rest of the mainland and Island communities in the South Atlantic and beyond.

Other freight related projects like the transhipment of fish and other goods would be made possible with enhanced port facilities. But beware - they can be too expensive for Governments with limited budgets to take on. The private sector needs to participate in any huge undertaking like this.

SARTMA: Given that a baseline survey of the seabed was completed a few months ago did the researchers find any commercially viable species?

GF: The baseline survey undertaken was a mapping exercise only. The people who undertook the survey were not looking for viable species.

Looking for commercially viable species can be a stepping stone for a well managed fishery that will bring revenue to the Island. It may well be worth a second study with this in mind.

DEMOCRACY AND THE NEW ASCENSION

SARTMA: When is the next public meeting?

GF: We had a public meeting while Mr. Bradley was here. Another one is not planned at the moment. We are now waiting for people to give their views on Models "A" and "B" to see if modifications will be necessary to the two models.

SARTMA: What's going to replace the Steering Committee in the interim period before there is an established new government on Ascension?

GF: The Steering Committee was not set up as a preliminary government body. We hope to have one established in October 2002. Until then, the present system of Government will apply.

SARTMA: When will it be possible for people who are deemed 'belongers' to purchase their own homes and land on Ascension?

GF: Before the end of 2002 there will be land available and people will be able to build their own homes. The buildings will be subject to planning and building controls.

SARTMA: Who is a belonger on Ascension and when will others who really want to live and work on Ascension be likely to have the right to buy land here?

GF: There is no such status as a 'belonger' yet and the land, subject to planning permission, will be sold to people who can buy it.

SARTMA: When will the hostel become the Administrator's Office?

GF: We are hoping to complete the renovations and move to the new offices by the end of 2002.

Since the "White Paper" was published in 1999 - three years ago - the path towards democracy on Ascension has been more clear. Ascension enjoys the benefits of full British Citizenship and we can see the beginning of a private sector and facilities to support it. With the right business climate and amenities the democracy will thrive and provide the funding to run the Government efficiently.

It takes both the public and private sector to make democracy work. A correctly balanced democracy will benefit Ascension. It's time to work on those facilities that will attract investment to the Island and make doing business here a profitable exercise.

______________________________________________________

"WE NEED QUALIFIED FCO OFFICIALS TO LISTEN TO US," SAYS LAWSON HENRY.

By J. Brock (SARTMA)

Several press agencies in the UK and now in South America have picked up on the democracy debate on Ascension Island. Lawson Henry has been quoted and misquoted by them all. Only two reporters, one from the Times and one from BBC World Service, have interviewed him. There have been submissions in St. Helena Herald and in the Islander but they have only touched the surface of what Mr. Henry feels is going on here and what he would like to see done about democracy on the Island. The following is in-depth:

SARTMA: Baroness Amos wrote in a published letter to H.E. the Governor Mr. David Hollamby:

LH: "I look forward to hearing the outcome of the consultation and to seeing your recommendations, which will need to demonstrate widespread support on Ascension for the preferred way forward. I would like to see the preferred choice of residents of Ascension in place as soon as possible."

Presumably Governor Hollamby answers to Baroness Amos but why do you think there is confusion about democracy on Ascension from within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office itself?

LH: I believe the confusion in the FCO about Ascension is because the local FCO officials do not have sufficient knowledge about Ascension and seem to want to ignore the people's wishes and therefore the right message is not getting through.

SARTMA: Is it a question of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing?

LH: The FCO has a history of institutionalised colonialism it is about power. We have a situation where the minister is saying one thing and her local FCO officials on the ground is saying and doing something completely different, the people of the territories are then caught in between. The tragedy in all this for us as a people is that we have no one close enough to the Minister. No representatives from the people can get close enough to Baroness Amos to let her know what we want. We need a representative body with locals on it to report to Baroness Amos.

SARTMA: I am quite sure that the standard response from the Foreign Office would be that there is an Overseas Territories Commission and that they are the representative body. Do you mean a commission made up of regional (South Atlantic) delegates?

LH: Yes but let the people and not Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials be on the commission. It has been demonstrated that the Governor has a different view to that of the people. How, then, can he represent us? If that happens it would be a case of history repeating itself.

SARTMA: What of the "White Paper" that was supposed to embody the kind of partnership you are talking about?

LH: The FCO concentrated on and achieved citizenship for us but this alone will not solve centuries of problems. There is a need for a real partnership between Britain and her overseas territories. One that the people of the individual territory can identify with and that works for both parties and also one that we can both take ownership of.

SARTMA: In your opinion, what is needed to resolve this one point?

LH: First and foremost we need that regional Commission we talked about earlier, secondly we need officials who have empathy with the people they represent and who will listen and take the peoples views forward and not try and impose their own ideas. The people need to be given real responsibility and show that they are capable of dealing with all the issues. Not only when things are going well but also when there are serious problems that need to be resolved. We need local solutions for local problems. Britain needs to recognise as individuals all of her overseas territories and needs to handle them accordingly. People need to feel as if they are part of the process. If they don't, it is unlikely they will take ownership of it.

SARTMA: What other things are you looking for in this partnership?

LH: We want prosperity, for all the people in the territory. We need a constitution, which put the power and decision-making in the hands of the people, a constitution that recognises the needs of both partners. There needs to be a shared vision about the future of Ascension between the people of Ascension and the United Kingdom Government. Ascension cannot survive as a community if its people are pulling one direction and the relevant authorities in Britain are pulling in another direction. These two interested parties' needs to come together and be committed to this shared vision about the future of the island. All decisions subsequently taken should then be done with the consent of both these parties and must be compatible with the vision and the strategy for achieving it. Executive authority vested in one party alone must be a thing of the past and if it has any place in our future (I do not believe it should) then it should only be exercised with the full consent of the local representatives. That is real democracy isn't it? Flowing from all this there needs to be openness and transparency from experienced officials. This is not happening now and as a result officials have lost the people's trust. It seems to me that FCO has a completely different interpretation of openness and transparency to what we understand it to mean.

SARTMA: What dangers do you perceive if dialogue really does break down?

LH: Dialogue has already broken down between people and officials, at a public meeting recently chaired by Michael Bradley QC and the Administrator Geoffrey Fairhurst they were told categorically people no longer trusted officials. There is now a very real danger that local FCO officials will impart their own views and not those of the people to responsible Ministers in Whitehall. I can also see a power struggle between Local FCO officials and the people. We should be having dialogue not confrontation - sadly this has been the case so far. That's why I feel that the Local FCO officials are not listening to the people and their wishes for democracy are not getting through to the minister.

SARTMA: Taxation and representation had a lot to do with the American Revolution. However, when the cry went out, the 13 colonies each had internal self-government and had done so since they were founded in the early part of the 17th century. The representation they cried about was, membership in the House of Commons. Applied to Ascension, representation takes on a whole new meaning, in that there is no legislative body in place and yet residents are taxed. What are the alternatives for getting this problem resolved?

LH: Nobody is against taxation but we are annoyed with the way in which it was implemented. Because of our unique situation, we need legislation that takes into account local conditions. There are single/unaccompanied workers who through no fault of their own cannot have their families here because of shortage of houses. They have been denied tax allowances for their spouses and children. This is a classic example of officials not listening to the people. These issues were raised with them in the process and I for one also wrote to the Government Representative through the Administrator at the time. However, like most of the issues raised by the people in the development of Ascension this was ignored. I also wrote a letter in the local paper requesting the governor to tell us if the Local Tax Legislation complies with the Human Rights Act of 2000. He did not reply to this question or to the one I raised about who made the statement required by that Act to him that the Ascension Tax Legislation complies with the act. He told me in a meeting later that he was advised by FCO not to answer, as there were cases about the application of this act pending before the St Helena Supreme Court. The Governor has executive authority on Ascension and he need not wait on any Superior Court to follow the procedure (as I had asked him to) in an act of parliament. He has authority to make these decisions on his own. He chose not to and by doing so he has gone against the wishes of the people. People should not have to use the courts to exercise basic human rights. Is this democracy?

SARTMA: Is there a solution for the FCO being evasive in this way?

LH: I think it is time for Baroness Amos to present herself on Ascension. The people have lost confidence in the FCO officials responsible for Ascension in developing a democratic framework that is suited and acceptable to the people. A lot of time has already been wasted by officials trying to impose their views rather then taking the collective view of the people that was Option C as put forward by the Steering Committee, and seeing how best this option could be developed to the satisfaction of both parties

SARTMA: What about the people who were born and raised here?

LH It is intended that the right of abode and residency be addressed in the consultative process for democratic development. As it stands no one has right of abode on Ascension.

SARTMA: In Baroness Amos' open letter to Governor Hollamby, the consultative process was mentioned. I understand there has been a problem with that. Would you explain what that problem is?

LH: A dubious distribution and collection method was used with regard to the leaflet containing the two options for democracy as put forward by AIG and the comments slip that people were asked to return by 5 July. Also I have to say we were lead to believe that the leaflet would contain a "modified option A" as officials felt that " option C " that was put forward by the people was just that. However, the leaflet appears with option A and B exactly as originally put forward and no reference at all to option C. Officials had decided that this was best for the people of Ascension. A real mess was made of that process and now the acting administrator says he won't talk about the results. The people were also given assurances in the public meeting I referred to earlier that the opening of the returns on the choice of democracy sent in by residents of Ascension would be overseen by independent Scrutineers. I personally wrote to the Administrator Geoffrey Fairhurst following this meeting and was given the same assurance in writing he also assured me that the results of this exercise would be published. The question here is that if we cannot trust officials to organise a simple straw pole are we going to allow them to organise a general election later this year?

SARTMA: AIG are comfortable with taxing people without a representative body in place. Seeing that such uproar was made about this, do you think that other liberties will be taken with the democratic process Ascension is going through?

LH: What is the outcome of the public consultation I referred to above? There were over 100 questions raised by people through the consultation process carried out by the Steering Committee and sent to the Governor for a response, we have heard nothing of this. The people would like to know that? I raised the issue previously about tax allowances for that group who cannot have their families here. I likewise raised questions to Michael Bradley (which he has not answered) about the application on Ascension of a certain section of the St Helena Constitution referred to in the AIG consultation paper and the restriction of just two models of Government for the people was in breach of Article 73 of the UN Charter where the UK Government has an obligation to develop self government and take account of the political aspirations of the people and to assist them in the progressive development of their free political institutions. If the present administration has made such a mess of that, there is a very real danger that other liberties will be taken. A point I would like to make is that of the assumption by officials that Ascension lacks the experience or expertise on the island to form a fully democratically elected body. Governor Hollamby cries, "Ascension is not ready for democracy", John Styles crows "You must learn to walk before you can run". The people of Ascension say this is ludicrous, we have been running our own affairs on the island since the Admiralty gave it up 80 years ago. The method of funding the public service has changed, but the experience and expertise to deliver the services has not. Again, only officials seem to think this is the case and imposed their ideas. We do not need a large administration just because we are to be democratised. We already know this can only lead to greater inefficiencies and money wasting. This much we have learnt from St Helena.

I The FCO may not be evasive but, perhaps they are doing the right thing in the wrong way. Something is not right and the result is that the people one talks to in the street have lost confidence in a democratic solution for Ascension. As written in SARTMA's interview with Michael Bradley, the process takes time. At the moment, the public is on a very steep learning curve and a little public education and a time-line for progress towards democracy wouldn't go amiss. If Ascension is not ready for democracy, then I don't know who is. Inhabitants on Ascension come from democracies. Presumably they know what is and what is not a democracy. Is the United Kingdom a democracy? Is St. Helena a democracy? What about the United States? Are they a democracy? Somehow, I doubt that it is wise for democracies to deny equal status for Ascension Island and I can't envisage them doing it.