(i) A sum of money would be paid into an Education Fund out of the annual Vote to fund qualifying students going to the UK to study A Levels and some vocational courses;

(ii) AIG would continue discussions with Chichester College to establish an arrangement for Ascension Island students to attend;

(iii) More work would be done to define the criteria by which students would qualify for funding and the range of acceptable vocational courses;

It was agreed that 4 amendments would be requested and then the Ordinance could be forwarded to the Governor for enactment. The amendments related to:

The policy which would have led to the purchase of a second hand Arun Class lifeboat from the RNLI was rejected. The Councillors felt unable to endorse the policy in the time available to complete the purchase.

Councillors Sukhtankar, Thomas and Yon will form the Finance Committee under the Chairmanship of the Director of Financial Services.

Full minutes will be available for inspection at the Administrator's Office shortly.

Taking St Helena Forward

Our Future is in our Hands

By now, you will have heard the term: Strategic Objectives. Councillors have suggested thirteen issues that they consider to be of importance to the people of the Island and SHG will consult members of the public on St Helena in January 2003 at a series of workshops to see what they, the public, consider to be important to the Island's future.

In today's society, members of the public are often consulted in relation to major decisions and SHG will consult the people on this important matter.

What are Strategic Objectives and how will they replace the Country Policy Plan (CPP)?

Councillors have been involved in a number of strategic planning workshops and with the public's best interests at heart they have suggested thirteen strategic objectives. Thirteen important areas the Island needs to focus on in the coming years. Included on this list are: improved access, an improvement in the standard of education and others such as human rights and caring for the elderly.

At the moment, SHG is working with the Country Policy Plan. This is a good document and useful management tool which sets out the aims of the Government Departments. The strategic objectives will set out the aims of the Island as a whole. Departments will work towards achieving these aims. SHG will base spending decisions on the ability to achieve the strategic objectives.

Next year SHG will negotiate a new 3-year aid agreement for 2004 to 2007 and it needs to plan how this money is to be best spent. St Helena has a limited purse and it is important that the money is used in the right areas so that the strategic objectives are met.

The strategic objectives will have an impact on the lives of all Saints. At present, the thirteen draft objectives put forward by Councillors are not cast in tablets of stone. Members of the public will be entitled to agree or disagree with them, and they will also be able to suggest what they consider as important. Following this, the strategic objectives will be finalised and these will guide the future expenditure of St Helena Government. It is important that the strategic objectives truly represent the views of the people on St Helena so that the three year aid package for 2004 to 2007 will be spent on areas that have been considered important by the people on St Helena. As a result St Helena will progress in a way that is approved by the people.

Over the next few weeks, you will be able to read these draft objectives to help you decide what is important. After this you should seriously posting your views at http://www.sthelenaonline.com/discus/messages/89/89.html?1039341143 because they will be taken into consideration.

1. Development of a sustainable and vibrant economy to the benefit of St Helena

The island is in economic decline and, to a large extent, financially dependent on aid from the UK. Skilled individuals (especially the young) are leaving the island in pursuit of higher wages offshore. In order to secure a prosperous future in the long-term, St Helena needs to make the most of the resources and opportunities it has. This includes inward investment arising from tourism and commerce. Long term sustainability of the island and its people hinges on having a successful economy with increased private sector development. With international help St Helena can achieve this, thus allowing individuals to reach their potential and offering everyone a share of the benefits.

The question of access is crucial since it affects the island's ability to attract sustainable tourism, inward investment, to trade effectively and to allow the population to travel as and when required. The aim is towards more reliable, more frequent and more effective access within the limits of affordability. For the time being, the sea remains the only means of access. Whilst the airport project is being considered it is important to continue to address the island's more immediate needs over the next five years. This includes the proposed wharf project, improved arrangements for freight and passenger access to St Helena by sea, and rescheduling of the RMS St Helena.

Education is at the heart of a successful economy and a healthy society. Currently, staff shortages and insufficient resources are limiting individuals' personal development. Skills shortages mean that it has been necessary to import expertise whereas the island should ideally be able to provide these skills internally. Better funding and good management of resources can help to bring this about. In addition it will be necessary to review the opportunities for further education both on-island and overseas. Education need not stop when an individual leaves school or college. Adult education and training is also a key element. Ultimately, people must have the right incentives to achieve academically and through vocational training. This means that opportunities to pursue a worthwhile career in St Helena must exist. These will only come about through development of the economy.

This is inextricably linked to education and the economy. People need to have the right skills to service the economic needs of the island, but at the same time opportunities must exist within St Helena if we are to prevent these skills leaking abroad. The aim is to minimise unemployment whilst fostering the right conditions for higher wages, improved career development opportunities and better job satisfaction. Improved pay awards may have some effect on staff attrition in the short term, but in the long run the problems can only be solved through economic growth. With more money coming into the island from tourism and investment, wages will grow naturally and will be sustainable.

Father Brian Writes:

STOCKING UP …… to celebrate!

With the MOD freighter MV "Astra Sea" in and the RMS due this week and the US "Pathfinder" back once more, the waterfront and Clarence Bay have taken on a busier appearance. The little ketch "Carmargue" has gone on her long voyage to Brazil with Christmas en route - the next stage on a journey that began in Durban and will finish in Chepstow in the UK.

All these vessels have reminded me of the Christmas Carol "I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning……." And "what was in those ships all three?" - well is wasn't the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ this time nor did they "sail into Bethlehem", but "all the souls on earth" and on Ascension Island shall sing because Christmas brings the end of term at our School with their Carol Service on Friday; more goodies in the shops as they stock up for the big rush and families coming to share and rejoice for the Festive Season. Others are setting off by sea and air to enjoy the festivities back home - in St Helena and the UK or elsewhere and the Captain and crew from the Maersk "Gannet" have to go home via Nigeria!

For some of us remaining, it will be the first time we have ever had a hot Christmas - or turkey on the beach - it is yet another different experience within the ever-rich patterns of life…..

In Church we have now lit the second of our Advent Candles declaring that we have only two weeks' to go to the big day when a Baby came to visit us all and changed the patterns of life for ever. Incidentally, over Christmas we shall have two live babies with us! On Christmas morning at our celebration Family Eucharist, little Josh O'Neil Benjamin-Lawrence will be baptised to become a follower of the Christ Child and on 29th, Nyreeka Shaz Lawrence will also be baptised, bringing the story of Bethlehem right here into our lives.

The real celebrations for Christmas begin with our Festival of Lessons and Carols on 22nd December at 6.30 pm in St Mary's Church, but already you will have seen the new Crib outside St Mary's and the Grotto Crib and the bright star on a storage tank above the US Base. At St Mary's we owe our gratitude to Rich Tochtrop for presenting the beautiful and simple crib scene which will be treasured for many years to come.

Lessons for 15th December: Isaiah 61, 1-4, 8-11 I Thessalonians 5, 16-24 and John 1, 6-8, 19-28

Please take note of the location of bright yellow and/or orange poison warning signs, these signs will only be used where poison is being laid.

As in the past poison baits will not be laid within 1 km of settlements, or 100 m of tarmac roads. Orange and/or yellow warning signs will be placed at all the major entry points to these areas. Baits will only be laid from Monday afternoon until Friday afternoon.

Please continue to keep your pet cats well fed and encourage them to stay within settlement areas for the rest of November.

For further information about the feral cat eradication programme please contact Mike Bell (Ph 4463), Tara George or Richard White at the Conservation Centre (Ph 6359).

Rat Eradication on Ascension.

I recently spent 3 weeks on Ascension looking at the issues related to potential rat eradication, and pest quarantine (preventing pests, including rats, from arriving back on the island). I spoke to many people from various agencies on the island and would like to thank them all for their helpful comments and assistance.

While I have yet to complete my official report, my initial findings suggest that while total rat eradication on Ascension is possible, it would at this stage only have a moderate chance of success due to numerous technical issues. There would also be a number of concerns about the effect of the methods that would have to be used, such as the potential effects on human health, pets, or other wildlife that would need to be addressed to the satisfaction of the islanders before any such project could proceed.

Preventing pests such as rats arriving back on the island would also be critical. Although my report will outline ways to reduce such risks, quarantine measures will substantially reduce but never totally eliminate the risk of re-invasion, and would place restrictions on how things such as unloading of containers might be permitted to be carried out.

Eradication would require a huge investment of funds (which would be difficult to find), and should only proceed if the chances of successful eradication and of subsequently keeping the island rat-free are high. This does not appear to be the case at present, but could become possible in the future if the people of Ascension Island particularly desire it. In the mean time there is scope for improvement of the current rat control systems and its resourcing, which should keep rats under control in key areas.

The recent successful nesting of seabirds on Ascension is fantastic to see, and demonstrates that conservation gains are already occurring as a result of the feral cat eradication project. It will be important to protect these benefits by not allowing any feral cat population to re-establish.

My full report should be available early in the New Year. Copies will be lodged with the Administrator, and with Richard and Tara at the Conservation Centre.

Statistics for the week ending {date}. Monday 9th December 2002

	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)
AIRHEAD	28.1	20.8	2.9
TRAVELLERS	28.1	19.0	5.2
GEORGETOWN	30.0	22.0	0.2
RESIDENCY	24.3	17.1	17.3
ST. HELENA	21.5	15.2	3.0
FALKLANDS	21.1	3.2	10.1
	Max (deg C)	Min (deg C)	Rainfall (mm)

ASCENSION ISLAND: : Although showers continue to affect the island at times, particularly on Wednesday morning, they have become less frequent during the week with longer sunny spells

UK: Mild at the start of the week, but the weather became progressively colder as easterly winds from Central Russia became established across Northern Europe such that maximum day time temperatures across the UK on Sunday were generally around 2 Celsius.

FALKLANDS: After a cool start to the week, summer finally arrived for the weekend with temperatures reaching the low 70's Fahrenheit and quite sunny days.

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

It was fairly quiet during the early part of the week as far as the Metties were concerned, the only major thing of note being the departure of Neil, the former boss man on Tuesday evening.

Things did liven up towards the weekend however, especially during the evenings. Wednesday saw Makem, Stan Vesta, Jonesey and Eddie take a trip to the VC for tea, before retiring to the mess later in the evening.

Thursday afternoon saw Makem and Eddie, our visiting technician, take a trip to English Bay to catch some rays, a little hopefully considering the cloudy conditions. An afternoon sleeping on the beach only managed to reinforce how careful we all must be while sunbathing. Although there was very little in the way of brightness, both Makem and Eddie both managed to become a little singed around the edges after falling asleep on the beach for a couple of hours. Eddie, who has managed to pack a fair amount into his few days on the island, also partook in a fishing trip during the evening, courtesy of Danny Thomas. Although they didn't get much in the way of fishy action, a return to the VC later in the evening, saw Eddie suffering suitably the following morning.

Friday was a fairly busy day, with the daytime seeing two traffic incidents. Firstly Terry R, who obviously was concentrating more on the fact that the aircraft arriving that morning was the one that would be taking him home on Saturday, managed to reverse the minibus into the fence. This would have probably gone unnoticed, except for the fact that our ace reporter, Boggy (aka Patsy) was in the right place at the right time. In Terry's defence, it should be noted that he is more usually found in vehicles without a reverse gear.

Second accident of the morning involved Mal (Mr Serco) and his deputy, Glyn. We do not think there is any serious rivalry/chicanery going on, but The fact the the Contract Manager managed to reverse into his deputy, causing a fair amount of pain to Glyn's leg, but lots more embarrassment for both of them. Again this matter was promptly noted by Boggy. As an aside to the about road traffic incidents, it was also brought to my attention that following last weeks revelation about Boggy's full job title (PATSy) he is also responsible for airfreight. This of course means he also has the title FATSy, so is his full job title now FATSy PATSy………

Friday evening saw the junior ranks living in dinner, served ably (at least that's what they tell me) by some of the seniors, with Lyndon, Jonesey and Paul doing a sterling job behind the bar. It was not of course all hard work, with Boggy and his dad John, proving that there is still a childlike streak in them both. Not content in washing up the dishes, they both decided that the water spray was better for soaking each other, at least that's what Boggey thought after John decided that he should wear some gravy. Makem, Martin and Eddie, after visiting the VC and Mess bar, paid a visit to the MVC, mainly to give Jonesey some grief.

The weekend was rather quiet, with most people taking a weekend off to recover from Friday. The usual suspects did however turn out in the Mess bar during the evening, though at least fifty percent of our number were in rather subdued mood.

Makem

Your Health this Week

Planning for Pregnancy

A Healthy Lifestyle - exercise; a well balanced diet; rest and relaxation.

We are all encouraged to make changes to the way we live for a longer, healthier, better quality life. And newly pregnant mothers in particular are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle to provide the best start in life for their babies.

But if you are planning to have a baby it's not just during pregnancy that a healthy life style is important; following a health routine for three to six months before conception can have a positive effect on the health of your baby, not just at birth but for the rest of his life.

Why pre-pregnancy care is so important

During the first eight to ten weeks of pregnancy, a baby develops faster than any other time in his life. It is a particularly vulnerable time for the baby but often one when, as a mother, you may not even be aware you are pregnant.

So following a healthy routine before you become pregnant, means that you will be in good 'shape' mentally and physically when you conceive.

When should you start preparing for pregnancy?

Most health people will advise couples to follow a pre-conceptual care routine for at least three to six months before they plan to have a baby.

It is also important to remember that if this is your first child you may not conceive immediately. So, be patient- it could be several months before you conceive your first baby. Even if this is not your first baby it is advisable to follow the same routine. Parents are encouraged to try to leave at least two years between each baby so that the mothers body is ready for the next pregnancy.

Can you involve the partner in the preparation?

Yes, it is important that both of you are as fit and healthy as possible. And it is often easier to make changes to your lifestyle when you try together.

So, here are some simple guidelines to help you prepare for pregnancy.

Physical fitness

Your personal 'MOT'

If you do not have a regular check up with your doctor, now is a good time to start. Explain that you wish to start a family and he or she will be able to give you some appropriate advice.

Regular exercise

If you don't already do some form of exercise it's better to start getting in shape now, rather than wait until you are pregnant. You don't have to train for the Olympics! It can be as simple as incorporating some exercise into your daily routine. For example, try walking to the shops rather than taking your car. Walk as much as you can at work

. Exercise can be fun and it is something you and your partner can enjoy together. For example, swimming is an excellent form of exercise because it allows you to stretch and tone all the muscles in your body without putting stress on them. If you get into a routine you can carry on swimming throughout your pregnancy.

Avoid drinking and smoking

It is well known that smoking and drinking can be harmful to an adults health. However, less well known is the fact that they can have damaging effects on either a developing fetus or on future pregnancies. Drinking alcohol regularly, even in small quantities, can reduce fertility in both partners. Smoking can result in the birth of a smaller baby and smaller babies ten to be more vulnerable. Don't forget passive smoking as well. So, as part of your routine try to stop smoking and cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink. Get help and support from your doctor or midwife.

Your dental 'MOT'

It's important to have a dental check-up before conception and have all the necessary treatment you need. Some form of dental care eg, X-rays, can be harmful to your baby once you are pregnant. Also, some women are prone to gum disease during pregnancy so a pre-conceptual check-up and then regular visits to the dentist during pregnancy can help prevent potential problems.

Watch your weight

During your preparation period it's a good idea to get your weight to a reasonable level. If you are overweight it is a good idea to try and lose the surplus before you conceive. Dieting during pregnancy is not advisable because cutting back your calories may have a harmful effect on your baby's growth and development. For more information and advice contact your midwife.

A healthy diet

You need to eat a wide variety of foods to give you all the vitamins and nutrients you need for a healthy body The table below splits foods into four groups and shows how frequently you should choose from each group.

	Foods	Nutrients	Daily Frequency
Group 1	Meat, fish, eggs, pulses (beans, lentils)	Protein Iron	Include in at least 2 meals
Group 2	Fruit and vegetables	Vitamins especially vitamin C Minerals	3-4 pieces of fruit and or 3-4 portions of vegetables
Group 3	Bread and cereals eg, high fibre breakfast cereals, wholemeal bread, pasta, brown rice	Calcium Vitamin B	4-6 times
Group 4	Milk and milk products	Protein Calcium Vitamins	At least 1 pint

NB: Extra or supplementary vitamins should only be taken following advice from your doctor

Food safety

Some foods contain bacteria like listeria or salmonella which may not be harmful to adults but if eaten during your pre-conceptual period or during pregnancy, there's a chance that they may be harmful to your developing baby.

It is therefore advisable for you and your partner to avoid, pate, raw or soft eggs, raw or lightly cooked meats, liver and cod liver oil.

Also the way foods are prepared or kept may encourage the growth of harmful bacteria. The effect of food poisoning in an adult is not pleasant but can be far more damaging to a developing baby. So, to keep foods as safe as possible:

Harmful substances/infections

Some infections or toxic substances may not be particularly harmful to you, as an adult, but they might linger in the body and affect you baby at conception. To be safe, follow these simple tips:

German measles (Rubella)

Exposure to this virus during early pregnancy can result in a seriously handicapped baby. Most girls receive Rubella vaccination at school but it is advisable to have a blood test to check your immunity, prior to conceiving. If you are not immune you should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Then you should avoid becoming pregnant for the next three months as the mild form of the virus used in the vaccination could still be in your body.

Medicines

If either you or your partner are taking medications, even mild pain killers, discuss this with your doctor. Some medications may be harmful during pregnancy so it is advisable to seek advice and possibly change medication. This also goes for any other treatments you may be receiving. Its best to tell your doctor that you are planning to conceive so adjustments can be made.

Toxoplasmosis

This is a common infection caused by a parasite found in cats faeces, soil, raw or uncooked meats and unpasteurised milk. It can affect both animals and humans, and can harm unborn babies.

Chemicals/pesticides

If its essential that you use strong household chemicals eg, weed killers or cleaning fluid, wear rubber gloves to avoid these harmful substances getting into your body through your skin. Also don't use them in confined/poorly ventilated places because of the dangers of breathing in harmful vapours.

Remember

Although there may seem to be a lot to take in, if you follow these tips now it will be a natural way of life by the time you conceive, giving you and your baby a healthier life during and after pregnancy.

Hash Trash

Hash number:No 930
Hares: 100 The Major & Skipper
Hounds: F n F,Twin Peaks,Puff Granny,Woodswrecker,Yeti,Shari,Deborah, Wilson, Scooter, Budweiser belly, Chickenhawk, Pirate, Batman, Eeyore, Billy Graham, Chief Longpole, Mama 3 Bones.

This week we were going to Hash the Ash.. Briefed and raring to go the pack shot off across the ash, through circles and bars, and over the road and up the ash wadi to the third circle back. A distant on-on came from nowhere, all turned around and there he was again, that little ball of dynamite - Chickenhawk. he and his gang had arrived late but from somewhere had found the energy to catch up. He was very soon to become this weeks wounded hasher and Eeyore soon to become this week's Hash nurse.

With all his leaks plugged-up it was on-on again. The trail was obvious and the intentions of the hare to send the pack in the wrong direction were ignored. Over the ash, around rocks, up and down, further to the centre of the lava flows. Another circle, and the hares pointed out that the next part would be a scramble, so the runners had better go first. F n F shot down the scree slope alone, the rest of the pack disappearing the other way with a bit of a smirk on their faces, through the lava flows and onto the shot-cut. It was obvious what was coming next and surprisingly no-one decided to take the short-cut home, all took the route upwards to Daly's Crags but not before a couple of the pack decided to turn back, for the remainder of the race was to get to the bottom of the Clinker Chute.

Boots were emptied of ash. The mini hashers wanted to do the chute again, the rest of the pack wanted to get going. It was o-on again with a little prompting. FnF was in the lead and decided to take a shortcut across the lava, everyone followed, it appears only the hares followed the road home.

The KK was opened for the usual victuals, a big thanks to Titpecker for double helping of sausages, thanks to Skipper for the double helping of music.

The sun slowly sank behind the power station whilst the remainder of the pack sank into oblivion.

Next weeks hash venue: Travellers Hill Gymnasium

Hare: F n F

EDITORS : Marie & Sherilyn Anthony
The New Islander Office, Fort Hayes, Georgetown, Ascension Island.
Tel/Fax 00 + 247 6327

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

Internet Teama: Gavin Yon, Richard White, Robert Dunstan

Deadline for all contributions is 6.00pm on Monday

The Islander - Thursday 12th December 2002

A TOUCH OF CLASS