GIC Limited, the London-based consultants who have been retained to manage the Air Access Invitation and responses process, have informed the St Helena Government (SHG) and the Department for International Development (DFID) that, at the Friday 25 July closing date, responses had been received from (in alphabetical order):

-Basil Read (Pty) Ltd

-John Laing International Limited

- Lagan Holdings Limited

- St Helena Leisure Corporation Limited (Shelco).

GIC are now beginning the process of examining and assessing the responses in accordance with the guidelines in the Invitation and are expected to submit an initial assessment report to SHG and DFID by the end of August. The purpose of the initial assessment report is to confirm that proposals are substantially responsive to the Invitation, and to identify key issues for subsequent detailed evaluation, when respondents may be asked to develop their proposals in more detail.

The next phase of activity, beginning in September, will be for SHG and DFID (drawing on specialist advice) to begin a process of detailed evaluation and clarification. Subject to SHG and DFID agreement that the proposals offer a viable way forward, it is expected that this will lead to one or more preferred providers being chosen to enter into contractual negotiations with SHG and DFID.

The timetable for detailed evaluation and negotiation will depend on the nature of the innovative proposals which have been received. At this stage it is envisaged that detailed evaluation may take from three to six months. Final negotiations would commence in early 2004.

Government of St Helena Department for International Development

Jamestown London

28 July 2003