Atkins consultant, Barry Patterson, spent an action-packed week on the Island to gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding air access and in particular the potential for economic development on the Island. As well as attending official meetings with the Air Access team and LEGCO, Mr Patterson held discussions with Government officers from the Public Works and Services Department, Customs, Police, Tourism, Legal, Lands, Health, Planning and the Environment. Meetings were also undertaken with the Immigration Board, the SHDA Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board, the St Helena Economic Forum, the National Trust, Solomon’s, and Cable and Wireless. Two public meetings were organised on Wednesday 19 November at which 71 and 45 people attended.

If Mr Patterson was not in a meeting discussing air access and economic development, he together with members of the air access team, was touring the Island to gain a greater appreciation of the social and technical issues involved in locating the airport. On one of the tours, they were joined by Basil George who advised on the cultural heritage of the Island as well as the potential for walking, maritime and other activities.

On returning to the UK, Mr Patterson will work with his colleagues to report back to SHG and DFID their evaluation of the responses to the Air Access Invitation and their recommendations. This report is due to be submitted by 17 December for SHG’s and DFID’s consideration.

In a new development on air access, the Acting Governor, John Styles, is "delighted" to be able to confirm the appointment of Sharon Rose Wainwright as a full time Project Coordinator for the development of air access for St Helena. "This appointment signals our determination to push air access forward and make it happen."

Ms Sharon Rose Wainwright’s appointment has been confirmed this week out of a field of outstanding candidates following interviews in both the UK and on St Helena. "Sharon Wainwright was unanimously considered to be the best candidate for the post against first rate competition" said Adrian Green, Chair of the interview panel.

Sharon is currently Project Manager with an international petro-chemical company. As well as her Project Management capabilities she has experience in sales and marketing management, quality systems, auditing and airport services.

Sharon is very well qualified with a diploma in Management Studies and is a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with a specialism in competitive strategy.

Commenting on her appointment, Sharon said: "I am extremely pleased to be appointed to this post and I am looking forward to the challenges that the development of air access for St Helena presents."

Sharon, who is originally from St Helena, is likely to return to the Island in early 2004 - after some 18 years working away from the Island.