Governor Hollamby departed St Helena on Saturday 22 November to attend the Overseas Territories Consultative Council in London which is to take place from 8 to 10 December 2003.

While Governor Hollamby is away from the Island, Chief Secretary John Styles is serving as Acting Governor. Chief Administrative Health and Social Services Officer Ivy Ellick is serving as Acting Chief Secretary since the Deputy Secretary Ethel Yon MBE, who would normally undertake this role, is away from the Island on overseas leave. Gillian Francis is serving as Acting Deputy Secretary with Carol Yon as Acting Assistant Secretary. Meanwhile at the Public Health and Social Services Department, Betty Peters, Assistant Secretary, and Dr Derek Topliss, Senior Medical Officer are sharing the responsibilities of Chief Administrative Health and Social Services Officer.

Also departing were Councillors Cathy Hopkins and Mervyn Yon, both of whom are Members of Executive Council. The two Councillors will be attending the meeting with Governor Hollamby. They will also be attending the Overseas Countries and Territories/European Union Forum, which is to take place in Brussels from 2 to 5 December 2003, along with Dr Corinda Essex, Chief Development Officer, and the SHG UK Representative Kedell Worboys.

During the absence of the two Councillors, the Honourable Eric Benjamin and the Honourable Brian Isaac have been appointed Chairmen of the Public Health and Social Services Committee and the Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee respectively and temporary members of Executive Council.

Financial Secretary Bob Dolan also left the Island on 22 November and Matt Young has returned to carry out the duties of Financial Secretary in an acting capacity until a new Financial Secretary is appointed.

Governor Hollamby will return to St Helena on 19 December along with Councillor Mervyn Yon. Councillor Cathy Hopkins will return on 8 March 2004.