This week we publish the draft strategic objectives five to eight as suggested by members of Legislative Council:

• Develop a healthy community in a safe environment

This encompasses several aspects of public service. Provision of effective healthcare is a clear priority, which also extends to educating the public on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Increased investment in the health service, especially in the area of diagnostics is important if we are to increase the quality of on-island care.

Other public services such as water, recreational facilities, social services and policing should be delivered as effectively as possible within budgetary constraints.

• Develop and establish the democratic and human rights and self determination for the people of St Helena

Constitutional reform is an issue which will continue to be addressed to provide a modern constitution suitable for St Helena’s needs. It will include a Human Rights chapter. At the same time we need to ensure individual rights and equal opportunities both in the workplace and wider community and to make professional advice more widely available where needed.

• Enhance links with Ascension (during process of change)

The aim for SHG is to keep a watching brief on the current changes and work with the Island Council to the benefit of both Ascension and St Helena through a joint consultative forum. In the medium term, the aim is to develop, joint, practical arrangements to enable issues/services of common strategic importance (e.g. economic development and tourism) to be taken forward.

St Helena benefits from some of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty in the World. The environment is probably the island’s single most valuable asset, but it is also delicate. As such, its conservation, preservation and enhancement are crucial. Some key areas include improved waste management, protecting the marine environment and ensuring a sustainable fishing industry. Where change or development is necessary (or desired), it should be carried out only with careful consideration of the environmental impacts. Where possible (and feasible), we should work towards "green initiatives", such as recycling and renewable energy.