St Helena : St Helena Governor to Visit London
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 10.01.2009 (Article Archived on 24.01.2009)

For some months now it has been my intention to visit Ascension Island, London, the Falklands and Tristan da Cunha during February and March. However two factors have emerged that make that now impossible.

FORTHCOMING LONDON VISIT

For some months now it has been my intention to visit Ascension Island, London, the Falklands and Tristan da Cunha during February and March. However two factors have emerged that make that now impossible. One is the recent demise of HMS Endurance on which we had intended to sail from the Falklands to Tristan and then back here, and the other is the fact that I am aware that it would be helpful for me to be in London in order to discuss the “pause” of a decision on our airport.

Both Jean and I are deeply disappointed that we cannot visit Tristan as planned and we are trying to find an alternative so that getting to know the people and the place will not be long delayed. However, the flooded engine room on Endurance does give me the chance to pass through Ascension twice thus enabling me to work through important matters with the new Council. It also means that I can spend longer in the UK where the FCO feels that my presence might be useful.

As you will all realise, the decision on the airport hangs very much in the balance. The unexpected and overwhelming change in the world economy brought about by the “credit crunch” has created a different background to the decision. It is that background that is now being considered in London, and I feel it only right that your Governor should be present so that your views and feelings can be represented. I have reason to believe that meetings will be arranged that will provide me with that opportunity.

I can make no promises with regard to the outcome. During 2008 I reported many times that all those involved in the build up to the airport were very optimistic, but it is obvious that there is very little general optimism around in the UK at present, and that feeling appears to have stretched to our need for an airport. What I can promise is that I will do my best to discuss and persuade, while understanding the reasoning behind any decision, and I will keep you informed of the situation as relevant over the next few weeks. Whether we end up with an airport, with plan B, or with plan C, I feel that we must achieve some certainty. I will of course publish a comprehensive report on the outcome of my visit on my return.

I am particularly keen that during my absence the atmosphere here should be “Business as usual”, especially when it comes to the reform of the public sector, the expansion of the private sector and the much needed revision of our Constitution. The latest draft of that document, which has been discussed in public many times already, will be published this week, and you will have yet more time to consider it between now and my return on 8^th March, when we will be having further formal consultation. The Constitution is one improvement that is within our grasp; let us hope that after my visit, the rest of our future will be equally positive.

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