St Helena : AIR ACCESS UPDATE NO 12
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 15.02.2004 (Article Archived on 29.02.2004)
What is happening? Where do we now stand? Why is it all taking so long?
These are the questions the Chamber of Commerce asked in last weeks St Helena Herald. These are all fair questions. We understand why people are asking them. We will explain as best we can.
AIR ACCESS UPDATE NO 12
Joint Press Release DFID and SHG
What is happening? Where do we now stand? Why is it all taking so long?
These are the questions the Chamber of Commerce asked in last weeks St Helena Herald. These are all fair questions. We understand why people are asking them. We will explain as best we can.
The first thing to say is that the St Helena Government has to be as sure as it possibly can be, before any final decisions are taken, that the chosen course of action is right for the Island and its community. The UK Government is equally committed to the future of St Helena. However, both Governments also face crucial judgements on how best to invest the large sums of money that are needed to finance access beyond the lifetime of the present RMS. There can be no second bites of this cherry: once a particular course is selected on how to maintain and preferably improve access, we will need to stick to it, and it will need to work.
The St Helena Government and DFID have been exploring a particular approach. This entailed, last year, inviting outline proposals from the international private sector. The object was to find ways in which air access could be introduced so that the whole Island could benefit from it. The responses to that invitation have since been under very careful consideration with the help of specialists.
Where, then, do we now stand? Assessment of the proposals is well advanced. We have listened, as we must do, to specialist advice. This is primarily being provided by Atkins, who have extensive experience in major government and private sector ventures, and airport development. We have been seeking clarification of their advice, where necessary. We have been doing this as quickly as we possibly can. But to rush the process, or to try to do it in open and public debate, would be neither realistic nor sensible. It would also be inappropriate and unfair to the respondents to the international invitation who have demanded commercial confidentiality. Both the St Helena Government and DFID remain determined to do nothing that might compromise the best interests of the Island and its people.
We expect, very soon, to be able to make recommendations to Ministers in London and Councillors in St Helena. When their views are known, and when those who responded to the international invitation have been contacted again, the St Helena Government will then be able to continue the dialogue with the public to which it remains fully committed. Saints will recall that the earlier public consultation resulted in the important referendum mandate for air access. The St Helena Government and DFID have yet to confirm that it can and will be delivered.
We value the contribution made by the Chamber of Commerce in the St Helena Herald last week and recognise this as a reaffirmation of the importance of proper public dialogue in relation to this very important initiative.
So, how much longer before we can provide more information about what happens next? The answer, we very much hope, is not far off. The Government and DFID appreciate and share the anxieties that are regularly expressed, including through the Herald. We ask for your further patience and understanding as we strive to reach decisions that are in the best interests of all.
SHG Press Office/DFID
11 February 2004
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