St Helena : Progress on Immigration, Investment and Land Disposal Reviews
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 16.09.2010 (Article Archived on 30.09.2010)
Discussions continue on Government policy about immigration, investment and land disposal and remain a priority in light of the recent announcement on air access.
Progress on Immigration, Investment and Land Disposal Reviews
Discussions continue on Government policy about immigration, investment and land disposal and remain a priority in light of the recent announcement on air access.
Today, the working group responsible announced completion of their initial review. Legislative Council will meet on Friday 10 September to discuss the findings and agree next steps. Final approval will need to come from Council.
Councillor Tara Thomas, Chair of the Economy and Finance Committee, explained that the investment policy will be geared, not only to making the Island attractive to investors, but also towards ensuring that St Helena and its people gain maximum benefit. She added that any changes will also need to take account of existing local businesses and their development needs to compete in an open economy.
As Chair of the Home and International Committee, Councillor Derek Thomas, is concentrating in particular on immigration policy. He explained that the focus will be on continuing to provide a high quality, customer orientated immigration service and on ensuring that the Island is safe and secure for residents and visitors.
Policy on land disposal comes under the umbrella of the Natural Resources, Development and Environment Committee and, Councillor Rodney Buckley, Committee Deputy Chair, said that the policy will be geared towards supporting economic growth through investment and tourism. In particular, he said it will ensure that crown land and buildings are available for private and commercial use to the point of meeting the Island’s natural resources requirements while ensuring that the people of St Helena can continue with private house building.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
9 September 2010
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