Ascension : GOVERNOR CLANCY SPEAKS ABOUT ASCENSION AND DEMOCRACY
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 20.10.2007 (Article Archived on 03.11.2007)
Governor Clancy has been working on Ascension for the last two weeks. After leaving for St Helena on 17 October he will complete his term as Governor at the end of the month. He has very much enjoyed his time as Governor and the time which he has spent on Ascension.
GOVERNOR CLANCY SPEAKS ABOUT ASCENSION AND DEMOCRACY
Governor Clancy has been working on Ascension for the last two weeks. After leaving for St Helena on 17 October he will complete his term as Governor at the end of the month. He has very much enjoyed his time as Governor and the time which he has spent on Ascension. He has not added to the hues on the Lizard with his own pot of paint and would like to see what the islands are like in the future particularly after the opening of the airport on St Helena. He reflected on the questions about democratic arrangements, which have been put to him whilst on Ascension.
What’s happened since the resignation of the last Council?
As you will recall we did not have sufficient nominations to proceed with the election of a new council. In order to avoid a paralysis in government policy making and related activity, the Island Council Ordinance was suspended. Since the Ordinance requires me generally to take account of the advice of the Council on policy and law, there would have been no way of operating otherwise. I have set up an advisory group and a process of public consultations so that the Administrator and I can take account of views before taking policies forward.
Since you have operated like this for several months, do we need a council?
I very much value the input from the Advisory Group but it is not a substitute for an elected council. To my mind politics is about establishing priorities and this is best done with the advice of people elected by their peers on Ascension. There are many choices in issues like education, public works, health services and the budget which would all benefit from contributions of people elected by those living and working on Ascension.
What plans do you have for restoring a Council on Ascension?
I would like to see another Council in place in the first half of next year. I have held two public meetings whilst on the island – in May and September. In these I have emphasized that we need to look forward and set out clear steps leading to fresh elections. Much depends on people indicating that they are willing to serve.
An information campaign was mentioned. What is happening on this?
We plan to get further information to the public on Ascension. There are still some misunderstandings about governance and we will aim to clarify matters. We are also looking at whether any changes need to be made to encourage people to stand as Councillors and will be actively seeking views over the next few months
Is it fair for workers on Ascension to be taxed when they do not have representation?
Tax is a very emotive subject generally, not only on Ascension. But it should be remembered that on Ascension salaries were increased at the time income tax was introduced in 2002 to compensate for the new tax obligation. Therefore in real terms, there was no direct impact on individuals as their take-home pay stayed the same, and the salary increases were fully funded by the employers.
In any event no right of representation was taken away; rather sufficient candidates did not come forward to allow for an election. And, as I have clearly stated, I want to see elections take place. Although we could consider alternative financing arrangements, it is clear that employers on Ascension are not interested in going back to the system where they financed and organised public services. Government will therefore need to continue to be involved in providing services like education, health, roads, shipping support and so on and these have to be financed from revenue streams within Ascension.
You set up an advisory group. Is this working effectively?
I am very pleased with the input from the Advisory Group but both the group and I are conscious that on the most substantive issues we will need a wider input from the public. Thus, for instance the Group were involved in considering the draft Entry Control Ordinance before it was circulated for public consultations. The group has also been involved in the policy thinking on other papers which in the future will be consulted on more widely.
Given the interests of the UK Government in the island, can any Council really have an influence on life on Ascension?
There are obligations as well as benefits which go with being an Overseas Territory and the UK Government has set parameters to protect its interests such as minimising the possibility of liabilities falling on the British taxpayer. However, within those parameters there is considerable scope for a Council to influence positively policies which affect those living and working on Ascension.
What happens if sufficient people do not come forward to stand at an election?
I very much hope that people will come forward. Other practical options are limited but could include an extension of the life of an advisory group.
You will be completing your term as Governor in the very near future; will the new Governor have a different approach as regards establishing a Council on Ascension?
The development of democracy within the agreed policy framework of no right of abode and no property ownership on Ascension Island is an ongoing priority for the FCO, as I am sure it will be for the new Governor. The programme of working towards the election of a new Council on Ascension Island that I started earlier this year will continue with support from the FCO and the Administrator.
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