S.Atlantic : St Helena Legislative Council Meeting 11 July 2008
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Juanita Brock) 27.07.2008 (Article Archived on 10.08.2008)

Cyril Gunnell reports on St. Helena's most recent Legislative Council Meeting.

5th Meeting of the 3rd Session of St Helena LegCo

The 5th Meeting of the 3rd Session of the St Helena Legislative Council took place at the Court House, on Friday 11th July commencing at 10am and was broadcasted live by Radio St Helena.

The meeting started with prayers following with the address by the Honourable Speaker, in which he informed the House that apologies of absence had been received from the Councillor Robert Robertson, who was sick.

This was followed by four sessional papers being laid upon the table; three by the Financial Secretary, and one by the Acting Chief Secretary.

The first question was by Councillor Anthony Leo. He asked the Chairman, Education Committee, Councillor Eric Benjamin – “So that young people can learn the words and music to The National Anthem, would the Chairman, Education Committee make sure that the Committee fits into the school timetables the necessary provision so that all children will learn and sing the National Anthem throughout their life at School?”

Mr Benjamin said it is the school and not the committee that sets the timetable, but it is based on curriculum requirements by the committee. But yes, he would certainly ask the department to make provision for students to learn the words of the National Anthem, if they do not already know them, and to encourage them to sing when the occasion demands. Councillor Leo then asked the Acting Chief Secretary, D Corinda Essex, – “Is the Administration now in a position to say if all expenditure relating to the two stowaways that were repatriated to Africa has been received by the St Helena Government?” Dr Essex said the money had so far not been received, but an e-mail had been received by the Chief Accountant indicating that the amount of 12,439 rands will be paid soon; there is no indication when the balance will be paid. The on island cost of housing the prohibitive immigrants during their stay totaled £5,952.62, in addition to that there will be the expenses relating to their repatriation.

The third and final question was by Councillor Victor Lines.  He asked the Chairman, Education Committee – “Would the Government of St Helena consider turning the Duke of Edinburgh playground into a long stay car park?” Mr Benjamin said the Duke of Edinburgh had been established under legislation as a children’s playground. To use it for any other purpose, the ordinance or regulations might have to be amended or repealed. The Education Department already has approved plans for improving that area, but is finding it quite difficult to get work carried out at this time because of lack of manpower to do the job. But in the meantime other interests have also been shown for the use of the playground and this, together with your request will be given consideration by government, taking into account a motion passed in the House earlier, which was supported by all members, and the substance of questions raised were requesting more play areas and leisure facilities for children.

The first stages of the Education Bill and Immigration Bill were then presented by the Chairman, Education Committee and Acting Chief Secretary, respectively. It was said the Bills had received wide consultation. All members were in favour of the principles of the Bills and they were adjourned until Thursday 14th August, for further procedure.

After tea, Councillor Victor Lines raised a motion that “The Government of St Helena should consider the introduction of a Land Tax on all Land Owners who refuse to clean their lands of all known invasive plants.” The sentiments of the motion were supported, but it is fair to say it only passed the House, because it simply asked for consideration to be given. The main business dealt with, The Acting Chief Secretary moved that the meeting be adjourned until the 14th August 2008. This was agreed.

The adjournment debate then followed with members making many points. The Acting Chief Secretary had made points that were put forward by each speaker and, gave answers accordingly. The meeting eventually ended at 12.35 after two hours and 35 minutes including tea break.

Adjournment Debate:

Those Honourable Members, who wanted to, took the opportunity to speak and between them raised a number of points of view. The Acting Chief Secretary, Dr Corinda Essex, said she would go through the main comments raised in the adjournment debate by honourable members in turn.  Councillor Reid suggested, “I think, that members of the emergency services should have free licences for private vehicles”– that is something that could perhaps be considered – but would also suggest that the honourable member should have declare an interest.

With regard to the comments made by the Hon. Chairman, Agricultural and Natural Resources committee (Councillor Francis), it’s extremely pleasing to note the progress that the Agriculture and Natural Resources is making with regard to the formulation of policies, which will assist those in the production sector of St Helena. The production sector on St Helena is one that has scope for considerable development, and which ultimately pays dividends in terms of import substitution and also increased exports. So it is extremely pleasing to hear the efforts that are already being made in order to move that sector forward, and it is hoped that even further endeavours will be possible in the future.

With regard to his other point about assistance for flood damage, I think everyone within St Helena Government at all levels is fully aware of the serious impact of the recent floods and indeed where measures have been possible, they have been taken to assist individuals to cope with the consequences. Indeed, as I mentioned in the last meeting within this House, emergency services and others worked tirelessly in order to try minimising the damage, and the consequences of that damage. As the honourable member is aware we have an exceedingly tight budget and the budget for this year I regret, to say, has very little flexibility. However, I have put forward a suggestion that one of the considerations under the next budget should be for the provision of a centralised disaster fund. I think honourable members will recall that in years gone by we did have such a fund in existence, and then as a result of directions from DfID at that particular point in time we were no longer allowed to ring fence monies for specific purposes such as that and therefore we had to resolve the fund. As I think honourable members are fully aware DfID’s thinking is now becoming far more enlightened and far more supportive of St Helena and its needs and hopefully there will be no opposition to the establishment of such a fund when we go into our next round of negotiations.

That remains to be seen.

Councillor Williams expressed concern about the short space of time between the debate on the Immigration Bill this morning and the time when it will come back to the House for final decision. These concerns are understood, but indeed the bill has already had extensive public consultation and meetings have been held around the island, the Attorney General made himself available in the Small Court Room for individuals to come for one-to-one discussions. There has also been a considerable amount of publicity to this bill and as honourable members are aware the bill does relate to one of the key front loading indicator triggers for the release of front loading. And therefore if there is a very great delay in actually getting this bill to the House that will have a negative impact on the release of funding forth implementation of the very top priority infrastructure projects, like for example water and electricity. He made reference to the Rockrose connection, as the honourable member states, that component of electricity distribution project has been brought forward, and it will be implemented as soon as possible.

The honourable member also made reference to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office report; this will be considered by the St Helena Government and obviously a suitable response will be submitted.

Turning now to the many points made by Councillor Leo:

He quite rightly flagged up the seriousness of the increases, which are going to impact upon all of us on St Helena and indeed St Helena Government is fully aware of the likely consequences; discussions have already started within the government regarding this matter.

He mentioned the Sustainable Development Plan; the SDP has been overtaken by world events – this is true to some extent, however I think that all honourable members would still wish to aspire to the four pillars of the SDP, particularly human and physical infrastructure development, protection for the development, modernisation of government, and private sector development. Those issues are key to the future of the island.

He also mentioned the White Paper and I would like to reassure him that St Helena Government is still working in partnership with Her Majesty’s Government, in particular with DfID to endeavour to see that the island gets as much support as is possible during this forthcoming very difficult period. Indeed, as I think all honourable members are aware DfID has given a commitment to a new deal with St Helena, which will for example enable a level of investment in infrastructure development, and in the private sectors that has not previously been possible. So it’s not all gloom and doom. We are facing a very difficult time and I don’t think any of us would shrink from having to admit that because it is a reality however painful it may be. But I can assure honourable members that St Helena Government is responding responsibly to this issue.

He mentioned ……12.57

Cyril Gunnell