Chief Secretary John Styles was sworn in as Acting Governor earlier today.

In his address to members of Legislative Council, Heads of Department and other invited guests at the swearing in ceremony in the Governors Office, he commented on the number of issues which needed to be addressed in the new year. These included Strategic Planning for spending over 30 million pounds of budgetary aid for 2003 to 2007, air access, constitutional reform and others.

The Acting Governor also commented on how hard the Elected Members, Heads of Department and St Helena Government employees had worked during the year, especially towards achieving the pay award and coping with staff attrition. Shortage of staff has created great pressures in many areas.

He said that this is the first time that he has served as Acting Governor during the festive period although he has taken on this role on a number of occasions in the past.

Said the Acting Governor: "It is a privilege to serve the Island and its people during this festive time and with Lynnette’s help I will do my very best."

Governor Hollamby is currently away from the Island to attend the Heads of Mission Conference in Westminster, London, from 6 to 7 January and to make his official visit to Tristan da Cunha. He will return on 7 February.