St Helena : St Helena EXCO meeting of 2 November 2011
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 09.11.2011 (Article Archived on 23.11.2011)

This morning I Chaired my first EXCO meeting on St Helena. I was impressed by the collegiate atmosphere and excellent contributions from all members. It was clear too that EXCO enjoys first class support from the Clerk to EXCO and from the Deputy Chief Secretary.

EXCO meeting of 2 November 2011

This morning I Chaired my first EXCO meeting on St Helena. I was impressed by the collegiate atmosphere and excellent contributions from all members.  It was clear too that EXCO enjoys first class support from the Clerk to EXCO and from the Deputy Chief Secretary.     

Our agenda began with a look at the Order Paper for the next meeting of LEGCO, scheduled to begin on Monday, 7 November.  Noting that a question about progress on the Lemon Valley Tourism Project was included on the LEGCO agenda; Councillors sought an update on the project. The Hon. Mrs. Bernice Olsson, Chair of the Civil Society, Tourism and Leisure Committee, Mike Dean, Tourism Development Executive, and Pamela Young, Head of Tourism, joined the meeting to discuss the project with Councillors. Mr Dean assured Councillors that despite a few unexpected problems arising with the project, work was on track and he expected it to be completed within budget.  Councillors recognised the importance of Lemon Valley to both Saints and tourists.

The Attorney General presented two papers related to the airport project. The principal purpose of both papers was to ensure that all was in place to move forward quickly should there be a favourable decision on the project.   

Our attention then went to a paper seeking approval, which was given, for a Broadcasting Licence to be issued to the St Helena Broadcasting (Guarantee) Corporation.  The paper noted that much work had been completed in recent months in order to establish the new media company, funding for which would be included in the Supplementary Appropriation Bill to be considered by LEGCO on 7 November. 

Under ‘Any Other Business’, Councillors raised a number of issues including management of the Jamestown wharf, the provision of government housing, preparations for the 2012/13 SHG budget and input to the forthcoming meeting in London of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council. 

The meeting began at 09.30 and concluded at 11.30.

Mark Capes

Governor

2^nd November 2011

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