GOVERNOR’S WELCOMING SPEECH
With Thanks to St. Helena Media
Governor of St Helena Inauguration Speech 15 October 2004
My Lord Bishop, Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members of Executive and Legislative Councils, Honorary French Consul, Madam Sheriff, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls.
My wife, Claire, and I are delighted to be on St Helena once again. We very much appreciate the warm welcome and I look forward to a stimulating and enjoyable time as Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Interesting things have happened on St Helena on this day. HMS Northumberland, with Napoleon on board arrived at James Bay on 15 October 1815. On the same date in 1840, the remains of Napoleon were exhumed. I will certainly treasure this 15 October in my memory.
'I am conscious that in standing before you today, there is a break from the tradition of wearing the Governor's uniform. I recognise that this is a disappointment for some. However, we can look to the positives. Roles, responsibilities and relationships are changing. The White Paper on Overseas Territories was firmly based on partnership. That partnership implies a Governor working closely with elected members and government officials. The uniform could underline distinctions, differences and past relationships when the emphasis has to be on working together for a better future.
Of course, the essentials remain unchanged. I carry the Royal Commission from Her Majesty The Queen and we have this magnificent ceremony today. I would like to thank, not only all those taking part in the parades today, but also everyone involved in the behind the scenes organisation. We have a spectacle of which the island can be proud.
On the RMS, between skittles, shuffleboard and sea bird watching there is of course ample opportunity to reflect. Part of my reflection has been on the difference in roles between Chief Secretary and Governor. When I was last here as Chief Secretary my commitment was entirely to the St Helena Government. I hope that it will be appreciated that as Governor I will also be focusing on Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The former faces considerable challenges. It has moved very rapidly and quite rightly to democratic government. There is much to be done in terms of policies, projects and legislation to achieve its vision of a family-oriented island.
I am sure that there is much potential for Ascension and St Helena to work together to their mutual benefit. I look forward to working with an effective forum covering issues of co=on interest.
Compared to Ascension, Tristan da Cunha is much further away from St Helena, both in geographic terms and family links. Nevertheless, there is still scope for working together on issues like the accreditation of Tristan lobster so that it may be sold in Europe.
When I was previously on the island from 1997 to 2000, the big issues were encapsulated in the three Cs - citizenship, constitution and communications. I was delighted when full British citizenship was returned to islanders. Perseverance and a well-presented case paid off.
The three Cs was a convenient way of remembering the points, which had to be made. My own way of remembering for today is the word "POBOL " which is Welsh for people. The P of "Pobol" is for partnership. This is fundamental to the relationships between Her Majesty's Government and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan. In practice this means that the UK will continue to offer protection, assistance and encouragement for the islands to develop. In turn, the UK government looks for local initiative, responsible government, compliance with international obligations and the avoidance of contingent liabilities. Quite understandably, many on St Helena see the building of an airport as a test of this partnership. I wish I could today promise an airport, but I am not in a position to do so. It is widely known that the Atkins consultancy is still looking at the three main options - a short runway, a long runway, and the replacement of the RMS. No decisions have yet been taken, but ministers in the UK will decide within the next few months.
I believe that the island has a rare opportunity to influence UK Ministers. You can do this be demonstrating over the coming months that St Helena is prepared to put in place the framework I approach to welcome inward investment, immigration and v approaches to fulfil the potential of an airport. Such adaptability and willingness to embrace change now would passively improve our case for the large investment required.
The first “O” of "Pobol" is for openness. I want this to be one of the watchwords of my appointment. Some discussions within Government and within Executive Council are inevitably Confidential. But what I would wish to see is more and earlier consultation, more explanation of decisions and an even stronger consultation of Government to serve the consumers of public vices. I also want, as part of good governance, to look at proving access by the public to relevant documents.
Moving on, B stands for balance. Any Governor has to weigh different interests. The Governor is the Queen's representative l has to ensure due regard to the interests of Her Majesty's Government in the UK. Equally the Governor has to represent interests of the islands to the UK. Striking the right balance likely to be even more challenging under the proposed new Constitution. It would be a big step for St Helena, but I can see considerable advantages in moving in that direction. The new Constitution would reduce the powers of the Governor so it is more like a goat on the island looking forward to Christmas! Role under the new constitution as a direct decision-maker would reduce. Rather I would act as a check and balance in the tern, with your Ministers making most of the decisions that ~ct your day to day lives. To achieve good government, I would be looking for decisions based on facts, on reasoned arguments and a full appreciation of the impact on budgets and people in the street.
You know, there is no question of imposing a new constitution. There must be a clear majority who wants to see this development. His is the wish of the people, then I will do my utmost to keep the new constitutional arrangements work. There would much groundwork but we could do it.
The second “O” of "Pobol" is for optimism. I have a great belief in Saints - their skills, ability to learn and adaptability. But, sometimes on the island we seem to see the bottle of Castle as f empty rather than half full. I commit to being an optimist. There are real issues for the island, including emigration, loss of skilled workers, constitutional matters and economic development, but I know from my experience in Wales that tourists and investors do not relish a litany of problems. They look for opportunities, action and solutions. The island l point to many achievements, which even bigger territories would be proud of. I see much of my job as encouraging optimism. It is optimism based on faith in Saints to respond to challenges, to make progress and to shape their future.
The last letter, the L, in "Pobol" is for leadership. I see my leadership role as keeping the focus on the visions for the islands. It's all too easy for councillors and officials to be deflected by urgent day-to-day work. As Governor, I will help them to focus the wider and longer horizons.
I have used the word "Pobol" to help me remember partnership, openness, balance, optimism and leadership. The word "Pobol" does not mean anything in English and I hope that's not something rude in St Helenian! In Wales where I was born, "Pobol" means people. This emphasises my commitment the people of St Helena. I commit to bearing people in mind every important decision that I take or influence. Not every decision will be popular, but my promise to you is to consider lays the impact of policies, practices and decisions on the people of Ascension, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena. My priority will also be to ensure that the UK Government understands the hopes, needs and ambitions of the people of the 00 islands.
My sincere thanks for the warm welcome. I look forward working with you and serving you to the best of my ability.
RMS Receptions Cape Town & Walvis Bay.
Adam Kossowski St Helena’s Commercial Representative for Southern Africa attended the Cape Town and Walvis Bay launches on behalf of St Helena Government. Mr Kossowski used this opportunity to develop a number of new connections and reinforce existing ones from his previous trips. Discussions with various parties covered possible upcoming trade opportunities, arranging future visits by the St Helenian business community to Namibia, being updated about air access and sea access developments in Namibia, investigating potential tourism packages between the island and Namibia, and finalizing contacts for confirming logistical arrangements for visitors arriving from St Helena to Namibia.
Adam, after returning to his office reported on the receptions held on board RMS St Helena:
From the 7th October until its arrival in Jamestown, the RMS was used to hold special receptions at each port of call for local and national media, Government, Business, and Tourism officials. The launches, which took place in Cape Town, Luderitz and Walvis Bay were arranged by Andrew Weir Shipping, in association with the St Helena Line and St Helena Government.
The first launch took place on 7 October in Cape Town and was attended by about 60 guests. Amongst those attending were the former Governor, David Hollamby, the Governor Designate Michael Clancy and his wife Claire, the Namibian High Commissioner His Excellency Mr Wilbard, the British Consulate, senior representatives from the Port Authorities, shipping companies, travel agencies, hotels and some media. A special gift was presented to the Namibian High Commissioner for his efforts; he flew in from Pretoria to attend the launch on behalf of the Namibian Government.
During the RMS stopover in Luderitz - 10th October and Walvis Bay (11th October) there were two launches which were very well attended. Amongst those present at the launches were the Mayors of cities, the Regional Governors, Commissioners and a number of other high-ranking Government and business officials in the cities and country. A special visit was made to the Walvis Bay launch by the Honourable Minister Dr Moses Amweelo, the Namibian Minister for Works, Transport and Communication. The Honourable Minister gave a speech that highlighted Namibia’s delight at having an opportunity to build contact with St Helena Island in the near future. After the speech, Captain Langworthy gave the minister a gift on behalf of the ship and the Island.
At all three launches, Captain Bill Langworthy made brief speeches in which he thanked those present for their time, interest and efforts in promoting the new links between St Helena, Namibia and South Africa. In particular, Captain Langworthy thanked those present from the various cities or town where the RMS docked for their positive responses to the new RMS schedule. Following this the Governor Designate, Mike Clancy, also gave warm words of welcome and highlighted the positive reception he had received from each city. Governor Clancy stressed the importance of using the allotted year-long contract for the new schedule as a good opportunity to find ways to promote St Helena, especially in terms of tourism and possible business.
Special Thanks must go to the British High Commissioner, Alasdair Mac Dermott, who was instrumental in organizing the attendance of senior Namibian Government officials to the Namibian launches.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
20th October 2004
