Recent suddenly swift developments regarding an International Airport, and a new Development Board which gives space to only ONE member of Civil Society has left some of us very concerned for the future. There is no direct representation for the Environment. The best the Trust could do was support the nomination of Dale Bowers whose impartiality and ability we respect, and who will do his best to represent all of Civil Society on a Board of 4 Government people, 3 Private Sector, and one Civil Society member.

We can only hope that the voice of the majority of the people will be listened to as we move forward to a new and uncertain future for the island, with the wish that St. Helenians overseas can return to help build it, despite the fact that salaries will not improve for some time. The DFID team visit was very positive, and we all felt their genuine concern that the development should always benefit the island and all of its people. Here is an extract from a vision of 2015, from  the Tourism Master Plan 1997-2012, which I share:-

All in all. St. Helena remains, in the year 2015, a great place to live. It has good access to Europe, the States and South Africa. It has a stronger economy with less dependence on the British Government. The island is well planned, its Heritage and nature is protected; it got its act together early enough and has managed to avoid many of the problems experienced elsewhere on small islands.
Tourists love St. Helena’s clean, tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Although the town centre and waterfront is busy, many these days come to walk and explore the island’s heritage attractions, museum and interpretation centres.

Lots of foreign investors want to get in on this carefully nurtured bit of paradise, but the St. Helenians always gently say the same thing “Thanks, but no thanks – we like it the way it is and we intend to keep it that way.”

This will sadly be my last Newsletter,( printed by our new Printech printer) as I complete my three year contract in mid August. I have very much enjoyed my work at the National Trust Office – indeed it fulfilled a wish that I could somehow help young people to appreciate their island's precious and unique heritage more, and I hope that I have been able to do that in a very small way.

I hope you enjoy the Newsletter, and I thank all of you for your support during the last three years.

Barbara B. George

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