EXCO REPORT – TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2014

Executive Council met today, Tuesday 11 November 2014, with four items on the Open Agenda.

The first item was the Minerals Vesting (Amendment) Bill for an Ordinance.    However due to required amendments the Bill was withdrawn to be resubmitted in time for submission to the Formal Legislative Council Meeting to be held in December.

The second item was a request to waive fees for the upcoming Governor’s Cup Yacht race.  There was some discussion regarding the loss in revenue compared to the positive impact of supporting such a high profile sporting event.  It was agreed that in line with previous Governor’s Cup races, and as this will be the last Governor’s Cup in its current format, the fees be waived as a gesture of goodwill recognising the boost to the Island’s economy and the positive publicity generated around the race.

The third item was a request to bring forward, from the 2015/16 Capital Programme, commitments to the current financial year funding for hazardous waste management facilities, which include a hazardous waste cell and an incinerator. It is a requirement of the Airport project that hazardous waste generated is disposed of in accordance with international standards.  The reallocated funding will allow for a larger incinerator to be purchased, in conjunction with Basil Read, and this will leave a positive legacy for waste management on St Helena.

The final item on the Open Agenda was an Aviation Bill for an Ordinance.  Prior to the opening of St Helena Airport it will be necessary to establish a system of locally enacted laws dealing with aviation matters.  While these are local laws they must conform to international aviation standards and so the bill has been drafted in consultation with UK aviation experts.  Executive Council agreed that the Bill should be presented as Government Business at the formal Legislative Council meeting in December.

Council discussed a request for a reduction in Customs Duty for the purchase of a boat, this was the fourth such request this year and Members supported the request reducing the duty from 20% to 5%.  The reduction shows continued support for economic development and tourism. It was agreed that similar requests for exemptions of Custom Duty on sea vessels would be supported.

Executive Council observed the two minute silence (for Armistice Day) at 11am and the meeting concluded at 11.10am.

ExCo

11 November 2014

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