VISIT BY FCO OFFICIAL
13 September 2012
Arriving on the Island on Thursday, 4 October 2012 will be Dr Martin Longden, Deputy Director of the Overseas Territories Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This will be a familiarisation visit and during his stay of approximately one week he will be meeting with Councillors, SHG officials, and members of the private sector. In advance of his visit Martin has sent the following message –
“I am really looking forward to visiting St Helena next month. Though I have met with Saints in the UK, Ascension and the Falklands, this will be my first time to the Island. It is a privilege to be responsible for St Helenian affairs in the FCO, but there can be no substitute for visiting a place - and meeting its people - if you want properly to understand the issues. So this visit is long overdue!
“It will also be a great opportunity for me to see first-hand the remarkable progress that is being made on the airport project and associated developments. Though all of us have our work cut out to meet the challenges ahead, these are nevertheless exciting times for St Helena. I will be keen to talk to as many Saints as possible about their hopes and concerns, as the UK and St Helena work together to realise the Island's full potential.”
Governor’s Office
13 September 2012