20 July 2016 | Comments
Monday’s formal Legislative Council meeting was the first of many official meetings which will now be held in the newly refurbished Council Chamber at the Castle (photo attached).
Funded through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Development Assistance Fund, improvements to the Council Chamber include the installation of a wireless conference delegate system and sound-proof flooring, plus carpet, chairs and conference table.
Assistant Chief Secretary, Gillian Francis, said:
“Up until this week’s meeting, all formal Legislative Council sessions were held in the Court House, but with the increasing number of Court cases, especially when the Supreme Court is in session, we had to on some occasions use the Council Chamber – which in its former state was inconvenient.
“This refurbishment was much needed, and now with the improvements all formal and official meetings can take place in the Council Chamber with minimal interruptions and without affecting the Court schedule.”
The refurbishment of the Council Chamber also supports St Helena’s parliamentary development, providing an assembly layout for all Honourable Members, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, senior officials and visiting dignitaries to conduct formal meetings in an appropriate and professional manner.
Representing the CPA St Helena Branch, Councillor Derek Thomas concluded:
“The newly refurbished Council Chamber provides a great facility for Elected Members to discharge their functions – and Legislative Council is extremely grateful to the CPA for its support in funding this refurbishment.
“The new vision approved by the Executive Committee of the CPA in April 2016, provides for greater opportunities for membership branches to access funding for training courses, road-shows for young audiences and other specific projects to assist Parliamentarians in the delivery of their business.
“As a member of the Executive Committee I do hope that I will be able to encourage further support to achieve some of these initiatives for the benefit of St Helena.”
SHG
20 July 2016
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