10 April 2017
Further to the press release of 5 April, although prioritisation of persons with St Helenian status for employment is the key issue currently, comparison of Section 21 of the St Helena, Ascension & Tristan Da Cunha Constitution Order and the relevant Section within the Constitutions of other British Overseas Territories shows that provision exists in other Islands to prioritise local persons in additional ways such as Immigration, Engaging in any Business or Profession and Movement or Residence within the Territory. Therefore, it is intended to make the content of the amendment, now being consulted upon, wider than just focussing on employment.
The proposed amendment aims to provide the same opportunity as local populations in other British Overseas Territories already have. The amendment will allow laws to be passed that will enable persons with St Helenian status to have special treatment without breaching the protection against discrimination provided by the Constitution.
Radio interviews to discuss the proposed amendment will take place on both Saint FM and SAMS Radio 1 this week.
As a reminder, all public consultation meetings will start at 7.30pm. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings to provide the necessary feedback.
Venue | Date | Councillor |
HTH Community Centre | Tuesday, 11 April | Hon Derek Thomas |
Kingshurst Community Centre | Wednesday, 12 April | Hon Derek Thomas |
Jamestown Community Centre | Tuesday, 18 April | Hon Dr Corinda Essex |
Harford Community Centre | Wednesday, 19 April | Hon Brian Isaac |
Sandy Bay Community Centre | Thursday, 20 April | Hon Dr Corinda Essex |
Blue Hill Community Centre | Monday, 24 April | Hon Brian Isaac |
Rupert’s Church (for residents in the Briars and Rupert’s area) | Tuesday, 25 April | Hon Dr Corinda Essex |
Silver Hill Bar, Levelwood | Thursday, 27 April | Hon Brian Isaac |
Anyone wishing to make any comment about the proposed amendment to the Constitution may do so in writing to Hon Brian Isaac, Chairman Social & Community Development Committee, The Castle, or via email: brian.isaac@helanta.co.sh. In addition, comments can also be sent to Miss Nicole Plato, Secretary to the Social & Community Development Committee, the Castle or via email: nicole.plato@sainthelena.gov.sh by no later than Tuesday, 2 May 2017.
The proposed amendment to the relevant section of the Constitution will be made available in hard copy at the Public Library from today, Monday, 10 April 2017, and is also available on the SHG Website at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Constitutional-amendment-Section-21-final-for-consultation..pdf
Social & Community Development Committee
10 April 2017