Candidates who made government transparency a central campaign promise have swept the election on the island of St. Helena.
The winning coalition plans to pass a freedom of information bill. Several of the candidates, sworn in July 24, objected to being forced to swear secrecy oath required by the Constitution, according to reporting by journalist Simon Pipe in his St. Helena Online blog.
St. Helena is a UK Overseas Territory with a population of just over 4,000 people. An airport is being constructed on the island as the only access at present is by sea. It is a five day voyage from Cape Town or two days from Ascension Island on the RMS St Helena which is the only dedicated ship for the island.
“The 12 new councillors chosen to transform St Helena look set to start by blowing away the cobwebs in The Castle,” wrote Pipe. The Castle is the main government building.
Top vote getter Ian Rummery was quoted as saying: “It’s overwhelming. I guess this means we get a Freedom of Information Act, anyway.
Rummery wrote FreedomInfo.org, “Just to let you know we won and we will soon be moving to formally introduce FOI to the island’s Legislative Council. There are many logistical issues to consider as the population is only 4000 and our public service has limited capacity but it just means that the FOI must be fit for purpose.”
Rummery and another new councillor objected to the secrecy oath and said they would work for its removal.
Among other things, the oath requires them to state that they “will not, directly or indirectly, except with the authority of the Governor, reveal the business or proceedings of the Government of St Helena or the nature or contents of any document communicated to me, or any matter coming to my knowledge, in my capacity as a Councillor.”
Pipe wrote, “Excessive secrecy in The Castle directly conflicts with the UK government’s call for good governance in Britain’s overseas territories – including transparency. It is also seen as a significant reason for distrust of St. Helena Government.”
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