Tag Archives: transparency

Human rights group pushes transparency cause

A leaflet supporting the fight against secrecy in St Helena Government is being published by the island’s human rights body. It calls for a Freedom of Information (FoI) law to be introduced, just as the topic looks set to become … Continue reading

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Secrecy leaves islands at risk of corruption, warns RSPB

A paragraph in this story has been toned down in response to a comment made privately to St Helena Online. The paragraph, about information being made available to legislative councillors, was capable of mis-interpretation.  Secretive decision-making by governments in St … Continue reading

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MP ‘shocked’ by tales of environmental failings

A Member of Parliament has reacted with dismay to allegations about the British government’s performance on protecting the environment of UK overseas territories. Caroline Lucas, the country’s only Green Party MP, said the government’s systems were “constitutionally not working.” She … Continue reading

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Psst… councillors debate transparency

Government transparency and accountability are understood to be on the agenda for a meeting of St Helena’s Legislative Council – the island’s parliament. The meeting – Monday 25 February 2013 – was not publicised in either of the island newspapers, and … Continue reading

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Constitution flaw left leaders challenging themselves

A flaw in St Helena’s constitution means senior councillors can legally be responsible for challenging their own decisions. Last year, two “respected” executive councillors stepped down from the island’s public accounts committee, set up to monitor decision-making, when the flaw was highlighted. Now changes … Continue reading

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Dear Councillor: do you want open government on St Helena?

The people elected to serve the people of St Helena have been asked to say whether they want to bring democracy on the island out into the open.  Governor Mark Capes has reported that councillors want to see more government … Continue reading

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Transparency at The Castle becomes a human rights issue

The battle against secrecy within St Helena Government has been taken up by the island’s human rights co-ordinator. And emails have been sent to all of the island’s councillors asking whether they support transparency in the way they carry out their … Continue reading

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UK group backs campaign to end secrecy in The Castle

A call for more open government on St Helena has been backed by a leading group in the UK. In a message of support, Katherine Gundersen of the London-based Campaign for Freedom of Information says open, honest debate leads to … Continue reading

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Jobs for island contractors after years of under-spending

Island businesses are being asked to help with a backlog of “challenging” work to improve infrastructure on St Helena – such as roads and buildings. It follows a rebuke in early 2012 by aid advisers over delays in spending several … Continue reading

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£46,000 a year to make island finances more transparent

An adviser is being recruited to help deal with weaknesses in St Helena’s public services. The job will include making the island’s budget system more transparent. The £46,000-a-year role is to guide the modernising of public service on the island … Continue reading

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