Supplementary written evidence from the Ascension Island Council (OTS0119)

Ascension Island is a small self-sufficient community with an economy of scale constraints, only one option of natural resource - that being fisheries and no right of abode to encourage investment internally or externally.  We are also subject to a US government enterprise that takes full advantage of a biased agreement between themselves and the Government of the United Kingdom.

We ask the UK government to fulfil its obligation to the OT by revisiting the Bahamas agreement extension to Ascension Island with the United States Government, with amendments stipulating fair financial contribution and compliance of the laws of Ascension.  This must include border control and flexibility of the Wideawake Airfield utilization. To revise that agreement that satisfies both the population of Ascension and the US governments security interests in the island.

Since the suspension of the air bridge in April 2017, it’s consequent impact (Ascension Island Government with reserves of less than £10m is losing approx. £1.5m per annum) and interest in a Marine Protected Area, we ask the UK Government to urgently consider investment into the island that provides the means to maintain a better economy and affordability of an MPA.

Whilst we support the MPA in principle, we ask the UK Government to commit to providing the funding of all expenses incurred with a fully operational MPA.  Ascension Island simply do not have the resources including the funding to facilitate a properly policed MPA.

To be more specific on our economic state, it is estimated that Ascension Island Government (AIG) will become bankrupt by 2024/2025, but even before then, there will be serious adverse consequences to the public services and employment numbers to try mitigating this.

Since the suspension of the RAF Airbridge in April 2017, Ascension’s only access is via the monthly SA Airlink flight to St Helena.  This has caused huge access problems for those working on the Island and tourism is now almost nonexistent, as travel is now too expensive and infrequent.  We anticipate that Island Income will further reduce with delays to the start of the runway works.  To further exacerbate our access and economic problems the payload of the SA Airlink aircraft is expected to be reduced to between 40 and 50%.  Recruitment and retaining of staff remain difficult due mainly to the restricted access and the uncertainty of the future.

The military or tactical aircraft - A400 makes a twice monthly flight between the UK and Ascension Island – connecting with the voyager travelling from the Falkland Islands in Cape Verde. Seats are used for medical referrals, urgent business cases and military use only.   The aircraft though is desperately underutilised and have at times had less than 10 people travelling on it.  We would ask that the UK Government work with the MOD to provide a monthly flight from Ascension to the UK allowing any of the workers or potential tourists to travel directly to the UK, particularly during the next 2 years.  This will help alleviate the access problems and stimulate tourism until the regular airbridge returns.

Thank you for allowing the Island Council of Ascension Island this opportunity.

December 2018