The Legislative Council of St Helena has initiated an independent review of the island's governance structures, three years after adopting a ministerial form of government. The review aims to evaluate the 2021 constitutional changes and their impact on governance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. With support from the Governor’s Office, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) was engaged in August to conduct this review, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
WFD has assembled a team of experts comprising Dr. Ronan Cormacain, Steven Tweedie, and Lord Robert Lisvane to lead the review. This team brings expertise in governance principles, legal and constitutional theory within overseas territories, small island government operations, and knowledge of St Helena or similar territories. Their qualifications are available upon request.
The team plans to visit St Helena in early December for two weeks. They will conduct a desktop review, primary research, virtual engagements, and consultations with public and key stakeholders. A final assessment report is expected by March end but may be adjusted for thorough consultation.
The assessment will examine several aspects: evolution of governance since 2021; clarity of roles; responsibility and accountability in government functions; effectiveness of changes against objectives; appropriateness of objectives today; relationships among governance actors; change management efficacy; design gaps or deficiencies; constitutional alignment with new systems; legal authority delegations; and options for addressing issues.
This consultative process involves all island stakeholders. The team invites engagement from interested parties via email at StHelenaGovernanceReview@gmail.com before their visit from November 30 to December 15.
Following this phase, a second phase focusing on implementing recommendations is planned.
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