A public meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2024, at the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre to discuss the ongoing review of St Helena's governance and ministerial system, which was introduced in 2021. This review has been commissioned by the Legislative Council with support from the Governor and the UK Government. Its purpose is to evaluate whether the constitutional changes made in 2021 are ensuring good governance characterized by efficiency, transparency, and accountability under a ministerial form of government.
The Review Panel includes Dr. Ronan Cormacain, Mr. Steven Tweedie, and Lord Robert Lisvane. Dr. Cormacain and Mr. Tweedie are currently visiting St Helena for two weeks and will host the public meeting. The meeting aims to provide an opportunity for residents to express their views on what is working well and what is not under the current ministerial system.
In addition to the public meeting, the panel is conducting interviews with various stakeholders during their visit. These discussions, along with input from the public, will contribute to a draft report expected in January 2025. The panel plans to return to St Helena for feedback on this draft before finalizing their report for presentation to the Legislative Council.
Dr. Cormacain emphasized that they want to hear from not only those within government structures but also from the general public. Mr. Tweedie added that it is important for them to focus on "the structures of government, the ministerial system, and the division of responsibilities between different branches of government." They clarified that issues outside this scope, such as individual government decisions' merits, would not be addressed.
Attendance confirmation is not required; residents can attend freely and share their opinions. For those unable or preferring private communication, feedback can be sent via email at StHelenaGovernanceReview@gmail.com. This email is accessible only by the review team and allows comments to be made confidentially.
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