ST HELENA AND DEPENDENCIES
This pro-
The present Constitution came into force on 1 January 1967.
vides for the Government of St Helena to be administered by the Governor in
Council. There is also a Legislative Council, consisting of two ex-officio
members and 12 elected members.
Council Committees including members of the Legislative Council have
been established and charged with general responsibilities for Government
departments and with certain executive responsibilities. The Governor's
Executive Council consists of two ex-officio members and the Chairman of
the Committees. Although the Legislative Council is encouraged to oversee
the activities of the various Government departments, the Governor has
reserve powers. The constitution requires the Governor to dissolve the
Legislative Council at least every four years.
The dependencies of St Helena are Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The
Governor is the sole legislative and executive body for Ascension and the
legislative authority for Tristan da Cunha. In September 1969, an Island
Council was established on Tristan by an Ordinance, under which the
Administrator is assisted by a Council consisting of three nominated
members and eight selected members.
advisory.
The Council's functions are purely