TNAG-0831-FCO40-1039-Commonwealth-Parliamentary-Association-(CPA)-annual-conferen-1979 — Page 89

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