It is official - SA will not allow an application for a passport to be processed unless completed in front of a SA official. So.... this is our sad story. Before Arthur left SA shores he applied for a new passport so that he would not be under any pressure to return within the next 10 years unless he wanted to. As has happened on 3 previous occasions to our family, the application got lost within the bowels of the home affairs department. I phoned SA's home affairs department and spoke to a very helpful lady, but the answer was still the same - Arthur either has to go to the SA embassy in London, or to a home affairs department in SA, and have his fingerprints taken in front of a SA official - the police department on St Helena's certification of his fingerprints will simply not be accepted.
I decided to go "home" with Arthur. The earliest booking that we could get off the island is on 8 Feb 2012. Although it is 297 sleeps away, I am looking forward to the visit - especially to seeing my mom again. We will be off the island for 5 weeks, but will only have 22 days in SA. The rest of the time will be spent on the ship getting to and from Africa. Graeme will stay at home and keep the church running and our 4 pets content.
With effect from the 1st of this month, St Helena has had big changes in its customs fees and tax laws - big increases. As can be expected, there is great unhappiness amongst the people, and there was a peaceful demonstration/march this afternoon to express their feelings. Wages on the island are generally very low, but there are many subsidies from the UK government
.
Later this afternoon, the lounge floor saw Arthur, the dyslexic, playing scrabble with Dannielle
Later this afternoon, the lounge floor saw Arthur, the dyslexic, playing scrabble with Dannielle
Cho, the kisser, trying to distract Danielle.
No comments:
Post a Comment