St Helena—On the Cusp of Globalization
In the next five years, we have a rare opportunity to witness transformation of a society toward a globalized world market. St Helena, a British Overseas Territory, is only accessible by ship—the same vehicle used to access the island since its discovery in 1502. Since its discover, the island’s economic prosperity has risen and fallen through globalizing trends due to its remote location in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. The island’s economy has faltered since the 1960s and it currently receives British government aid in the form of subsidies. In 2015, airport construction is expected to be complete which may catapult the island—once again—into the globalized world. This time through tourism.
This three-part documentary seeks to record the lives of the islanders by looking at the economy, social structure and identity of the islanders in 2009, prior to airport construction. This documentary is intended to be a baseline to compare the islanders’ lives after the airport construction is complete.
This three-part documentary seeks to record the lives of the islanders by looking at the economy, social structure and identity of the islanders in 2009, prior to airport construction. This documentary is intended to be a baseline to compare the islanders’ lives after the airport construction is complete.
Part I: Economic Struggles
According to the St Helena government, “The key economic features of St Helena are its isolation, its small and declining population, and limited productive capacity. These features have created an economy with a small domestic market, limited local production and exports, high reliance on aid and a small tax base.”
In 2009, the British government contributed 74 percent of the revenues needed to run the country. These interviews demonstrates the economic situation on St Helena from the perspective of the the people of St Helena, better known as "Saints." |
Like many places with high under-employment, St Helena has been experiencing massive emigration since the 1980s. Some research suggests that the people of St Helena are the island’s most important resource with the remittances sent back to parents and spouses on the island. The greatest loss through emigration has come from skilled and educated workers.
These three Saints describe why they emigrated from St Helena and what it's like to live away from their homeland. |
St Helena is said to be a thoroughly old-fashioned place—like an old British village that is devoid of crime. "Britishness" is an integral part of Saints' identity today, despite the long distance from the motherland. Perhaps due to the island's insularity, Saints are said to be among the friendliest in the world.
What is the Saint? Saints and expats weigh-in in these interviews. |
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