Ascension Island Government

Island Council

The Ascension Island Council is an elected body that provides advice to the Administrator on matters relating to the governance of Ascension Island. As a result of changes in the constitutional arrangements for Ascension Island, the first Island Council of seven members was elected and took office on 01 November 2002.

Alan Nicholls

Since 20 October 2022

alan-nichols

Alan was born on St Helena in 1957 and moved to Ascension Island in early 2006 where he worked for the Ascension Island Government in Human Resources. Alan retired from his position in 2016. Prior to moving to Ascension, Alan worked for the St Helena Government for over 30 years. When he left SHG in 2006 he held the position of Crown Prosecutor, Legislative Drafter and head of the Government’s Legal, Lands and Planning Department. Other than being an Island Councillor, Alan is currently also involved with the Islander newspaper and is a Lay Minister in St Mary’s Parish. He is in a long-term relationship with his partner and has a 25 year old son.

Councillor Nicholls can be contacted by email on councillornicholls@atlantis.co.ac

Kerry Benjamin

Since 20 October 2022

Kerry was born in St Helena and moved to Ascension with her family in 1985. She grew up on the island and, after attending college in London, returned to work as an accountant for Serco and later AIG. Kerry spent a few years working on the Falkland Islands and in the UK as an accountant before taking a career shift to more technical roles and becoming qualified in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Kerry moved back to Ascension in 2019 to take up employment as a Networks Technician for Sure. Kerry volunteers as an internet editor for the Islander, she is also a keen musician and singer, and enjoys performing with local band 7 Degrees South.

Councillor Benjamin can be contacted by email on councillorkerrybenjamin@atlantis.co.ac

Kyla Benjamin

Since 20 October 2022

Councillor Kyla Benjamin Option 2

Kyla Benjamin was born in St. Helena in 1999 and grew up in the district of Longwood. In 2015 Kyla visited Ascension Island with New Horizons for the Youth Games and then moved to Ascension in early 2018 and worked for NAAFI for one year before taking up employment with Encompass Digital Media as a Trainee Communications Technician. Kyla recently took on the role as a Communications Technician at the BBC Atlantic Relay Station. Personal interests include Island walks/hiking, volleyball and motorcycle trail riding.

Councillor Benjamin can be contacted by email on councillorkylabenjamin@atlantis.co.ac

Laura Shearer

Since 20 October 2022

Councillor Shearer Option 1

Laura was born in the outskirts of Glasgow and has worked with seabirds for over 10 years since graduating with an MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. Laura has been on Ascension for 4 years and works for the Ascension Island Government Conservation Directorate as the Coastal Reserves Manager/Seabird Scientist. In her spare time, Laura volunteers with the Sea Rescue team, is a keen SCUBA diver and coaches football for local teenagers.

Councillor Shearer can be contacted by email on councillorshearer@atlantis.co.ac