hamzaupwork.com

Category: News

  • Minister Christine Scipio to Attend Climate Change Resilience Workshop in Brussels

    Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), Christine Scipio, will be attending the “Climate Change Resilience” Community (GOCCR) in-person workshop in Brussels, Belgium, from 25 to 28 February 2025. The workshop, organised under the Green Overseas (GO) programme, focuses on mainstreaming climate change resilience into policies for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The GO programme will cover all costs associated with the workshop.

    The GO programme, designed to build capacity and foster collaboration among OCTs, addresses key areas such as climate finance, energy transition, and climate change resilience. The Brussels workshop, implemented by Ramboll, ODI, and BRL ingénierie, aims to promote the integration of climate change resilience into OCT public policies and regulations, and facilitate the practical implementation of adaptation strategies.

    The four-day workshop will cover a range of critical topics, including:

    • Building a shared knowledge-base on climate risks: Participants will explore methods for understanding and assessing climate change impacts.
    • Overcoming institutional barriers: Strategies for promoting leadership and coordination in climate change adaptation will be discussed.
    • Field Visit: A visit to the Flemish SIGMA plan and the Polders of Kruibeke will provide practical insights into flood management and resilience.
    • Climate Finance: Participants will learn about unlocking climate finance access for climate change resilience projects.

    Minister Scipio will return on Saturday 8 March 2025 but will be contactable whilst overseas on christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh and christine.scipio@sainthelena.gov.sh. Minister Jeffrey Ellick can be contacted for any urgent matters related to ENRP Portfolio via email at jeffrey.ellick@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    #StHelena #ElectedMembers #ClimateChangeResilience

    https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Road Closure – Rosemary Plain to Sunnyside Junction

    The Highways Authority has approved a road closure on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, from 09:00 to 15:00. The closure will affect the section of road from the top of Rosemary Plain to Sunnyside Junction. This is to facilitate tree removal by the Forestry Section.

    Emergency services will have access as needed. The Forestry Section apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and co-operation.

  • Careers Fair 2025 

    The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) will be hosting Careers Fair 2025 on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at New Horizons and the Leisure Park. The fair will open at 11:00 and close at 19:00. Emergency Services will be located in the Mule Yard.

    The aim of the fair is to provide attendees with essential career advice, explore employment opportunities, and promote career development.

    This event brings together employers, business owners and representatives from a wide range of organisations to showcase various career paths.

    Whether you are looking for career advice to help guide your professional journey, seeking hands-on experience and potential employment opportunities with business representatives, or eager to explore a diverse career path, Careers Fair 2025 has something for you.

    There are still stalls available for registration, however, spaces are limited. To secure a spot, please contact the Career Access Office by telephone on 25832 or email Career Access Manager, Glen Yon, at Glen.Yon@sainthelena.gov.sh or Support Officer and Placement Co-ordinator, Sherrilee Phillips, at Sherrilee.Phillips@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    ESE encourages interested parties to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

  • Weather Warning

     St Helena is forecast to experience a north-westerly swell from Friday, 21 to Monday, 24 February 2025. This may result in unsettled sea conditions in both James and Rupert’s Bay. Boat owners are urged to ensure their vessels are securely moored during this period.

    Swimmers should exercise extreme caution when entering the water in James Bay and Rupert’s Bay.

    Vehicle owners are advised to avoid parking near the rail on the seafront and individuals are asked to use caution when in close proximity to the railings due to the potential risk of wave overspray and associated hazards.

    The Emergency Planning Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as needed.

  • Minister Mark Brooks to Depart Island on Overseas Leave

    Minister Mark Brooks will depart the island on Saturday 22 February 2025 for a period of overseas leave in Cape Town, South Africa.

    During the two-week period that Minister Brooks is away, he will also utilise this opportunity to undertake meetings in relation to his ministerial work. The Minister is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday 8 March but will remain contactable during the period he is away via mark.brooks@sainthelena.gov.sh or Mbrooks.homeimprovement@gmail.com.

    The Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, can be contacted for any urgent issues in relation to the Treasury and Economic Development Portfolio in Minister Brooks’ absence.  She can be contacted by email at Julie.Thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    All expenses for this trip is being covered by Minister Brooks.

  • Road Closure – The Arch, Jamestown (Sea Front Access)

    The Highways Authority has approved the road going through The Arch in Jamestown (leading to the sea front) to be closed to all vehicular traffic and pedestrians on Wednesday 5 March and also on 12 March from 13:00 to 15:30.

    This closure is necessary for essential repairs to the arch structure by the Building Works Section. Pedestrian access to the wharf and lower Jamestown will be via the Terrace and Harbour View steps.

    Emergency services will have access as needed. The Roads Section apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and co-operation.

  • Watch List Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signed Between St Helena and UKG – 12 February 2025

    A Press Statement on 17 October 2024 highlighted that SHG and the UK Government (UKG) had approved an arrangement in regards to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago.

    On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Jeffrey Ellick, Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), and The Rt. Hon Lord David Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, signed a Watch List MoU.

    This is a major step forward in addressing a key BIOT component between St Helena and UKG, ensuring St Helena can safeguard our borders.

    The MoU ensures individuals intending to travel to St Helena can be checked against UK watch list information. This means that St Helena’s Customs and Immigration Department can share passenger data (either from flights or cruise ships) with the UK for watch listing, prior to those passengers arriving in St Helena. This is the first time St Helena has been able to draw upon UK watch list checks.

    By sharing data, the island can improve border security, and allow SHG Customs and Immigration to make informed decisions on permitting entry into St Helena.

    The Minister for SSHA, Jeffrey Ellick stated:

    “Well done and thank you to the UK Government, Lord Hanson and his office (Home Office)  for facilitating the agreement along with my team here on island.

    This significant agreement demonstrates a clear and visible development of the work that is ongoing to build and strengthen the relationship between the UK, and St Helena Governments, which has resulted in St Helena achieving a high level of Border Security for our island now and into the foreseeable future”.

    #StHelena #MoU #UKWatchList

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Apprenticeship Week Celebrated on St Helena: 10 – 16 February

    This week, 10 to 16 February, marks Apprenticeship Week, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of apprenticeships to both individuals and the community. Career Access St Helena (CAS) is proud to highlight the numerous benefits of apprenticeship programmes and encourage individuals to explore this exciting pathway to career success.

    The value of Apprenticeships

    Apprenticeship training programmes are designed to equip individuals with the specific skills employers demand. This translates to better long-term salary prospects and career progression opportunities, whether an apprentice chooses to pursue further education or advance within their workplace.

    Eligibility for an Apprenticeship

    To embark on an apprenticeship journey, individuals must be:

    • Currently unemployed
    • Driven to pursue this path as part of their career preparation
    • Eager to gain the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications
    • Committed to actively participating in the local economy

    Benefits of Apprenticeship programmes?

    Apprenticeship programmes provide numerous benefits, including the opportunity to cultivate a skilled local workforce through a combination of practical work experience, structured training, and academic study.  These programmes also offer improved career development and progression opportunities for individuals, while simultaneously raising the profile of participating organisations and employers.  Additionally, apprenticeships empower the island workforce to adapt and respond effectively to the community’s evolving needs.  Participants gain nationally recognised qualifications, develop valuable new skills and knowledge, and acquire essential work-based experience to support their future career aspirations.

    Apprenticeships for Prince Andrew School (PAS) students

    For PAS students interested in apprenticeships, CAS provides guidance through a series of consultations.  These consultations lead to final confirmations in August, with the apprenticeship programme beginning with an Induction Day in September.

    Apprenticeships for Individuals outside of PAS

    Individuals outside of PAS who are interested in apprenticeships should first register their area of interest with CAS.  CAS will then explore potential apprenticeship opportunities with relevant stakeholders.  Available positions are advertised, and interested individuals are invited to participate in interviews and consultations.  Conditional admission offers are made, followed by confirmation of the apprenticeship and work placement.  Finally, an Induction Day will mark the beginning of the apprenticeship programme.

    Support and guidance from CAS

    CAS, in collaboration with stakeholders, provides comprehensive careers information, advice, and guidance to help individuals determine their progression pathway through the Apprenticeship Programme.

    Interested individuals are encouraged to contact CAS by telephone on 25832, via email through Sherrilee.Phillips@sainthelena.gov.sh or glen.yon@sainthelena.gov.sh, or by visiting their offices in person at New Porteous House, Jamestown.

    #StHelena #ApprenticeshipWeek #CareerAccessStHelena

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Follow-Up Survey

    In light of the Equiano internet cable project enabling faster and less restricted internet access, St. Helena Government (SHG) launched a Cyber Security Awareness and Training Campaign in February 2023.

    Led by Cyber Security Awareness and Training Officer, Gareth Drabble, this campaign included the distribution of educational posters, radio jingles and videos. In-person presentations and workshops were also completed with a number of SHG staff as well as the general public, in community centres and schools around the Island.

    The goal of this campaign is to raise St. Helena’s overall awareness of common cyber security threats and provide the knowledge and training necessary to safeguard against these threats.

    SHG would now like to determine, after two years of running this campaign, if the goal of increasing cyber security awareness is being achieved or not.

    To enable this to happen members of the public are kindly asked to complete a Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Follow-Up Survey questionnaire. As many people as possible are encouraged to participate in this survey to drive a more accurate understanding of public levels of cyber awareness.

    The survey can be completed digitally by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below.

    Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/shgcyber             

    QR Code:

    The QR code is also available to scan at:

    • The Post and Customer Service Centre
    • The Pharmacy at the General Hospital
    • Reception at the General Hospital
    • Reception at the Castle
    • Outpatients at the General Hospital
    • The Public Library
    • The Customs building

    Alternatively hard copies can be obtained from the Post and Customer Service Centre in Jamestown, or by contacting Gareth directly on telephone number 22816 or via email: gareth.drabble@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    Completed questionnaires can be returned to the Post and Customer Service Centre or the reception desk at the Castle. The public are encouraged to complete and return the questionnaire as soon as possible but by no later than Monday, 31 March 2025.

    The public are thanked in advance for their participation and engagement in this important project.

    SHG

    14 February 2025

  •  Education Review Public Meetings

    The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio will hold a public meeting on 25 February at 19:00 in the Main Hall at Prince Andrew School. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the community with an update on the Education Review’s interim findings and potential next steps.

    The Education Review will evaluate St Helena’s education and skills provision, from early years to post-16, exploring:

    • How St Helena’s education services can be future-proofed to support the economic and human capital development of the island
    • How to enhance educational attainment and learning outcomes for all

    To date, we have had visits and input from our colleagues at the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in October 2024 who undertook an independent appraisal of possible future primary provision. Additionally, Hampshire Local Authority (HLA) visited in November 2024 to review our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) offer and our broader school provision. This led to Hampshire Local Authority providing staff with much needed Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in January 2025. Currently on island is Education Consultant, David Jeffrey, who will be instrumental in producing the final Education Review Report.

    We would like to offer our community the opportunity to meet and provide feedback on the Education Review.  We look forward to engaging with you on this important topic of change.

    We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all parents and guardians that a meeting will also be held on 24 February at 19:00 in the Main Hall at Prince Andrew School to engage with you all on the same topic.

    The public are kindly asked not to wear pin heels/stilettos to these meetings due to the recent re-flooring of the Main Hall.