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Category: News

  • Constituency Meetings – March 2025

    Constituents are invited to attend the district meetings to be hosted by Councillors next month. These will have a largely open agenda to enable constituents to make their priorities known, put forward suggestions and ask questions. Feedback will be provided on matters raised in previous meetings, if this has not already been given.

    The constituency meetings will start at 19:30 and be held at the following dates and locations:

    DateVenueChairperson
    Wednesday 5thGuinea Grass Community Centre Councillor Midwinter
    Wednesday 5thBlue Hill Community Centre Councillor Turner
    Monday 10thJamestown Community Centre Councillor Brooks
    Tuesday 11thSandy Bay Community Centre Councillor Turner
    Tuesday 11thSt Mary’s Church, Briars Councillor Essex
    Wednesday 12thSt Michael’s Church, Rupert’s   Councillor Brooks
    Wednesday 12thHalf Tree Hollow Community Centre Councillor Coleman
    Thursday 13thHarford Community Centre Councillor Knipe
    Wednesday 19thLevelwood Community Centre Councillor Thrower

  • Celebrating St Helena’s Day 2025: Call for Event Organisers

    St Helena Government is keen to hear from organisations who have an interest in organising this year’s St Helena’s Day celebrations – a chance to celebrate and showcase our island’s community spirit and unique culture.

    As the organising body, you will have the creative freedom to design an authentic St Helenian experience for the community. While no funding is available for setup or promotion, all proceeds raised on the day will be yours to keep, making it an excellent opportunity to support your organisation’s goals and continuing the St Helena’s Day tradition.

    If your organisation would like to take this on, please contact Arts and Culture Champion, Councillor Andrew Turner, via email to councillor.aturner@gmail.com by 28 February 2025 to register your interest.

  • Shy Road Closure

    The Highways Authority has given approval for Shy Road to be closed from Monday 17 February to Monday 03 March 2025 from 09:00 to 15:00. This is to enable staff from the Roads Section to carry out repairs to a section of the retaining wall that is deteriorating.

    During this closure only emergency services will be granted access. Signage will be in place.

    The Roads Section would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

  • General Election 2025

    Following discussions with Chief Minister Julie Thomas, HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has agreed, at the Chief Minister’s request, that the St Helena Legislative Council be dissolved on Monday 30 June, with a General Election scheduled to take place on Wednesday 03 September 2025.

    Section 76 (b) of The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order, 2009, as  amended in 2021, requires the Governor to dissolve Council “at the expiration of four years from the date when Council first meets after any dissolution, unless it has been sooner dissolved.” 25 October this year will denote four years since the Inaugural Meeting of the current St Helena Legislative Council took place following the October 2021 General Election; this means that 25 October 2025 is the last day that Council may be dissolved to enable a General Election to go ahead.

    Publicity regarding the General Election and information about how the ministerial system of Government operates will follow in the weeks leading up to the dissolution of Council.

    In the meantime, it is important to remember that if you wish to participate in this year’s General Election, either by sponsoring a candidate, nominating a candidate, casting a vote or standing for election, your name must be included in the Register of Electors (Register).

    Amendments can be made to the Register, effective from 1 July 2024, at any time. However, the cut-off date by which to make any amendments prior to the publication of the 2025 Register will be mid-May. There will be no further opportunities beyond this date to have names included in the Register before the General Election takes place.

    If you wish to add your name to the Register, you can do so between now and mid-May by completing the necessary Form A.   

    Eligible persons who are ordinarily resident on St Helena but absent in connection with employment, education or training (for themselves/their spouse/their life partner) or for the purposes of medical treatment (for themselves/their spouse/ their life partner/a dependant) and have not been absent from St Helena for a continuous period of 30 months or for periods exceeding in aggregate 625 days in the preceding months may also apply to have their name included in the Register by completing Form B.

    Both Forms A and B are accessible on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/elections/ and can also be obtained from the Public Library, the Castle Reception or the Customer Services Centre.

    Further information on how to complete these forms can be obtained from the Registration Officer, Carol Henry, and Assistant Registration Officers, Anita Legg, Connie Johnson and Gillian Francis at the Castle, Jamestown.

    #StHelena #GeneralElections #MinisterialGovernment

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  • St Helena Government and Bank of Saint Helena Seeking Feedback on Banking Services on St Helena

    The St Helena Government (SHG) and the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) would like to remind residents, businesses, and other users of banking services that they are still seeking feedback on the use of banking services on St Helena. This is part of an important initiative to modernise the island’s financial services, as outlined in the St Helena Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-33.

    As part of this ongoing work, SHG is developing a banking policy and action plan that will guide improvements in banking services, benefiting both the community and businesses on the island. Your feedback will play a crucial role in identifying the areas that require investment to better meet the needs of everyone on St Helena.

    The survey remains open until tomorrow, 18:00, Friday 07 February 2025, and it is encouraged that all those who use banking services participate. Responses will help SHG and BOSH understand the full scope of banking activity on the island, ensuring that future improvements are targeted effectively.

    How to Participate:

    Online: The survey is available online at https://www.sainthelenabank.com/survey

    In Person: If you do not have internet access, you can complete the survey at the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) branch on Market Street, Jamestown or at the Ascension branch, Administration Building, Georgetown.

    SHG and BOSH are also working with independent professional advisors who will be visiting St Helena from 18 February to 25 February 2025.

    If you are interested in speaking to the team in person, register your interest by contacting Alexandria Thomas, Economic Development Portfolio Assistant, via email: alexandria.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    All feedback will be kept strictly confidential.

    #StHelena #BankofStHelena #BankSurvey

    SHG

    06 February 2025

  • Prince Andrew School to be Renamed

    The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) today announced it will be changing the name of the island’s only secondary school. This decision follows approval from the Portfolio Advisory Board, the Chief Minister, and Buckingham Palace. The school, currently named Prince Andrew School (PAS), believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community.

    The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations. This renaming also provides an opportunity to select a name that aligns with the school’s shared principles and aspirations for students and St Helena.

    Head Teacher, Phil Toal, commented:

    “While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”

    The new name will be selected through a student-led process. All students will have the opportunity to submit name suggestions to the Student Council. The Student Council, with support from the School Leadership Team, will shortlist the options. Shortlisted names will be reviewed by the Portfolio Advisory Board before a school-wide student vote. The winning name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval.

    The name selection process is expected to be completed within Term 2A (16 January to 28 February 2025), with the official launch of the new name planned for the start of the next academic year in September 2025.

    In addition to the name change, the Student Council is also reviewing the school uniform. The new uniform will be phased in gradually, beginning with Year 7, over approximately five years. This phased approach will minimise the financial burden on parents and allow for the use of existing uniform stocks. Further details about the uniform will be shared as the Student Council’s review progresses.

    The school encourages parents and community members to contact them with any questions or concerns. For further enquiries or to provide feedback, please contact Head Teacher, Phil Toal by telephone on 24290 or via email through phil.toal@sainthelena.edu.sh.

    #StHelena #Education #SchoolNameChange

    SHG
    06 February 2025

  • Reminder of Peaks National Park Closure

    The public are reminded that the Peaks National Park (PNP) is closed and will remain so for at least the next few months. The continued closure is necessary to minimise the spread of the plant pathogens that are present within the PNP and the potential for these to spread via foot traffic and destroy our endemic biodiversity.

    Please observe the Environmental Protection Notices (EPNs) that are located at a number of entrances across the PNP.

    Photos

     An EPN posted at the Cabbage Tree Road entrance

    The public are thanked for their co-operation in helping to preserve St Helena’s unique environment.

  • Executive Council Approves Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024

    Following an extensive period of public consultation, on Tuesday 21 January 2025, Executive Council approved the Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 (PDPP). The Property Service, part of St Helena Government’s (SHG) Economic Development Portfolio, is now using the policy to govern all property sales, lettings, and acquisitions. 

    This policy replaces the Land and Buildings Disposal Policy 2016, and sets the principles and processes by which SHG disposes and acquires property on behalf of the Crown, aligning with the Government’s Vision and Strategy and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-2033 (SEDS). Delivery of the PDPP is a key action contained in the SEDS delivery plan.

    The policy provides:

    • Enhanced transparency and accountability, by confirming the authority for decision-making and providing transparency in all property-related decisions through the Property Disposal Register, the Property Disposal Plan, and by reporting annually on Crown property disposals. Importantly, it takes into consideration the role of the minister in taking key decisions and explains where decisions are delegated to officers of the public service.
    • Improved guidelines for property transactions, through detailed disposal processes, that ensure fair and consistent decision making and the timely release of Crown property.
    • A focus on sustainability, through rationalisation measures that promote responsible estate management, and by encouraging the inclusion of sustainable features in new developments.
    • Protection for significant built heritage,through disposal methods that ensure the effective management and maintenance of built heritage so that it is conserved and can be enjoyed by future generations.
    • Incentives for primary home ownership,to support first-time buyers looking to make St Helena their primary home by offering a 60% discount on property purchases for first-time buyers.
    • Business development opportunities,through processes that allow land and buildings to be identified for investment or tourism-related activities, and discounts given where use furthers the objectives of the SEDS.

    On the approval of the policy, Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, says:

    “Implementing the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy is a significant step in achieving the Ministerial Vision. This policy complements other policy areas, such as Immigration and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy, which are designed to encourage population growth and increased revenues for our island. It is designed to improve the business enabling environment.

    The Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 ensures the best and most efficient use of Crown property by promoting sustainable estate management practices, clear, accountable, and transparent disposal processes, and targeted incentives for first-time buyers and businesses whose commercial activities meet the objectives of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy .  These measures are essential for supporting development and economic growth, and addressing some of our key challenges.

    Most importantly for me, through the consultation process, I have listened to the people of St Helena who have told me that it is too much of a challenge for young people to build their first homes. This policy takes active and radical steps to address this problem.

    I wish to thank my team for their work and commitment in bringing this policy to implementation. I would also like to thank stakeholders and members of the public who contributed during the consultation process. Your feedback has been valuable in shaping this policy.”

    The Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 and the Property Disposal Register are available on the St Helena Government website, and can be viewed online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/economic-development-portfolio/property/.

    The Property Disposal Plan will be shared shortly.

    For further information on the policy, please contact Head of Property, Nikita Crowie, at Essex House Jamestown by telephone on +290 22270, or via email through Nikita.Crowie@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    #StHelena #PropertyPurchase&DisposalPolicy2024 #PropertyDisposalRegister

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  • Importance of Cancelling Appointments

    The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) would like to remind patients of the need to cancel any appointments that they no longer need or cannot attend, preferably at least the day before the appointment.

    Missed appointments cause considerable disruptions for other patients waiting to be seen by either a doctor or another health professional.

    Cancelling in advance means we can offer that appointment to someone who may be waiting.

    In December alone, an entire three days of appointments were missed with the physiotherapy service.

    Amongst GP appointments as much as one week a month of appointments can be missed by people not cancelling. This contributes to longer waiting times for those waiting for an appointment.

    Patients who miss two or more scheduled appointments without providing advance notice may be placed back on the waiting list. This measure is necessary to ensure timely access to services for all patients.

    The HSC would like to thank the public for their support and understanding.

  • Education Consultant to Visit St Helena

    Education Consultant, David Jeffrey, will be on-island from Tuesday 04 February to Tuesday 18 February 2025 to support the Education Review. Mr Jeffrey’s expertise will be instrumental in producing the final Education Review Report.

    During his visit, Mr Jeffrey will also be visiting Career Access St Helena, the Public Library, the St Helena Research Institute, the St Helena Community College, all four schools, and the Inclusion Section. These visits will provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio, how each sector functions, and how they contribute to the decision-making process.