Category: News

A team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will be conducting a visit to St Helena from Saturday 26 October 2024 to Saturday 2 November 2024. The purpose of this visit is to assess the current suitability of primary school education buildings on the island and inform the decision-making process for the Primary Education Review.

As announced in July this year, the Primary Education Review is considering various options, including:

• Maintaining the existing school structure
• Consolidating into a single school
• Creating a primary two-school system

The FCDO team will undertake an options appraisal to help secure an Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) business case. This will contribute to determining the best course of action for primary education on the island.

During their week-long stay, the FCDO team will visit all three primary schools, interacting with pupils, staff, parents, and community members. They will also meet with key stakeholders, including Chief Minister Julie Thomas, Chief Secretary Susan O’Bey, Acting Governor Tasha Harris, recent graduates, Chevening Scholars, the Education Review Stakeholder Group, the Autism Parents Support Group, and the St Helena Youth Parliament.

These engagements will provide valuable insights into the current state of primary education buildings, their suitability to meet our declining pupil numbers, their suitability against the COBIS standards framework and gather stakeholder opinions on the education system. This information will help identify potential areas for improvement and ensure that St Helena’s primary education system meets the needs of its young people and contributes to the island’s overall development.

#StHelena #EducationReview #FCDO

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The public may be aware of the recent discussions in both Houses of Parliament earlier this week, in relation to the SHG’s Agreement with UKG regarding future migrants in BIOT. In answer to the question raised, Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories made the following statement on Monday afternoon.

“The House is aware that a political agreement has been reached with Mauritius about the long-term future of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Once any treaty with Mauritius comes into force, following its proper parliamentary scrutiny, Mauritius will be responsible for any migrants who arrive there.

However, we needed to find an interim contingency solution for the period before that agreement comes into force. Given that there is no permanent population, BIOT has never been an appropriate long-term location for migrants due to the logistical challenges of providing appropriate care in such a remote place without civilian infrastructure.

On 15 October, a new memorandum of understanding was reached with the Government of St Helena so that any new migrants arriving in the interim period will be transferred to St Helena. The intention is for that agreement to last until the treaty with Mauritius comes into force, recalling that, in practice, no new migrants have arrived on Diego Garcia since 2022.

We are hugely grateful to the St Helena Government for their assistance. Their Chief Minister has said:

“This arrangement presents a unique opportunity for a British Overseas Territory to be in a position to assist the UK, and we are pleased to be able to work in close partnership with the UK Government towards a mutually beneficial solution.”

The UK Government have agreed to provide one-off funding of £6.65 million to St Helena to improve health and education outcomes, and upgrade government infrastructure. This is consistent with our long-term support to the community in St Helena, which is of course crucial.

This is a long-term, consistent partnership. We will support St Helena by providing technical support, and funding the transfer and subsistence costs for any migrants affected.

Of course, this is not the first time that St Helena has supported the wider UK family. The agreement is testament to its integral place in our family. We thank it for its support”.

Minister Doughty reinforced that this is contingency planning. These arrangements would only apply to any new migrants who arrive from the date of the arrangement until the UK’s agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago comes into force. It will not apply to any migrants already on BIOT.

Following this the UKG and the SHG are publishing the MOU in relation to this agreement, as well as Minister Doughty’s letter to the Chief Minister. Both documents can be viewed at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Letter-from-MinOTs-to-St-Helena-Chief-Minister.pdf and https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/UK-St-Helena-MOU-BIOT-Migrants.pdf.

Councillor Robert Midwinter departed the island on Saturday 19 October 2024 to attend a Legislative Strengthening Seminar to Address Gender-Based Violence and Modern Slavery in Supply Chains. This seminar has been organised by the CPA UK and will be held in London. It acts as a follow-on session to the seminar which Councillor Midwinter attended in November 2023, however on this particular occasion he has been invited to participate as a panelist during one of the sessions. As with the previous seminar held in Nairobi, Kenya, costs relating to his attendance at the seminar are fully funded by external sources. Whilst in London, Councillor Midwinter will also be undertaking meetings in relation to other items of interest to St Helena.

Councillor Midwinter is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday 2 November 2024. Whilst away, he is still contactable via email at cllr.midwinter@helanta.co.sh, and Councillor Ronald Coleman has kindly agreed to also cover St Paul’s District Area during this period, contactable via Ronald.Coleman@helanta.co.sh.

The Hon Cyril Gunnell, Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council said:

“It is pleasing that our Elected Members, when opportunity presents, responds positively. Not only will our representative bring to the seminar St Helena’s perspective in this matter but also the interaction with CPA colleagues will provide valuable information to assist dialogue here on island.”

The paramedic team from the Health and Social Care Portfolio taught life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills to 33 Year 9 students at Prince Andrew School on Wednesday 16 October, marking ‘Restart a Heart Day 2024’. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of early intervention.

‘Restart a Heart Day’ takes place worldwide every year on 16 October, encouraging as many people as possible to learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. Immediate action from bystanders during cardiac emergencies can more than double survival rates.

The paramedic team plans to deliver this CPR training annually to every Year 9 group, ensuring that young people across the island are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Special thanks go to Head Teacher, Phil Toal, and the teaching staff at Prince Andrew School for their help in organising the event.

In support of this initiative, the public are reminded of the locations of AEDs across the island:

District	Location
Half Tree Hollow	Half Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance)
St Paul’s	The Pavilion (Green Shed) at Francis Plain
Levelwood	Silver Hill Shop (Outside)
Blue Hill	Blue Hill Community Centre (Outside)
Sandy Bay	Bamboo Hedge Shop (Outside)
Rupert’s	Sea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance)
Longwood	Royal St Helena Police Post (Outside)
Jamestown	Customs Building (Near Immigration Office entrance)
Jamestown	Royal St Helena Police Service (Reception)

If you need access to an AED, the code to unlock the cabinet can be provided by the Emergency Control Centre when you dial 999. Don’t worry if you are unsure about performing CPR – the emergency call handlers are trained to guide callers step-by-step through life-saving interventions.

For further information, please contact Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, at 22500.

Photos

A Year 9 student practising CPR on a dummy while using a training AED machine

Students practising the First Aid response procedure

Students receive a CPR training certificate

Year 9 students and members of the Emergency Response Team

A student receives her certificate from Emergency Care Assistant, Martin Andrews

Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, demonstrates how to use the AED machine

Emergency Medical Technician, Rae Dickie-Clark, explains the importance of CPR

Members of the Emergency Response Team demonstrate how to perform CPR while using the AED machine.

#StHelena #RestartaHeartDay2024 #AltogetherHealthier

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The Chief Minister has announced that SHG and the UK government (UKG) have reached a cooperation arrangement in relation to future migrants arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago from 16 October 2024.

It was for the St Helena ministerial team alone to decide if they wished to offer the United Kingdom this arrangement.  The Chief Minister has set out to the public the rationale for the decision.

The agreement will last for 18 months or until a UK agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago comes into force.  At that stage, Mauritius will take responsibility for any future arrivals.

Existing migrants on BIOT are not included in this arrangement.  There have been no new arrivals since 2022.

A key element of the ministerial decision was confidence in the ability to safeguard the internal security of St Helena. 

The Constitution sets out that the Governor has special responsibilities for internal security.   The Governor does not however deliver this function alone.  Under a ministerial form of government, the Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs has executive responsibility for several key aspects, not least border control and migration.  Accordingly, in considering how internal security might be safeguarded, the Governor has closely consulted Minister Ellick and the wider ministerial team on the measures required.

The following has been agreed regarding the maintenance of internal security:

• The UKG has committed to not knowingly sending to St Helena any migrant who would be incompatible with St Helena’s internal security provision. 

• UKG, BIOT Administration and SHG will together pre-screen migrants.  All migrants will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  SHG reserves to itself the right to refuse entry of any migrant.

• The UK accepts complete responsibility for the safety and lawfulness of relocating migrants from BIOT to St Helena.  It has been a key principle that the Constitution of St Helena is upheld.

• UKG has undertaken to provide all necessary assistance for St Helena to receive any future migrants who arrive on BIOT. 

• On their arrival, SHG will assume responsibility for the welfare of migrants.  A key principle is that if migrants do arrive, it would not present a financial

burden to SHG.  UKG will ensure St Helena has appropriate capacity and capability to implement the agreement.

• If after arrival any migrant presents a danger to the security of St Helena, SHG reserves to itself a right to refuse continued residence.  Should this event occur, the UKG will support the urgent removal of any identified individual.

SHG will not pre-emptively begin any infrastructure works for reception of migrants as it is not possible at this stage to judge what may be required.  However, it does need to prepare for the eventuality that it may need to process migrant applications if migrants to arrive on BIOT during the period the agreement is in force.  To this end, the UK Home Office will in the immediate future train SHG Border Control officers on processing claims should it be necessary.

As a further demonstration of UKG’s intent to help St Helena protect its borders, the UK has also agreed to provide watchlist checks on behalf of St Helena of individuals intending to travel to the island.  This check will allow SHG Border Control to make informed decisions on who to allow to enter St Helena.

And finally, both parties have agreed the arrangement may be terminated for any reason on six months’ notice in writing.

SHG
17 October 2024

Isaac’s Contractors Ltd has successfully achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing infrastructure improvement project by completing the installation of all concrete panels at the junction of Field Road and Side Path Road. This achievement marks a major step forward in enhancing the durability and safety of these vital thoroughfares.

The Field Road project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.

Additional work remains before the roads can be reopened.

Photo

#StHelena #EDIP #FieldRoadUpdate #AltogetherWealthier

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The UK recently announced an agreement with Mauritius concerning the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago. The UK Government (UKG) and St Helena Government (SHG) have today reached a cooperation arrangement in relation to future migrants arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). 

No new migrants have arrived on BIOT since 2022, however, under this contingency arrangement, the UK will transfer future migrants who arrive on BIOT to St Helena where the SHG will assume responsibility for the migrants’ welfare.

This arrangement will apply to any migrants arriving on the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago from today. It will last for 18 months or until a UK agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago comes into force. At that stage, Mauritius will take responsibility for any future arrivals. Existing migrants on BIOT are not included in this arrangement.

SHG has made clear to UKG that the safety of the island community is paramount. To this end, the Chief Minister has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that ensures this arrangement includes explicit measures to safeguard St Helena and to minimise any negative impact on St Helena’s community and internal security.

Although no new migrants have arrived since 2022, SHG will ensure the necessary safeguards are in place to facilitate the success of the arrangement if needed. In preparation for potential arrivals, the UKG has agreed to provide an upfront package of training for SHG Immigration and Customs staff.

This is a potential opportunity to raise St Helena’s profile and to leverage support for St Helena’s development. To this end the UKG has agreed to one-off funding of £6.65 million to accelerate the work we have started in health, education and internal IT, including funding to clear our current overseas medical referral waiting list.  This is a win-win for both UKG and St Helena and is a clear demonstration of our enhanced partnership values.

The Honourable Julie Thomas, Chief Minister said:

“This arrangement presents a unique opportunity for a British Overseas Territory to be in a position to assist the UK, and we are pleased to be able to work in close partnership with the UK Government towards a mutually beneficial solution.”

“The additional support that will be provided from the UK Government as a result of this arrangement will further strengthen our border controls to manage incoming migrants, and will also present the opportunity to invest in core services and to build and maintain a coherent community underpinned by a vibrant economy, which over time reduces St Helena’s reliance on external aid”.

St Helena has always been forward leaning in supporting the UKG, in times of need, recognising that we are an integral part of the British family. This is another example of St Helena stepping up to the plate in the same way as we did in 1982 when our lifeline the RMS St Helena was utilised as a supply ship during the Falklands crisis.

#StHelena #BritishIndianOceanTerritory

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Questions	Answers
Is the arrangement compliant with international law?	Yes, UKG has assured SHG that it is compliant.
Was St Helena Government forced into this arrangement?	No, the arrangement is the result of mutual agreement between SHG and UKG. SHG took the initiative on the drafting of arrangements to ensure that all necessary safeguards for St Helena and our people remained at the forefront of our discussions.
Will this affect St Helena’s aim to attract tourists?	St Helena is a great tourist destination and the UKG is already supporting SHG to develop tourism through a tourism development fund. We were upfront with the UKG regarding our desire to protect our integrity and reputation in the international arena. We do not see this arrangement impacting negatively on our tourism plans or our community.
What are the safeguards?	The UKG and SHG will screen all potential migrants prior to arrival on St Helena. UKG will provide upfront training and thereafter ongoing support to St Helena’s Border Control team. All arrivals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and in line with St Helena’s Immigration Control provisions. Accommodation, including appropriate reception arrangements for migrants will be funded by UKG.
What happens if this goes wrong?	UKG will work with St Helena to address specific concerns and put in place appropriate mitigation and support. In the event of an unresolvable issue the arrangement can be terminated.
Can we turn people away?	The UKG and SHG will screen all potential migrants prior to arrival on St Helena. If SHG considers that a migrant presents a problem, or is a danger to the security of SH, they can refuse entry to such individuals. Furthermore there is provision within the current Immigration Ordinance for any migrant to be denied entry if their presence on island is not conducive to the public interest, or is prejudicial to the maintenance of public order or the interests of security.   This will also apply to any migrant who has already entered St Helena and who subsequently presents a problem or is a danger to St Helena’s internal security.
How many people will this apply to?	These arrangements would only apply to any new migrants who arrive from the date of the agreement for the next 18 months or until the UK’s agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago comes into force and Mauritius takes responsibility for any future arrivals. No new migrants have arrived on BIOT since 2022.
Where will they be housed?	As far as possible, once migrants have been assessed and cleared, we would look to house them within our community. This integration will be funded by the UKG.
Why did we agree to the Contingency Plan, how will St Helena benefit from this arrangement?	St Helena is in a unique position to be able to help the UKG and this will go a long way to strengthening our reputation and enhancing our partnership within the British family. UKG will provide £6.65M: one-off funding to accelerate the work we have started on health, education and internal IT. This will include funding to clear the current Overseas Medical Referrals (OMR) waiting list. This is a win-win for both UKG and St Helena. This arrangement may further benefit St Helena by increasing the economically active population.
How will this be funded? Does this mean that our recurrent budget will now have to cover potential migrants? Do we have the capability to cope?	Any migrants who arrive under this arrangement will not present an additional cost for St Helena. We are developing our capability with the support of UKG. We are not preparing to accommodate migrants until it becomes necessary to do so. If the need arises the UKG will then provide support to cover all requirements.
Will our essential services (health/education/law enforcement) cope with an influx of people?	Specific to this arrangement, the UKG has committed to providing support including additional resource if required for providing essential services. Our essential services are currently under threat due to the increasing number of people leaving the island. This outward migration is negatively impacting our ability to provide critical public services at an acceptable level. Addressing our population decline is the only way to change this trend.
Will this attract migrants from other countries?	It is possible that other migrants might be attracted to St Helena however we will be better equipped to cope with such as a result of this arrangement.