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  • Senior Clerk of the House of Commons Departs St Helena

    Representing Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, Senior Clerk Liam Laurence Smyth, concluded his week-long visit to St Helena earlier today. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for St Helena to learn from Mr Smyth’s expertise of the UK’s parliamentary system and to strengthen bilateral relations.

    During his stay, Mr Smyth held productive discussions with Elected Members, Ministers, Legislative Council, and senior officials within the Public Service. These discussions focused on a range of topics, including parliamentary procedure, governance, and best practices in legislative drafting.

    Mr Smyth also visited Prince Andrew School, where he engaged with students in a thought-provoking talk. His insights into the workings of the UK Parliament provided the young people with a unique perspective on the democratic process.

    In recognition of his visit, a reception was held in Mr Smyth’s honour at Plantation House. The event was attended by members of the Legislative Council, government officials, and representatives of the Youth Parliament. This provided a valuable platform for Mr Smyth to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and share his experiences.

    Additionally, Mr Smyth participated in a World Mental Health Day “Tea and Talk” event with members of the Legislative Council Office on Thursday 10 October 2024. This event highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and provided a supportive environment for open discussion.

    Speaker Cyril Gunnell commented:

    “On behalf of the Legislative Council and SHG, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr Smyth for his visit and his valuable contributions to the island’s parliamentary development. His expertise and insights have been invaluable in strengthening St Helena’s democratic institutions.”

    Photos

    Speaker Cyril Gunnell and Senior Clerk of the House of Commons, Liam Laurence Smyth

    Mr Smyth meeting with Legislative Council in Council Chambers, The Castle

    A reception was held in Mr Smyth’s honour at Plantation House on Thursday 10 October 2024

    Mr Smyth in discussion with representatives of the Youth Parliament, Zac Bargo and Hannah Beard

    #StHelena #LegislativeCouncil #HouseofCommons

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  • Contract Signed for Wastewater Management Design Consultancy

    St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that they have entered into a contract with MPAMOT Africa (PTY) Ltd from Cape Town, South Africa to develop wastewater solutions for Half Tree Hollow and Jamestown.  

    MPAMOT Africa is a multidisciplinary engineering and development consultancy with more than 27 years’ experience within the Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy and Advisory sectors. MPAMOT brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project having been involved in a range of flagship projects (projects that contribute to the economy) within Africa.

    The first stage of this Wastewater Management Upgrade Project is to undertake a detailed investigation of the current systems, evaluate what solutions are best suited to the unique conditions and landscape of St Helena and recommend the most viable and sustainable design options. As we progress with the design SHG remains committed to inclusive development and stakeholder engagement, and further information will be made available as the project progresses.

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

    SHG is dedicated to improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices in St Helena.

    SHG and MPAMOT Africa provides the opportunity for Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to register their interest and provide comments.

    Please register on the project database to confirm your interest to be informed of future opportunities to comment. Registrations (and, if desired, comments) can be submitted by completing the brief online form accessible at https://forms.office.com/r/Xg0nuK0Qbx. Alternatively, hard copy registration forms are available at the Public Library, Jamestown. Completed forms to be submitted to the box labelled ‘Wastewater’, located at the library, or emailed to engagement@mpamot.com.

    #StHelena #EDIP #WastewaterManagement

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  • Helena Walters Achieves Foundation Degree in Dental Technology

    The Health and Social Care Portfolio is pleased to announce that Helena Walters, Trainee Dental Technician, has successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Dental Technology from the University of Worcester.

    This two-year full-time course provided Helena with a comprehensive education in both removable and fixed prosthodontics (dentures), as well as anatomy and chemistry. In addition to the coursework, Helena also completed over 400 hours of practical experience in dental technology labs.

    Helena reflected on her experience:

    “My time at the University of Worcester was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed exploring a new city, making friends, gaining different hobbies, and learning new things. I am grateful to my family and friends for their support, and to the St Helena Government for their sponsorship.

    I am excited to return to St Helena and begin working as a newly qualified dental technician at the dental clinic. I look forward to using my skills and knowledge to help patients improve their oral health.”

    Chief Medical Officer, Dr Peter Moss commented:

    “Congratulations to Helena on her achievement. It is great to see someone start their career learning here on St Helena, then take it to the next level with a university degree in the UK, and finally to bring all those skills back to the island to improve the service that we provide here. I hope that what she has done inspires other young Saints to consider a career in healthcare.”

    Photo

    #StHelena #Graduate #DentalTechnician

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  • Weather And Sea State Warning

    Strong, gale force winds are forecast across the island over the weekend from Saturday 12 October at 12:00 UTC to Monday 14 October 2024 with a risk of these bringing some disruption.

    The forecasted south-easterly winds bring a risk of gusts reaching 35-45 KT, with an additional risk of occasional gusts peaking 45-50 KT in exposed areas such as Levelwood, Sandy Bay, Blue Hill and potentially Longwood. Winds will peak on Saturday night and remain strong through to Sunday. Winds will gradually ease on Monday morning.

    Care should be taken if out walking or hiking, and it would be advisable to secure any loose items which may blow away, such as wheelie bins. Motorists are also advised to look out for loose debris on roads.

    In addition, St Helena will also be experiencing a large south-westerly swell from 18:00 UTC on Saturday 12 October 2024 which is forecast to continue through to Monday evening 14 October 2024. This might cause some unsettled sea conditions in James Bay and Rupert’s Bay.

    The public are asked to take precautions when accessing the Sea Front area. To avoid damage to vehicles, drivers are also asked to take care when parking near the safety rails. The same conditions are expected in Rupert’s Bay and the public are advised to take care in the beach, shears and wharf areas.

    Port Control will be monitoring sea conditions and may restrict access to the Sea Front and Jamestown Wharf if conditions worsen. Boat owners should ensure their vessels are securely tied to their moorings.

    Please note this warning may potentially be extended if necessary.

  • Michael Thorpe Case Adjourned

    The trial of Michael Thorpe, which was scheduled to be heard by St Helena Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 9 October 2024, has been adjourned.

    The trial  will now be heard on Wednesday 6 November 2024. There will be no hearing of the matter at court today.

    #StHelena #JudicialServices

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  • Registration of Packages Destined for UK, Europe or Other Countries

    Due to international requirements for declaration of imported goods in respect of countries such as UK, Germany, USA, the Post & Customer Services Centre (PCSC) has had to implement procedures to ensure that goods sent to these countries by airmail or surface mail, have the relevant documentation for importation.

    The procedure will include ensuring that all packages destined for UK, countries in Europe or other international countries, are registered.  The registration fee will be seventy pence (70p) and is additional to the cost of posting. For example, the postage for a 200g package by airmail is £3.30.  With the registration fee, the cost of the package is now £4.00.

    The registered package will then be entered into an international Customs Declaration System (CDS).  This is known as Pre-Electronic Data (PED), and allows the country of destination to be aware of the package’s impending arrival.

    The benefits of this procedure include lowering the risk for packages being seized or destroyed via international customs authorities by allowing the following:

    • A certainty of provenance (origin) of an item
    • Pre-knowledge of what goods are arriving in countries of destination, which lowers the risk of the package being opened for suspected drug contents
    • If there is an issue, the CDS will allow the PCSC to track the item and determine if it has been confiscated due to cross-contamination or other reasons.

    Airmail and surface packages to Ascension or the Falklands will not be subjected to these procedures, and therefore will not require registration.

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    SHG
    7 October 2024

  • Arrival of the MT Talisker

    The MT Talisker is scheduled to arrive at St Helena on Tuesday 08 October 2024 at 18:00 which will mean that the ship will go to anchor and will not dock alongside Rupert’s Jetty until 06:00 on Wednesday 09 October.

    The public are therefore advised that the whole of lower Rupert’s, including the beach area, will be closed from 06:00 on Wednesday 09 October 2024 until the bunkering operations have been completed and the vessel has departed. Due to the floating pipeline, all mariners are advised that access to Rupert’s Bay is also restricted.

    These areas will be strictly prohibited and are limited only to individuals who have made prior arrangements for authorisation from Port Control.

    The public are thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.

  •    Apply for a Chevening Scholarship

    Applications are now open for the 2025 Chevening scholarships intake and will close on 5th November 2024. 

    Chevening offers a period of one year’s study in the UK for a Master’s degree. 

    The programme is fully funded by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and is aimed at those with leadership qualities and those wishing to have an influential role and make a positive change within their community/country.  Candidates are able to study any course of their choice at any UK university but must demonstrate how their course choice fits in with their career aspirations and goals. 

    Chevening offers individuals a chance to grow both academically, personally and professionally.  It exposes individuals to the UK’s historical and cultural aspects through a vast programme of networking events.  Individuals are able to build relationships and make valuable connections with fellow scholars, the FCDO and other UK institutions and organisations, developing skills and knowledge useful for their future career.

    To be eligible for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

    • Be a citizen of a Chevening eligible country
    • Have completed an undergraduate degree that will allow entry into postgraduate study at a UK university.
    • Have at least two year’s work experience.
    • Must not have previously studied in the UK with funding from a UK Government funded scholarship
    • Must return to your home country at the end of your study for a minimum period of two years.

    For further information on the programme and how to apply, please visit www.chevening.org or contact

  • St Helena Legislative Council Welcomes Senior Clerk from House of Commons

    The St Helena Legislative Council, in collaboration with the House of Commons Speaker’s Office, is pleased to announce the visit of Liam Laurence Smyth CB, a distinguished Senior Clerk from the House of Commons. Mr Smyth will be providing invaluable technical advice to the Legislative Council during his stay on the island.

    Representing the Rt. Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, Mr Smyth is a highly experienced parliamentary official with over four decades of service. He has held various key roles within the Clerk’s Department, including Clerk of Legislation from 2014 to 2024. His extensive knowledge and expertise will be instrumental in supporting the Legislative Council’s ongoing development and operations.

    Mr Smyth is scheduled to arrive in St Helena on Saturday 05 October 2024, and will depart on Sunday 13 October 2024. During his visit, he will engage with members of the Legislative Council, SHG, and relevant stakeholders to discuss a range of parliamentary matters and explore opportunities for collaboration.

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

    “Liam’s visit is the latest support to establish a Parliamentary Services Commission to ensure the LegCo is financially and administratively independent of the executive, to regulate its own finances; and to ensure its efficient and effective operation. The Legislative Council appreciates the support and partnership of the House of Commons Speaker’s Office.”

    #StHelena #LegislativeCouncil #HouseofCommons #Speaker’sOffice

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  • New Stamp Issue-‘The Blue Belt Programme’

    The Post and Customer Services Centre is pleased to announce the release of a new stamp issue entitled “The Blue Belt Programme”, released today, Monday 30 September 2024.

    The issue features images of sea creatures found in St Helena waters during the 2019-2020 marine survey, and consists of:

    • Four valued stamps (50p, 60p, £1.60 and £1.85)
    • Souvenir sheet (£5.00)
    • First Day Cover with stamps (£6.00)

    The stamps and souvenir sheet will be available for purchase from today.  First Day Covers will be released at a later date.

    All new St Helena Stamp issues can be found on the St Helena Government website at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/public-services/coins-and-stamps/.

    Local customers can purchase merchandise from the Post and Customer Services Centre in Jamestown. Overseas customers can contact the UK agent via e-mail through GShaw@cascophilatelic.com to place an order.

    #StHelena #NewStampIssue #BlueBeltProgramme

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