Category: News

World Maritime day is celebrated on Thursday 26 September 2024.

Rooted in a deep maritime history and seafaring traditions, St Helena recognises the pivotal role of those involved in maritime and the shaping of future maritime endeavours. By acknowledging World Maritime Day, St Helena underscores the crucial significance of prioritising safety practices to ensure secure and sustainable maritime activities.

The theme “Navigating the Future with Safety First” calls for a safety-conscious culture among stakeholders such as seafarers, port authorities, and shipping companies. We acknowledge safety standards to safeguard lives, protect the marine environment, and enhance the efficiency of maritime operations.

St Helena aims to enhance maritime safety by raising awareness, developing, and implementing robust safety standards.The Maritime Authority is hosting a vessel surveyor, Derrick Thorrington, to assess the condition of our local fleet. This information will help us create a new policy that licenses vessels based on safety standards. Duringhis two-week visit, Derrick assessed a variety of vessels in our maritime environment and focused on the overall condition of them.

Derrick commented:

“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to support the Maritime Authority in conducting vessel assessments. The voluntary participation of local vessel owners has been invaluable as we work to develop a comprehensive maritime policy for St Helena.”

“I extend my sincere gratitude to all involved, especially the vessel owners and operators, for their patience, good humour and support throughout this process.”

Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Jeffrey Ellick, emphasised:

“Safety is paramount, therefore it was a pleasure to have Derrick here on island to carry out an assessment of our local vessels which will then help inform us of the things we will need to consider when developing the local vessel registry. Also, I would like to thank the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) who has been very supportive in terms of our maritime challenges and funding Derrick’s visit.”

For more information and updates on World Maritime Day activities, please visit

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Vessel Surveyor, Derrick Thorrington, and Deputy Head of Maritime, Terri Clingham

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Tyanne Williams recently graduated with flying colours after achieving a First-Class Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Sussex.

Tyanne specialised in digital marketing, consumer psychology, data analytics, and strategic brand management. Her academic journey was highlighted by a dissertation titled ‘Exploring the brand image of St Helena Island from consumer and other stakeholder perspectives’.

Throughout her studies, Tyanne maintained a strong connection to her home. She incorporated the St Helena tourism industry into her coursework, developing business plans for technology innovations and exploring the brand image of St Helena Island – from consumer and other stakeholders’ perspectives. Tyanne’s passion for marketing her home as a tourism destination was further fuelled through work experience and apprenticeships.

Tyanne commented:

“Throughout my three years at university, I tried to incorporate the St Helena tourism industry into the subjects I studied, including creating business plans for technology innovations to researching the island’s brand image, which included interviewing previous visitors.”

“I am forever grateful for the St Helena Government-funded scholarship for allowing me to pursue my passion and giving me the amazing opportunities I have experienced. I’m excited to come back home and put all that I have learned into practice.”

Beyond her core studies, Tyanne enriched her academic experience through opportunities in neuro-marketing, French business culture, and an internship in Malaysia which involved the business operations of a telecommunications company that lays fibre optic undersea cables. Her involvement as a content creator for the student union also honed her communication and social media marketing skills.

Currently, Tyanne is interning with Responsible Travel, a Brighton-based company specialising in ethical holidays that aids the local community and environment, including one to St Helena.

Assistant Director of School Kerry Lawrence extended her congratulations on behalf of the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio:

“The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio extends its warmest congratulations to Tyanne on her exceptional achievement. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work, which have undoubtedly contributed to her success. Tyanne’s success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the support she has received from her mentors, teachers, and peers. We wish her continued success in all her future endeavours.”

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It has recently been brought to the attention of the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) that a number of Facebook posts have been identified by members of the public, advertising free online courses via the ‘Ministry of Education’ or ‘Online courses offered jointly with Universities’. These Facebook posts use images of the St Helena crest, St Helena flag and an image of members of Legislative and Executive Council along with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.  

These posts have been confirmed by Interim Director of ESE, Marie Horton, to be scams and are in no way affiliated with the portfolio or any other St Helena Government Portfolio.  Members of the public are therefore asked to not sign up to any courses through these posts as they are not genuine.

In order for these posts to be removed they should be reported directly to Facebook by:

1. Going to the post that you want to report.
2. Clicking the three dots icon in the top right corner of the post.
3. Click Report post.
4. Select the ‘Scam, fraud or false information’ option and then select ‘Fraud or Scam’. On the summary screen, click Submit.

The public are thanked in advance for their support.

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In light of current public interest regarding proposals for Barnview, the St Helena Government wishes to clarify its intentions for this Crown property.

Barnview was transferred to the Crown Estate by the Health and Social Care Portfolio in March 2020, having stood vacant for five years. This followed an assessment in 2015 by the former Child and Adult Social Care Directorate, which found the building unsuitable for care services under current health standards. To meet these standards would have required significant financial investment. Additionally, in the interest of service users, the way in which such services are delivered has changed significantly since Barnview was opened in 1988.

The preference for service users to reside in settings that support independent living has led to a shift in how these services are provided. Care services are therefore now delivered in fit-for-purpose properties at Ebony View and at Piccolo Hill.

With Barnview having stood empty since 2020, the Property Service was approached with a proposal from a private individual to repurpose the property as affordable accommodation. This would be primarily aimed at healthcare key workers. This proposal has received support from both the Economic Development Portfolio and Health and Social Care Portfolio as a solution to two significant challenges: the difficulty in attracting healthcare workers to care for an aging population, and the shortage of available affordable accommodation.

The proposal was submitted to the Estates Strategy Panel under Section 3.2 of the Land and Buildings Disposal Policy 2016 (LBDP2016). It was approved, subject to obtaining the relevant planning and building consents, the payment of a commercial rent, and agreeing on lease terms that ensure proper management and regulation of the accommodation.

In line with the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance 2013, the property is now going through the normal planning process for obtaining change of use permissions. If successful, lease terms will then be negotiated with the party concerned.

The St Helena Government is committed to ensuring that decisions regarding Crown property are made transparently and in the best interests of the community. The draft Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 is currently under review following public consultation. This will replace the LBDP 2016, and introduces a more transparent and efficient process for managing Crown Estate assets. This will include an annual assessment of operational buildings and provide a clearer framework for declaring assets surplus for disposal.

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An independent team of policing experts is conducting a review of the Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) from Monday 16 to Friday 20 September 2024. Led by the FCDO Policing Advisor, Andrew Munday, who has spent the past week on Ascension reviewing RSHP activities there, the FCDO-funded review aims to assess the progress made since the previous inspection in 2020.

The review will assess how the Royal St Helena Police is delivering performance, effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy as it discharges its responsibilities to protect the public on St Helena and Ascension.  The independent assessment will also help to increase public trust and confidence in the RSHP.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Implementation of the Police and Crime Plan
• Progress against the RSHP Five-Year Development Plan
• Organisational structure and performance framework
• Policies and practices governing the use of force by police officers
• Detention and custody procedures
• Investigations, witness and victim care/support
• Neighbourhood and community policing, public engagement and communication
• Community Involvement

In addition to speaking to police officers and staff, the review team will be meeting with agencies and individuals who work with the police within the criminal justice system, including all members of the Police and Crime Panel. 

The review team is also keen to seek the views of the community and will be available between 15:30 and 17:30 on Tuesday 17 September at the Mantis Hotel to speak to anyone who would like to meet with them. Members of the community are invited to attend and share their experiences and perspectives. Alternatively, the inspection team can be contacted at Police Headquarters by telephone on 22626.

The findings of the review will be presented to HE Governor Nigel Phillips in November 2024, and will inform the development of an action plan to further enhance policing services on St Helena.  Details of this plan will be released once it has been finalised.

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A recent graduate of the University of Plymouth, Shelby Bargo, has achieved a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation.

Shelby’s core studies involved marine biology, oceanography, ecology, and conservation. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical applications, she gained invaluable experience in data collection, analysis, and research. Her hands-on work with cutting-edge scientific instruments, both in the field and laboratory, honed her analytical and problem-solving skills.

Beyond the core curriculum, Shelby also explored the legal and policy aspects of marine conservation, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Reflecting on her university experience, Shelby commented:

“Plymouth was the perfect place to pursue my passion for ocean science. The hands-on learning opportunities, coupled with the university’s commitment to disability support, made my studies both rewarding and manageable. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly community created a supportive environment that helped me thrive.”

Interim Portfolio Director, Marie Horton also commented:

“Shelby has achieved at the highest level. The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio and the many teachers who have taught Shelby are delighted and proud at her achievements. Shelby’s passion for marine conservation and her hard work, dedication and determination have supported her securing a first class honours degree. Congratulations, Shelby!”

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